Menopause and Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is also known as “loss of bladder control” or “urinary leakage.” Millions of women experience UI, and the frequency of involuntary loss of urine becomes more common as you get older. The loss can be very minor—you might only leak a few drops when you laugh, exercise, cough, or pick up heavy objects. Or, you may experience a sudden urge to urinate and can’t keep it in, resulting in an accident.

Women can experience UI throughout their lives, but most episodes are the result of pressure or stress on the muscles and nerves that help you to hold or pass urine. Hormone changes could also affect muscle strength. Therefore, UI is more common in women who are pregnant, giving birth, or going through menopause.

Estrogen, a hormone that helps regulate monthly cycles, may protect against heart disease, and may slow bone loss, also helps keep the bladder and urethra healthy and functioning properly. As you near menopause, your estrogen levels begin dropping. This lack of estrogen may mean that your pelvic muscles are no longer able to control your bladder as they did before, and that urethral tissues may have weakened. As estrogen levels continue to drop throughout menopause and after, UI may become worse. 

A few different types of urinary incontinence are associated with menopause. Complete article: 
Menopause and Urinary Incontinence | GoldenEraMart Health Junction