The menopause transition can bring changes that feel unexpected, confusing, or even disruptive. Many women begin noticing shifts in their bodies long before their final menstrual period, often without realizing these early symptoms are part of perimenopause. If you’re experiencing new discomfort, bladder changes, pelvic pressure, or increased tension, pelvic floor therapy can provide clarity and support during this stage of life.

Our pelvic health team works closely with women transitioning into menopause. Below, we break down the most common symptoms we treat and how therapy can help you feel more grounded, strong, and informed.

What Happens During the Menopause Transition?

The menopause transition, also known as perimenopause, is the period when hormones begin to shift and the body gradually moves toward menopause. These hormonal changes can affect:

  • pelvic floor muscle strength
  • bladder and bowel control
  • vaginal tissue health
  • pressure regulation
  • joint mobility and bone density
  • overall muscle mass and energy

If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Are these symptoms normal during menopause?”, the answer is often yes,  and pelvic floor therapy helps you understand what’s changing and why.

Common Symptoms We Treat

Here are the symptoms we see most frequently, along with how our team supports you through them.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is one of the most common concerns during the menopause transition. You may notice:

  • irritation or dryness of the vaginal tissues
  • discomfort during intercourse
  • pressure or aching in the pelvis
  • pain with daily movement or exercise

Lower estrogen levels can make tissues thinner and more sensitive. Because pelvic pain often has several contributing factors, we assess muscle coordination, tissue health, breathing patterns, and mobility to help identify the most supportive path forward.

We then build a personalized treatment plan to reduce discomfort and improve pelvic function.

Urge or Stress Incontinence

Leaking during coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, or suddenly needing to rush to the bathroom often becomes more noticeable during the menopause transition.

In therapy, we evaluate:

  • pelvic floor strength and coordination
  • muscle tension or restriction
  • breathing strategy and pressure management
  • bladder habits and triggers

Our goal is to help you regain bladder control and return to activities without fear of leaking.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

As tissues change during perimenopause, some women experience symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, including:

  • pelvic heaviness
  • pressure at the vaginal opening
  • a sensation of “dropping”
  • discomfort with lifting or prolonged standing

Strengthening and coordinating the pelvic floor plays a significant role in symptom management. We also address constipation, which is a major contributor due to increased straining.

Headaches

Headaches can increase during the menopausal transition due to hormonal fluctuations, sleep changes, stress, jaw tension, or neck and upper back tightness.

We focus on:

  • reducing muscular tension
  • identifying habits that may worsen symptoms
  • improving posture and mobility
  • building strength where needed to support better alignment

Joint Pain or General Muscle Weakness

Many women experience joint stiffness or decreased strength during the menopause transition. This is often related to the body’s changing levels of estrogen, which supports both muscle mass and bone density.

Progressive strength training, especially lifting weights, is one of the most effective ways to support bone and muscle health. If you’re new to strength training or unsure where to start, we help you build a safe, gradual program that fits your comfort level.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps

Pelvic floor therapy supports you holistically by helping you:

  • understand the physical and hormonal shifts you’re experiencing
  • strengthen and coordinate pelvic floor muscles
  • reduce pelvic pain and discomfort
  • improve bladder and bowel control
  • support tissue health and comfort
  • address mobility and strength changes
  • improve sexual comfort and confidence
  • build long-term strategies to feel strong during and after menopause

Many women tell us they wish they had known about pelvic floor therapy earlier, especially during perimenopause, when supportive strategies can make the biggest difference.

Navigating the Menopause Transition? Our Team Is Here to Support You.

If you’re noticing new symptoms during the menopause transition and want to understand your options, our Pelvic Health team is here to help you feel more comfortable, confident, and informed.

You can schedule a consultation or book an appointment to learn how we support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.