Perimenopause and menopause are natural life stages that bring significant hormonal changes and with them a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. While entirely normal these changes can affect daily life, work relationships and long term health.
Physiotherapy can play a meaningful role in helping women move through this transition with greater comfort and confidence.
Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without menstruation, with perimenopause typically beginning in the 40s as hormonal changes start to take effect. Symptoms affect around 80% of women and can include hot flushes, fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, musculoskeletal pain, insomnia, weight gain and low mood.
Oestrogen decline also affects the pelvic floor, causing vaginal and vulval tissues to become thinner, drier and less elastic, reducing muscle tone, tissue strength and pelvic support. This can lead to stress incontinence, overactive bladder, painful intercourse and pelvic pain.
Physiotherapy offers an effective approach to managing menopause symptoms complementing any medical treatment or HRT prescribed by your GP.
We understand that coming for a menopause assessment can feel personal and daunting. Our physiotherapists provide a warm, professional and completely confidential environment where you'll be listened to and treated with care.
Your first appointment will begin with a detailed discussion covering your symptoms and how they're affecting daily life, your gynaecological and medical history, current medications or HRT and your personal goals for treatment.
A physical examination will also be carried out which may include assessment of pelvic floor function, muscle strength, posture and joint mobility. Any internal examination is always performed with your full consent and explained clearly beforehand.
Following assessment, your physiotherapist will develop a personalised plan tailored to your symptoms and goals.
Declining oestrogen levels cause vaginal and vulvar tissues to become thinner, drier and less elastic, reducing muscle tone, tissue strength and pelvic support. This can lead to stress incontinence, overactive bladder, painful intercourse and pelvic pain. These symptoms are common but very treatable with the right physiotherapy support.
Yes. A pelvic health physiotherapist can recommend strategies to improve vulvar skin health and pelvic floor elasticity reducing pain during intercourse and positively impacting sexual well-being.
Our Women’s Health Assessment will thoroughly address your perimenopause/menopause symptoms, identify the causes and provide the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
