Pelvic Floor Atrophy in Menopause

Update: 2024-09-17

Description

In this episode, Katie Crane dives into the topic of pelvic floor health for women in menopause and post-menopause. She highlights the importance of recognizing the unique physical changes women experience as they age and how these changes impact pelvic floor health. Katie explains the role of hormonal shifts, particularly the decline in estrogen, which can cause pelvic floor atrophy and symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary issues. She stresses the value of Pilates professionals categorizing women based on age and hormonal stages to offer appropriate support. Additionally, Katie touches on the significance of nutrition, specifically the role of protein, in preserving muscle strength during menopause.

Key Takeaways

Recognizing bodily changes: It's vital for Pilates professionals to understand the specific physical changes that women face during menopause and post-menopause, particularly how these affect pelvic floor health.
Hormonal impact: A decrease in estrogen can result in pelvic floor atrophy, which may lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary complications.
Age and hormonal categorization: Categorizing clients based on their age and hormonal state allows Pilates professionals to tailor their support to improve pelvic floor health.
Nutrition's role: Protein intake becomes increasingly important during menopause, as it helps maintain muscle strength. Women may need to boost their protein consumption to meet these needs.
Pilates exercises for pelvic health: Exercises focusing on breath work, dynamic core engagement, and working against gravity can effectively strengthen the pelvic floor and improve overall pelvic health.