Menopause, Hormone Changes, and Incontinence: What You Can Do About It

You’re going about your day, then you sneeze, laugh, or pick something up and feel that sudden, unexpected leak.

It’s frustrating, uncomfortable, and it’s happening more often since menopause, you’re not imagining it.

As estrogen levels decline, the muscles that support your bladder and pelvic floor can weaken. This makes it harder to control urges, hold urine, or get through the night without interruption.

But here’s the good news: you’re not stuck with it.

Whether it’s hormone therapy or a breakthrough treatment like Emsella, there are safe, proven ways to restore control and improve quality of life.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

  • Why incontinence becomes more common after menopause
  • How BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy) can help
  • What makes Emsella a non-invasive, high-impact option for bladder control
  • Lifestyle strategies that support pelvic floor health long-term

Key Takeaways

  • Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to urinary incontinence.
  • Symptoms may include urgency, leakage with movement, or waking at night to urinate.
  • BHRT can strengthen pelvic tissues and improve bladder control.
  • Emsella uses electromagnetic pulses to rebuild pelvic floor strength, without surgery.

At Heal n Cure, we offer personalized care plans that combine BHRT, Emsella, and lifestyle coaching for lasting results.

Understanding Urinary Incontinence After Menopause

Urinary incontinence affects millions of women, particularly after menopause. 

One of the biggest culprits is a sharp drop in estrogen.

Estrogen helps keep the tissues of the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor thick and resilient. When hormone levels fall, these tissues can thin and lose tone, making it harder to maintain control.

There are several forms of incontinence you might notice:

Stress Incontinence: This happens when pressure like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting, causes leakage.

Urge Incontinence: You feel a sudden, intense need to urinate, and may not make it to the bathroom in time.

Mixed Incontinence: Many women experience both stress and urge symptoms, especially as they age.

Nocturia: Frequent nighttime urination that disrupts sleep and daily energy levels.

These issues are common, but they’re not something you have to live with. The right care can make a significant difference.

How Hormone Therapy Helps with Incontinence

Estrogen does more than regulate your cycle, it plays a key role in pelvic tissue health. That’s why BHRT can help address urinary incontinence at the root.

Why Estrogen Matters

Healthy estrogen levels keep the vaginal and urethral tissues supple and well-lubricated. When those levels drop, the urethral lining becomes thinner, and its seal weakens, leading to leaks.

BHRT can:

  • Improve the tone and strength of bladder and pelvic tissues
  • Reduce inflammation that contributes to urgency
  • Improve vaginal health and reduce dryness or irritation

Systemic vs. Local Estrogen

Systemic BHRT: Supports full-body hormone balance and is often used for overall menopause symptoms.

Local estrogen therapy (creams, tablets, rings) targets the vaginal and urinary area directly.This is especially helpful for stress or urge incontinence.

At Heal n Cure, we tailor BHRT plans to each woman’s individual hormone profile, symptoms, and lifestyle.

Emsella: A Non-Hormonal Solution for Bladder Control

Not everyone is a candidate for hormone therapy or you might simply prefer a different option. That’s where Emsella comes in.

What Is Emsella?

Emsella is a completely non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to trigger deep pelvic floor contractions.

Each 28-minute session stimulates the equivalent of over 11,000 Kegel exercises, while you sit comfortably, fully clothed.

Why Women Love It

  • Improves bladder control and reduces accidental leakage
  • Strengthens the pelvic floor, no surgery, no recovery time
  • Treats both stress and urge incontinence
  • Quick, painless sessions
  • Results often noticeable within 2–3 treatments

Emsella is FDA-cleared and backed by clinical research. Many of our patients describe it as the thing that finally worked.

Lifestyle Changes That Support Bladder Health

While treatment is key, the way you care for your body day-to-day also plays a role. 

These simple changes can help:

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegels help tighten the muscles that support the bladder. Aim for a few focused sets daily.

Smart Hydration: Drink enough water, but avoid large amounts before bedtime. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight puts pressure on the pelvic floor. Even small weight loss can improve symptoms.

Prevent Constipation: Straining weakens the pelvic floor. Stay hydrated, eat plenty of fiber, and move your body daily.

Stop Smoking: Chronic coughing from smoking can worsen bladder leaks. Quitting helps in more ways than one.

How Heal n Cure Can Help

At Heal n Cure, we take a full-picture approach to urinary incontinence. Our goal isn’t just to mask symptoms, it’s to treat the root cause and restore confidence.

Your care plan might include:

  • Comprehensive hormone testing and BHRT to balance estrogen
  • Emsella sessions for muscle retraining and pelvic strengthening
  • Lifestyle coaching to support long-term results
  • Nutrition and gut health support, which play a role in hormone balance and inflammation

We’ve helped hundreds of women regain control—and we’d love to help you do the same.

Conclusion

Urinary incontinence doesn’t have to become your new normal after menopause. Whether your leaks are triggered by movement or you’re waking up throughout the night to go, there are real solutions available.

At Heal n Cure, we combine the science of BHRT with the power of Emsella to help women feel strong, supported, and in control again.

You don’t need to settle for pads, worry, or planning your day around bathrooms.

Let’s change that, book your consultation today and find out what a personalized pelvic health plan could look like for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does menopause cause incontinence?
A: Estrogen supports the strength and elasticity of your bladder and pelvic tissues. When levels drop, these tissues weaken, leading to leaks and urgency.

Q: How does BHRT help?
A: BHRT can improve bladder control by restoring estrogen, which strengthens the tissues around the bladder and urethra.

Q: What exactly is Emsella?
A: Emsella is a chair-based treatment that uses electromagnetic pulses to simulate thousands of pelvic floor muscle contractions in just 28 minutes.

Q: Does Emsella hurt?
A: Not at all. Most women describe the feeling as a gentle tingling or tapping sensation. You remain fully clothed throughout.

Q: Can I do Emsella and BHRT together?
A: Yes, many women see the best results with a combination approach. They target different aspects of incontinence for more complete relief.

Q: Where is Emsella available near Chicago?
A: Heal n Cure Medical Wellness Center in Glenview offers Emsella and hormone therapy as part of our comprehensive menopause care program.

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