Question: I'm having to pee all the time. Is this a perimenopause symptom?
Answer: For some of us, yes. The bladder is considered overactive if you're going to the loo to pee more than eight times a day, or if you're having to get up in the middle of the night more than once. Falling oestrogen levels can alter the mucosa and the pH of the bladder, and the bladder can get more vulnerable to infection, and this change affects beneficial bacteria in the bladder.
The nervous system can play a role too, as can reduced muscle strength in the pelvic floor.
Now, other perimenopausal symptoms like constipation, can aggravate bladder sensitivity, as can smoking, drinking, coffee, and alcohol. And, If your pee is dark yellow concentrate, it's going to make symptoms worse.
What can help?
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and unfriendly bacteria from the bladder. Swap out coffee for things like cleansing herbal teas like Golden Rod. Drinking less will not help a sensitive bladder.
Tackle constipation because removing congestion in the abdomen will take a bit of pressure off the bladder. Try fibre, plenty of water, and bitter herbs like Yarrow, to aid and strengthen digestion.
Also, strengthen your bladder muscles by tightening your pelvic floor for a few seconds, and then releasing. Then do a few rapid clenches in quick succession, and do this multiple times throughout the day.
Now, finally, it's super important to rule out infection. If you experience any burning, stinging, cloudy, or smelly urine, then please get professional attention from your GP. And do ask for help if you're leaking.
