Of the many changes that you will go through when you begin menopause, perhaps the most embarrassing is the loss of bladder control. While this condition is common during the beginnings of menopause, it should not continue for a long period of time. When your body undergoes menopause, estrogen is no longer produced. Estrogen is a component in keeping the pelvic muscles healthy and working properly. But when estrogen levels begin to drop, these muscles are not as strong as they were before. This can lead to involuntary leakage. But there are ways to stop this from happening often.

• Exercise regularly and try pelvic exercises that will build up the muscles. This should help the muscles control the bladder and keep involuntary urination to a minimum.

• Do not eat or drink before bedtime will help the body adjust to the weakened muscles.

• Regulate the body by using the bathroom at specific times during the day like after lunch, in the morning, and before bedtime.

• Consider HRT to regulate your estrogen levels. Use only the lowest dosage of estrogen as prescribed by a doctor.

If these suggestions do not help, then consult a doctor because something else could be wrong. If you are having other symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, soreness, or other symptoms that do not seem right, contact a doctor right away.

Even though you have to go through menopause, this does not mean you should feel uncomfortable in public due to bladder problems. Learning how to live with menopause is the first step toward feeling better about yourself and enjoying the next phase of your life.

For some women, a hysterectomy is necessary to remove a cancerous tumor or stop the pain caused by endometriosis. If you have had a hysterectomy, but did not have your ovaries removed, then you will still go through menopause. Even though you do not have a monthly period, the ovaries will still be affected by the estrogen level decrease in the body. You will experience hot flashes and other symptoms. Only women who have had their uterus and ovaries removed will not go through menopause. This type of surgery is often called surgical menopause.

Having a hysterectomy, even though necessary, can still leave a woman with many questions. For instance, you may see symptoms of menopause appearing much earlier than usual. This is because menopause has begun earlier. There are many symptoms of menopause, and you should visit your doctor to see if menopause has started. Many times, women do not experience too many symptoms. This will vary from woman to woman. This is why it is important to be seen by a doctor.

It is important for all women going through menopause to eat a proper diet and exercise regularly. Getting the proper amount of vitamins each day will help maintain the body and keep symptoms of menopause from causing too much of a disturbance in your life. Having regular check ups by a doctor is also important especially if you had a hysterectomy due to cancer. Taking care of oneself will help you stay active, stay happy and enjoy life.