12. Perimenopause: Kegels, Squats & Pelvic Floor with Dr. Karen Connor, PT

About this episode

Dr. Rachel Pope interviews Dr. Karen Connor about the impact of perimenopause on pelvic floor health and the importance of pelvic floor exercises.

In this episode of Perimenopause: Head to Toe, Dr. Rachel Pope sits down with Dr. Karen Connor, a seasoned physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, to discuss how perimenopause and menopause affect the pelvic floor. Dr. Connor shares her extensive expertise in pelvic health, shedding light on the changes women experience during this stage of life and how pelvic floor physical therapy can help manage and prevent complications. Key Highlights: * What is the Pelvic Floor? Dr. Connor explains the role of the pelvic floor muscles, their importance in overall health, and how they provide support for vital organs. * How Perimenopause Affects the Pelvic Floor: Learn how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause lead to tissue thinning, reduced elasticity, and muscle weakening, all of which can affect pelvic floor health. * Pelvic Floor Exercise: Dr. Connor emphasizes the importance of pelvic floor exercises like Kegels, and why combining these with other physical therapy techniques is crucial for comprehensive pelvic health. * Heavy Lifting and Pelvic Floor Health: Dr. Connor shares her insights on lifting heavy weights and how it can impact the pelvic floor…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Rachel Pope

Guest: Dr. Karen Connor

Topics covered

• perimenopause
• pelvic floor health
• physical therapy
• women's health
• exercise

Keywords

• perimenopause
• pelvic floor
• Kegels
• physical therapy
• women's health
• prolapse
• pelvic pain

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

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• 8. Weight Lifting & Prolapse with Dr. Jessica Jenkins · May 29, 2026 · 15 min
• 7. 15-Minute Consult: Acne and Facial Hair in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Melissa Mauskar · April 15, 2026 · 12 min
• 6. Testosterone in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Tami Rowen · March 16, 2026 · 23 min
• 5. Hormone Therapy in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Rachel Pope · March 11, 2026 · 17 min
• 4. Disordered Eating in Perimenopause & Menopause with Lucene Wisniewski, Ph.D., FAED · February 24, 2026 · 32 min