About this episode

The episode discusses nighttime urination challenges during menopause with expert insights from Dr. Heidi, covering various related health topics.

Perimenopause Nocturia & Dissappearing Labia?! Pelvic Floor PT, Vaginal Estrogen, UTIs, and Painful Sex with Dr. Heidi | Period Coaching In this period coaching episode, the hosts talk with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Heidi about why many women in perimenopause and menopause start waking up at night to urinate (nocturia), how estrogen reduction, weight gain, fluid retention/edema, medications, and bladder “training” habits can contribute, and why nocturia is a hallmark symptom of overactive bladder. They discuss practical support including bladder diaries, bladder retraining, pelvic floor PT, managing intraabdominal pressure, fall risk when rushing to the bathroom, timing and types of fluids, and common bladder irritants such as caffeine, carbonated/citric drinks, acidic/spicy foods, chocolate, and alcohol (including red wine). Dr. Heidi explains benefits of topical vaginal estrogen for GSM symptoms, UTIs, and postpartum recovery, addresses painful sex with lube, moisturizers, stress/tension work, and position modifications, and clarifies social media claims about labia minora shrinking with age. Dr. Heidi shares her daily non-negotiable: walking outside with her dog…

People in this episode

Host: Stasha Washburn

Guest: Dr. Heidi

Topics covered

• menopause
• nocturia
• pelvic floor therapy
• vaginal estrogen
• UTIs
• painful sex
• bladder health

Keywords

• perimenopause
• nocturia
• bladder training
• vaginal estrogen
• painful sex
• bladder irritants
• pelvic floor PT

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: heydrheidi.com

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