Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026
Bladder Problems During Menopause
If your bladder symptoms started or worsened around menopause, you’re experiencing one of the most common — and most treatable — effects of hormonal change. Declining estrogen levels directly affect the health of your urethral, vaginal, and bladder tissues, and this connection opens the door to targeted treatments that can make a real difference.
Why This Happens
Estrogen maintains the health, thickness, and blood supply of the tissues lining your urethra, vagina, and bladder base. As estrogen declines during perimenopause and menopause, these tissues thin, become less elastic, and lose some of their ability to function properly.
This can lead to:
- New onset or worsening of stress incontinence
- Increased urgency and frequency
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Vaginal dryness and irritation that affects bladder function
Dr. Stewart explains: “Many women are surprised to learn that their bladder problems are connected to menopause. Once they understand the estrogen connection, treatment makes intuitive sense — and vaginal estrogen is often remarkably effective.”
Signs You Should Seek Help
- Bladder symptoms that started or worsened around age 45-55
- Urgency, frequency, or leaking that’s new for you
- Recurrent UTIs (3 or more per year)
- Vaginal dryness alongside bladder symptoms
- Symptoms that haven’t responded to general measures
Treatment Options
- Vaginal estrogen — cream, ring, or tablet applied locally. Restores tissue health without systemic hormone levels. Very safe, even long-term
- Pelvic floor physical therapy — strengthening exercises are effective at every age
- Behavioral strategies — bladder training, fluid management
- Medications — for urgency and overactive bladder symptoms
- Advanced treatments — Botox, sacral neuromodulation when needed
Dr. Stewart notes: “Vaginal estrogen is one of my favorite treatments to prescribe because it addresses the root cause of the tissue changes, it’s very low risk, and patients often notice improvement within weeks. It’s one of those treatments where the benefit-to-risk ratio is exceptionally favorable.”
Your Next Steps
Menopause is a natural transition, but suffering through bladder problems is not required. Simple, effective treatments are available. A urogynecologist can evaluate your specific symptoms and develop a targeted plan.
Learn more about urinary incontinence
Schedule Your Appointment
Dr. Stewart understands the unique challenges you're facing and is here to help.
- No referral necessary
- Now accepting new patients
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- Most insurance plans accepted