Menopause and hormone support
Strong, supported and thriving through menopause
Expert care for every stage of menopause
Our Women’s Health Physiotherapists have specialised training to support you through the physical changes of menopause. They can assist with musculoskeletal concerns, pelvic floor issues, incontinence, prolapse and improving toileting and sexual function.
Working alongside an Exercise Physiologist, we take a tailored approach to improve your strength, mobility and overall health. Together, we’ll develop a plan to address conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and osteoporosis.
Your program may include Pilates for a gentle, whole-body approach to strength and relaxation, or be combined with traditional strength training to support bone density and long-term function.
If you’re not sure what support you need and want to chat before booking, please call us on 07 5337 9853.
We’re here to help.
Musculoskeletal health and hormonal changes
Menopause is a natural transition that brings about significant hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen. Oestrogen plays a vital role in maintaining the health of connective tissues, including tendons, ligaments and muscles. It also has important anti-inflammatory effects. It helps to maintain mobility, resilience in connective tissue and build and maintain muscle strength.
As oestrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, these changes can lead to musculoskeletal symptoms and conditions.
Joint pain and stiffness
Decrease in muscle strength and bulk: Oestrogen is involved in maintaining muscle mass. As oestrogen levels drop, women may experience a gradual loss of muscle strength and bulk (sarcopenia).
Tendon and ligament issues: Reduced oestrogen can impact the elasticity and function of tendons and ligaments. This can lead to conditions such as gluteal tendinopathy (pain in the hip area), achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis and frozen shoulder.
Physiotherapy and exercise physiology for musculoskeletal conditions
We can help manage and alleviate the musculoskeletal symptoms associated with menopause. A tailored approach can improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote long-term joint and muscle health.
Pain management
Joint and soft tissue therapy
Exercise: strength, balance, mobility and cardiovascular
Lifestyle modifications.
Bone health during menopause
Osteoporosis is a global health concern, affecting an estimated 200 million women worldwide. Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density and strength. 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.
With its significant impact on mobility and quality of life, understanding the phases of bone loss and appropriate physiotherapy management is crucial for both prevention and care.
Osteoporosis in women occurs in two primary phases, each associated with different patterns of bone loss:
Accelerated trabecular bone loss (menopause-related bone loss): The first phase of bone loss is triggered by a decrease in oestrogen levels during menopause. Oestrogen plays a vital role in bone health, and its decline leads to accelerated bone resorption—particularly in trabecular bone. During this phase, bone resorption exceeds formation, resulting in significant bone loss. This phase typically lasts for the first 10 years post-menopause and is often marked by a rapid decline in bone mineral density (BMD).
Persistent slower bone loss: After the initial accelerated bone loss, the second phase involves a slower but continuous loss of both trabecular and cortical bone (the dense bone that forms the outer layer). This phase persists throughout life and is more gradual.
Physiotherapy and exercise physiology management for osteoporosis
Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiologists play a crucial role in managing osteoporosis. We help to reduce fracture risk, improve bone density and strength, and maintain mobility.
Strength training: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are proven to stimulate bone formation and improve bone density. We can guide patients through safe and effective strength training routines tailored to their specific needs.
Posture and balance training: As osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, maintaining good posture and balance becomes vital. We can design exercises to improve balance, flexibility, and posture, helping to reduce the likelihood of falls.
Fall prevention programs: Fall prevention is a key component of osteoporosis management. Physiotherapists assess the risk of falls and implement customised fall prevention strategies, including strength exercises, balance training, and environmental modifications.
Monitoring and progression: We’ll monitor progress and ensure exercises are adapted to meet your changing needs, ensuring they remain effective and safe.
Pelvic health and GSM
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) refers to a collection of symptoms affecting the genital and urinary systems that occur due to the hormonal changes associated with menopause.
During menopause, the body's oestrogen drops significantly. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal and urinary tract tissue health. As oestrogen levels decrease, the tissues in the vaginal and urinary tract areas become thinner, drier, and less elastic. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, collectively referred to as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which typically include:
Vaginal dryness or irritation
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Urinary urgency or frequency or urinary incontinence
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Prolapse
Changes in sexual function: Low libido or sexual dysfunction due to vaginal dryness, discomfort, changes in sensation.
Physiotherapy management for GSM
Physiotherapy plays a key role in the management of GSM by addressing pelvic floor health, improving muscle strength, and providing education on lifestyle modifications.
Pelvic floor muscle training
Bladder and bowel training and education
Pelvic floor relaxation techniques
Lifestyle modifications
Manual therapy
Education on sexual health
Prolapse management
Our caring, experienced team
Christina Machray, Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Christina has over 20 years of experience in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and a passion for helping women through all stages of life. She specialises in treating pelvic girdle pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, postnatal concerns such as abdominal separation, pregnancy-related pain as well as perimenopause and menopause support.
Courtney Pointon, Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Courtney is a specialised Women’s Health clinician with an extensive background treating pelvic pain disorders, prolapse, incontinence and pregnancy and post-natal care. She has completed extensive women’s health training in areas such as chronic pelvic pain, birth preparation, diastasis rectis and advanced pessary fitting.
Imogen Ryan, Exercise Physiologist
Imogen is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a special interest in supporting women through the menopausal transition. With additional specialist training in this area, she provides targeted, evidence-based exercise prescription to enhance bone mineral density, musculoskeletal health, posture, balance, and falls prevention. Imogen’s approach is to educate, support, and empower women with the knowledge and skills to stay strong, active, and confident in managing the changes that come with this stage of life.
Book an appointment
If you’re not sure what support you need and want to chat before booking, please call us on 07 5337 9853.
We’re here to help.