How to Tell If You Have a Pelvic Floor Problem Fatigue, hormone balance, perimenopause, menopause, gut health, constipation, stress, and pelvic floor symptoms can all connect in ways many women never realize. Have you ever leaked when you laughed, coughed, sneezed, jumped, or worked out? Or felt pelvic heaviness, pressure, painful sex, constipation, or low back pain that no one can explain? These symptoms are common, but they are not something you have to live with. In this episode, I'm talking about how to recognize pelvic floor dysfunction, why it often shows up or gets worse during perimenopause and menopause, and why kegels are not always the answer. Your pelvic floor needs to be strong, flexible, and able to relax — and if it is too tight, more kegels can actually make things worse. I'll also explain how pregnancy, childbirth, estrogen decline, constipation, chronic stress, shallow breathing, and years of downward pressure can all affect pelvic floor health over time. Key Points From This Episode • The five signs of a pelvic floor problem — leaking, pressure, painful sex, constipation, and unexplained hip or low back pain. • Why perimenopause and menopause can make pelvic floor symptoms show up years after having children. • The surprising reason kegels may make symptoms worse if your pelvic floor is too tight. • How breathing, stress, constipation, and hormone balance all play a role. • Why pelvic floor physical therapy can be one of the most helpful, underused tools for women. The Bigger Takeaway Pelvic floor symptoms are not just an inconvenience. They can affect your bladder, bowels, sex life, exercise, confidence, digestion, and quality of life. If you've been leaking, avoiding workouts, crossing your legs when you sneeze, or wondering why things feel different in perimenopause or menopause, this episode will help you understand what may really be going on — and why there are real solutions. Hit play and listen in, because your pelvic floor may be the missing piece in your hormone balance, gut health, stress, and long-term wellness. WOMEN'S FUNCTIONAL HEALTH COACH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM- IS OPEN! OUR NEXT COHORT STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 29TH. If some part of you has been quietly wondering whether this could be your path, come find out. Learn more at: womensfunctionalhealth.org Browse the course catalog: https://go.megmill.com/wfhicoursecatalog Schedule a call with me: https://go.megmill.com/wfhicoursecatalog Women deserve more, and you can be the one to make real change, starting with your own life. Let's connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill. This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women entering perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you're dealing with exhaustion, low energy, brain fog, bloating, IBS, constipation, digestive discomfort, histamine issues, migraines, anxiety or hormone imbalances, this show is for you. You'll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms and other hormonal imbalances—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it's addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend. If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza
