Hot flushes, mood swings, sleepless nights and brain fog. These are the menopause challenges most women expect. But there’s another change in midlife that catches many of us off-guard, and it’s rarely spoken about.
It often starts small. A cough that catches you out. A laugh that doesn’t quite go to plan. A brisk walk, a fitness class, or lifting groceries. Suddenly, a bladder leak.
Bladder leakage is a common experience during perimenopause and postmenopause. In fact, the Australasian Menopause Society estimates 1 in 2 women over 70 have some form of urinary incontinence.
But more people have bladder problems than you might expect. They’re more common as you age and after you’ve had children – but they can happen at any age and stage.
Yet many women feel uncomfortable talking about bladder issues, even with close friends.
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Bladder problems often go hand-in-hand with perimenopause. Changes to your oestrogen levels and pelvic organs and tissues can mean you need to urinate more often, and can find it more difficult to control."
Dr Suzie Evason
The hormonal changes that come with menopause can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. This makes it all the more important to raise any concerns you have.
If you’ve had leaks or bladder problems, know that you’re not alone. It’s very common, and nothing to be embarrassed about. And there are things we can try to reduce the chances of this happening, and make you more comfortable.”
Katie McCullough, Nurse Practitioner
Most women that experience occasional bladder leakage adapt. But for some, it reshapes daily life. They wear darker clothing, map out bathroom stops, or avoid activities they once loved.
Disposable pads have long been the default to catch bladder leaks, but they’re far from ideal as they feel bulky, are often uncomfortable, and many women dislike the waste they create. In recent years, there has been a shift toward more discreet, wearable solutions designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life.
Gisborne-based brand Mint has developed a stylish leak-proof underwear range designed specifically for women in midlife. The range is breathable, discreet, and designed to absorb small leaks while feeling just like normal underwear.
As Bruna Rodrigues, founder of Mint, explains, “It’s important that women feel like themselves. That they’re comfortable, confident and can move through their day without constantly thinking about leaks."
"Unlike traditional cotton, our underwear is made from bamboo, which makes it softer, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, longer lasting, and more sustainable. It is gentle on the skin and features a discreet multi-layer lining to catch leaks.”
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Talking openly about your health – including any bladder issues – normalises the experience and raises awareness about treatment options. And this makes it easier to access the right support.
“Just as conversations around periods, fertility, and menopause have evolved over time, there is an opportunity to expand that openness,” Bruna says.
“The more these topics are discussed in media, among peer groups and within healthcare settings, the more they become understood as a normal part of life rather than something to hide.”
Menopause may change the body in unexpected ways, but there’s no need for women in midlife and beyond to put their lives on hold. With the right treatment and support, women in midlife can laugh freely, stay active, and keep doing everything they enjoy.
If you’re experiencing bladder problems, don’t just put up with it. Make an appointment. We can talk to you about this and your other symptoms and come up with a treatment plan to manage it all.
This article was written in collaboration with The Mint Label.
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