Urinary leakage, urgency, and recurrent UTIs are not just "part of getting older" — and they're not something you have to quietly put up with.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we unpack what's really happening inside the body during perimenopause and menopause that affects bladder control and urinary health — and why so many women are caught off guard.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How declining estrogen directly affects the bladder, urethra, pelvic floor, and vaginal tissues

• Why urinary symptoms often begin in perimenopause — years before menopause

• The difference between stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence

• How hormonal changes increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Why UTIs in older women are frequently missed — and how this contributes to serious illness and even death

• Why shame and silence have left generations of women underdiagnosed and undertreated

This episode lays the essential foundation — the anatomy, the hormones, the warning signs — so you can advocate for yourself and for the women you love: your mum, aunt, grandmother, sister, or daughter.

🎧 Listen to Part 1 first, then continue with Part 2 to learn how to rebuild bladder control and confidence with evidence-based solutions.

Resources mentioned: – Pelvic floor health and menopause research – Vaginal estrogen and urinary health – UTI prevention and early warning signs

👉 Download your free Menopause Symptom Tracker at nicolevanhattem.com 👉 Work with me as your Menopause Coach for personalised support