Menopausal Urinary Incontinence: How TCM Can Help (2025 Edition)

When it comes to urinary incontinence, there are a few different types, and the symptoms can vary. Here are the main forms you might experience:

• Stress Incontinence: This happens when you leak urine during activities that put pressure on your bladder, like coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
• Urge Incontinence: This involves a sudden, overwhelming urge to urinate, followed by involuntary leakage.
• Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence is quite common for women going through menopause.

Overflow Incontinence: This occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, causing frequent dribbling of urine.

So, why does menopause cause urinary incontinence in so many women? It all comes down to the hormonal changes that come with this stage of life.

Hormonal Changes

One of the key changes during menopause is the significant drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen is crucial for maintaining the health of the urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra. When estrogen levels decline, the lining of the urethra can thin, which weakens its ability to keep urine from leaking. This is a major contributor to incontinence. On top of that, lower estrogen can lead to a condition called urogenital atrophy, which causes dryness and irritation in the vaginal and urinary areas, worsening urinary symptoms.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness

The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and are essential for controlling urination. Unfortunately, these muscles can weaken as a result of hormonal changes during menopause, as well as aging. As the pelvic floor weakens, it can lead to stress urinary incontinence (SUI), where activities like sneezing or laughing cause leakage. Additionally, pelvic organ prolapse—where pelvic organs descend due to weakened support—can further complicate urinary control issues.

Overall Body Weakness

Aging and hormonal changes can also contribute to overall physical deconditioning. Research indicates that UI affects approximately 30-40% of middle-aged women and up to 50% of postmenopausal women. This means that many women find it harder to stay active and exercise as they get older, which only further weakens the pelvic floor muscles and the body in general. Health conditions like diabetes, which can become more prevalent during menopause, also contribute to this weakening by causing nerve damage that affects bladder control.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys play a vital role in managing many bodily functions, including urinary control. TCM teaches that the kidneys are responsible for storing essence (Jing) and controlling growth, reproduction, and aging. 

During menopause, a deficiency in Kidney Qi (vital energy) can lead to various symptoms, including urinary incontinence. Treatments will focus on fortifying Kidney Qi, which then replenishes vital energy and supports pelvic function and stability. 

There are also another group of women who suffer from a deficiency in Kidney Yin. This often shows up as dryness in the vagina, recurring UTIs and even night sweats. Treatments focus on enriching Kidney Yin, which moisturizes and lubricates the body from the inside.

Herbal remedies are a cornerstone of TCM, and some herbs are particularly effective in supporting the kidneys and urinary health. Two of the most well-known herbs for menopausal urinary incontinence are Ginseng and Rehmannia.

Ginseng is an important go-to herb in TCM. It is known for its adaptogenic properties and helps the body cope with stress and boosts overall vitality — something many menopausal women can benefit from.

The active compounds in Ginseng, called ginsenosides, improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. This can support healthy bladder function. Additionally, Ginseng may help balance hormones, which is crucial during menopause when estrogen levels drop.

Same studies show that Ginseng can help with menopausal discomfort, including urinary symptoms. While it may not directly affect objective measures like vaginal pH, women often report subjective improvements, such as a reduction in the frequency and severity of urinary incontinence.

While all of what we mentioned above is true, it would be very wrong for you to rush out immediately to order your next ginseng supplement. Ginseng is a warming herb, and it needs to be carefully dosed if you want to benefit from consuming it.

Ginseng is NOT for some body types, and may actually burn you up, creating pathogenic heat and fire in your body. This is true for some women using confinement soups; it is also true in perimenopause. It is therefore wise to use ginseng with care if you are suffering from urinary incontinence closer to your 50s.

Rehmannia, also known as Di Huang, is a powerful herb traditionally used in TCM to nourish Kidney Yin and replenish vital fluids. It’s particularly helpful for managing symptoms related to kidney deficiency, which is common during menopause.

Research has shown that Rehmannia contains compounds like iridoid glycosides and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These compounds help improve kidney function and support bladder function, potentially reducing the frequency of urinary incontinence.

A study found that herbal formulations containing Rehmannia helped improve bladder control and reduce UI symptoms. One popular TCM formula, Ba-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan (BWDHW), which includes Rehmannia, has been shown to improve symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence.

While TCM herbs like Ginseng and Rehmannia can be a great addition to your wellness routine, managing urinary incontinence often requires a multi-pronged approach. Here’s a look at some of the most effective strategies:

• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Regular exercises, like Kegel exercises, are essential for strengthening the muscles that control urination.
• Lifestyle Modifications: This could include staying active, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight, all of which can reduce incontinence symptoms.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): If estrogen deficiency is a major factor in your incontinence, HRT may help relieve symptoms.
• Surgical Options: In some cases, when conservative treatments don’t work, surgical options may be explored.

At Soma Clinic, we’re here to help you regain control and confidence, with a holistic approach that’s tailored to your needs.

Our journey starts with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where we offer a customized approach to herbal formulation. During your consultation, we’ll work with you to find the right herbs that can support your recovery and bring balance back to your body.

Along with TCM, we also offer the Kegel Throne — a game-changer for pelvic floor health. As we mentioned earlier, studies show that combining Chinese medicine with Kegel exercises can greatly improve urinary control, especially for postpartum women. 

Sometimes, it can be difficult to remain consistent with traditional Kegel exercises. In these cases the Kegel Throne remains a fantastic alternative.

Here’s why: Unlike regular Kegel exercises, which require physical effort, the Kegel Throne uses high-intensity electromagnetic fields to stimulate muscle contractions. 

This means you can strengthen your pelvic floor with zero effort. In just 30 minutes, the Kegel Throne can deliver over 20,000 contractions—way more than you could achieve manually, and without any strain.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out today to learn more about our personalized TCM approach and the Kegel Throne package. Let us help you get back to feeling your best!