By Aleisha Theisen, PTA and NBC-HWC
May is Women’s Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the unique health needs and challenges women face across their lifespans. At FYZICAL-Forest Grove, we’re celebrating this month by empowering women to push back gently but firmly against the changes that often accompany menopause and beyond.
As women enter midlife, shifts in hormone levels can bring a cascade of physical changes. You may notice reduced muscle mass, decreased bone density, balance issues, and changes in pelvic health.
While these changes are natural and common, they don’t have to define how you move, feel, or live. In fact, there are several steps you can take to keep your bones, muscles, pelvic floor, and balance strong so you can continue to flourish.
Push Back Proactively
Being proactive about your health means not waiting until something goes wrong but rather checking in with your body frequently, getting assessments, and seeking support early for health challenges.
This isn’t always top of mind for busy women juggling work, caregiving, and other responsibilities. But putting yourself on top of the priority list will help you stay healthy and strong so you can keep up with all those other things that are important to you.
Vestibular Health
Are you feeling unsteady or dizzy? Research shows women may be slightly more prone than men to vestibular disorders like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), especially during and after menopause.
Getting evaluated and treated by a physical therapist trained in balance and vestibular health can help you prevent falls and improve your confidence in daily life. Our team of specialists at FYZICAL-Forest Grove will work with you to address any current dizziness or balance challenges and get you on the path to feeling like yourself again.
Pelvic Health
Pelvic floor dysfunction is another topic that deserves more attention. It’s common in women, especially after childbirth or as estrogen levels change. Men can experience pelvic floor challenges, too, and we’ll be addressing those more in an upcoming blog post.
Many women suffer in silence, thinking they have to live with issues like bowel and bladder urgency, incontinence, pressure, or discomfort. The truth? You don’t. At FYZICAL-Forest Grove, our physical therapists can provide evidence-based treatment to help you feel stronger, more comfortable, and more in control.
Stay Strong, Stay Steady
Maintaining muscle mass and mobility is crucial as we get older. Strength training, functional movement, and targeted stability exercises protect your joints, improve posture, and make everyday tasks easier. Plus, strength training supports a healthy metabolism and mental well-being.
And let’s not forget your bones. With osteoporosis affecting millions of women, especially after menopause, bone health is something to keep in mind. Resistance training and balance work are some of the best ways to build and maintain strong, healthy bones and reduce fracture risk. Our physical therapists will develop a personalized program that fits your lifestyle and keeps you doing the things you love without fear.
You’re Not Alone
You deserve to feel strong, balanced, and empowered at every stage of life. Every woman’s experience is different, and our PTs take a personalized, whole-person approach to care. Whether you're navigating menopause, recovering from injury, or just want to stay active and independent, FYZICAL-Forest Grove is here to assist.
This Women’s Health Awareness Month, let’s flip the script. Instead of dreading change, let’s embrace the chance to reconnect with our bodies, address what needs attention, and build strength inside and out. Call 503-357-1706 to schedule your evaluation.
Aleisha Theisen is a physical therapist assistant and a board-certified health and wellness coach.
Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Sources:
Jeong SH. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Risk Factors Unique to Perimenopausal Women. Front Neurol. 2020 Oct 16;11:589605. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.589605. PMID: 33178127; PMCID: PMC7596253. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7596253/
“How Does Menopause Affect the Pelvic Floor?” UPMC Health Beat. Oct. 30, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2025. https://share.upmc.com/2024/10/menopause-and-pelvic-floor/