The menopause and HRT. Urogenital effects of hormone therapy

Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Mar;17(1):91-104. doi: 10.1016/s1521-690x(02)00085-4.

Abstract

The urogenital tract and lower urinary tract are sensitive to the effects of oestrogen and progesterone throughout adult life. Epidemiological studies have implicated oestrogen deficiency in the aetiology of lower urinary tract symptoms occurring following the menopause. Although to date the role of oestrogen replacement therapy in the management of post-menopausal urinary incontinence remains controversial, its use in the management of women complaining of urogenital atrophy is now well established. This aim of this chapter is to review the recent evidence regarding the urogenital effects of hormone therapy with a particular emphasis on the management of post-menopausal urinary incontinence, recurrent lower urinary tract infections and urogenital atrophy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atrophy / drug therapy
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy*
  • Estrogens / pharmacology
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Postmenopause / drug effects
  • Postmenopause / physiology
  • Urinary Incontinence / drug therapy*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / drug therapy*
  • Urogenital System / drug effects*
  • Urogenital System / pathology

Substances

  • Estrogens