The effects of oestrogen on urogenital health

Maturitas. 2009 Jun 20;63(2):149-51. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.03.012. Epub 2009 May 2.

Abstract

The decline in sex hormone levels that accompanies the menopause has substantial effects on the tissues of the urogenital system, leading to atrophic changes. These changes can have negative effects on sexual and urinary function, leading to dyspareunia and incontinence. Treatment of urogenital atrophy with systemic or local oestrogens can improve the adverse effects of loss of oestrogen on both sexual and urinary functions. In some cases, treatment with oestrogen alone may not be sufficient to address sexual problems in menopausal women and androgen addition is required. Because of the complexity of sexual problems in menopausal women, assessment and therapy should address both the physical and other factors that play a role in the condition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology
  • Androgens / therapeutic use
  • Dyspareunia / drug therapy
  • Estrogens / physiology
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Menopause / physiology*
  • Progesterone / therapeutic use
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / drug therapy*
  • Urinary Incontinence / drug therapy
  • Urogenital System / drug effects*
  • Urogenital System / physiology

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Estrogens
  • Progesterone