Effects of protracted administration of estriol on the lower genito urinary tract in postmenopausal women.
We investigated 80 postmenopausal women, 48 of whom (60%) agreed to undergo long-term treatment with estriol suppositories. All had symptoms of vaginal atrophy and urinary incontinence. Endometrial samples were taken after 8-10 years of therapy. Estriol had induced slight proliferative changes in the endometrium in 7 of 48 patients studied by endometrial sampling. 75% of the women reported significant subjective improvement of stress incontinence. Estriol supplementation did not produce any significant change in urethral pressure, functional length, or cystometric parameters. However, a significant increase in pressure transmission ratio to the proximal urethra was noted after vaginal medication with estriol. Replacement therapy in post-menopausal women must take into account the patients perception of risks and benefits. The risk of estriol treatment is insignificant.
Iosif
C S
CS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Lund, Sweden.
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000368:Aged; D001284:Atrophy / Q000188:drug therapy; D004964:Estriol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014621:Vagina / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy
D004964:Estriol