title: Estrogens and the lower urinary tract.
abstract: The urogenital tract is sensitive to the effect 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 postmenopausal urinary incontinence remains controversial its use in the management of women complaining of urogenital atrophy is now well established. This aim of this paper is to review the recent evidence regarding the urogenital effects of hormone therapy with a particular emphasis on the management of postmenopausal urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, recurrent lower urinary tract infections and urogenital atrophy. In addition to a review of the available evidence suggestions are also made regarding priorities for further research in the field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urogynaecology, Kings College Hospital, London, UK. dudley.robinson@nhs.net
authors.forename: Dudley
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cardozo
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D035843:Biomedical Research; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D052776:Female Urogenital Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D017698:Postmenopause; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens