Oestriol in the treatment of postmenopausal urgency: a multicentre study

Abstract

Oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women is thought to be important in the genesis of lower urinary tract symptoms, in particular the 'urge syndrome'. Evidence to support the use of oestrogen therapy in symptomatic postmenopausal women is, however, limited. Oestriol is a weak, naturally occurring oestrogen that may be beneficial to the urogenital tissues without stimulating the endometrium. We have investigated the use of oestriol in the treatment of postmenopausal sensory and motor urge incontinence.

Materials and methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, multicentre study of 3 mg oral oestriol/day for 3 months in the treatment of women with urge incontinence was undertaken.

Results and conclusions: Sixty-four women were recruited into the study. Although oestriol produced both subjective and objective improvement in lower urinary tract function, it was not significantly better than placebo. Some of the difficulties of running a multicentre study were encountered.