Effects of vaginal estrogen use on the lower urinary tract in post-menopausal women

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of vaginal estrogen application on blood flow of the lower urinary tract in post-menopausal women. Methods Arterial blood flow frequency spectrum, peak systolic blood flow, end-diastolic blood flow velocity and resistance index of the peri-urethra and neck of the urinary bladder, as well as changes in their genitourinary system, were measured with color Doppler ultrasound imaging in post-menopausal women before and three months after their use of premarin ointment containing natural estrogen per vagina. Results Three months after treatment with estrogen-premarin ointment per vagina in post-menopausal women, their peak systolic blood flow velocity of the peri-urethra arteries increased to 13.23 cm/s from 11.94 cm/s before treatment, end-diastolic blood flow velocity increased to 3.92 cm/s from 1.91 cm/s and resistance index decreased to 2. 79 from 3. 84 (P <0. 01 ). And, their peak systolic blood flow velocity of the arteries of the neck of the urinary bladder increased to 17.09 cm/s from 12. 77 cm/s before treatment, end-diastolic blood flow velocity increased to 2. 83 cm/s from 1.31 cm/s and resistant index decreased to 2. 78 from 3.78 (P<0.01). It indicated that local vasodilatation and decrease dresistance of the lower urinary tract made blood flow of the arteries of the peri-urethra and neck of the urinary bladder increase, urinary frequency and nocturia occurrence decrease, and sexual satisfaction improve.Conclusions Blood flow, symptoms of the lower urinary tract and their quality of life can be improved in post-menopausal women after treatment with natural estrogen-premarin ointment per vagina. Key words: Menopause; Estrogens; Admitistration, intravaginal; Regional blood flow; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color