Which medications in the drug class Estrogens are used in the treatment of Urinary Incontinence?

Updated: Jan 22, 2021
  • Author: Sandip P Vasavada, MD; Chief Editor: Edward David Kim, MD, FACS  more...
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Answer

Estrogens

Conjugated estrogens increase the tone of urethral muscle by up-regulating the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the surrounding area, and they enhance alpha-adrenergic contractile response to strengthen the pelvic muscles, which is important in urethral support (ie, prevents urethral hypermobility). Mucosal turgor of periurethral tissue from proper nourishment enhances urethral mucosal coaptation.

The result is an improved mucosal seal effect, which is important in urethral function (ie, it prevents intrinsic sphincter deficiency). Estrogen supplementation appears to be the most effective in postmenopausal women with mild-to-moderate incontinence. Both types of stress incontinence improve with estrogen fortification. There is also evidence however, estrogen use can exacerbate incontinence.

Conjugated estrogen (Premarin)

Conjugated estrogen may be used as an adjunctive pharmacologic agent for postmenopausal women with stress or mixed incontinence. Oral or vaginal form of estrogen may be used. The usual oral dose is 0.3-1.25 mg taken daily in a cyclic regimen.

When oral estrogens are needed, prescribe 0.625-mg pills. To prevent overstimulation of the uterus, conjugate estrogen is taken once a day for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days without the drug (eg, 3 wk on and 1 wk off). This regimen is repeated as necessary and tapered or discontinued at 3- to 6-month intervals.

Conjugated estrogen vaginal cream is available in a package with a plastic applicator and a tube that contains 42.5 grams of conjugated estrogens. Each gram contains 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogens. When vaginal cream is used, 2-4 g (0.5-1 applicator) of the cream may be administered intravaginally daily in the usual cyclic regimen.

Estrogen cream is readily absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes. When this cream is used for treatment of atrophic vaginitis, it may be placed intravaginally or applied topically around the vaginal tissues.

When estrogen is used long term in women with an intact uterus, the addition of progestin therapy is recommended to prevent endometrial hyperplasia. Medroxyprogesterone 2.5-10 mg/d is needed for 10-13 days to provide maximum maturation of endometrium and to eliminate any hyperplastic changes. Medroxyprogesterone may be administered continuously or intermittently.

Treatment with estrogen derivatives results in few cures (0-14%) but may cause subjective improvement in 29-66% of women. Limited evidence suggests that oral or vaginal estrogen therapy may benefit some women with stress and mixed urinary incontinence. Other potential beneficial effects of estrogen use include decreased bone loss and resolution of hot flashes during menopause.

Routinely prescribing conjugated estrogens to premenopausal women is not recommended. Use this medication in postmenopausal women who are incontinent and who have had a hysterectomy. For postmenopausal women with an intact uterus, cautiously recommend a short-term low-dose of conjugated estrogen and monitor frequently.


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