ABSTRACT
Urogenital atrophy is a manifestation of estrogen withdrawal following the menopause and symptoms may appear for the first time >10 years after the last menstrual period.1 The female genital and lower urinary tract share a common embryologic origin from the urogenital sinus and both are sensitive to the effects of female sex steroid hormones. Estrogen is known to have an important role in the function of the lower urinary tract throughout adult life, and estrogen and progesterone receptors have been demonstrated in the vagina, urethra, bladder and pelvic floor musculature.2-5 Estrogen deficiency occurring following the menopause is known to cause atrophic changes within the urogenital tract,6 and is associated with urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, nocturia, incontinence and recurrent infection. These may co-exist with symptoms of vaginal atrophy such as dyspareunia, itching, burning and dryness.
