Deciding whether to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often difficult for postmenopausal women. The list of pros and cons is a long one and a new study adds another reason why many women may avoid this type of approach.
A group of Scottish researchers says theres evidence that HRT could contribute to incontinence. They found a particular type of therapy, known as systematic conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), may cause urine leakage.
“In addition, in this large trial, women who did not have incontinence at first were more likely to develop incontinence than those who took a placebo,” said study author June Cody.
However, smaller studies suggest that women who receive a different type of estrogen, known as systemic estrogen, actually had better bladder control.
Health experts say doctors should be more aware of the type of HRT their patients receive, especially if they have suffered from incontinence.
“These findings should be discussed with women who are contemplating using estrogen or hormonal therapy for relief of menopausal symptoms, particularly those who already have incontinence symptoms,” said Dr. Charla Blacker of the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.
Among the believed to help treat symptoms of menopause are St. Johns wort, black cohosh, evening primrose oil and flaxseed. 