Estrogen

How it works

After menopause, the body produces less estrogen. This drop in estrogen may contribute to weakening of the supportive tissues around the bladder and the tube that allows urine to pass from the body. This can contribute to stress incontinence.

Applying low-dose, topical estrogen may help. The medication comes in the form of a vaginal cream, ring or patch. The estrogen may help restore the tissues in the vagina and urinary tract to relieve some symptoms.

Topical estrogen might not be safe for people with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers. Talk with your healthcare professional to weigh the risks and benefits.

Combination hormone therapy isn't the same as topical estrogen and is no longer used to treat urinary incontinence. Oral estrogen therapy is pills that you take by mouth. It also is not the same as topical estrogen. Oral estrogen therapy might make incontinence symptoms worse.

Side effects

When used correctly, topical estrogen therapy typically doesn't cause side effects.