Urodynamic Studies after natural menopause

ABSTRACT

Urodynamic evaluation of lower urinary tract function was performed for 20 postmenopausal women of different age groups [group I, range 45 - 58 y., mean 51 +/- 4.2, group II, range 60-70 y. mean 65 +/- 3.4, n = 10 for each group]. Cystometric study showed an increase in time and volume of first sensation to void, indicating hyposensitivity of the bladder, in the older age group. Also, the detrusor pressure at the maximum cystometric capacity was significantly higher in older postmenopausal women reflecting a decrease in the elastic properties of the bladder wall. Static profilometry showed a significant decrease in maximum urethral pressure, maximum closure pressure and functional urethral length with advance of age. Uroflowmetry, that assess the functional coordination of the detrusor and the urethra showed a significant decrease in the average flow rate in older postmenopausal women. These urodynamic data may suggest an age-related deterioration in the intrinsic properties and/ or the extrinsic innervation of the female urinary tract, besides the expected effects of estrogen deficiency, after natural menopause