Voiding characteristics and related hormonal changes in peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women: A preliminary study

Objectives To characterize voiding symptoms during the peri- and post-menopausal periods and to investigate related hormonal changes.

Methods We enrolled a total of 55 patients between February 10, 2013, and August 15, 2013, to participate in this cross-sectional study. To characterize patients' voiding symptoms, we administered voiding questionnaires, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and Sandvik Severity Index. Measured hormones included E2, FSH, TSH, prolactin, progesterone, and testosterone.

Results In the univariate analysis, there were significant intergroup differences for all of the hormones except progesterone. Among the voiding symptoms, straining (IPSS question 1), frequency (IPSS question 2), and SUI were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.039. 0.010, and 0.017, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, frequency (IPSS question 2) and SUI were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.020 and 0.011, respectively). Among the hormones, only testosterone was marginally different between the two groups (p = 0.059).

Conclusions During the transition to menopause, voiding symptoms, such as frequency, can potentially worsen in the peri-menopausal period, and SUI is more prevalent in the post-menopausal period. Additionally, testosterone may have a role in voiding changes that occur during the menopausal transition.