Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas examined whether estrogen cream could lower the chance of relapse after pelvic organ prolapse surgery. The findings appeared in a peer reviewed medical journal.
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic muscles and supporting tissues weaken and cause one or more pelvic organs to drop from their normal position. In most cases it remains without symptoms and does not require treatment. Yet some women experience discomfort, urine leakage, and pain during physical activity or sex. More serious cases may lead to surgery, and about twelve percent of women over sixty five need another operation within five years.
During menopause the body produces less estrogen which thin and fragile vaginal tissues. It was thought that applying estrogen before and after surgery might strengthen this tissue and lower the odds of prolapse returning.
In the study, researchers looked at data from 186 postmenopausal women who had prolapse surgery. Half of them received estrogen vaginal cream at least five weeks before surgery, followed by a placebo cream for a year.
After one year, the rate of prolapse recurrence was similar between groups. Sixty looked at outcomes showed that nineteen percent of those using estrogen cream experienced a relapse compared with nine percent in the placebo group.
Despite this, vaginal estrogen cream can help with dryness and discomfort during intercourse, so there may be benefits for certain symptoms. The treatment carries risks for people with breast cancer or blood clots, so medical advice is essential before use.
The study highlights the importance of evidence based choices for women considering pelvic organ prolapse treatment and underscores that estrogen therapy is not a guaranteed way to prevent relapse after surgery. The findings were reported by researchers and cited in medical literature for clinicians to reference in patient discussions.
historical beliefs about testosterone levels in women have been challenged by modern science, which continues to refine understanding of hormonal influences on pelvic health.