The association between nocturia, hormonal symptoms and bladder
parameters in women: an observational study.
Abstract
Objective Post-menopausal nocturia is poorly understood. This study
aimed to identify hormonal and lifestyle factors associated with
nocturia and to understand the relative contribution of altered urine
production and bladder storage dysfunction in women. Design, setting,
population and methods Women ≥40 years presenting to public continence
services were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. 153 participants
completed a hormone status questionnaire, a validated nocturia causality
screening tool and a 3-day bladder diary. Descriptive statistics and
logistic regression models for nocturia severity and bladder diary
parameters were computed. Results Overall, 91.5 % reported nocturia,
55% ≥2 /night. There was a difference of 167.5 mL (p<0.001)
in nocturnal urine volume between women with nocturia ≥2 (median 736mL)
vs less often (517mL). Significant predictors of self-reported
disruptive nocturia were age (OR 1.04, 95%CI 1.002-1.073) and vitamin D
supplementation (OR 2.33, 95%CI 1.11-4.91). Nocturnal polyuria was
significantly more common with nocturia ≥2 compared to less often
(p<0.002). 150 minutes of exercise per week was protective for
nocturnal polyuria (OR 0.22, p=0.001). Nocturia index >1.3
was significantly predicted by age (OR 1.07, p<0.001), regular
exercise (OR 0.41, p=0.036), day flushes (OR 4.00, p=0.013) and use of
Vitamin D (OR 2.34, p=0.043). Maximum voided volumes were significantly
lower with nocturia≥2 vs less often (night: 268ml vs 350mL; day: 200mL
vs 290mL). Conclusions Bothersome nocturia in post-menopausal women is
associated with changes to both nocturnal diuresis and bladder storage.
Regular physical activity, prolapse reduction and oestrogen replacement
may be adjunctive in managing bothersome nocturia in women.