What hormone’s deficiency is associated with urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women?

The association between estrogen deficiency and urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women is rooted in the hormone's critical role in maintaining the structure and function of the pelvic and bladder tissues. Estrogen helps preserve the integrity of the urethra and bladder sphincter mechanism. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, there can be a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and the tissues that support the bladder, which can lead to increased urinary urge and incontinence.

This hormonal change can affect smooth muscle function and the elasticity of the bladder's support structures, making women more susceptible to urinary incontinence. By restoring estrogen levels through hormone replacement therapy or other means, some women may experience improvements in their urinary control, highlighting the direct relationship between estrogen and urinary function.

Other hormones listed in the choices, while important in various bodily functions, do not play a direct role in the maintenance of urinary continence as estrogen does. This specific link between estrogen deficiency and urinary incontinence highlights its significance in this aspect of women's health.