What is the role of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women for urinary incontinence?

Estrogen therapy plays a significant role in improving urethral and bladder function in postmenopausal women, which is essential for managing urinary incontinence. After menopause, estrogen levels decline, leading to changes in the urinary tract, including atrophy of the vaginal and urethral tissues. This atrophy can affect the integrity of the bladder and the functioning of the urethra, contributing to incontinence.

By administering estrogen, the therapy helps to restore the mucosal lining and improve blood flow to these tissues, resulting in enhanced elasticity and a stronger support mechanism for the bladder neck. This improvement can lead to better bladder compliance and reduced episodes of incontinence due to stress or urge factors.

The other options do not correctly represent the benefits of estrogen therapy. While estrogen may help in managing some aspects of tissue health and function, it does not eliminate urine leakage completely, directly reduce muscle tension, or specifically target pain during urination. Hence, focusing on improving urethral and bladder function captures the primary therapeutic benefit of estrogen administration in this context.