Understanding how estrogen therapy affects urinary bacteria in women
Mechanistic basis of urinary Lactobacillus enrichment by estrogen hormone therapy
This study is looking at how hormone therapy with estrogen might help boost good bacteria in the urinary tract of postmenopausal women, which could help prevent pesky urinary tract infections without just using antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894256 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how estrogen hormone therapy influences the presence of beneficial bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus, in the urinary tract of postmenopausal women. The study aims to explore the connection between estrogen levels and the enrichment of these bacteria, which may help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). By analyzing the urobiome and its relationship with the vaginal microbiome, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies that preserve or restore healthy microbial communities instead of relying solely on antibiotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
Not a fit: Patients who are not postmenopausal or do not have a history of recurrent urinary tract infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for recurrent urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of vaginal lactobacilli in preventing bacterial vaginosis, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
Richardson, United States
- University of Texas Dallas — Richardson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neugent, Michael Lee — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Neugent, Michael Lee
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.