Bladder dysfunction, such as stress and urge incontinence, is experienced by both men and women, however it is more commonly reported in women. The female urogenital tract undergoes structural and functional change throughout life, whether in response to cyclic changes in reproductive hormones or progressive age-associated change. It is well recognised that the risk of developing bladder dysfunction and its severity increases in women in association with increasing age. To maintain continence, the bladder structure and function must have the capacity to respond to regulatory stimuli and retain the structural integrity of its tissue to permit the appropriate relaxation and contraction needed for voiding. Recently, in recognition of the potential to reduce menopausal symptomology, including urinary incontinence, increased intake of dietary phytoestrogens, as a potential source of oestrogen agonist activity has been reported to improve symptoms associated with bladder dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the effects of long term reduction of ovarian oestradiol on the structure and function of the urinary bladder and utilised the bilaterally ovariectomised female rat.