The Importance of Vaginal Estrogen

Why Vaginal Estrogen Is Essential for Women’s Health

Perimenopause and menopause bring about significant changes in a woman's body, and one of the most impactful is the onset of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This condition encompasses symptoms like vaginal dryness, urinary urgency, and painful intercourse, which can profoundly affect quality of life.​

A pivotal study presented at the American Urological Association in May 2025 showed the results of 3 year data on 2,163,216 female patients with recurrent UTI using versus not using vaginal estrogen along the following adverse outcomes: sepsis, hospital admission, and mortality.

CLICK IMAGE TO SEE STUDY ON AUA SITE

CONCLUSION:

Women greater than 55 years old with recurrent UTI’s who are on vaginal estrogen experience significantly lower rates of hospitalization, sepsis, and mortality.

🎧LISTEN TO Dr. Kelly Casperson & Dr. Rachel Rubin review this new information and explain what it means.

🎧List on Apple Podcast

🌸 What Is Vaginal Estrogen?

Vaginal estrogen is a localized hormone therapy used to treat GSM symptoms in menopausal women. It comes in various forms—creams, tablets, rings, and softgel inserts—that are applied directly inside the vagina. This allows a small amount of estrogen to act locally with minimal absorption into the bloodstream.

Unlike systemic hormone therapy (which affects the whole body), vaginal estrogen focuses only where it’s needed most.

✅ Key Benefits of Vaginal Estrogen

1. Relieves Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort

Declining estrogen levels can thin the vaginal lining, leading to dryness, burning, and irritation. Vaginal estrogen helps restore moisture and elasticity, easing daily discomfort and improving overall vaginal health.

2. Improves Sexual Comfort

Pain during sex (dyspareunia) is a common but often unspoken symptom of menopause. Vaginal estrogen therapy can significantly reduce pain and discomfort, leading to increased intimacy and improved sexual wellbeing.

3. Reduces Urinary Symptoms

Estrogen supports the health of the urethra and bladder lining. Its decline can lead to urinary urgency, frequency, and even incontinence. Vaginal estrogen can strengthen the tissue and reduce these symptoms—often more effectively than other medications.

4. Prevents Recurrent UTIs

Low estrogen can make the urinary tract more vulnerable to infection. By rebuilding the protective tissue, vaginal estrogen helps lower the risk of recurrent UTIs—a game-changer for many women in menopause.

5. Minimal Systemic Absorption

Because vaginal estrogen stays localized, it poses very low risk of systemic side effects. Numerous studies—including the Nurses’ Health Study—have shown that vaginal estrogen does not increase the risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, or stroke in healthy women.

🧬 Backed by Research

A landmark study published in Menopause (the journal of the North American Menopause Society) analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study and found no increased risk of chronic disease in women using vaginal estrogen. This includes no elevated risk for breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer, as well as no increase in stroke or heart attack risk.👉 Read the study here

🛑 Busting the Myths

Despite clear evidence of safety and effectiveness, many women are still afraid to use vaginal estrogen—often because of lingering fears around hormone therapy. It’s time to challenge that stigma.

Vaginal estrogen is:

• Safe for long-term use in most women

• Effective at relieving a wide range of GSM symptoms

• Not the same as systemic hormone replacement therapy

• Endorsed by leading health organizations like NAMS and ACOG

  
  

💲 Pricing

Vaginal Estrogen should not be expensive. Our community has shared what they are paying. Here are some real women's answers:

WITH PRESCRIPTION

• $15 for 3 months at CVS pharmacy with insurance

• $20 a month with GoodRX coupon

• $15 a month with Aetna copay

• FREE with Kaiser premium

• $40 a tube from Mexico pharmacy

• $13 a tube + $5 shipping Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug

Can't get a prescription?

• Interlude makes it easy to get Vaginal Estrogen.

  • $39* for 2-3 month supply ($25 off with code WAKEHERUP)

    *One-time consult and prescription fee $45

  • Fill out medical history

  • A Board-certified physician reviews your info

  • Quick telemed consultation

  • Vaginal Estrogen shipped to your door

💡 You Deserve Relief—and Options

Menopause shouldn’t mean discomfort, pain, or feeling disconnected from your body. Vaginal estrogen therapy is a simple, safe, and highly effective tool to restore confidence, comfort, and quality of life.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of GSM, don’t brush it off—talk to a menopause-informed provider about your options. You are not alone, and you deserve to feel whole again.

Ask your doctor to prescribe you Vaginal Estrogen or you can purchase it conveniently without any push back from INTERLUDE. (use code WAKEHERUP for $25 off)

WAKE HER UP is on a mission to help women reclaim their health and power in midlife. Let’s stop whispering about menopause—and start demanding better care.

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.