Vaginal estrogen is a form of estrogen that is delivered by intravaginal administration. Vaginally administered estrogens are thereby exerting their effects mainly in the nearby tissue, with more limited systemic effects compared to orally administered estrogens. [1] It will not protect against osteoporosis. [2] With perhaps the exception of the Femring, [3] it also will not alleviate the hot flashes and hormonal imbalance caused by menopause. [2]
Vaginally administered estrogen are usually used to treat some menopausal symptoms that are isolated to the vagina, vulva and urethra. [4]
Most of the vaginally administered estrogens are synthetic and therefore cause the following side effects [9]
Serious side effects:
Less serious side effects may include: [10]
Estrogen administered vaginally should not be given to persons who are:
Estrogen should not be used while pregnant as it could cause serious birth defects.
Estrogen passes into the breast milk and will cause a decrease in the production and quality of breast milk.
To effectively alleviate the symptoms of menopause, it is best to take oral estrogen instead of topical estrogen since the results are systemic and it will rejuvenate the entire reproductive system and not just the perineal area. [11] [ additional citation(s) needed ]
Phytoestrogens are plant derived compounds found in a wide variety of foods. Several health benefits including a lowered risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms are frequently attributed to phytoestrogens but many are also considered to have the potential to cause adverse health effects. [12] Plants such as Kacip Fatimah have been found to contain phytoestrogens that could alleviate some symptoms of menopause. [13]