Your guide to low dose hormone therapy

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The doctor is in Stacy Henigsman DO, MSCP Q What is low dose, localized hormone therapy, and how long can I safely take it? A Low dose, localized hormone therapy (such as vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, and rings) offers a targeted way to relieve symptoms such as vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Unlike systemic hormone therapy, which affects the entire body, localized treatments deliver very small amounts of hormones directly to the vaginal tissues. This means that only minimal amounts enter the bloodstream, resulting in fewer risks compared to whole-body hormone therapy. There is no strict time limit for how long localized therapy can be used. If your symptoms persist, you can continue therapy. However, it's important to continue to check in regularly with a healthcare professional to make sure treatment is still necessary and safe. Localized hormone therapy is considered safe for people over 60, including those who cannot use whole-body hormone therapy due to health risks like a history of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, or certain cancers. For people with a history of breast or uterine cancer, decisions about localized therapy should be made together with an oncologist, but in many cases, low dose vaginal estrogen is still an option. Read more Do you have any questions for our menopause experts? Let us know at menopause@healthline.com, and the answer may be featured in an upcoming edition! More resources for you Why Your Period Gets Weird in Perimenopause Dr. Karen Tang, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, explains the unpredictable nature of menstrual cycles during perimenopause. Watch now > The Best Vaginal Moisturizers to Treat Vaginal Dryness, According to Experts Read more > Understanding the Potential Health Complications of Menopause Read more > What to Know About Racial Disparities in Menopause Read more > Take the next steps in your wellness journey Find a menopause specialist near you Search by specialty, condition, procedures, and more to find top rated professionals in your area. Find care Don't break the bank on meds Find Rx savings with our prescription coupons — we beat competitor pricing 70% of the time. Save now HEALTHY TIP Ease vaginal dryness by doing regular pelvic floor exercises These exercises, such as Kegels, may help improve circulation, encourage the production of vaginal lubrication, and enhance overall vaginal health. Over time, regular practice may help improve symptoms of vaginal dryness and improve sexual satisfaction. Learn more More care for you Menopause Guide Embrace transition   Sleep + Relaxation Sleep tight, every night FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM Shop products Get care Shipping info View in browser Unsubscribe Privacy policy We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. Healthline, Optum Now, and their respective logo(s) are trademarks of RVO Health, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © ‌2025‌ RVO Health, LLC. All Rights Reserved. ‌1101‌ Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC, ‌29707 ‌