126. Vaginal Estrogen for Menopause: What It Is, Benefits, and Safety

In this episode of the Emotional Eats Podcast, Kim sits down with her good friend and fellow health coach, Melissa Slemp, for an honest, stigma-busting conversation about vaginal estrogen. While menopause conversations are finally moving into the spotlight, vaginal estrogen is still often overlooked, misunderstood, or even avoided out of embarrassment. Kim and Melissa share their personal experiences, what they've learned from leading experts, and why this simple treatment can be life-changing for midlife women. Together they discuss: ·       What vaginal estrogen is and how it differs from systemic hormone therapy ·       Benefits beyond dryness, including bladder health, reduced urinary urgency, and fewer UTIs ·       Why proactive use can help prevent future issues like painful sex or incontinence ·       Why some doctors hesitate to prescribe it and how stigma still silences the conversation ·       Cost, insurance coverage, application methods, and what to expect when starting ·       The emotional side: confidence, sexual health, and advocating for your body in midlife and beyond This is not medical advice but a personal, open conversation to help women feel empowered and informed when talking with their doctors.   About Melissa Slemp: Melissa Slemp is a certified health coach specializing in type 1 diabetes, blood sugar regulation, and holistic wellness for midlife women. She is passionate about helping women navigate hormonal changes, improve metabolic health, and reclaim their energy and confidence.  Melissa is also authoring a book sharing her expertise.  Stay tuned for details. Connect with Melissa: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/type1.in.midlife/ Website: https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/ Podcast: https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/podcast   If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support. Join the Conversation, Coaching and Community: Continue learning, talking, and getting coaching and support around emotional eating, midlife women's health, and menopause by joining the Emotional Eats Community. Click here to join: https://kimhynes.com/emotional-eats-community-sign-up  Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey. Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH