Thrive Note: Vaginal Estrogen and Women’s Health

Dr. Rachel Coleman and Dr. Anamaria Yeung of Empower Lifestyle Medicine unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: vaginal estrogen.Often surrounded by fear and misinformation, vaginal estrogen is a localized therapy that supports vaginal and urinary health during menopause and perimenopause—without significantly impacting estrogen levels throughout the body. Backed by research, it has not been shown to increase risks like breast cancer recurrence, blood clots, or stroke for the vast majority of women.More importantly, this conversation challenges a larger issue in healthcare: the lack of open, informed discussions around hormone therapy. Every woman deserves a personalized, risk-benefit conversation—not a blanket “yes” or “no.”This Thrive Note is a reminder that menopause can be a time to better understand your body, advocate for your health, and make informed decisions that support your long-term well-being.