Systemic Effects of Vaginally Administered Estrogen Therapy

In Brief Hormone therapy was considered the standard of care before the publication of the Women's Health Initiative. After the study was published, the use of systemic hormone therapy dramatically decreased resulting in an increased incidence of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia experienced by women. Use of vaginal estrogen offers women a unique alternative for relief of these symptoms. This article reviews the systemic effects of vaginally administered estrogen. Effects on serum hormone levels, vasomotor symptoms, lipid profiles, and use in women with breast cancer are reviewed. An accompanying review (J Pelvic Med Surg. 2009;15:105–114.) examines the local effects of vaginally administered estrogen. Hormone therapy was considered the standard of care before the Women's Health Initiative. Vaginal hormone administration now provides a good alternative for relief of vaginal and systematic symptoms. This review focuses on the systemic effects of vaginally administered hormone therapy.