Vaginal Estrogen 101
What it is, why it helps, and whether it’s right for you
Vaginal dryness, irritation, pain with sex, and recurring UTIs aren’t just minor inconveniences — they’re symptoms that can make daily life more uncomfortable and intimacy more difficult.
And yet, many people go months or even years without getting support. They’re told it’s just part of aging or worse, offered no real guidance or treatment options.
That’s not okay — and it’s not necessary.
At Corla Health, we believe you deserve real answers, real relief, and a care plan that actually works. For many people, that starts with vaginal estrogen therapy — one of the most effective, safest, and well-studied options for improving vaginal and urinary health.
Why These Symptoms Happen
As estrogen levels drop — whether due to perimenopause, menopause, breast cancer treatment, or gender-affirming testosterone therapy — the vaginal and urinary tissues change.
They become thinner, drier, more fragile. You might notice:
Vaginal dryness, itching, or irritation
Pain with sex or during pelvic exams
A feeling of tightness or friction
More frequent urinary tract infections
A constant need to pee (or leaking when you laugh or sneeze)
These changes can be caused by anything that lowers estrogen — like menopause, perimenopause, or hormone-suppressing treatments. Medically, it’s called Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). That’s a mouthful — but what it really means is this:
Your body is responding to lower estrogen levels in ways that are uncomfortable and disruptive — but absolutely treatable.
So, What Is Vaginal Estrogen Therapy?
Vaginal estrogen therapy is a low-dose estrogen treatment that’s applied directly to the vaginal tissue — right where it’s needed.
It helps restore:
Moisture
Elasticity
Tissue strength and comfort
And because it’s local — meaning it stays in the tissue rather than entering your whole bloodstream — it’s very different from full-body hormone therapy.
You can use vaginal estrogen in a few different ways:
A tablet
A cream
A vaginal ring
You and your provider can decide which one fits your comfort and needs.
Is This the Same as Whole-Body Hormone Therapy?
Nope — and this is where a lot of confusion happens.
Systemic hormone therapy (like pills or patches) circulates through your entire body and affects much more than just the genital and urinary tissues.
Vaginal estrogen therapy stays local. The dose is much lower and it’s used specifically for vaginal and urinary symptoms.
What If I’ve Had Breast Cancer?
We get this question a lot. And it’s a good one.
Guided vaginal estrogen therapy is safe — even for people with a history of breast cancer. The best treatment for you depends on your personal history, breast cancer treatment plan, and comfort level.
Here’s what you should know:
Vaginal estrogen doesn’t meaningfully raise your blood estrogen levels - which means it doesn’t interfere with the work you’re doing to fight breast cancer and keep it away
It’s often approved by oncologists, especially when other treatments haven’t helped
It’s used at the lowest effective dose and always monitored carefully
If you’re on tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, you can still use vaginal estrogen
At Corla Health, we’ll work with you (and your care team, if needed) to make sure every decision supports your safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
What If I’m Taking Gender-Affirming Testosterone Therapy?
If you're using testosterone as part of your gender-affirming care, you're not alone in experiencing changes like genital dryness, discomfort, or pain with sex or exams. These are common and valid side effects of lowered estrogen levels — and they deserve thoughtful care.
Genital estrogen therapy can be a safe and supportive option — and it doesn’t interfere with your gender-affirming hormone treatment.
Here’s why:
The doses used are extremely low and localized — they do not meaningfully raise estrogen levels in your bloodstream.
Genital estrogen does not reverse or block the masculinizing effects of testosterone.
It’s about supporting comfort, tissue health, and quality of life — not disrupting your overall transition goals.
We know that many people were never told to expect these changes, and even fewer were offered solutions. At Corla Health, we’re here to change that.
We’ll walk you through your options, honor your goals, and help you find a treatment plan that supports your body and your identity.
You Don’t Have to Live with Discomfort
Too often, patients are told these symptoms are common and just part of aging or their treatment. But here’s the truth:
Common doesn’t mean you have to accept it.
You deserves care. Your comfort matters. And yes — your sexual health and quality of life deserve attention, support, and treatment.
At Corla Health, we take these symptoms seriously. We listen. We explain. And we help you explore the options that work best for you — without shame or dismissal.
Let’s talk about what’s going on.
Let’s talk about what’s possible.
Because comfort, connection, and confidence aren’t luxuries.
They’re your health. And you deserve to feel at home in your body.