Estradiol
An estrogen used in menopause care. Systemic and low-dose vaginal treatments serve different needs. The exact product, route and whether it is FDA-approved or compounded must be identified before treatment.
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Progesterone
A clinician may include a progestogen with systemic estrogen for a patient with a uterus to protect the uterine lining. Compounded creams are not automatically interchangeable with approved oral products.
Explore this option ↗Intimate Comfort
Discuss dryness, discomfort and painful intimacy. Options may include moisturizers, lubricants and clinician-selected local estrogen. The cause of symptoms and the prescribed product guide treatment.
Explore this option ↗What HRT means here
HRT stands for hormone replacement therapy. For menopause care, it is also called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) or hormone therapy (HT). Our focus is the menopause transition, rather than a general promise to “balance” every hormone.
Symptoms deserve a conversation.
Hormone therapy can treat bothersome hot flashes and night sweats. Vaginal dryness and related discomfort may call for local treatment. Not every change in sleep, mood or energy is caused by menopause; assessment helps identify the right next step.
| Care discussion | Questions to explore |
|---|---|
| Perimenopause & menopause | What has changed, when did it begin, and how does it affect daily life? |
| HRT / menopausal hormone therapy | Are systemic hormones appropriate? Which route and monitoring fit? |
| Vaginal & intimate comfort | Would local treatment or a different evaluation address the concern? |
| Non-hormonal care | What alternatives could fit the symptoms and medical history? |
Individual choices, ongoing review.
Systemic estrogen and local vaginal treatments have different roles. People with a uterus generally need endometrial protection when using systemic estrogen. Personal history and risks shape treatment; HRT is not right for everyone.
Your consultation should also cover prior treatment, bleeding history, surgery, medicines and preferences. A clinician determines whether testing, a prescription or an in-person referral is needed.