Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Systemic effects of vaginally administered estrogen therapy: a review
Megan Krause1, Thomas L Wheeler, Holly E Richter
1From the *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS; †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Carolina, University Greenville Campus, Greenville, SC; and ‡Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
Abstract:
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.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Hormonal Regulation
Hormonal Regulation
Menopause

