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Hormones, Healing & the Future of Menopause Care
Nov 14, 2025
5 min read
The FDA Removes Boxed Warning on Vaginal Estrogen: A New Era for Women’s Health
A major milestone in women’s health has finally arrived after more than two decades of uncertainty. This week, the FDA officially removed the boxed warning on vaginal estrogen products. This change ends years of confusion, fear, and under-treatment for many women experiencing menopausal symptoms and vaginal health issues.
In this post, we explore what this decision means for women everywhere, how misinterpreted data from 2002 shaped hormone therapy use, and why this reversal opens the door to improved health, confidence, and longevity.
Meet Dr. Rahi: Champion of Integrative Hormone Health
On November 20, Dr. Rahi — founder of The Aesthetic Room in Beverly Hills and a leading voice in regenerative medicine — joins Marla Guloien on the OMG Podcast to talk about what this moment means for women everywhere.
Dr Rahi Is Talking With Marla Guloien on The OMG Podcast
Dr. Rahi’s integrative approach blends modern science with holistic care, helping women feel strong, balanced, and beautiful from the inside out. From bio-identical hormone therapy to peptide optimization and preventive longevity strategies, her mission is simple yet radical: help women thrive, not just survive.
Why This Conversation Matters
For years, the menopause conversation was steeped in silence. Now, with medical clarity and voices like Dr. Rahi’s leading the way, women are reclaiming their agency.
In our upcoming episode, we explore:
What the FDA update really means for women’s hormone therapy.
The difference between systemic and local estrogen treatments.
How to safely and confidently talk to your doctor about HRT.
Why hormone optimization is about longevity, not vanity.
This isn’t just a medical shift — it’s a cultural one. We’re finally acknowledging that menopause is not the end of vitality but a powerful new chapter of it.
A New Era of Empowered Aging
“Optimal hormones don’t just change how you look — they change how you feel, think, and age.” - Dr. Rahi
This conversation is about ownership — of our bodies, our knowledge, and our choices. It’s about moving past fear into freedom, and using science to support the feminine experience in its entirety.
Tune In November 20
Join us for this powerful episode of the OMG Podcast by House of GlamRock.
In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study released findings that caused widespread alarm about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The study linked systemic hormone therapy to increased risks of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. As a result, the FDA added a boxed warning to all estrogen products, including vaginal estrogen, which is used locally to treat symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, and painful intercourse.
However, the data from the WHI study primarily focused on systemic hormone therapy taken orally or through the skin, not the low-dose vaginal estrogen applied locally. Despite this distinction, the boxed warning applied broadly, creating fear among patients and healthcare providers. Many women stopped or avoided vaginal estrogen therapy, leading to untreated symptoms that affected their quality of life.
Dr. Rahi of The Aesthetic Room, Beverly Hills
What the FDA’s Decision Means Today
The FDA’s removal of the boxed warning on vaginal estrogen acknowledges that the risks associated with systemic hormone therapy do not apply to low-dose vaginal estrogen products. This decision is based on extensive research showing that vaginal estrogen:
Does not increase the risk of breast cancer or cardiovascular disease
Is safe for long-term use in most women
Effectively treats symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, a common condition after menopause
This change empowers women and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions without fear. It encourages the use of vaginal estrogen to improve vaginal health, sexual function, and overall well-being.
Why Vaginal Estrogen Matters for Women’s Health
Vulvovaginal atrophy affects up to 50% of postmenopausal women. Symptoms include dryness, irritation, burning, and pain during intercourse. These symptoms can lead to discomfort, reduced intimacy, and emotional distress. Unfortunately, many women suffer in silence or avoid treatment due to concerns about hormone therapy safety.
Vaginal estrogen therapy provides targeted relief by restoring the vaginal lining, improving elasticity, and increasing natural lubrication. Unlike systemic hormone therapy, it delivers estrogen directly to the affected area with minimal absorption into the bloodstream. This localized approach reduces risks and maximizes benefits.
How Misinterpretation of Data Created Fear
The WHI study’s broad conclusions led to a misunderstanding that all hormone therapies carried the same risks. The boxed warning did not differentiate between systemic and local estrogen use. This lack of clarity caused many women to avoid vaginal estrogen, even though it was safe and effective.
Healthcare providers also became cautious, sometimes hesitating to prescribe vaginal estrogen. This hesitation contributed to under-treatment and ongoing discomfort for many women.
What This Means for Women’s Confidence and Longevity
By removing the boxed warning, the FDA has taken a significant step toward restoring trust in vaginal estrogen therapy. Women can now seek treatment without stigma or fear, improving their quality of life and confidence.
Better vaginal health supports sexual function, which is linked to emotional well-being and relationship satisfaction. Additionally, treating vulvovaginal atrophy can prevent complications like urinary tract infections and vaginal injuries.
This decision also aligns with a broader movement toward personalized, evidence-based care for women’s health. It encourages open conversations between patients and providers about hormone therapy options.
Practical Advice for Women Considering Vaginal Estrogen
If you experience symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort, talk to your healthcare provider about vaginal estrogen therapy. Here are some tips to guide your conversation:
Describe your symptoms clearly and how they affect your daily life
Ask about the benefits and risks of vaginal estrogen compared to other treatments
Discuss your medical history, including any breast cancer or cardiovascular concerns
Understand the different forms of vaginal estrogen, such as creams, tablets, or rings
Follow your provider’s instructions for use and attend regular check-ups
Remember, vaginal estrogen is a safe and effective option for many women, especially with the FDA’s updated guidance.
The Future of Women’s Health and Hormone Therapy
The removal of the boxed warning marks a turning point in how hormone therapy is viewed and used. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between different types of estrogen treatments and basing decisions on current evidence.
This change may encourage further research into hormone therapies tailored to women’s unique needs at various life stages. It also supports a more open dialogue about menopause and aging, reducing stigma and improving care.
Women deserve access to treatments that enhance their health and well-being without unnecessary fear. The FDA’s decision is a step toward that goal.
Mark your calendars for our podcast episode, and send me your questions for the doctor!
The FDA has officially removed the boxed warning on vaginal estrogen — a monumental moment for menopause care and women’s health.
In this episode, Marla Guloien sits down with integrative aesthetics and hormone specialist Dr Rahi to unpack what this decision really means for women at every age.
Tune In November 20
Join us for this powerful episode of the OMG Podcast by House of GlamRock.
🩷 Featuring: Dr. Rahi of The Aesthetic Room, Beverly Hills
🎙️ Host: Marla Guloien, Founder of House of GlamRock
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