Is vaginal estrogen the same as hormone treatment for hot flashes?

Not necessarily. Low-dose vaginal estrogen targets vaginal and related urinary symptoms; systemic hormone therapy works throughout the body and can treat hot flashes. The word “cream” alone does not tell you which kind of treatment you are discussing. Where and how a product is used matters. Someone whose main concern is vaginal dryness may need a different approach from someone whose main concern is night sweats, and some people have both. Next: Tell Valerie which symptoms you want help with and ask whether the proposed treatment is local or systemic. Clinical reference: The Menopause Society.