At 68, can vaginal exams stop? am on vivelle (estradiol) dot 5mg. had a total hysterectomy in '89

Depends . . .: Tricky question to answer bc depends upon definitions. Pelvic/vaginal exams are separate from Pap smears which look for cervical cancer. Assuming total hysterectomy (TH) for non-cancerous reasons, there's no further need for Pap smears. Common misunderstanding that TH includes removing ovaries - this is not true, as it only refers to removing whole uterus. If ovaries removed too then stop pelvic

Opinions vary : Vivelle Dot is a good choice for HRT since it is real estradiol in a transdermal form. Adding progesterone and a small amount of testosterone would be encouraged. Even though you have had a complete hysterectomy and are probably at low risk, vaginal cancer is a remote possibility. If undetected though, it can develop into a devastating medical problem. Discuss the above with your PCP or OB/GYN.