Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Climara vs. Estring

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Climara (estradiol patch)
Estring (estradiol)
Climara (estradiol patch)
Estring (estradiol)

Summary of Climara vs. Estring

Summary for Estrogen replacement
Prescription only

The Climara (estradiol patch) is a once-weekly hormonal patch that relieves menopause symptoms and treats low estrogen levels. It can also help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people who have gone through menopause. The patch is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills. You'll apply one patch to the skin of your lower stomach or the upper buttocks once a week. Potential side effects of this hormone patch include breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain.

Summary for Estrogen replacement
Prescription only

Estring (estradiol) is an estrogen vaginal ring used as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat moderate-to-severe menopause symptoms in and around the vagina, such as vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. The ring is inserted into the vagina and stays in place for 3 months, releasing a steady dose of estrogen directly where it's needed. Common side effects include headache, vaginal discharge, and vaginal yeast infections.

Indications of Climara vs. Estring

Indications for
•Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
•Vaginal dryness and irritation caused by menopause
•Low estrogen levels due to certain conditions
•Prevention of osteoporosis after menopause
Indications for
•Vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause

Pros and Cons of Climara vs. Estring

Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
Pros
•Relieves multiple menopause symptoms
•Only need to apply once a week
•Might have fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
•Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
Cons
•Commonly causes breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain
•Can cause skin irritation, redness, and itchiness at the patch site
•Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
•Might need to take it with another hormone called progestin if you have a healthy uterus
Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
Pros
•Can be inserted by you or a healthcare professional
•Only needs to be changed every 3 months
•Works directly at the site of application to relieve vaginal symptoms
Cons
•Can cause vaginal yeast infections
•Doesn't treat other menopause symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats
•Must take a progestin if you have a uterus to lower your risk of uterine cancer

Common Side Effects of Climara vs. Estring

Common Side Effects for
•Breast pain (up to 29%)
•Headache (up to 18%)
•Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 17%)
•Stomach pain (up to 16%)
•Swelling (up to 13%)
•Back and body pain (up to 11%)
•Depression (up to 8%)
•Vaginal discharge (up to 7%)
•Excessive gas (up to 7%)
•Itching (up to 6%)
•Nausea (up to 6%)
Common Side Effects for
•Headache (13%)
•Vaginal discharge (7%)
•Vaginal yeast infection (6%)
•Back pain (6%)
•Vaginal inflammation (5%)
•Vaginal discomfort or pain (5%)
•Upper respiratory infection (5%)
•Vaginal bleeding (4%)
•Bacterial growth in the vagina (4%)
•Arthritis (4%)
•Trouble sleeping (4%)
•Stomach pain (4%)
•Sinus inflammation (4%)
•Nausea (3%)
•Flu-like symptoms (3%)
•Joint pain (3%)

Warnings of Climara vs. Estring

Common Side Effects for
•Blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
•Uterine (endometrial) cancer
•Breast cancer
•Ovarian cancer
•Dementia
•Gallbladder and liver problems
•Vision problems
•High triglycerides
•Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
•Fluid Retention
•Worsening of other health conditions
Common Side Effects for
•Risk for blood clots and related complications
•Risk for uterine cancer (also called endometrial cancer)
•Risk for breast cancer
•Risk for ovarian cancer
•Risk for dementia
•Gallbladder or liver problems in certain people
•High triglyceride (fat) levels
•Changes in calcium levels in certain people
•Low thyroid hormone levels
•Buildup of fluids in your body (fluid retention)
•Worsening of certain other health conditions
•Vaginal irritation and infections

Prices with our coupons for Climara vs. Estring

Learn more about Climara
Learn more about Estring

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.