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Compare Delestrogen vs. Divigel

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

Key takeaways

Estradiol valerate (Delestrogen) injection and estradiol gel (Divigel) are both estrogen replacement therapies used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. They also share the off-label use of being part of gender-affirming hormone therapy. However, they differ in several ways. Delestrogen is an intramuscular injection, typically given every 1-4 weeks, while Divigel is a topical gel applied daily to the skin of the thigh. Delestrogen is also used for conditions such as low estrogen levels due to hypogonadism , whereas Divigel is only FDA-approved for menopausal symptoms. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of Delestrogen include vaginal spotting and headaches, while Divigel may cause vaginal yeast infections and breast tenderness. Both medications raise the risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes, but the risk of serious side effects may be lower with Divigel.

  • Estradiol valerate (Delestrogen) injection
    Estradiol gel (Divigel)
  • Estradiol valerate (Delestrogen) injection
    Estradiol gel (Divigel)

  • Summary of Delestrogen vs. Divigel

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Estradiol valerate (Delestrogen) injection is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It's used to relieve certain menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also help raise estrogen levels in females with other conditions, such as hypogonadism and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Estradiol valerate (Delestrogen) injection is an injection that's given into the muscle every 1-4 weeks depending on the reason you're taking it. Potential side effects include vaginal spotting, breast tenderness, and headache.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Estradiol gel (Divigel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. It comes as single-use packets, and the dose is applied to the skin on your upper thigh once a day. The gel is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication. Common side effects include vaginal yeast infections, breast tenderness, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

  • Indications of Delestrogen vs. Divigel

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy from menopause, like vaginal dryness and irritation
    •Low estrogen level caused by female hypogonadism, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), or castration
    •Palliative care for advanced androgen-dependent prostate cancer
    Indications for
    •Hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Delestrogen vs. Divigel

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
    •Only injected once a month for most conditions
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Injected into the muscles
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Can't use for people who have or have had breast cancer
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves bothersome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Applied directly to the skin on the thighs
    •Only need to use once a day
    •Available in multiple strengths to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Risk of exposing others to estrogen through skin contact
    •Might also need to take a progestin medication if you have a uterus
    •Need to wait for the gel to dry completely before bathing, showering, or swimming

  • Common Side Effects of Delestrogen vs. Divigel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain/tenderness where the medication is injected
    •Breast tenderness or growth
    •Nausea
    •Headaches/migraines
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach cramps
    •Vaginal spotting/breakthrough bleeding
    •Weight changes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (4-10%)
    •Breast tenderness (3-9%)
    •Common cold symptoms (4-6%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (2-6%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (1-6%)

  • Warnings of Delestrogen vs. Divigel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine or endometrial cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
    •Risk of dementia
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Higher risk of side effects
    •High triglycerides
    •Vision problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of blood clot
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    •Potential skin-to-skin transfer

  • Prices with our coupons for Delestrogen vs. Divigel

    Learn more about Estradiol valerate
    Learn more about Estradiol gel

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