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Compare Estring vs. Depo-Estradiol

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

Key takeaways

Estring (estradiol) and Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) are both estrogen replacement therapies, but they have different uses and methods of administration. Estring is a vaginal ring that you insert into your vagina to relieve symptoms like vaginal dryness and burning due to menopause. It needs to be replaced every three months. On the other hand, Depo-Estradiol is an injection given into a muscle, typically once a month, and is used to treat hot flashes, night sweats, and other low estrogen conditions. Estring is more convenient for those who prefer not to take pills and works directly at the site of application; while Depo-Estradiol can be administered at home, it does require learning how to give yourself an injection. Both medications carry risks such as blood clots, strokes, and certain cancers. Additionally, if you have your uterus, you may need to take a progestin-based medication with either treatment to lower the risk of uterine cancer.

  • Estring (estradiol)
    Depo-estradiol (estradiol cypionate)
  • Estring (estradiol)
    Depo-estradiol (estradiol cypionate)

  • Summary of Estring vs. Depo-Estradiol

    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.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) 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 raise estrogen levels in people who aren't making enough hormones. It's injected into the muscle about once every month. You can store Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) vials at room temperature, away from light. Some side effects of this medication include injection-site pain, headaches, and breast tenderness.

  • Indications of Estring vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Indications for
    •Vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Low estrogen level caused by hypogonadism

  • Pros and Cons of Estring vs. Depo-Estradiol

    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
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Can be injected at home
    •Typically injected once every 3 to 4 weeks
    •Can be stored at room temperature
    Cons
    •Given as an injection
    •Raises the risk of blood clots and strokes
    •If you have your uterus, you have to use Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) with another hormone called progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer.

  • Common Side Effects of Estring vs. Depo-Estradiol

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection-site pain
    •Breast tenderness or growth
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Headaches
    •Stomach cramps
    •Vaginal spotting or irregular bleeding

  • Warnings of Estring vs. Depo-Estradiol

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Estring vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Learn more about Estring
    Learn more about Depo-estradiol

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