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Estring vs. Elestrin

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

Key takeaways

Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) and Elestrin (estradiol gel) are both estrogen replacement medications used to treat symptoms of menopause. They both help relieve symptoms by replacing estrogen, but they have some important differences. Estring is a vaginal ring used to treat vaginal symptoms like dryness and irritation, while Elestrin is a topical gel used to relieve hot flashes and night sweats. Estring is inserted into the vagina and stays in place for 3 months, whereas Elestrin is applied daily to the skin of your upper arm. Both medications are only available in a branded version. Common side effects of Estring include headaches and vaginal yeast infections, while Elestrin can cause breast tenderness and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots and certain cancers, and you might need to take a progestin if you have a uterus to lower the risk of uterine cancer.

Estring

(estradiol)

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Elestrin

(estradiol gel)

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Summary for Estring

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 for Estring

Pros and Cons for Estring

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

Common Side Effects for Estring

  • 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 for Estring

  • 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

Summary for Elestrin

Prescription only

Elestrin (estradiol gel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. It comes as a pump bottle, and the dose is applied to the skin on your upper arm once a day. The gel is only available as a brand-name medication because there is no generic version. Common side effects include breast tenderness, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and upper respiratory infections.

Indications for Elestrin

Pros and Cons for Elestrin

Pros

  • Relieves bothersome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
  • Starts at a lower estrogen dose compared to other estrogen gel pumps
  • Applied directly to the skin on your upper arm
  • Only need to use once a day

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 for Elestrin

  • Common cold symptoms (9-10%)
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (4-9%)
  • Breast tenderness (7-8%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (4-6%)

Warnings for Elestrin

  • 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 Estring vs. Elestrin

Price Card Drug Icon
Estring1 ring / 2mg
$249.00$683.01
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Price Card Drug Icon
Elestrin1 package / 2 gel pumps of 35g
$199.17$326.44
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