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.
