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Compare Estring vs. Estrace

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

Key takeaways

Estring (estradiol) and Estrace (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement therapies used to treat menopausal symptoms, but they have some key differences. Estring is a vaginal ring that releases a steady amount of estrogen over three months, primarily targeting vaginal dryness and burning. Estrace also treats vaginal symptoms due to menopause; however, it is a vaginal cream, initially applied daily and then reduced to a few times a week. Estring is only available as a brand-name medication, while Estrace is available in a lower-cost generic form. Estring is more convenient as it only needs to be replaced every three months, whereas Estrace requires more frequent application. Both treatments carry risks such as blood clots, strokes, and certain cancers; however, the risk may be slightly lower compared to oral estrogen replacement therapies due to their localized application. Additionally, Estring might need to be used with a progestin-based medication if you have a uterus, while Estrace's need for taking a progestin depends on the dosage and duration of use.

  • Estring (estradiol)
    Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream
  • Estring (estradiol)
    Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream

  • Summary of Estring vs. Estrace

    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

    Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream is used to lessen certain symptoms related to menopause, such as vaginal itching and dryness. It's a hormone replacement therapy that's made of estradiol, a form of estrogen. Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream is applied vaginally with an applicator. Typically, your gynecologist or healthcare professional (HCP) will prescribe it daily for a few weeks, and then lower the dose to a few times a week after that. Some side effects of estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream include vaginal burning and irritation.

  • Indications of Estring vs. Estrace

    Indications for
    •Vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause
    Indications for
    •Treatment of vaginal itching, dryness, and burning due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Estring vs. Estrace

    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
    •Only need to use it 1 to 3 times per week after your symptoms improve
    •Applied directly to the vagina where symptoms are occurring
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might be challenging and uncomfortable to use
    •Raises your risk for certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Some people might need to take it with another hormone called progestin

  • Common Side Effects of Estring vs. Estrace

    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
    •Application site burning and irritation
    •Breast pain or tenderness
    •Headache
    •Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Bloating
    •Hair loss
    •Vaginal yeast infection

  • Warnings of Estring vs. Estrace

    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 (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots and strokes
    •Heart disease and heart attacks
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid retention (edema)
    •Worsening of other health conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Estring vs. Estrace

    Learn more about Estring
    Learn more about Estradiol

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