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Estring vs. Evamist

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

Key takeaways

Estring (estradiol) and Evamist (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement therapies, but they are used differently and treat different symptoms of menopause. Estring is a vaginal ring that you insert into your vagina to relieve vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. It needs to be replaced every 3 months. On the other hand, Evamist is a topical spray that you apply to your forearm daily to help with hot flashes and night sweats. Estring is more focused on treating local vaginal symptoms, while Evamist addresses systemic menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Evamist can cause breast tenderness, whereas, Estring can cause vaginal yeast infections, discomfort, or pain. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects, such as blood clots, strokes, and certain cancers. Additionally, if you have a uterus, you might need to take a progestin-based medication with either Estring or Evamist to lower the risk of uterine cancer.

Estring

(estradiol)

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Evamist

(estradiol)

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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 Evamist

Prescription only

Evamist (estradiol) is a topical hormone spray that helps relieve the hot flashes and night sweats caused by menopause. It's a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that's sprayed onto the skin of your inner forearm once a day. The typical dose ranges from 1 to 3 sprays daily, depending on your symptoms. Some potential side effects of this medication include headache, tender breasts, and back pain.

Indications for Evamist

Pros and Cons for Evamist

Pros

  • Dries within 2 minutes, doesn't need to be rubbed in
  • Possible option if you can't swallow pills
  • Only needs to be applied once a day

Cons

  • Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
  • Need to use with progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer (in females who have uterus)
  • Must cover with clothing to prevent exposure to others

Common Side Effects for Evamist

  • Headache (up to 12%)
  • Breast tenderness (up to 7%)
  • Nipple pain (up to 7%)
  • Cold-like symptoms (up to 5%)
  • Back pain (up to 5%)
  • Joint pain (up to 4%)

Warnings for Evamist

  • Uterine or endometrial cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
  • Risk of dementia
  • Risk of harm in children (accidental contact with medication)
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Higher risk of side effects
  • Vision problems
  • High triglycerides
  • Changes in calcium levels in the blood
  • Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
  • Swelling from fluids
  • Worsening of other medical conditions

Prices with our coupons for Estring vs. Evamist

Price Card Drug Icon
Estring1 ring / 2mg
$249.00$683.01
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Price Card Drug Icon
Evamist1 bottle / 8.1ml of 1.53mg/spray
$75.00$178.72
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