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Compare Estring vs. Provera

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

Key takeaways

Estring (estradiol) and Provera (medroxyprogesterone) are both prescription medications used for different purposes related to menopause and hormone balance. Estring is a vaginal ring that you insert into your vagina that releases a steady amount of estrogen to relieve vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause. It needs to be replaced every 3 months. On the other hand, Provera is a progestin taken orally and is used to regulate menstrual periods and protect the uterus in postmenopausal women taking estrogen replacement therapy. Provera is taken daily for a specific number of days each month. Estring is only available as a brand-name medication, while Provera has a generic form. Estring works directly locally in the vagina and can cause vaginal-related side effects such as yeast infections, pain, or discomfort. Provera works systemically to balance hormone levels and can cause spotting or breakthrough bleeding, even in individuals who have gone through menopause. Both medications have serious risks, including blood clots and cancer, especially when used long-term or in combination with other hormone therapies.

  • Estring (estradiol)
    Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
  • Estring (estradiol)
    Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)

  • Summary of Estring vs. Provera

    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 Progestin
    Prescription only

    Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) can help make your menstrual cycles more regular. It also helps protect the uterus from harm in people who've gone through menopause and are taking estrogen replacement medications. When taken with estrogen therapy, it has some serious risks that you should consider if you need treatment for a long time.

  • Indications of Estring vs. Provera

    Indications for
    •Vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause
    Indications for
    •Lack of menstrual periods due to hormone imbalance
    •Irregular periods due to hormone imbalance
    •Protection of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are taking estrogen medications

  • Pros and Cons of Estring vs. Provera

    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 Progestin
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Helps protect the uterus from damage if taking estrogen medications after menopause
    •A good alternative to progesterone (Prometrium) if you have a peanut allergy
    Cons
    •Need to remember to take on certain days of the month
    •Can have spotting or breakthrough bleeding, even if you've gone through menopause
    •Shouldn't be used in people with liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Estring vs. Provera

    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
    •Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
    •Heavier or lighter periods
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Estring vs. Provera

    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
    •When taken with estrogen medications:
    •Blood clots and their complications (heart attack, stroke)
    •Breast cancer
    •Dementia
    •Uterine and ovarian cancer
    •Vision problems
    •Higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels
    •Swelling (fluid buildup)

  • Prices with our coupons for Estring vs. Provera

    Learn more about Estring
    Learn more about Medroxyprogesterone

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