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Compare EstroGel vs. Aygestin

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

Key takeaways

Estradiol gel (EstroGel) and norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) are both used to manage hormone-related conditions, but they belong to different medication classes. Estradiol gel is an estrogen replacement therapy used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It is applied topically to the skin once a day. Norethindrone acetate, on the other hand, is a progestin taken by mouth to treat conditions like absent menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and endometriosis. While both medications can affect hormone levels, they have different uses. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of estradiol gel include headaches and breast pain, while norethindrone acetate may cause breakthrough bleeding and headaches. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

  • Estradiol gel (EstroGel)
    Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)
  • Estradiol gel (EstroGel)
    Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)

  • Summary of EstroGel vs. Aygestin

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Estradiol gel (EstroGel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Unlike some other estrogen gels, it's also FDA approved to treat vaginal symptoms from menopause, such as vaginal dryness and irritation. It comes as a pump bottle, and the dose is applied to the skin on your entire arm once a day. The gel is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Common side effects include headache, passing gas, and breast pain.

    Summary for Progestin
    Prescription only

    Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is a progestin, a man-made version of the hormone progesterone. It's used to balance out hormone levels to treat absent menstrual bleeding (periods) and abnormal vaginal bleeding in adults. Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can also help with endometriosis. The dosage can differ depending on what condition you have, but norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is usually taken by mouth once a day. Side effects include breakthrough bleeding and headaches. Brand name Aygestin has been discontinued and norethindrone acetate is only available as a generic.

  • Indications of EstroGel vs. Aygestin

    Indications for
    •Hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause
    •Vaginal dryness and irritation due to menopause
    Indications for
    •Lack of menstrual periods due to hormonal imbalance (secondary amenorrhea)
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding due to hormonal imbalance
    •Endometriosis

  • Pros and Cons of EstroGel vs. Aygestin

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves bothersome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Also FDA approved to treat vaginal symptoms due to menopause
    •Applied directly to the skin on your entire 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
    Pros and Const for Progestin
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Helps to regulate your period from hormonal imbalances
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Not recommended if you have liver problems
    •Can cause breakthrough bleeding and other bothersome side effects
    •Not for those who have reached menopause

  • Common Side Effects of EstroGel vs. Aygestin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (11%)
    •Headache (10%)
    •Passing gas (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
    •Change in menstrual flow
    •Lack of periods
    •Headache or migraine
    •Breast enlargement
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach cramps or bloating
    •Patches of darkened skin (melasma or chloasma)
    •Acne
    •Hair loss
    •Yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes (jaundice)
    •Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
    •Changes in vision

  • Warnings of EstroGel vs. Aygestin

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
    •Abnormal changes in vision
    •Fluid build-up (edema)
    •Depression
    •Changes in blood sugar and cholesterol levels
    •Harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for EstroGel vs. Aygestin

    Learn more about Estradiol gel
    Learn more about Norethindrone acetate

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