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Compare Minivelle vs. Estring

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

Key takeaways

Climara (estradiol) and Estring (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement therapies, but they differ in their forms and uses. Climara is a transdermal patch applied to the skin once or twice a week, while Estring is a vaginal ring that needs to be replaced every three months. Climara treats multiple menopause symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, and can also help prevent osteoporosis. In contrast, Estring specifically targets vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause. Climara may require you to avoid swimming if using the once-weekly patch, whereas Estring does not have such restrictions. Additionally, Climara is available in both generic and brand-name forms, which can make it more affordable, while Estring is only available as a brand-name medication. Both treatments may require the use of a progestin if you still have your uterus to lower the risk of uterine cancer, but this is less likely with Estring due to its lower estrogen dose.

drug combination

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  • Minivelle (estradiol patch)
    Estring (estradiol)
  • Minivelle (estradiol patch)
    Estring (estradiol)

  • Summary of Minivelle vs. Estring

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Minivelle (estradiol patch) is a twice-weekly hormonal patch that treats moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats, caused by menopause. It can also prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. It's a type of hormone replacement therapy. The usual dose is one patch applied to the lower stomach or buttocks twice a week, or every 3 to 4 days. Potential side effects include headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.

    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.

  • Indications of Minivelle vs. Estring

    Indications for
    •Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Prevent osteoporosis that happens after menopause
    Indications for
    •Vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Minivelle vs. Estring

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
    •Delivers a consistent dose of estrogen over time
    •Good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Commonly causes headache, breast tenderness, and back pain
    •Need to apply a new patch twice a week
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Might need to take it with another hormone called progestin if you have a healthy uterus
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Minivelle vs. Estring

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 50%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 20%)
    •Breast tenderness (up to 17%)
    •Sinus swelling (up to 13%)
    •Bleeding in-between periods (up to 11%)
    •Depression (up to 11%)
    •Back pain (up to 11%)
    •Sinus headache (up to 10%)
    •Indigestion (up to 9%)
    •Weight gain (up to 9%)
    •Joint pain (up to 9%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Minivelle vs. Estring

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Ovarian cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Minivelle vs. Estring

    Learn more about Minivelle
    Learn more about Estring

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