Key takeaways
Premarin vaginal cream (conjugated estrogens) and Elestrin (estradiol gel) are both estrogen replacement medications used to treat symptoms related to menopause, but they have some important differences. Premarin is a vaginal cream specifically used for vaginal symptoms, while Elestrin is a topical gel used to relieve hot flashes and night sweats. Premarin vaginal cream is applied directly into the vagina, either in cycles or twice a week, whereas Elestrin is applied once daily to the skin of the upper arm. Both medications are only available as a brand. Common side effects of Premarin include headache and pelvic pain, while Elestrin may cause breast tenderness and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots and certain types of cancer and may need to be taken with a progestin if you have a uterus. Elestrin has a higher risk of transferring the medication to others through skin-to-skin contact.
