Key takeaways
Premarin vaginal cream (conjugated estrogens) and Climara (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement therapies, but they have different uses and forms. Premarin vaginal cream is applied directly into the vagina to treat symptoms like vaginal dryness and pain during sex caused by menopause. In contrast, Climara is a transdermal patch applied to the skin, which treats a broader range of menopause symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, and can also help prevent osteoporosis. Climara might be more convenient if you need to treat multiple menopause symptoms since Premarin only treats vaginal symptoms. Premarin is used in cycles or twice a week, while Climara is applied once or twice a week. Premarin is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Climara has generic versions. Both medications can cause side effects like headaches and breast pain, but Climara has a higher incidence of flu-like symptoms and weight gain. Additionally, both treatments carry risks of serious conditions like blood clots, strokes, and certain cancers.
