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Compare Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Femring

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

Key takeaways

Premarin vaginal cream (conjugated estrogens) and Femring (estradiol acetate) vaginal ring are both estrogen replacement therapies used to treat symptoms of menopause, but they have some key differences. Premarin vaginal cream is applied directly into the vagina and is primarily used to treat vaginal dryness and pain during sex. It can be messy to apply and is applied in cycles or twice a week. On the other hand, Femring is a vaginal ring that treats vaginal dryness and helps with hot flashes and night sweats. You only need to insert Femring once every three months, making it more convenient. However, Femring is absorbed into your bloodstream, which can raise your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes. Both medications are brand-name only, but Femring might be more expensive. While both treatments have similar risks, Femring offers broader symptom relief compared to Premarin vaginal cream.

  • Premarin vaginal cream
    Femring (estradiol)
  • Premarin vaginal cream
    Femring (estradiol)

  • Summary of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Femring

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Premarin (conjugated estrogens) vaginal cream is an estrogen hormone cream used to treat adults with vaginal symptoms due to menopause, such as vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Depending on what you're taking the vaginal cream for, the dosage can be different. You might apply it in cycles (daily for 3 weeks, then no cream for 1 week) or simply just twice a week. Common side effects include headache, pelvic pain, and breast pain.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Femring (estradiol) is a type of estrogen replacement that comes as a vaginal ring. This hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The usual dosage is to insert 1 ring into the vagina every 3 months. Common side effects include vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness.

  • Indications of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Femring

    Indications for
    •Vaginal dryness and irritation
    •Pain during sex caused by menopause
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation caused by menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Femring

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Is applied directly into the vagina to relieve symptoms locally
    •Good option if for those who have trouble swallow pills
    •Smaller amounts are absorbed into the body compared to tablets or injections
    Cons
    •Applying the cream can be messy
    •Need to remember stop taking it for a week if your dosage is in cycles
    •Can take several weeks to improve symptoms
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves both vaginal symptoms and hot flashes due to menopause
    •Might be more comfortable and easier to use than vaginal creams
    •Only need to change the ring every 3 months
    Cons
    •Can sometimes cause vaginal yeast infections
    •Might take a few weeks before you start to feel symptom improvement
    •Must take an additional hormonal medication called a progestin if you have your uterus to lower your risk for uterine cancer

  • Common Side Effects of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Femring

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (2-5%)
    •Headache (2-4%)
    •Pelvic pain (3%)
    •Vaginal discharge (2-3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast tenderness (6-11%)
    •Vaginal yeast infections (6-11%)
    •Vaginal spotting (8-10%)
    •Headache (7-10%)
    •Stomach bloating (3-7%)
    •Back pain (4-6%)

  • Warnings of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Femring

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots and stroke
    •Heart disease and heart attacks
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •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
    •Risks related to vaginal use

  • Prices with our coupons for Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Femring

    Learn more about Premarin vaginal cream
    Learn more about Femring

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