Key takeaways
Premarin vaginal cream (conjugated estrogens) and Provera (medroxyprogesterone) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Premarin vaginal cream is an estrogen replacement therapy used to treat vaginal symptoms of menopause, such as dryness and pain during sex. It is applied directly into the vagina and works by replacing the estrogen your body loses during menopause. On the other hand, Provera is a progestin that helps regulate menstrual periods and protects the uterus in postmenopausal women taking estrogen medications. Provera is taken orally and helps balance the effects of estrogen on the uterine lining to lower the risk of endometrial cancer. While Premarin vaginal cream is used locally and has fewer effects on the whole body, Provera can have a broader impact on your body, including higher risk of blood clots and breast cancer when combined with estrogen therapy. Both medications have serious risks, especially with long-term use, so it's important to use them for the shortest time necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
