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Compare Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Provera

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

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.

  • Premarin vaginal cream
    Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
  • Premarin vaginal cream
    Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)

  • Summary of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Provera

    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 Progestin
    Prescription only

    Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) can help make your menstrual cycles more regular. It also helps protect the uterus from harm in people who've gone through menopause and are taking estrogen replacement medications. When taken with estrogen therapy, it has some serious risks that you should consider if you need treatment for a long time.

  • Indications of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Provera

    Indications for
    •Vaginal dryness and irritation
    •Pain during sex caused by menopause
    Indications for
    •Lack of menstrual periods due to hormone imbalance
    •Irregular periods due to hormone imbalance
    •Protection of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are taking estrogen medications

  • Pros and Cons of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Provera

    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 Progestin
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Helps protect the uterus from damage if taking estrogen medications after menopause
    •A good alternative to progesterone (Prometrium) if you have a peanut allergy
    Cons
    •Need to remember to take on certain days of the month
    •Can have spotting or breakthrough bleeding, even if you've gone through menopause
    •Shouldn't be used in people with liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Provera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (2-5%)
    •Headache (2-4%)
    •Pelvic pain (3%)
    •Vaginal discharge (2-3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
    •Heavier or lighter periods
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Provera

    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
    •When taken with estrogen medications:
    •Blood clots and their complications (heart attack, stroke)
    •Breast cancer
    •Dementia
    •Uterine and ovarian cancer
    •Vision problems
    •Higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels
    •Swelling (fluid buildup)

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

    Learn more about Premarin vaginal cream
    Learn more about Medroxyprogesterone

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