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Compare Premarin 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
    Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
  • Premarin
    Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)

  • Summary of Premarin vs. Provera

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Premarin (conjugated estrogens) is an oral estrogen hormone tablet that's used to treat various conditions in adults. Most commonly, it relieves menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes. The medication is also used for treating low estrogen levels, certain advanced stages of breast or prostate cancers, and osteoporosis after menopause. Depending on what you're using it for, the medication can be taken daily or in cycles. Side effects include headache, stomach pain, nausea, 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 vs. Provera

    Indications for
    •Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Vaginal dryness caused by menopause
    •Low estrogen levels due to certain conditions
    •Certain advanced stages of breast cancer
    •Certain advanced stages of prostate cancer
    •Prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis) after 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 vs. Provera

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
    •Available in multiple strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    •Comes as a tablet that you take by mouth
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Some people might need to take it with another hormone called progestin
    •Not a first-choice medication for treating bone loss after menopause
    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 vs. Provera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (13-14%)
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (2-13%)
    •Breast pain (7-12%)
    •Stomach pain (8-11%)
    •Passing gas (4-6%)
    •Vaginal discharge (4-5%)
    •Back pain (3-5%)
    •General pain (3-5%)
    •Nausea (3-5%)
    •Insomnia (3-5%)
    •Depression (3-5%)
    •Weakness (2-5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
    •Heavier or lighter periods
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Premarin 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 vs. Provera

    Learn more about Premarin
    Learn more about Medroxyprogesterone

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