Key takeaways
Premarin (conjugated estrogens) and Divigel (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement therapies, but they have some key differences. Premarin is an oral tablet, while Divigel is a topical gel. Premarin is used to treat a wider range of conditions, including menopausal symptoms, low estrogen levels due to other conditions, and certain cancers in advanced stages, and also helps prevent osteoporosis, whereas Divigel is primarily used for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Premarin can be taken daily or in cycles, while Divigel is applied to the skin once a day. Both medications are only available as a brand-name medication. Premarin and Divigel both carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots, strokes, and certain cancers, but Divigel has the added risk of transferring estrogen to others through skin contact.
