Key takeaways
Premarin (conjugated estrogens) and Elestrin (estradiol gel) are both estrogen replacement medications used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. However, they differ in several ways. Premarin is an oral tablet, while Elestrin is a topical gel applied to the skin. Premarin is used for a wider range of conditions, including certain types of cancer and preventiong osteoporosis, whereas Elestrin is specifically for menopausal symptoms. Premarin is taken daily or in cycles, while Elestrin is applied to the skin on your upper arm once daily. Both medications are only available in a branded version. Common side effects of Premarin include headache, stomach pain, and breast pain, while Elestrin may cause breast tenderness and upper respiratory infections. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots and certain cancers. Neither medication contains a progestin, so if you have a uterus you may need to take progestin separately.
