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Compare Premarin vs. Estring

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

Key takeaways

Premarin (conjugated estrogens) and Estring (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement therapies, but they have different uses and forms. Premarin is an oral tablet that treats a variety of conditions, including menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, low estrogen levels due to other conditions, and certain cancers in advanced stages. It can also be taken to prevent osteoporosis. Estring, on the other hand, is a vaginal ring specifically taken for relieving vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause. You need to replace Estring every three months, while Premarin can be taken daily or in cycles. Premarin can cause more systemic side effects, such as headaches, stomach pain and nausea, whereas Estring mainly affects the vaginal area and can cause local side effects like vaginal discharge and irritation. Both medications require a prescription and are only available as brand-name products.

  • Premarin
    Estring (estradiol)
  • Premarin
    Estring (estradiol)

  • Summary of Premarin vs. Estring

    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 Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Estring (estradiol) is an estrogen vaginal ring used as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat moderate-to-severe menopause symptoms in and around the vagina, such as vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. The ring is inserted into the vagina and stays in place for 3 months, releasing a steady dose of estrogen directly where it's needed. Common side effects include headache, vaginal discharge, and vaginal yeast infections.

  • Indications of Premarin vs. Estring

    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
    •Vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Premarin vs. Estring

    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 Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Can be inserted by you or a healthcare professional
    •Only needs to be changed every 3 months
    •Works directly at the site of application to relieve vaginal symptoms
    Cons
    •Can cause vaginal yeast infections
    •Doesn't treat other menopause symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats
    •Must take a progestin if you have a uterus to lower your risk of uterine cancer

  • Common Side Effects of Premarin vs. Estring

    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
    •Headache (13%)
    •Vaginal discharge (7%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (6%)
    •Back pain (6%)
    •Vaginal inflammation (5%)
    •Vaginal discomfort or pain (5%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (5%)
    •Vaginal bleeding (4%)
    •Bacterial growth in the vagina (4%)
    •Arthritis (4%)
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)
    •Stomach pain (4%)
    •Sinus inflammation (4%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (3%)
    •Joint pain (3%)

  • Warnings of Premarin vs. Estring

    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
    •Risk for blood clots and related complications
    •Risk for uterine cancer (also called endometrial cancer)
    •Risk for breast cancer
    •Risk for ovarian cancer
    •Risk for dementia
    •Gallbladder or liver problems in certain people
    •High triglyceride (fat) levels
    •Changes in calcium levels in certain people
    •Low thyroid hormone levels
    •Buildup of fluids in your body (fluid retention)
    •Worsening of certain other health conditions
    •Vaginal irritation and infections

  • Prices with our coupons for Premarin vs. Estring

    Learn more about Premarin
    Learn more about Estring

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