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Compare Premarin vs. Femring

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

Key takeaways

Premarin (conjugated estrogens) and Femring (estradiol acetate) are both estrogen replacement medications used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, they differ in their forms and usage. Premarin is an oral tablet that can also treat low estrogen levels due other conditions and certain cancers in advanced stages, and to prevent osteoporosis, while Femring is a vaginal ring that primarily addresses menopausal symptoms. Premarin is taken daily or in cycles, whereas Femring is inserted into the vagina and replaced every three months. Premarin can cause weight gain, but this is not common with Femring. Both medications raise the risk of serious conditions like certain cancers and blood clots, but Femring may have milder side effects than oral estrogen pills like Premarin. Premarin is available only as a brand-name medication, while Femring is also brand-name only and might be more expensive.

  • Premarin
    Femring (estradiol)
  • Premarin
    Femring (estradiol)

  • Summary of Premarin vs. Femring

    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

    Femring (estradiol) is a type of estrogen replacement that comes as a vaginal ring. This hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The usual dosage is to insert 1 ring into the vagina every 3 months. Common side effects include vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness.

  • Indications of Premarin vs. Femring

    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
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation caused by menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Premarin vs. Femring

    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
    •Relieves both vaginal symptoms and hot flashes due to menopause
    •Might be more comfortable and easier to use than vaginal creams
    •Only need to change the ring every 3 months
    Cons
    •Can sometimes cause vaginal yeast infections
    •Might take a few weeks before you start to feel symptom improvement
    •Must take an additional hormonal medication called a progestin if you have your uterus to lower your risk for uterine cancer

  • Common Side Effects of Premarin vs. Femring

    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
    •Breast tenderness (6-11%)
    •Vaginal yeast infections (6-11%)
    •Vaginal spotting (8-10%)
    •Headache (7-10%)
    •Stomach bloating (3-7%)
    •Back pain (4-6%)

  • Warnings of Premarin vs. Femring

    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
    •Risks related to vaginal use

  • Prices with our coupons for Premarin vs. Femring

    Learn more about Premarin
    Learn more about Femring

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