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Compare Premarin vs. Provera

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

Key takeaways

Premarin (conjugated estrogens) and Provera (medroxyprogesterone) are both prescription medications used for hormone-related conditions, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Premarin is an estrogen replacement therapy primarily used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness as well as treat low estrogen levels due to other conditions, and manage certain cancers and osteoporosis. On the other hand, Provera is a progestin that helps regulate menstrual cycles and protects the uterus in postmenopausal women taking estrogen therapy. While Premarin is taken daily or in cycles, Provera is typically taken for a specific number of days each month. Premarin can cause side effects like headaches, stomach pain, and breast pain, whereas Provera may lead to spotting, breast tenderness, and nausea. Both medications carry serious risks, including blood clots and cancer, especially when used long-term or in combination with estrogen. Premarin is available only as a brand-name medication, while Provera has a generic form.

  • 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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