Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Prempro vs. Depo-Estradiol

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

Key takeaways

Prempro (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone) and Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) are both used to treat menopausal symptoms, but they have some key differences. Prempro is a combination of estrogen and progestin taken orally once a day, while Depo-Estradiol is an estrogen-only injection given every 3 to 4 weeks. Prempro is also used to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, though it is not the first choice for this purpose. Depo-Estradiol can treat low estrogen levels due to other conditions in addition to menopausal symptoms. Prempro is only available as a brand-name medication, potentially making it more expensive, whereas Depo-Estradiol also lacks a generic form but is administered less frequently. If you have a uterus, you need to take a progestin with Depo-Estradiol to lower the risk of uterine cancer, while Prempro already includes a progestin. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like cancer, blood clots, and strokes, but Prempro has a broader range of potential side effects and warnings.

  • Prempro
    Depo-estradiol (estradiol cypionate)
  • Prempro
    Depo-estradiol (estradiol cypionate)

  • Summary of Prempro vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Summary for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Prescription only

    Prempro is a combination estrogen/progestin medication that relieves menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. It's also used for preventing osteoporosis after menopause. This hormone replacement therapy is an option for people with a uterus. The medication is brand only since there is no generic available. Follow your prescriber's instructions for the correct dose. Prempro is taken by mouth once a day with the same dose each day. Premphase is also taken daily but contains two types of tablets: one with estrogen and one with conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone, taken on different days. Common side effects include breast pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) injection is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It's used to relieve certain menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also raise estrogen levels in people who aren't making enough hormones. It's injected into the muscle about once every month. You can store Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) vials at room temperature, away from light. Some side effects of this medication include injection-site pain, headaches, and breast tenderness.

  • Indications of Prempro vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe vaginal symptoms due to menopause, like vaginal dryness and irritation
    •Prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Low estrogen level caused by hypogonadism

  • Pros and Cons of Prempro vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day by mouth
    •Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
    •Includes a progestin which helps protect your uterus
    •Lowers your risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Has more possible side effects than similar alternatives
    •Not safe if you have liver problems
    •Can't be used if you have a history of breast cancer
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Can be injected at home
    •Typically injected once every 3 to 4 weeks
    •Can be stored at room temperature
    Cons
    •Given as an injection
    •Raises the risk of blood clots and strokes
    •If you have your uterus, you have to use Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) with another hormone called progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer.

  • Common Side Effects of Prempro vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (up to 36%)
    •Headaches (up to 19%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 17%)
    •Menstrual cramps (up to 13%)
    •Gas (up to 8%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Depression (up to 8%)
    •More vaginal discharge than usual (up to 8%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection-site pain
    •Breast tenderness or growth
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Headaches
    •Stomach cramps
    •Vaginal spotting or irregular bleeding

  • Warnings of Prempro vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of blood clot
    •Breast cancer
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine or endometrial cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
    •Risk of dementia
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Higher risk of side effects
    •High triglycerides
    •Worsening of other medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Prempro vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Learn more about Prempro
    Learn more about Depo-estradiol

Compare other Menopause drugs

Estradiol vs PremproPremarin Vaginal Cream vs PremproPremarin vs PremproPrempro vs AloraPrempro vs ClimaraPrempro vs Depo EstradiolPrempro vs DivigelPrempro vs ElestrinPrempro vs Estrace Vaginal CreamPrempro vs Estradiol NorethindronePrempro vs Estradiol PatchPrempro vs EstringPrempro vs EvamistPrempro vs MinivellePrempro vs ProveraPrempro vs Vivelle DotClimara vs FosamaxEstrace Vaginal Cream vs DivigelEstradiol Norethindrone vs DivigelEstradiol Patch vs DivigelEstring vs DivigelMinivelle vs ClimaraMinivelle vs DivigelPremarin Vaginal Cream vs ClimaraPremarin Vaginal Cream vs DivigelPremarin vs ClimaraPremarin vs DivigelProvera vs ClimaraProvera vs DivigelVivelle Dot vs Climara
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.