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.
