Skip to main content

Compare
Provera vs. Climara

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

Key takeaways

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and estradiol (Climara) are both medications used in hormone therapy, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin, while estradiol is an estrogen replacement. Both medications can be used to manage symptoms related to menopause, but medroxyprogesterone is specifically used to regulate menstrual cycles and protect the uterus in postmenopausal women taking estrogen. Estradiol, on the other hand, is used to relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes and prevent bone loss. Medroxyprogesterone is taken orally, typically once a day for 5 to 14 days per month, while estradiol is applied as a transdermal patch once a week. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of medroxyprogesterone include spotting and breast tenderness, while estradiol can cause breast pain and headaches. Both medications carry risks of blood clots and certain cancers, especially when used together or with other hormones.

Medroxyprogesterone

(Provera)

Get free coupons

Climara

(estradiol patch)

Get free coupons

Summary for Provera

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 for Provera

  • 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 for Provera

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 for Provera

  • Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
  • Heavier or lighter periods
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea

Warnings for Provera

  • 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)

Summary for Climara

Prescription only

The Climara (estradiol patch) is a once-weekly hormonal patch that relieves menopause symptoms and treats low estrogen levels. It can also help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people who have gone through menopause. The patch is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills. You'll apply one patch to the skin of your lower stomach or the upper buttocks once a week. Potential side effects of this hormone patch include breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain.

Indications for Climara

Pros and Cons for Climara

Pros

  • Relieves multiple menopause symptoms
  • Only need to apply once a week
  • Might have fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
  • Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose

Cons

  • Commonly causes breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain
  • Can cause skin irritation, redness, and itchiness at the patch site
  • Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
  • Might need to take it with another hormone called progestin if you have a healthy uterus

Common Side Effects for Climara

  • Breast pain (up to 29%)
  • Headache (up to 18%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 17%)
  • Stomach pain (up to 16%)
  • Swelling (up to 13%)
  • Back and body pain (up to 11%)
  • Depression (up to 8%)
  • Vaginal discharge (up to 7%)
  • Excessive gas (up to 7%)
  • Itching (up to 6%)
  • Nausea (up to 6%)

Warnings for Climara

  • Blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
  • Uterine (endometrial) cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Dementia
  • Gallbladder and liver problems
  • Vision problems
  • High triglycerides
  • Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
  • Fluid Retention
  • Worsening of other health conditions

Prices with our coupons for Provera vs. Climara

Price Card Drug Icon
Medroxyprogesterone10 tablets / 10mg
$11.26$26.43
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Estradiol4 patches / 0.0375mg/day
$19.39$120.82
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Endometriosis and Osteoporosis drugs

Aygestin vs. ProveraEndometrin vs. ProveraEstradiol-norethindrone vs. ProveraEstring vs. ProveraEvamist vs. Provera
Premarin-vaginal-cream vs. ProveraPremarin vs. ProveraPrempro vs. ProveraProvera vs. AloraProvera vs. ClimaraProvera vs. DanazolProvera vs. Depo-estradiolProvera vs. DivigelProvera vs. ElestrinProvera vs. Estrace-vaginal-creamProvera vs. Estradiol-patchProvera vs. MinivelleProvera vs. Vivelle-dotAygestin vs. PrometriumEndometrin vs. AygestinEstradiol-norethindrone vs. DivigelEstradiol-norethindrone vs. EvamistEstradiol-norethindrone vs. PrefestEstradiol-patch vs. Estradiol-norethindroneEstring vs. Estradiol-norethindroneEstrogel vs. AygestinMinivelle vs. Estradiol-norethindronePremarin-vaginal-cream vs. Estradiol-norethindronePremarin vs. Estradiol-norethindronePrempro vs. Estradiol-norethindrone

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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