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Compare Provera vs. Depo-Estradiol

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

Key takeaways

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and are administered differently. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin taken orally to regulate menstrual cycles and protect the uterus from damage in postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy. In contrast, Depo-Estradiol is an estrogen therapy given as an injection into the muscle to treat low estrogen conditions and severe menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Medroxyprogesterone is available in generic form, while Depo-Estradiol is only available as a brand-name injection. Medroxyprogesterone is taken daily for a specific number of days each month, whereas Depo-Estradiol is typically injected once a month. Depo-Estradiol requires the use of a progestin medication if you still have your uterus to lower the risk of uterine cancer, while medroxyprogesterone itself helps mitigate this risk when taken with estrogen. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects, including blood clots and certain cancers. However, Depo-Estradiol also has specific risks, like gallbladder problems and high blood calcium levels.

  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Depo-estradiol (estradiol cypionate)
  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Depo-estradiol (estradiol cypionate)

  • Summary of Provera vs. Depo-Estradiol

    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.

    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 Provera vs. Depo-Estradiol

    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
    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 Provera vs. Depo-Estradiol

    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
    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 Provera vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
    •Heavier or lighter periods
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection-site pain
    •Breast tenderness or growth
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Headaches
    •Stomach cramps
    •Vaginal spotting or irregular bleeding

  • Warnings of Provera vs. Depo-Estradiol

    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)
    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 Provera vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Learn more about Medroxyprogesterone
    Learn more about Depo-estradiol

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