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Compare Provera vs. Divigel

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

Key takeaways

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and estradiol (Divigel) are both hormone therapy medications, but they belong to different drug classes and have important differences. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin used to regulate menstrual cycles and protect the uterus in postmenopausal women taking estrogen. Estradiol, on the other hand, is an estrogen replacement used to treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. While medroxyprogesterone is taken orally, estradiol is applied topically as a gel. Medroxyprogesterone is available as a lower-cost generic, while estradiol is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of medroxyprogesterone include spotting, breast tenderness, and nausea, while estradiol can cause vaginal yeast infections and breast tenderness. Both medications carry risks of blood clots and certain cancers, especially when used together. Estradiol also has a risk of transferring the medication to others through skin-to-skin contact, since it is applied topically.

  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Estradiol gel (Divigel)
  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Estradiol gel (Divigel)

  • Summary of Provera vs. Divigel

    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

    Estradiol gel (Divigel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. It comes as single-use packets, and the dose is applied to the skin on your upper thigh once a day. The gel is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication. Common side effects include vaginal yeast infections, breast tenderness, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

  • Indications of Provera vs. Divigel

    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
    •Hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Provera vs. Divigel

    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
    •Relieves bothersome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Applied directly to the skin on the thighs
    •Only need to use once a day
    •Available in multiple strengths to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Risk of exposing others to estrogen through skin contact
    •Might also need to take a progestin medication if you have a uterus
    •Need to wait for the gel to dry completely before bathing, showering, or swimming

  • Common Side Effects of Provera vs. Divigel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
    •Heavier or lighter periods
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (4-10%)
    •Breast tenderness (3-9%)
    •Common cold symptoms (4-6%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (2-6%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (1-6%)

  • Warnings of Provera vs. Divigel

    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
    •Risk of blood clot
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    •Potential skin-to-skin transfer

  • Prices with our coupons for Provera vs. Divigel

    Learn more about Medroxyprogesterone
    Learn more about Estradiol gel

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