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.
