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Compare Provera vs. Elestrin

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

Key takeaways

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and estradiol gel (Elestrin) are both hormone therapy medications, but they belong to different drug classes and have different uses. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin used to regulate menstrual cycles and protect the uterus in postmenopausal women taking estrogen. Estradiol gel, on the other hand, is an estrogen replacement therapy used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Medroxyprogesterone is taken orally, while estradiol gel is applied topically to the skin on the upper arm. Medroxyprogesterone is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas estradiol gel is only available as the brand-name Elestrin. Common side effects of medroxyprogesterone include spotting, breast tenderness, and nausea, while estradiol gel can cause breast tenderness, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and upper respiratory infections. Both medications carry risks of blood clots and certain cancers, especially when used together or with other hormone therapy.

  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Elestrin (estradiol gel)
  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Elestrin (estradiol gel)

  • Summary of Provera vs. Elestrin

    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

    Elestrin (estradiol gel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. It comes as a pump bottle, and the dose is applied to the skin on your upper arm once a day. The gel is only available as a brand-name medication because there is no generic version. Common side effects include breast tenderness, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and upper respiratory infections.

  • Indications of Provera vs. Elestrin

    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. Elestrin

    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
    •Starts at a lower estrogen dose compared to other estrogen gel pumps
    •Applied directly to the skin on your upper arm
    •Only need to use once a day
    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. Elestrin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
    •Heavier or lighter periods
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (9-10%)
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (4-9%)
    •Breast tenderness (7-8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (4-6%)

  • Warnings of Provera vs. Elestrin

    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. Elestrin

    Learn more about Medroxyprogesterone
    Learn more about Elestrin

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