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Compare Provera vs. Estrace

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

Key takeaways

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and estradiol (Estrace) are both prescription medications used for different purposes related to hormone therapy. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin that helps regulate menstrual cycles and protects the uterus from damage in postmenopausal women taking estrogen replacement therapy. It is taken orally and is not a form of birth control. Estradiol, on the other hand, is an estrogen replacement used to treat vaginal symptoms of menopause, such as dryness and itching. It is a cream that is applied into the vagina. While medroxyprogesterone can cause side effects like spotting and breast tenderness, estradiol may cause vaginal irritation and an increased risk of yeast infections. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects, including blood clots and certain cancers, especially when used with other hormone therapies. Medroxyprogesterone is taken daily for specific days of the month, whereas estradiol is initially used daily and then reduced to a few times a week.

  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream
  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream

  • Summary of Provera vs. Estrace

    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 (Estrace) vaginal cream is used to lessen certain symptoms related to menopause, such as vaginal itching and dryness. It's a hormone replacement therapy that's made of estradiol, a form of estrogen. Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream is applied vaginally with an applicator. Typically, your gynecologist or healthcare professional (HCP) will prescribe it daily for a few weeks, and then lower the dose to a few times a week after that. Some side effects of estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream include vaginal burning and irritation.

  • Indications of Provera vs. Estrace

    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
    •Treatment of vaginal itching, dryness, and burning due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Provera vs. Estrace

    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
    •Only need to use it 1 to 3 times per week after your symptoms improve
    •Applied directly to the vagina where symptoms are occurring
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might be challenging and uncomfortable to use
    •Raises your risk for certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Some people might need to take it with another hormone called progestin

  • Common Side Effects of Provera vs. Estrace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
    •Heavier or lighter periods
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Application site burning and irritation
    •Breast pain or tenderness
    •Headache
    •Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Bloating
    •Hair loss
    •Vaginal yeast infection

  • Warnings of Provera vs. Estrace

    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 (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots and strokes
    •Heart disease and heart attacks
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid retention (edema)
    •Worsening of other health conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Provera vs. Estrace

    Learn more about Medroxyprogesterone
    Learn more about Estradiol

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