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Compare Provera vs. Climara

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

Key takeaways

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and topical estradiol patch (Climara) are both medications used in hormone therapy, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin, while estradiol is an estrogen replacement. Both medications can be used to manage symptoms related to menopause, but medroxyprogesterone is specifically used to regulate menstrual cycles and protect the uterus in postmenopausal women taking estrogen. Climara, on the other hand, is used to relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and prevent bone loss. Medroxyprogesterone is taken orally, typically once a day for a set number of days each month, while Climara is applied to the skin once a week. Estradiol is available in a lower-cost generic form, whereas medroxyprogesterone is not. Common side effects of medroxyprogesterone include spotting and breast tenderness, while Climara can also cause breast pain and headaches. Both medications carry risks of blood clots and certain cancers.

  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Climara (estradiol patch)
  • Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
    Climara (estradiol patch)

  • Summary of Provera vs. Climara

    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

    The Climara (estradiol patch) is a once-weekly hormonal patch that relieves menopause symptoms and treats low estrogen levels. It can also help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people who have gone through menopause. The patch is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills. You'll apply one patch to the skin of your lower stomach or the upper buttocks once a week. Potential side effects of this hormone patch include breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Provera vs. Climara

    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, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Vaginal dryness and irritation caused by menopause
    •Low estrogen levels due to certain conditions
    •Prevention of osteoporosis after menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Provera vs. Climara

    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 multiple menopause symptoms
    •Only need to apply once a week
    •Might have fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
    •Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Commonly causes breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain
    •Can cause skin irritation, redness, and itchiness at the patch site
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Might need to take it with another hormone called progestin if you have a healthy uterus

  • Common Side Effects of Provera vs. Climara

    Common Side Effects for
    •Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
    •Heavier or lighter periods
    •Breast tenderness
    •Nausea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (up to 29%)
    •Headache (up to 18%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 17%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 16%)
    •Swelling (up to 13%)
    •Back and body pain (up to 11%)
    •Depression (up to 8%)
    •Vaginal discharge (up to 7%)
    •Excessive gas (up to 7%)
    •Itching (up to 6%)
    •Nausea (up to 6%)

  • Warnings of Provera vs. Climara

    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
    •Blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Ovarian cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Worsening of other health conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Provera vs. Climara

    Learn more about Medroxyprogesterone
    Learn more about Climara

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