Key takeaways
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and estradiol (Minivelle) are both hormone therapy medications, but they belong to different classes and have important differences. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin that helps regulate menstrual cycles and protects the uterus in postmenopausal women taking estrogen. Estradiol is an estrogen replacement used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). Medroxyprogesterone is taken orally, while estradiol is applied as a transdermal patch. Medroxyprogesterone is typically taken for 5 to 14 days each month, whereas estradiol patches are applied to the lower stomach or upper buttocks twice a week. Common side effects of medroxyprogesterone include spotting and breast tenderness, while estradiol can cause headaches and breast tenderness. While taking both medications together is common, it also may increase the risk for breast cancer. Medroxyprogesterone is not used as birth control, unlike its injectable form, Depo-Provera. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.
