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Compare Vivelle-Dot vs. Femring

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

Key takeaways

Climara (estradiol) and Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring) are both estrogen replacement therapies used to relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Climara is a transdermal patch that you apply to your skin once or twice a week, while Femring is a vaginal ring that you insert every three months. Climara can also help prevent osteoporosis, but it might cause weight gain and you need to avoid swimming with the once-weekly patch. Femring, on the other hand, does not commonly cause weight gain and allows you to swim and have sex without removing it. Both medications require you to use a progestin if you still have your uterus to lower the risk of uterine cancer. However, Femring is only available as a brand name, which might make it more expensive compared to Climara, which has multiple brand options.

  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Femring (estradiol)
  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Femring (estradiol)

  • Summary of Vivelle-Dot vs. Femring

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) is a twice-weekly hormonal patch used to treat menopause symptoms and low estrogen levels. It also helps prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people who have gone through menopause. The patch is a form of hormone replacement therapy. The usual dose is one patch applied to the lower stomach or buttocks twice a week, or every 3 to 4 days. Side effects include headache, breast pain, and sinus swelling. </br> This twice weekly patch is also available as a generic called Dotti.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Femring (estradiol) is a type of estrogen replacement that comes as a vaginal ring. This hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The usual dosage is to insert 1 ring into the vagina every 3 months. Common side effects include vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness.

  • Indications of Vivelle-Dot vs. Femring

    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
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation caused by menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Vivelle-Dot vs. Femring

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
    •Relieves multiple menopause symptoms
    •Good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Commonly causes headache, breast pain, and sinus swelling
    •Need to apply a new patch twice a week
    •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
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves both vaginal symptoms and hot flashes due to menopause
    •Might be more comfortable and easier to use than vaginal creams
    •Only need to change the ring every 3 months
    Cons
    •Can sometimes cause vaginal yeast infections
    •Might take a few weeks before you start to feel symptom improvement
    •Must take an additional hormonal medication called a progestin if you have your uterus to lower your risk for uterine cancer

  • Common Side Effects of Vivelle-Dot vs. Femring

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 50%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 20%)
    •Breast tenderness (up to 17%)
    •Sinus swelling (up to 13%)
    •Bleeding in-between periods (up to 11%)
    •Depression (up to 11%)
    •Back pain (up to 11%)
    •Sinus headache (up to 10%)
    •Indigestion (up to 9%)
    •Weight gain (up to 9%)
    •Joint pain (up to 9%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast tenderness (6-11%)
    •Vaginal yeast infections (6-11%)
    •Vaginal spotting (8-10%)
    •Headache (7-10%)
    •Stomach bloating (3-7%)
    •Back pain (4-6%)

  • Warnings of Vivelle-Dot vs. Femring

    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
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk for blood clots and related complications
    •Risk for uterine cancer (also called endometrial cancer)
    •Risk for breast cancer
    •Risk for ovarian cancer
    •Risk for dementia
    •Gallbladder or liver problems in certain people
    •High triglyceride (fat) levels
    •Changes in calcium levels in certain people
    •Low thyroid hormone levels
    •Buildup of fluids in your body (fluid retention)
    •Worsening of certain other health conditions
    •Risks related to vaginal use

  • Prices with our coupons for Vivelle-Dot vs. Femring

    Learn more about Vivelle-dot
    Learn more about Femring

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