If you experience menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats , sleep problems, and vaginal dryness, your healthcare provider might have mentioned hormone replacement therapy or estrogen therapy.
Menopause symptoms occur when the body makes less estrogen, so medications that replace estrogen can help improve these symptoms, and also help prevent osteoporosis. In women with a uterus, hormone therapy includes both estrogen and progesterone. In women with a uterus, estrogen alone increases the risk for endometrial cancer. Women without a uterus who have had a hysterectomy do not need to take progesterone with estrogen.
These women can use estrogen-only products such as Estrace or Premarin. Estrace and Premarin are two brand-name medications indicated for the treatment of menopause symptoms. They are in a class of medications called estrogens and are also known as hormone replacement therapy. They are available in a variety of formulations, including creams and tablets. Although both Estrace and Premarin contain estrogen, they are not exactly the same.
Continue reading to learn more about Estrace and Premarin. Estrace is available in brand and generic form and contains the ingredient estradiol. Estrace is available as a vaginal estrogen cream, and also as an oral tablet. Premarin is available as a brand-name drug only. Premarin is available as a vaginal estrogen cream, oral tablet, or injection.
Tablets: varies How long is the typical treatment? Varies Varies Who typically uses the medication? Postmenopausal women, occasionally in men for certain indications see below Postmenopausal women, occasionally in men for certain indications see below Conditions treated by Estrace and Premarin Estrace cream and Premarin cream treat moderate to severe symptoms of vaginal and vulvar atrophy thinning, drying, and inflammation due to menopause.
In the tablet form, Estrace and Premarin treat various other conditions listed in the chart below. Studies show that when comparing estrogen products, estradiol the ingredient in Estrace and conjugated estrogens the ingredient in Premarin are equally effective in treating menopause symptoms. Vaginal creams are effective and well-tolerated. Your healthcare provider can determine which medication is appropriate for you, considering your symptoms, medical conditions, and medical history.
The most common side effects of Estrace and Premarin cream include application site reactions like itching, discharge, uterine bleeding, and inflammation. Additionally, headache and pelvic pain may occur.
The percentage of side effects is not included in the prescribing information for Estrace. Common side effects of Estrace and Premarin in the tablet form are more systemic. This is not a full list of side effects. Other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider to discuss what side effects to expect, and how to address them. Estrace or Premarin may be affected by certain drugs that are metabolized by an enzyme called cytochrome-p 3A4.
Also, drugs that induce the enzyme may cause the body to process Estrace or Premarin more quickly, making it less effective. Consult your healthcare provider regarding possible drug interactions. Estrace and Premarin have a boxed warning , which is the strongest warning required by the FDA. Because systemic absorption can occur with Estrace or Premarin cream, the warnings apply to all formulations.
Therefore, estrogens, regardless of whether they are prescribed with or without progestins, should be prescribed at the lowest dose and for the shortest period of time. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks vs benefits of various types of hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor will give you medical advice on screening. All women should have a yearly breast exam by a healthcare professional and do a monthly self-exam.
All women should also have mammography based on age, risk factors, and history. Postmenopausal women who take estrogen have an increase in the risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery. In people who take estrogens, visual problems have occurred. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have loss of vision partial or complete , double vision, eye bulging, or migraine. In rare cases, allergic reactions have occurred.
If you have hives, itching, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet, seek emergency medical care right away. Estradiol may be prescribed for:. Premarin, on the other hand, is the brand name of a conjugated estrogen. Conjugated estrogen is also a medical formulation. Premarin, like estradiol, is used to provide comfort to patients with serious forms of breast cancer or prostate cancer.
Both drugs come in several forms. Premarin and estradiol are both available as an intramuscular injection or oral tablet. Premarin also comes as an intravenous injection and vaginal cream. Estradiol also comes in these forms:.
Several versions of estradiol are transdermal. This means that the medication is absorbed through your skin. Read more: Drug information for Premarin ».
You should thoroughly discuss the potential side effects of every drug you take with your doctor before using it, including estradiol or Premarin. After you start taking estradiol or Premarin, report any side effects to your doctor. Herbal supplements, over-the-counter medications, and other prescription drugs may all interact with hormone therapy.
Drug interactions may increase your risk of side effects and complications. Because of hormone therapy, women may not have to experience the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. The key is finding the right drug, dosage, and form. Both estradiol and Premarin require careful monitoring. Remember to report any unusual side effects immediately. An estradiol E2 test measures the amount of estradiol, a form of estrogen, in your blood. Learn what your results might indicate.
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Consider these 11 natural beta-blockers If you're concerned about heart health, have anxiety, or have migraines. It's especially important to care for your body during and after menopause. This guide offers comprehensive dietary and fitness tips for menopause. There are quite a few non-hormonal treatments for vaginal dryness, such as vaginal moisturizers and vaginal lubricants.
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