Compare Climara vs. Estrace vaginal cream

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

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Treats low estrogen, relieves menopause symptoms, and lowers your risk of osteoporosis.

Climara (estradiol patch) is a treatment for low estrogen that is used only once weekly, and it may have fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills.

Relieves vaginal dryness due to menopause.

Estrace vaginal cream (Estradiol vaginal cream) works well to treat menopausal symptoms localized to the vagina.

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3.9/ 5 average rating with 15 reviewsforEstrace vaginal cream
Upsides
  • Climara (estradiol patch) replaces estrogen to your whole body and relieves many symptoms due to low estrogen, like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
  • The patch is good for people who don't want to or can't take daily pills.
  • Climara (estradiol patch) is available as a generic product, which lowers the cost.
  • By using a patch instead of a pill, there's a lower risk of side effects such as blood clots and stroke since lower amounts of estrogen are used in patches.
  • Lowers your risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy.
  • Side-effects are limited compared to estrogen pill since application is localized to the vagina only.
Downsides
  • The patch can fall off, especially if you like to regularly swim, take baths or use saunas or steamrooms.
  • Increases your risk of uterine and breast cancer.
  • If you have your uterus, you have to use the Climara (estradiol patch) with another hormone called progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer.
  • Can worsen other health conditions, like high cholesterol, asthma, diabetes, fluid retention, underactive thyroid and migraines.
  • If you're only having vaginal dryness or inflammation and not hot flashes, it's better to use creams that you can apply to the affected area instead of Climara (estradiol patch).
  • Method of application can be difficult or uncomfortable compared to a pill that is taken by mouth.
  • It is not effective for hot flashes.
  • The cream is not compatible with certain birth control methods. It can weaken latex (rubber) condoms, cervical caps, and diaphrams so avoid use within 72 hours after a dose.
  • The applicator can be source of infection if not kept clean.
  • Available as a brand name product only.
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Used for
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness and inflammation
  • Low estrogen
  • Ovarian failure
  • Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis
  • Vaginal dryness and inflammation
Dosage forms
  • Patch
  • Cream
Price
Lowest price
$28.86
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Lowest price
$139.91
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
15 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
73%
saiditworked well
47%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Estrace vaginal cream (Estradiol vaginal cream)?

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Side effects
16possible side effects
  • Breast pain
    28%
  • Lung infection
    17%
  • Stomach pain
    16%
  • Headache
    13%
  • Pain
    11%
  • Swelling of arms and legs
    10%
  • Back pain
    9%
  • Depression
    8%
  • Gas
    7%
  • White or yellow vaginal discharge
    7%
  • Sore throat
    7%
  • Nausea
    6%
  • Stuffy nose
    6%
  • Joint pain
    5%
  • Sinus infection
    5%
  • Itchiness
    3%
See more detailed side effects
The Estrace vaginal cream (Estradiol vaginal cream) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Endometrial cancer
    • Using estrogen for more than one year
  • Breast cancer
    • Personal or family history of breast cancer
    • Using estrogen for more than one year
  • Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
    • Personal or family history of blood clots
    • Smoking
    • Obesity
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Increased risk of heart disease
    • Smoking
    • Obesity
    • High blood pressure
    • High blood sugar
    • High cholesterol
    • Age 50 or older
  • Dementia
    • Age 65 or older
  • Pancreas swelling (pancreatitis)
    • High levels of triglycerides
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Endometrial cancer
    • Using estrogen for more than one year
  • Breast cancer
    • Personal or family history of breast cancer
    • Using estrogen for more than one year
  • Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
    • Personal or family history of blood clots
    • Smoking
    • Obesity
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Increased risk of heart disease
    • Smoking
    • Obesity
    • High blood pressure
    • High blood sugar
    • High cholesterol
    • Age 50 or older
  • Dementia
    • Age 65 or older
  • Inflammation of pancreas
    • High levels of triglycerides
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Climara (estradiol patch)
Learn more about Estrace vaginal cream (Estradiol vaginal cream)