Compare Estring vs. Estrace vaginal cream
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Relieves vaginal dryness due to menopause.
Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) is more convenient than other forms of estrogen therapy since you only have to replace it every 3 months, but it needs to be inserted directly into the vagina.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 56 reviewsforEstring
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
- Many women find Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) more comfortable to use and easier to apply than creams or gels.
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) may be more convenient since it is dosed once every 3 months compared to alternatives that need to taken daily or twice weekly.
- Works directly at the site of application and safer than oral estrogen pills.
- Side-effects are limited compared to estrogen pill since application is localized to the vagina only.
Downsides
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) may not be the best option if you have a narrow vagina or frequent vaginal infections.
- The ring can fall out without you noticing.
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) is only available as brand name, so can be expensive.
- Estring (estradiol vaginal ring) All estrogen therapies increase your risk for uterine cancer, heart problems, and blood clots.
- 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.
Used for
- Vaginal dryness and inflammation
- Vaginal dryness and inflammation
Dosage forms
- Vaginal ring
- Cream
Price
Lowest price
$537.27
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$157.45
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Reviews
56 reviews so far
63%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
18%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Estring (estradiol vaginal ring)?
Leave a review15 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
73%
saiditworked well
47%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Estrace vaginal cream (Estradiol vaginal cream)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
20possible side effects
- Headache13%
- Vaginal discharge7%
- Back pain6%
- Yeast infection6%
- Upper airway infection5%
- Vaginal inflammation5%
- Vaginal discomfort/pain5%
- Arthritis4%
- Trouble sleeping4%
- Stomach pain4%
- Sinus infection4%
- Vaginal bleeding4%
- Bacterial growth in the genitals4%
- Joint pain3%
- Nausea3%
- Flu-like symptoms3%
- Bone pain2%
- Bladder infection2%
- Hot flashes2%
- Stress2%
The Estrace vaginal cream (Estradiol vaginal cream) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Uterine cancer
- Using estrogen for more than one year
- Higher dose of estrogen
- Breast cancer
- Personal or family history of breast cancer
- Using estrogen and progestin for more than one year
- Blood clots and stroke
- Personal or family history of blood clots
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- High cholesterol
- Age 50 or older
- Dementia
- Age 65 or older
- Inflammation of pancreas (pancreatitis)
- High levels of triglycerides
- 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