Compare Estrogel vs. Aygestin

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

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Estrogel (Estradiol)

Prescription only

Aygestin (norethindrone)

Prescription only
Relieves hot flashes and vaginal dryness due to menopause.

Estrogel (Estradiol) is a topical gel that can relieve both vaginal dryness and hot flashes, but needs to be applied across the length your entire arm.

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3.2/ 5 average rating with 78 reviewsforEstrogel
Regulates your menstrual cycle and treats irregular bleeding.

Aygestin (norethindrone) regulates the menstrual cycle and treats heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding. It's easy to take and isn't expensive.

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2.7/ 5 average rating with 30 reviewsforAygestin
Upsides
  • The pump is easy to use and comes in two different bottle sizes.
  • Good alternative if you don't want to take estrogen pills.
  • Helps to regulate your period.
  • Decreases bleeding from hormone imbalance.
  • Available as a generic medication, so it costs less.
Downsides
  • Available as brand name product only so it may be expensive.
  • Directions for application can be messy and hard to follow.
  • You may unknowingly expose others to the medicine through skin contact.
  • All estrogen replacement therapies are associated with serious side-effects like blood clots, uterine cancer, and breast cancer. You will need to thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment.
  • Can make you gain weight.
  • Higher risk of blood clots.
  • Not for people who are post-menopausal, pregnant, or breast-feeding.
  • Can cause a lot of side effects.
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Used for
  • Pain caused by endometriosis
  • Balances hormones in women who don't have regular monthly periods
  • Balances hormones in women who have unusual monthly periods
  • In vitro fertilization
Dosage forms
  • Gel
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$28.86
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Lowest price
$14.69
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Reviews
78 reviews so far
45%
saidit'sworth it
28%
saiditworked well
10%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Estrogel (Estradiol)?

Leave a review
30 reviews so far
40%
saidit'sworth it
23%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Aygestin (norethindrone)?

Leave a review
Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Breast pain
    11%
  • Headache
    10%
  • Gas
    5%
See more detailed side effects
The Aygestin (norethindrone) 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
  • 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
  • Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
    • Personal or family history of blood clots
    • Smoking
    • Obesity
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Abnormal vision changes
  • Depression
    • History of depression
  • Changes in blood sugar levels
    • Diabetes
  • Liver problems
    • History of liver problems
  • High cholesterol levels
    • High cholesterol levels
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Estrogel (Estradiol)
Learn more about Aygestin (norethindrone)