Table of Contents
I. Hormone Medications for Women
Hormone Medications for Women
There are dozens of hormonal medications on the market for women experiencing estrogen fluctuations. These hormone changes usually occur during menopause or pregnancy. When the body experiences menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen, leading to many unpleasant symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
EstroGel medication is commonly used to regulate estrogen levels in women. EstroGel is composed of estradiol, which has several functions in the female body. The main function of estradiol is to mature and maintain the female reproductive system. During the menstrual cycle, estradiol causes the maturation and release of the egg. It also thickens the uterine lining to allow the fertilization of the egg. [1] These functions are no longer necessary once a woman goes through menopause, but estrogen is also needed for bone maintenance and brain function.
As you can see, estrogen plays a vital role in the female body, and medications are often necessary to maintain adequate hormone levels. But women may be overwhelmed by the estrogen choices on the market, so what are the alternatives to EstroGel and what are the differences? Read on to learn more.
EstroGel vs. Premarin
My Drug Center offers several estrogen medications at discounted prices, but is there a perfect option? Not necessarily. Every woman experiences menopause differently and you may need to try several different medications before you find one that works for you.
Premarin is an option that may be prescribed as an estrogen replacement drug. Premarin is made of conjugated estrogens, which is a mixture of several estrogen hormones. [2] Premarin is available in both cream and pill form, so women can choose whichever version they prefer.
EstroGel, as the name suggests, is a topical gel whose main goal is to relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness during menopause. Premarin pills or Premarin Vaginal Cream work to prevent the same symptoms but have a few other tested benefits. Premarin can replenish estrogen to the entire body and relieve multiple menopausal symptoms at once. Premarin can also treat low estrogen and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
Upsides & Downsides
It may appear like Premarin is the better option among the estrogen replacement drugs, but it is important to look at all the pros and cons with your doctor. Some people may prefer EstroGel over Premarin because the pill version of Premarin circulates estrogen throughout your entire body. This can increase the risk of side effects, like uterine and breast cancer.
EstroGel comes in a pump, and the gel is applied in a thin layer over the entirety of one arm. It is important to apply the gel to the inside and outside of the arm from wrist to shoulder. Some people find this application messy, and there is a possibility of exposing others to the drug through skin contact. The pill version of Premarin does not expose others to conjugated hormones, so women who are often in close contact with others may prefer this version over a cream or gel.
All estrogen therapies come with their fair share of side effects. Suppose you have a history of vaginal bleeding, certain cancers (breast, uterine, or ovarian), liver disease, blood clots, or thyroid disorders; you should tell your doctor at your original menopause consultation. [3] Regardless of your choice, you should contact your doctor if you notice unusual vaginal bleeding or severe side effects after starting an estrogen replacement medication.
The Takeaway
Menopause can be a challenging transition for many women. Every woman has a different experience, and there is no one-size-fits-all estrogen replacement that treats every symptom without the possibility of side effects. If you are going through menopause, it is important not to give up and maintain communication with your physician. If your side effects become severe on one drug, there are many options out there that may work better for you. Luckily, My Drug Center has all the estrogen replacement medications you may require at discount prices to assist your treatment plan. Visit our blog on EstroGel to learn more.
DISCLAIMER: The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.