Elestrin Alternatives: An Overview
Elestrin™ (estradiol gel) is a prescription hormone replacement medication. It is a gel that is applied to the skin of the upper arm and shoulder. It is approved to treat
hot flashes and night sweats due to
menopause, but it is not approved for other
menopause symptoms. For some women, the risks of using Elestrin may outweigh the potential benefits. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Elestrin for
menopause treatment, including:
- Other conventional medications
- Coping strategies
- Natural remedies.
Other Conventional Medications as Alternatives to Elestrin
There are many different estrogen medications that can serve as Elestrin substitutes. These estrogens are available in many different forms, including:
- Other gels, creams, or lotions applied to the skin -- Divigel®, EstroGel®, Estrasorb®
- Oral tablets -- Cenestin®, Enjuvia®, Estrace®, Femtrace®, Menest®, Ogen®, Premarin®
- Vaginal tablets -- Vagifem®
- Vaginal rings -- Estring®, Femring®
- Skin patches -- Alora®, Climara®, Estraderm®, Menostar®, Vivelle-Dot®
- Vaginal creams or gels -- Estrace® Vaginal Cream, Ogen® Vaginal Cream, Premarin® Vaginal Cream
- Injections -- Delestrogen®, Depo®-Estradiol
- Spray (absorbed through the skin) -- Evamist™.
In addition, there are also many combination products (which combine estrogen with other hormones), such as: