THE TRUTH ABOUT PREMARIN
Women Report Side Effects of Premarin/Prempro
That are Denied or Ignored by Doctors+ Letters 2004
Letters 2004
WOMEN'S HEALTH & LIVES CONTINUE TO BE JEOPARDIZED WITH USE OF PREMARIN OR PREMPRO
Editor Comment: There are many lawsuits that have gone forward on behalf of women who have suffered serious health problems due to their use of Premarin and/or PremPro. Below are several websites located on one of the many search engines re: Premarin/PremPro class action lawsuits. Just type in Premarin+class action or PremPro+class action and you will be able to pull up many law firms that are fighting to get long over due justice for women. Yahoo appears to have the most websites with class action lawsuits against Premarin/PremPro
Premarin: Get A Free Case Review
PremPro Lawyers, Salt Lake City, Utah
PremPro Class Action Lawsuit
In Re: Premarin Anti-Trust Litigation
Date: Tues., Nov. 16, 2004
Subject: What Would Be Better Than Premarin?
Hi Sonja, I have recently undergone a hysterectomy and I am 38 years old. I have had three procecures in the last year for pelvic pain. I have not been the same since the ovarian cyst rupture which resulted in my last procedure which was the lap oopherectomy. I had severe hot flashes and night sweats two weeks after my procedure which resulted in my doctor putting me on premarin. In the last week I have had abd pain, bloating, vomiting and diarrhea. I am not sure if this is the result of Premarin, I will cut the dose in half to see if that help and continue taking my Estroven and soy protein drink, I have also been using a progesterone cream. Do you think that would be enough for me to take, so I could discontinue the Premarin, How about Estrace the sythetic plant based estrogen, Those have side effects too, so I am unsure to take those. Concerned as to what I should do? What do you think about Remifemin? Would that be better than estrogen? My main concern is not having the those severe hot flashes that I had at the beginning. Concerned and Grateful Reader,
M. A.
Sandy, Utah
Date: Wed., Nov. 3, 2004
Subject: Hysterectomy at 26 - Worried About Premarin
Hello, I am 26 years old and I just had a hysterectomy due to complications with my irregular menstural periods. After my surgery, almost immediately I started having trouble with my ovary that was left, (early menopause) I told my doctor and he requsted a ultrasound of the ovary. I got the report but I do not know how to read it. When I asked the doctor about the results he had no response to the report except to tell me to start taking HRT Premarin and that he wants a repeat ultrasound in 8 weeks. My mother and grandmother strongly suggested that they did not want me taking that medicine and they would prefer me to take Estratest 1/2 strength. My doctor agreed to prescribe it for me. I took it to the Pharmacy and I was told that my insurance would not pay for the drug because it is a double prescription but that they would pay for Premarin. I had to go with the one that my insurance would cover and I am know very worried after reading this web site and the letters from many others. Sometimes it is not only the doctors that make it impossible, but also the insurance companies. I can not afford to pay out of pocket for this stuff as I have small children at home and I am trying to live off of my husband's salary only.
Thanks alot
Worried User
{Editor Comment} This unfortunate young woman is another victim of the uncaring doctors that are far too eager to give a 26 year old a hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is instant menopause whether you are 26 or 46 with all the accompanying side effects: hot flashes, night sweats, etc., etc. Many years ago it was stated that 90% of hysterectomies are unneeded and yet the carnage continues today. Some doctors have said the only legitimate reason for hysterectomy is cancer or severe heavy uncontrolable bleeding. Why can't her doctor tell her what the results of her ultrasound is? Doesn't he know or does he know the hysterectomy caused her more problems than she had before the hysterectomy. Wheth-Ayerst has worked out a system with some insurance companies that they will only cover Premarin - this should be illegal. I look forward to the day when Premarin is taken off the market for all the harm it has caused women. The PMU farms have been cut by 80% because of the findings of the WHI - (Women's Health Initiative) which found basically it was causing many health problems it was supposed to prevent.
Please visit: http://www.herplace.com/ hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Vliet and,
http://www.power-surge.com hosted by Alice Stamm
Both websites are a wealth of information regarding HRT and info on why Premarin is the wrong estrogen - there are experts and doctors available at these web sites and information too numerous to list here. Please do visit both of these websites. I think they will be of great benefit to any woman who has been told to use Premarin or PremPro and would like to know her options and what is best for her.
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2004
Subject: Needs a Dr. in Canada who uses Bio-identical Hormones
HI there .... I'm hoping that you can help me find a way to find a Dr. in Canada (British Columbia) who uses bio-identical hormones to treat menopause. I would truly appreciate any help you could give me in this way.
Thank you C.F. R.N.
British Columbia, CA
Editor Note: For information on practioners in Canada that are using bio-identical hormones, please email The Women's International Pharmacy at:
Info@womensinternational.com
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2004
Subject: Premarin Linked to TTP
Hello,
Do you know if there is a link between Premarin and TTP? (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) I was diagnosed with TTP back in March and they suspected it was caused from the antidepressant drug called Nortriptyline, but the doctor's are not 100% certain on that, so this why I am asking if you know of any link between Premarin and TTP. Any info would be appreciated.
Michele
Editor Note: Please check out http://www.about-ttp.com/ for information on TTP - Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2004
Subject: On Premarin for 23 Years
I had a total hysterectomy when I was 40 and was put on HRT. Over the years the prescription has been changed for various reasons and I have been taking Premarin for about 15 years now. Recently my doctor suggested that it was time I stopped taking HRT. I was not particularly happy about this but I do trust my doctor and so took his advice. I stopped taking Premarin about 3 months ago.
I feel awful - I am lifeless, I get hot flushes and am feeling depressed because of this. I recently visited my doctor and asked to be put back on Premarin (I have been taking HRT for 23 years with no side-effects at all - in fact I have always felt healthy). He told me that the recommended maximum period for being on any form of HRT is 10 years and he will not agree to my going back onto this medication. I understand that there are several 'natural' hormone replacement medications and would be pleased if you would let me have a list of these. I do take medication for high blood pressure, low thyroid activity and depression so would ask you if the 'natural' medication would interfere with these products. Looking forward to hearing your reply. P. B.
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004
Subject: Premarin and Stroke
Just thought I would share may story...I retired from the U.S. Navy in 1993. I had always had disfunctional uterine bleeding and the treatment was intensive hormone replacement-to no avail. A short time after my retirement from the service, I underwent a complete hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. I was immediately placed on Premarin 1.25 mg. This medication had been recommended, encouraged and prescribed by each of several gynocologists I've seen. Approximately 4 years ago, (in 2000) a gynecologist told me that because of problems with my breasts (cysts, etc) that I should change to .625 but that she recommended I remain on the medication. I have been taking it for a total of 12 years now.
In January of this year, at the age of 50, I suffered a TIA (Mini-Stroke) and was told by my attending physician to immediately stop taking Premarin. I had no other identifiable risk factors. However, the morning of my discharge from the hospital, I was visited by a female neurologist who, when I told her what the other physician had told me about the Premarin, made the comment, "Well, I definitely plan on taking some kind of HRT 'when my time comes' so don't worry about it." I did exactly that. I went home and started taking my Premarin as before. Thirty days later, in February, (now that ripe old age of 51), I was admitted to the hospital with a full blown CVA or Stroke. I have had to quit working (Collections and Lending Manager with a large Federal Credit Union) as I have difficulty processing numbers. I undergo Occupational and Physical Therapy 3 times a week (right sided weakness of arm, hand and leg) and am still not driving. I am a Disabled Veteran (Vietnam and Desert Storm I) and have just submitted my request to have my disability reviewed. I DO receive VA disability due to my hysterectomy but have been told that to try relating my stroke to my hysterectomy and subsequent taking of Premarin would be a "stretch". I don't know how to convince the VA that this was my only identifiable risk factor (I'm the first in the history of both of my families to have a stroke), but I hope websites like yours will help.
If there is anyone who would like to share a story of Premarin and Stroke, please feel free to E-mail me at: chixpar1@aol.com"
and use Premarin and Stroke in the subject line. Thanks.
{Editor Comment} These tragic stories continue well into 2004 in spite of the fact that the WHI - Women's Health Initiative was stopped early in July 2002 due to the increase of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks and breast cancer. (See article on home page). The attending physician in this case gave excellent advice for this woman after having the TIA (mini stroke) to immediately stop using Premarin - unfortunately the female neurologist gave terrible and tragic advice by flipantly and stupidly saying, "Don't worry about it, 'when my time comes I intend to use HRT". Doctors should stick to their own area of expertise - if this arrogant female neurologist had kept her uninformed advice to herself, I feel it is very possible the more severe full blown stroke may have been prevented. I will state over and over at this website "WOMEN BECOME EDUCATED AND BE YOUR OWN BEST HEALTH ADVOCATE BECAUSE IT IS OBVIOUS THERE ARE MANY DOCTORS OUT THERE GIVING VERY BAD ADVICE WHEN IT COMES TO MENOPAUSE."
Date: July 2, 2004
Subject: Killer Experience With Premarin result in blood clots in the brain
- doctors tell her to pray . . .
I was given premarin to control uterine bleeding in November, 2003. I was on the drug approximately 4 weeks. In early January, 2004 I developed a killer headache. I assumed it was a bad sinus headache and took Tylenol and tried to wait it out. On January 15, 2004, I was in so much pain I couldn't open my left eye. I went to a "doc-in-the-box" and was told that they didn't have time to see me as it was near closing. When I told them I didn't think I could make it to the emergency room, they told me they still couldn't help me and to come back the next day. Thank God I didn't listen to them!
I managed to get to the nearest emergency room where I was initially diagnosed with a migraine and given a shot of Imitrex. Didn't help. To be on the safe side since I hadn't had a migraine before, a CAT scan was done. I knew I was in trouble when CAT scan paged my ER doctor. I was told "there is a problem in your brain". Tough to hear as I was there alone and had no previous history of any problem WHATSOEVER with my brain. A neurologist wa called in and no one would discuss my problem until she got there. She asked if I knew what was wrong and when I told her I didn't, she proceeded to tell me I had two huge blood clots in my brain...each the size of an index finger. I was IMMEDIATELY taken off premarin and an IV of Heparin was started. I was admitted to the hospital for nine days. During that time, I was forced to undergo a sterilization surgery to stop the massive bleeding from my uterus...brought on by the abrupt stoppage of Premarin and the heparin (which interferes with clotting). I had transfusions, a central line, I don't know how many MRIs, and my family was advised that they needed to fly in from the East coast as my condition was critical.
I can't begin to describe the fear as I awaited surgery and my doctors told me I needed to pray as my situation was very serious. I was told I could have a stroke, lapse into a coma, lose function or die. The hematologist ran every blood test he could think of, obscure and otherwise. There was no problem with my blood. My problem was with premarin. My gynecologist has told me that I can never take this drug again and that it is known that it can have this effect...on one in a million people. I guess I was the one in a million. So now I am uninsurable. I am in counseling for the post traumatic stress of losing my fertility and almost my life from what I thought was just a bad headache.
Donna
Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2004
Subject: Re: Killler Experience with Premarin - (Follow-up)
My major ongoing concerns are 1) newfound fear of headaches, 2) loss of fertility (not a hysterectomy...my only option was thermo-hydro ablation, which is a vey new procedure) and some of the side effects of that surgery, 3) not insurable...I am now paying over $600 a month for health and can't switch to another policy-this WAS an option prior to January. This is a bigger deal than I had thought...I am self-employed and single, so insurance (life, health, business) is mandatory. 4) I have to take coumadin for an unlimited time period. 5) the loyalty of clients is compromised when you are hospitalized in critical condition and they have no one to turn to for business problems...plus they wonder about a repeat episode...which makes me have to reveal more about my health than what I would normally EVER do. 6) In the event I still require a hysterectomy, I will not be able to take (and no doctor will prescribe) ANY type hormone to offset menopausal symptoms..I have been told that there is some success with these symptoms with the use of antidepressants...I have no desire to take antidepressants! Most importantly: I was trying to adopt a child from Russia. A medical history of blood clots in the brain may make me unsuitable. The worst part of this is that what premarin did to me will far outlast the time I took the drug and will alter my life from this point forward.
Donna
Date: Mon. March 22, 2004
Subject: I'll Regret Taking Premarin For the Rest of My Life
I had a hysterectomy at age 27 because of endometriosis stage 4. I took premarin 0.9 for almost 8 years, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35. I had no family history of breast cancer. I had to have a mastectomy and chemotherapy and my life has been forever changed in ways only someone who has gone through breast cancer could possible understand. I was in great health before I started the Premarin, but after taking it I had one health problem after another. I was diagnosed with severe depression, I developed dry eye syndrome, high cholseterol, high blood pressure, diabetis, liver damage, facial skin discoloration, hair loss, huge weight gain, the list goes on and on.
I strongly believe that it was because of the Premarin that I have suffered from so many ill effects and will continue to suffer for the rest of my life. I was told Premarin was going to make my life better, but I have yet to find one good reason why I should have taken it, NOT ONE, while I have a never ending list of reasons why I shouldn't have taken it. I am a survivor, but my life will never be the same. The benefits DO NOT outweigh the risks.
Don't risk your health and life. Educate yourself about Premarin and weigh the benefits and the risks yourself. You will see that the dangers far outweigh the benefits and it is a chance you don't want to take. I never dreamed this would happen to me either, but it happened, and trusting my doctor to make the best decision for me and taking the Premarin were two mistakes that I will always regret. Please don't make the same mistakes as I. You may not live to regret it.
Thank you for your website, if only more women could read this information before taking Premarin, we could spare a lot of women the pain, suffering, and death.
R.L.
(Follow-up to Monday, March 22, 2004 letter)
Subject: Re: I took Premarin, and I will always regret it!
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004
Thank you Sonja for your kind words. I have not spoken to the doctor who put me on Premarin since he ignored my lump and I had to search for a more concerned doctor, who helped save my life. So it has not been discussed with the doctor who put me on it. Although I would love to let him know exactly how I feel, I have been advised not to speak with him since I am involved in a class action suit at this time. I appreciate you offering to give me some recommendations but I am already speaking to an attorney. I intend to fight this and hope that you too will keep allowing women to speak out. I am very concerned about the horses but even more concerned about the women who will continue to suffer and die if nothing is done to stop the pharmacueticals from making Premarin. If I can be of any help at all please let me know. God bless you for your efforts. Keep up the good fight! R.L.
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004
Subject: Premarin & Heart Valve Damage?
I have taken Premarin for approximately 15 to 20 years. I had a partial hysterectomy in 1979. For many years I have had episodes of severe chest pain and pressure. Two years ago a stress test determined I have moderate to severe damage to three heart valves. I have been trying to research premarin to see if this was a possible cause. So far I find only Fen-phen which is made by the same company to be the culprit. Do you have any knowledge of a link between Premarin and heart valve damage? After reading new info on Premarin I have stopped taking it. I had no idea horses were treated so badly. Thanks for your time,
Jo
Editor Comment: While there may not be any link between Premarin and heart valve damage - it is true that Fen-phen is manufactured by Wyeth-Ayerst, (the same manufacturer of Premarin) and Fen-phen did cause deaths. It is also true that although Wyeth knew that Fen-phen was causing deaths due to heart valve damage, they continued to actively and vigorously market Fen-phen. (This callousness and greed caused Wyeth-Ayerst $4 Billion plus in lawsuits) Does anyone really want to take any drug manufactured by a company that puts profit and greed ahead of the safety of people taking a medication that is supposed to help, not harm them?
Date: Tue, 8 Jun 2004
Subject: Another Victim of Premarin
I am also a victim of the drug Premarin. I was diagnosed in 2002 with fibroid tumors at the age of 50 which were very painful for me; of course I put up with the pain waiting for the right doctor to diagnose me with this pain. After several months of the different gynecologist appointments, the first few times he did not suggest a hysterectomy; but after the fibroid tumors grew from one side of me to the other, then he did suggest the operation. I cannot complain about the operation, it has made a difference in the feelings that I now have inside of me. The side effect of the Premarin .09 is what I now suffer with. I can honestly say that I did not know there were so many side effects because for anyone who has been through a hysterectomy and at age 50, it's a very hard and difficult operation to recover from, it took me the full 6 weeks of being off work, plus I really never started feeling myself until about 6 months later. I truly believe it was because I had suffered too long prior to the operation. But taking the drug now I know that every single problem that I have endured over the last year and a half has to be from the result of this and only this. I have had dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, tingling in legs and other limbs, plus a discoloration in my legs that look like I was dead, sleepless nights, fatique, high blood pressure, IBS which I never had before, on and on and on. I have been to a urologist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, otolaryngologist, gastroenologist, chiropracter, otolarnynogogist, cardiologist and who knows what else over the last year trying to find out what on earth is happening with me. I was tested for multiple sclerosis, lyme disease, every kind of infectious disease on this earth with a spinal tap and blood tests, I have had MRI's, CT scans, xrays, tons and tons of blood tests, stool tests, urine tests, you name it; I have had it done. Everything come back normal. I have been treated by a wonderful neurologist here in Lima, Ohio who has been so puzzled that he has sent me to specialists in Columbus at OS University and more tests done at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Almost every test showed normal, one showed I have rheumatory arthritis, which I never even knew I had. I have suffered with migraine headaches as an adult for 30 years, the specialist in Columbus diagnosed me with Vestibular Migraine saying the headaches have settled into the brain stem and causes the dizziness. Maybe so. Then the drs. in Cleveland Clinic came to the conclusion that I have a virus in the spine and I may never know what the virus is from; I may have it for the rest of my life. I don't think this is it at all. After reading these other letters and seeing the "other" side effects to Premarin, I think it is the Premarin. I could go on and on about all the health problems I have had and all the days of work I have missed because of dr. appointments, hospital appointments, hospital tests, dr. tests, and blood work, plus just not feeling well day after day after day. Enough is enough. These ladies I work with think I am a total nut case and I truly believe they think I am making this stuff up, I am not at all. I want to be well and feel like myself a few years back. I was a very delightful person to be around, very uplifting to everyone else, loved life no matter what, had all the energy in the world. When I started taking this, everything changed, not for the better. I am looking into alternatives now and hopefully will come up with something to take other than Premarin that will still make me feel well. Thank you for listening to my story. Just thought I would comment since other people out there are in the same situation as I am. Thank you for your time and your concern.
R.A.C.
Editor Comment The continuing number of women who have suffered severe health problems due to their doctors prescribing a drug now known to cause more problems than it cures is unconsionable. It should become more and more clear to women that doctors do not have a woman's best health interests in mind when it comes to treating menopause or hysterectomy. A number of studies have come out over the last 5 or 6 years with negative findings on the use of Premarin and what did doctors say, "Lets not panic and wait until the large studies come out." They were, of course, referring to the WHI, Women's Health Initiative. This study as many of you may know was stopped early in July of 2002 because of the increase of breast cancer, stroke, heart attacks and blood clots. What do the so-called doctors say now? "Actually it is only a small percent of women who will suffer these serious side effects", and they continue to prescribe it any way. What was the point of doing the study if not to learn whether it was causing more harm than good? Basically all of the health problems it was supposed to prevent - are actually caused by use of Premarin including Alzheimer's disease. Doctors state the only thing to use for menopause or hysterectomy is Premarin - this is false. There are at least 15 alternative prescription estrogen drugs available. Some have been on the market for 40 years, some 20, 10 and so on. The thing is, doctors do not have an "incentive $$$" to promote some of these lesser known estrogen drugs. There are also numerous over-the-counter products that many women have found helpful such as: Evening Primrose, Black Cohosh, Various soy products, Estroven, New Phase, Remifemin, Promensil and numerous other products. Don't ever expect your doctor to suggest any of these safer alternatives. They prefer to stick with pregnant mare's urine, ie, Premarin containing horse estrogen which is 10 times stronger than a woman's natural hormones and is totally foreign to a woman's body. BECOME YOUR OWN BEST HEALTH ADVOCATE - EDUCATE YOURSELVES AND SAVE YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR LIFE. See suggested reading list below.
Date: April 1, 2004
Subject: Another Premarin Nightmare
I am 79 years old and have been on Premarin 0.625 for 30 yrs. I do have migraines, pressure that is being treated with Norvasc 5 mg. and have noticed that I am having a good bit of hair loss. When I ask my Dr. if I should go off this, he says he believes the benefits are important and his wife is still taking it. I also take Levoxyl, Lipitor 20 mg., Vioxx 25 mg and Prilosec. I saw him socially about 2 wks. ago, (forgot to mention the hair loss) and he said it was up to me and I could stop taking it if I so desired. Went to a Cancer Town Meeting with a panel of Doctors from the Anderson Clinic from Houston and after hearing some of the things about this medicine, it prompted me to write and ask your advice. I have to take Generic Maxzide along with the Norvasc for a lot of fluid retention. You response will be appreciated. Also, if I go off this, can I just stop it or do I have to wean off?
Thank you!
March 10, 2004
Subject: No excuses...Premarin makes you FAT!
To whom it may concern: I have been researching the website for information in regards to Premarin and side effects. I first came across a site that gave me more information than I could ever imagine! I was very much unaware that Premarin was actually made from pregnant mare's urine! Shocked and appalled to gather this tragic news, I continued my search. I have discovered from reading the letters your website posted, that I am not alone in living this depressing Premarin fed life! I have been taking this wicked medicine for several years, and have seen my life and body take a complete U-Turn! I have gained a total of 58 lbs. thus far.
When I contacted my physician about my concerns, I was informed that Premarin does NOT make you gain weight, although women seem to want to blame their weight gain on it. I was told to join Weight Watchers and start exercising more often. I was also told that unfortunately, as women age, their metabolism drops and they have to be more aware of their diet and exercise. Okay....most of this is true...about the exercise and diet...metabolism thing...blah..blah..blah! But what if you are like me, and the majority of women that DO EXERCISE, and DO WATCH THEIR DIET, and continue to gain weight excessively! Not to mention, that the very thought of knowing that for several years I have been putting HORSE URINE in my body, makes me physically sick! Speaking of which...other than weight gain, as if that isn't enough...when I first began taking Premarin, I would take it after breakfast each morning.
I started having symptoms of nausea almost immediately. I didn't think too much about that, since I had never taken this before.
After several months, with no relief, I thought that if I took it before bedtime, then I may not experience the side effects as much. None the less, I started having tremendous night sweats, and night "mares". Kind of ironic, huh? My body has just seemed to fall apart. Although I was taking this "wonder pill", I found out that I have Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis. I live with chronic asthma now...and the best part is..I am only 44 years old. So, to sum it all up..I am a mess. But believe it or not, I am very happily married with three beautiful children. I would love to enjoy my life and my family without all of the "crap"...or should I say "urine"! Therefore, I have decided to throw the 0.625 Premarin pills in the trash, take a hormone replacement supplement (Promensil), with no known side effects and live life to the fullest, as best I can! Thanks for letting me share my "Night-Mare" with you.
K. Poteat
North Carolina
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2004
Subject: Premarin Class Action Lawsuits?
I too have been taking Premarin for 28 years. I have had my gallbladder removed and also have irritable bowel symdrome. It is the worst thing I have ever gone through. I have a lot of other problems and feel sure it is the result from taking Premarin for so long. Is there a class action suit going on against the company (Wyeth-Ayerst) that sold Premarin? I would really like to contact someone about this. Thank you for your time.
P.E.
Date: Sun, 4 Apr 2004
Subject: PROMETRIUM?
Just wanted to inquire about the side effects of Prometrium. I am a 53 yr old female. I am going to see a new doctor tomorrow--but the doctor I have been seeing put me on 200 mg daily of Prometrium. I have had constant sinus infections, ear ache/infection, coughing, dizziness, night sweats, hot flashes, depression/anxiety, shortness of breath, puffy eyes/swollen face for 6 months now. My original complaint was sinus infection and beginning to miss periods due to onset of menopause. But for the last 6 months, it has been a nightmare. I've taken Meclazine, 5 rounds of antibiotics, medication for swelling in joints--now I'm wondering if there is a connection between the symptoms and the Prometrium. Could it be possible? Thanks for reading my email.
R.D.B.
(Follow-up to Sun., Apr. 4, 2004 letter)
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004
Subject: Re: PROMETRIUM?
Thank you for being kind enough to respond. I did go see the new doctor. No, I was only taking the Prometrium by itself. This new-to-me doctor did an x-ray of the sinuses and found a growth in the left maxillary sinus. So I am scheduled for a CT scan next week. He put me on Avelox, nose drops, and also eye drops for the left eye. After I wrote you, the next morning I woke up with the left eye swollen and full of stringy infection. I am scheduled for a mammogram and pap smear also. This doctor, who is a D.O., sent me to a compounding pharmacy and put me on Tri-est with progesterone. He tells me and so did the pharmacist that this "mixture" can be individualized if the first attempt doesn't go well. BUT, since beginning the Tri-est I have had maybe 2 hot flashes tops! I feel a better sense of well being. My hunger is back to normal - I was feeling as though I was starving all the time and I put on 10 pounds. I know the antibiotic has a lot to do with it, of course, but I really feel as though the Prometrium was just not for me. I feel like I may live!! I am concerned about the growth in the sinus cavity and sure hope it is no big deal, but have to be patient and see what happens. The D.O. didn't blame my symptoms on the Prometrium alone, but I feel it has played a big part. Again, thanks so much!
R.D.B.
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2004
Subject: PremPro and Hearing Loss
On last nights television newscast there was a brief mention of Premarin or Prempro stating there is evidence of an associated hearing loss in some women who had bee taking the drug.
My wife, Soraya, had taken Prempro for a couple years back in 2002 and 2003. She gave it up after we read stuff on your website and similar sites; and during that time has had serious hearing loss. This last month she was fitted with hearing aids (very costly).
Have you heard of this hearing loss problem? If so, please tell me more about it or direct me to where I can read about it.
C.B.
Date: Wed., February 25, 2004
Subject: Hysterectomy & Premarin Cause More Pain
Now I am really scared.......I recently had a full hysterectomy and my doctor first put me on a patch but because of skin irritation I was switched to Premarin. I have sense had many of the symptoms listed. Headaches, nausea, leg cramps, sleeping problems, depression and I am always exhausted. Everyone I talked to before surgery said I would feel better....They said my uterus was tipped and my vaginal wall was weak causing my bowls to dip into my vaginal wall. I was having major problems with the pressure in my bowls and wanted to get rid of that feeling however it seems to be returning even after the horrible surgery. Now what do I do, I can't put it back...Help me I am in tears....I will not take any more Premarin I would rather have the hormonal imbalance hell, I have it anyway....Please help if you can. P.F.
Editor Comment
When I questioned my doctor about all the possible side effects of Premarin, he said, "Hrumph - maybe they should tell you what can happen if you don't take it." Well, we all now know what will happen if we do take it, since the WHI was stopped in July of 2002 and this study revealed significant increase in breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots - so what will happen if WE don't take Premarin or PremPro? WE will probably ALL live a lot longer and healthier life!!! For any doctor to continue pushing Premarin on women after the results of this study, I feel is unconsionable. WOMEN: SAVE YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR LIFE - YOU NEED TO BECOME INFORMED AND BE YOUR OWN BEST HEALTH ADVOCATE SINCE IT HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY CLEAR THAT YOUR DOCTOR IS NOT.
Books that are must reading:
THE TRUTH ABOUT HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY, How To Break Free of the Medical Myths of Menopause, by the National Women's Health Network, 2002;
THE HYSTERECTOMY HOAX: The Truth About Why Many Hysterectomies Are Unnecessary and How to Avoid Them by by Stanley West;
THE GREATEST EXPERIMENT EVER PERFORMED ON WOMEN, Exploding The Estrogen Mythby Barbara Seaman; 2003
SEX, LIES AND MENOPAUSE, The Shocking Truth About HRT, by T.S. Wiley & Julie Taquchi, 2003
All of these books are available at any good book store such as Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon.com and/or possibly your local library.
"THE RISKS OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS" "THE RISKS OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS" "THE RISKS OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS" "THE RISKS OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS" "THE RISKS OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS" "THE RISKS OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS" "THE RISKS OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS" "THE RISKS OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS"
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Sonja Timmers, e-mail: nrsprntg@athenet.net
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