THE TRUTH ABOUT PREMARIN
Women Report Side Effects of Premarin/Prempro
That are Denied or Ignored by Doctors+ Letters 2005
Letters 2005
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: Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Subject: THANK YOU For Saving My Life!
I thank you and the Good Lord for this information. I had been on Premarin a few weeks. My illness started with severe Vertigo and weakness. I then progressed to SEVERE panic attacks and chest pain which I awakened to each morning which would last all day. Lightheadedness, dizzy, EXTREME debilitating fatigue and weakness, blurred vision, headaches, fast and irregular heartbeat and the feeling I was going to die. I was crying all day and severe depression and feeling death was at hand. Double doses of Alka Seltzer helped with the headaches and seemed to help the chest pain. I then stumbled on your site and OH DID THE LIGHT COME ON.
I am FOUR days without Premarin, I have been chugging water to flush this garbage out of my system, double Alka Seltzer for potential clots and this morning, I awakened WITHOUT CHEST PAIN NO ANXIETY, and ABSOLUTE JOY TO FEEL LIKE A HUMAN BEING!! I haven't felt like living the last few weeks and got down on my knees and thanked GOD for the return of my health. By the way, I take NO medications other than Premarin (which I've quit using) and daily vitamins which I've weeded out, suspecting vitamins might be a factor.
Thank you for this website, I believe I was led to it and it saved my life. I am sure I was headed for a stroke or fatal heart attack, no one could continue with the chest pain I was having. I will continue my aspirin to keep my blood thinned for a while.
Sincerely,
J.F.
Editor's Comment Occasionally I have considered taking down my website, thinking perhaps it has served its purpose, and then I receive a letter such as the one above. Receiving this letter and others convinces me to keep this web site going and posting letters to help inform women of the possible dangerous consequences of taking Premarin or PremPro - especially since some doctors continue to prescribe it like business as usual and will not admit that Premarin causes any side effects.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Subject: Premarin
Hello Sonja, I have been taking Premarin for about 25 years and over the years have constantly gained weight and now am about 75 pounds overweight. I have read/heard that HRT can cause metabolic shutdown and weight gain. Could you give me insight on this.
I am currently taking 0.625 daily and want to quit since I am now 61 and feel the menopausal symtoms have decreased to a tolerable level. Do I need to wean myself off of these or can I just stop instantly. My doctor says I should stay on them but the weight is a huge factor for me right now and of more health concerns to me than hot flashes or whatever.
Thanks for your input. I visited your website and read some horror stories about these HRT's, which I do not want to experience.
I am taking antidepressants, Paxil and want to get off them too but have fears of the side effects of this. Also taking Lipitor for cholesteral. God, everynight I would just love to go to bed without having to take all these medications! I feel like a pill junky!
Regards,
J.H.
Houston, TX
Editor Comment: Dr. Susan Love says nothing bad will happen if you just quit HRT, however, if you had hot flashes before using HRT they may return with a vengence. Therefore, it is best to taper off over a period of time. Many women have reported weight gain after starting use of Premarin, however,doctors generally deny Premarin causes weight gain or any of the other side effects women report. Putting women on HRT for a natural phase in their life does not seem right and many women do not like to think of taking HRT for the rest of their life, especially since the side effects can actually be more harmful than the original intent of HRT, which was to help prevent heart attacks in women. The WHI Study (Women's Health Initiative Study) which was stopped early in July 2002 found that not only did HRT not prevent heart attacks, there was an increased risk of heart attacks in women using PremPro. The part of the study using Premarin alone continued for a while, but eventually that was ended also. It has been known for many years that Premarin users had an increased risk of breast cancer, but doctors always felt that risk was outweighed by the protective benfits against heart attacks - that argument is now null and void. The main benefits of HRT found in the WHI was a small decrease in colon cancer and a slight increase in bone density and control of hot flashes.
Date: Monday, March 28, 2005
Subject: Thank You!!
I can not believe what I am reading - I have been on Premarin 0.45mg for several months now and have gained 20 pounds during that time! I want sugar, cookies, candy, cakes all the time. I never had a problem whith sweets, now I can't get enough of them. I eat sweets all day and get headaches if I don't. Also, I am tired all the time and my legs hurt from morning till night, and they feel so heavy. I thought I was having a heart attack last night my heart was beating so fast! I am getting off this stuff immediately!
Thanks again for informing us of things our own doctors won't! Abundant Blessings to you.
Dawn P.
W.V.
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005
Subject: RE: The Truth about Premarin
Dear Sonja,
I am glad to report that I am still alive and still off Premarin. But I do believe that getting off the drug saved my life. My blood pressure is now back down to a normal 120/78 - 120/80. (It fluctuates slightly.) The brain swings have gone away, as did the complete exhaustion, headaches, and other symptoms. The only lasting effect I have is the Excema, but I do have an allergy to wheat products (which I never knew I had) so that explains the Excema.
I was alarmed when I heard that they were letting women go back on the Premarin at what they consider a "low" dose - especially since my prescription was considered a low dose at the time. (0.625.) I hope this is not a deadly mistake for anyone in the future.
As for me, I don't have any menopause symptoms at all and am fine not taking anything. My thanks again for bringing the dangers of Premarin to me. I don't think I would be here today if you hadn't.
Joy
Editor Comment: It is wonderful that women are taking initiative and have the courage to follow their instincts by taking their life and health into their own hands. Many have come to the conclusion that their doctors may not always have a woman's best health interests first and foremost. Unfortunately, it is true that around 25% of women who had stopped use of Premarin and/or PremPro have begun using it once again, although at a lower dose. I would just like to caution women that although a lower dose may be somewhat safer, it still does not insure that it will not harm them sometime in the future. I still truly believe that "The Risks Outweigh The Benefits".
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2005
Subject: Premarin Definitely Not For Me
Hi Sonja,
I am 49 years of age, and had a hysterectomy 4 years ago (didn't remove my ovaries). I had back pain for 10 + years and was diagnosed with Adenomyosis. I have been backpain free since the surgery, which has allowed me to be active again. I do not have any severe menopause effects, but in the last 8 months I have notice itchiness, dryness and discomfort during sex. I was putting it down to urinary infections and so was my doctor?
Two months ago I had a blood test taken to confirm my menopause. The result is that I am now taking Premarin (4 weeks). Although my symptoms of itchiness, dryness and discomfort are gone, I have found other symptoms are arising. Weight gain (completely foreign to me, I've never been over 118 - 120 lbs. in my life) I have Lupus, and although I have been symptom free for a long time with an occassional day flare up, my wrists and feet have been aching for about two weeks with no relief, I'm taking a day off for bed rest to see if it helps. I have also noticed in a short time that my mood has changed and not for the better, as well as being fatigued, I dropped my dosage (without my doctors permission) from 1.5g three times a week to 0.5g twice a week and for the next 2 weeks I will go to 0.5 g once a week and then completely off.
I am planning on finding a safer way to control my symptoms, I am very proactive and after reading your site I will definitely look for alternatives. Here's my plan: Soya protein powder daily, 2 ml - 4 ml Black Cohosh daily, Yam and Astroglide lubricant which I have been using all along. I already eat very healthy and am extemely active (running and weights alternated daily) which I have put down to why I have not had a troubling time with my Lupus. Could you let me know if you think there's anything else that I could try and or do differently.
Along with my situation I would like to add that I had no idea where Premarin was derived from. The thought angers me tremendously, and if I felt it was safe to discontinue immediately I would. Thank you for your informative site.
T.R.
Date: Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Subject: Thank you for your Website
Dear Sonja, Being in a completely disatisfied state at the moment, it is quite a relief to have found this website. I had a full hysterectomy November 2004. Many times prior to the surgery, while still taking ERT (Estrogen Replacement Therapy),I had many discussions with my GYN doctor about not taking Premarin, Prempro stating to her that I'm not thrilled about ingesting horse urine, and I'm dead against the cruelty to the horse for the production of these products.
At my 6 week check up after the surgery, I spoke with the doctor re: estrogen therapy. Again mentioning "I don't want Premarin or Prempro". So like a fool. --I took the hand written prescription, filled my prescription (without even looking at it - because I trusted her to not write an RX for Premarin. WRONG. When I got home and looked at it, sure enough, it was an RX for Premarin tablets. I sat there and cried mostly because I felt that I had contributed to the cruelty of animals - those poor horses and so my mistrust in my GYN doctor began. I tried over-the-counter estrogen but, (although it may work for some women) it doesn't seem to work that well for me. I waited months for it to kick in so the relief of menapause symptoms would begin. Hot flashes alone are Fast, Furious and Flaming. I haven't slept in months. I called the Women's Health Department and asked about an RX for a cream And specifically mentioned, I don't want anything to do with Premarin and such. I was told that if I wanted to, I could pick up a few samples, try those before going to the expense of purchasing ones I may not like.
Blindly, and trusting again, I picked up the samples, which were in a large envelope, the nurse gave me instructions on the dosage, I had a funny feeling so half way home, Istopped the car, pulled out a sample.... (it was for a cream) P R E M A R I N !!
I was so angry and upset I was dumbfounded. Needless to say, I'll be seeking a new GYN doctor and I will be sending her this website. I often wonder if doctors get a kickback for prescribing this product especially when there is so much negative information about it.? At least half the employees in my department are my age or some what near my age, and this information will prove helpful as well as for my older daughters who are now in fear of going through menapause. So, again thank you for your much needed information. Best wishes in all of your endeavors. Sincerely,
D.D.
Cobleskill, NY
Editor's Comment What a shameful way these doctors and nurses have treated this woman, totally ignoring her repeated requests for something other than Premarin, ie, Pregant Mare's Urine. I cannot say for sure if doctors are financially rewarded for prescribing Premarin and ONLY Premarin, but this certainly makes a good case for it. Even after the WHI (Women's Health Initiative) was stopped early in July 2002 because of the increased risk for: heart attacks, breast cancer, stroke, blood clots and gallbladder disease, (compared to those on a placebo) many doctors continue to push Premarin totally ignoring the results of this important study as though it didn't exist. Although there were some in the medical community who said the main use of Premarin is for stopping hot flashes and night sweats.
You do have to wonder - Whose best interests come first, a woman's health? or the medical community and pharmaceutical company's financial gain? The way some doctors treat their patients is simply appalling and should not be tolerated by anyone. AGAIN, I URGE WOMEN, BECOME YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH AND MENOPAUSE - READ, STUDY, BECOME INFORMED, BECAUSE IT IS OBVIOUS MANY DOCTORS ARE ROBOTIC IN THEIR TREATMENT OF WOMEN. THEY DO NOT LISTEN TO YOUR INPUT OR CONCERNS, THEY JUST CONTINUE TO PUSH PREMARIN PILLS TO SILENCE THEM.
Two highly recommended web sites for women going through menopause or have had a hysterectomy and are looking for safe and effective alternatives to Premarin or Prempro:
POWER SURGE
is hosted by Alice Stamm and it is a wealth of information on the subject of menopause and women's health. This web site is now in it's 11th year and has won many awards for the excellent information it provides women. There are numerous transcripts by doctors that have been interviewed by Alice Stamm. At this website you are able to ask questions and receive answers by respected qualified doctors and much much more.
Also:
HER PLACE
is hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Vliet, author of SCREAMING TO BE HEARD - Hormonal Connections Suspected by Women and Ignored by Doctors. I am sure many women can identify with that title. Dr. Vliet believes bio-identical estradiol is best for women, NOT Premarin. After all, we weren't born with equine estrogen, why would we need them at menopause?
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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