WHY I PUT UP THIS WEBSITE

Women should question why doctors are more familiar with Premarin (pregnant mare's urine) than 17 B-estradiol, the estrogen natural to women. Why do they continue to prescribe Premarin containing the following ingredients: estrone sulfate (53-61%), equilin sulfate (23-30%) equilenin, 17 a-dihydroequilin, 17 a-estradiol, 17 a-dihydroequilenin and numerous other horse estrogens? Not one of these ingredients are ever found in a woman. Premarin and the various combos such as PremPro, PremPac-C and PremPhase are organic but they certainly are not natural to women. Originally insulin used by diabetics was obtained from pigs, but once it was duplicated synthetically in the laboratory, it was no longer made from pigs. Wyeth-Ayerst spends millions of dollars a year persuading doctors that Premarin is "the" best. Wyeth provides many "perks" to doctors such as free vacations, free pills, etc. Doctors should be prescribing the estrogen that duplicates the hormone women produce: 17 B-estradiol. The alternative estrogens that duplicate the female hormone are derived from soybean and/or yam, not equine estrogens.

I feel all doctors are obligated in my opnion, to stay current with the latest research and be sure to know all the reasons why a patient might refuse Premarin on medical grounds. Some women are having serious side effects from Premarin/Prempro - the truly shocking thing is that although women report these serious side effects, doctors encourage them to continue taking Premarin/PremPro. Please click on "Stroke and Blood Clot - Possible Side Effects of Premarin/PremPro to read about these very serious and other side effects women are experiencing from Premarin or PremPro. I heard from a woman recently who had a blood clot while on Premarin and even though her OB-Gyn had doubled the dose, he didn't think that Premarin was the cause of the blood clot and that "although the blood clot was very painful it would not kill her and that she should go to her regular doctor and get a diruretic." Stroke and blood clots are both listed as possible serious side effects that are stated on the product insert which may cause death. Women need to be aware that the majority of doctors do not mention "any" side effects. Women who have experienced these life threatening side effects no longer think the "benefits outweigh the risks" but that "the risks outweigh the benefits".

In her book SCREAMING TO BE HEARD: Hormonal Connections Women Suspect and Doctors Ignore, Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet makes the point over and over how doctors do not listen to their female patients. I highly recommend this book as Dr. Vliet gives many important reasons why Premarin is an unhealthy choice for estrogen replacement therapy. Her book tells about important studies done by Dr. White and Dr. Campbell, two leading menopause researchers in England who conducted studies back in 1978-1982. These studies show that the conjugated equine estrogens are about three times more potent in stimulating the liver production of renin substrate, which causes increased blood pressure. These studies have been virtually ignored in the U.S. - WHY? Their studies also showed that Estrace (17 beta-estradiol) and Ogen estropripate (estrone) DID NOT cause blood pressure to rise. When Dr. Vliet mentions this to doctors at medical seminars, none of them were even aware of these studies.

I am concerned that frequently doctors do not seem to take the time to inform themselves about the *pros and cons of a drug like Premarin, much less discuss such things in depth with their patients, and do too often rely on information about drugs from pharmaceutical reps rather than their own research.

In addition to the obvious, to let people know about this unnecessary cruelty to horses - I was actually motivated by my doctor's (ex-doctor) reaction when I told him why I wanted to switch to a natural plant based estrogen and how he rudely interrupted me when I tried to tell him about the generic form of Premarin that Duramed Pharmaceutical had developed, that Wyeth-Ayerst was trying to block. He wouldn't allow me to finish my sentence - and said "but that's not what you're here for." However, that was exactly why I was there.

When my doctor first put me on Premarin and Cycrin (generic for Provera) he said to me, "There should be a generic for Premarin also, but they didn't do the right paper work." I wanted to let him know what I had learned and that there was no need for horses to be confined and their foals slaughtered because there was a safe generic form of Premarin developed but was being kept off the market. Since we had previously discussed generics I felt it was appropriate for me to inform him about the generic for Premarin. MANY doctors seem to take offense (as mine did) when you try to tell them something you've learned. When I voiced my concerns about the side effects listed in the product insert sheet he basically blew me off and said: "maybe they should tell you what can happen to you if you don't take it". Ironically, as it turns out women are much less likely to get breast cancer, suffer blood clots or heart attacks if they don't use HRT. Please read The Politics of Pharmaceuticals to learn how politics and payoffs kept a generic form of Premarin, CENESTIN off the market. Cenestin was approved in June, 1999 as an alternative brand name estrogen and is the only other synthetic conjugated estrogen on the market. It is derived from a mixture of yam and soybeans.


CENESTIN IS BETTER THAN PREMARIN

May 16, 1999

Hi, I am an RN and soon to be Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduate in September. I used to raise horses and lived on a ranch doing this for 15 years. I LOVE horses & I have known about Premarin for many years. There is a new product out for HRT called Cenestin which is the only other conjugated estrogen available. It got FDA approval about a month and 1/2 ago. It will be ready for doc's and NP's to prescribe by mid June of this year. It is manufactured by Duramed Pharmaceuticals. Cenestin is vegetable based and made from a mix of yam and soybean and is cheaper than Premarin and more effective. I feel strongly about the use of Premarin and would like to do whatever I can to ban its use. How can something produced from a horse work in harmony in a woman's body? Yes, it may alleviate some symptoms of menopause but I know that the impurities in the product do more damage then good!

I have emailed your link to every female I know and I have printed out all 15 pages to pass along to my fellow classmates and professors.
Respectfully, J. A. F. RN, OB/GYN NP Student

Following are some of the comments I have received from women who have visited my web site and their experiences with Premarin and their doctors. These exerpts are from my Readers Respondlink.
:

"My wife and I were having a talk today about estrogen and her unhappiness with her discussion with her doctor. He basically brushed her off and told her she would know when she was in menopause. She wanted to know the *pros and cons of estrogen and left quite confused and upset."

"I am 57 and had a hysterectomy. Recently my doctor put me on Premarin. My normal 122 over 72 blood pressure shot up to 155 over 92. I also had terrible leg cramps which kept me up all night. When I asked the doctor for some other type of estrogen he said 'oh, we'll just give you pills to take care of the high blood pressure and the cramps.' Really!! How stupid does he think I am? Also changed doctors."

I was just reading the information on the internet about the ill affects of Premarin - let alone how it is made! I am so puzzled though - I know I need to take something for the severe hot flashes and horrible mood swings - but what? any suggestions? I read all the side affects and I have all but one or two Aghhhhh. I have been on it for over 6 years. I have constant forgetfulness, swollen ankles that are tender to the touch, weight gain, high blood pressure?? I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 20 years and that was bad enough. I was told by my doctor that most of my symptoms were just related to the hysterectomy!??? N.S.
I am 34 years old and normally consider myself quite healthy. My main problems in the past have been miscarriages (have had 4 total). Finally in October, 1998, went to see an RE. He found something in my uterus and offered surgical removal while preserving my fertility. During surgery, he found I had a syndrome called Asherman's (uterine adhesions). I would like to add, prior to the surgery he put me on Provera. Almost immediately after taking it, I started to get severe migraine headaches. After surgery he prescribed Premarin. I had no idea what it was, all I was told basically, is that it was estrogen replacement and that I needed it to rebuild the uterine wall back up. He told me to take the Premarin for 3 weeks, then start the Provera for 7 days. Needless, to say, my blood pressure was sky high and actually felt like I was going to have a stroke for over a month. I'm usually a pretty active person and enjoy most of the activities of a 34 year old healthy woman. That wasn't the case in December. I had lost all desire to function, the headaches were the most painful I've ever had in my life!!! I decided to take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and called my doc about the horrible side effects... He actually RECOMMENDED me to stay on these medications. I was shocked!!! After making myself quite clear about the terrible side effects, he was encouraging me to stay on them... I do not plan on receiving any more medical care from this physician because of this.

I believe I know my own body well enough to safely say.. THESE DRUGS are dangerous.. at any age!!! I'm glad to have found your web site about the side effects. For a while, I thought it was just me.. and in addition, even more disgusted how the drug is manufactured... I've always been an animal lover and would never condone the abuse of an animal for my sole benefit. In closing, just wanted to thank you for turning on the light for me. J.B.

"I am in complete agreement with you on the subject of Premarin, not only is this very cruel to animals, it is also cruel to the women who are convinced to take it. The makers have no way to filter out all of the proteins, this is partly what causes side affects in women. My OB-GYN tried to put me on it this year, he was a very good doctor until now, I told him no and he became quite upset with me."

I have done much reading in this area. One of the real issues is how we change the thought process of existing MDs. Just try discussing natural estrogen or progesterone with them & they either take offense (how dare I practice medicine on myself) or they give you that "you're a little looney" look. The U.S. has much growth to catch up to other countries in this area. Thanks. Carol M.

"In January I had a bone density test and my spine was fine, my hip bones at -1.36. I am doing lots of excerise and getting lots of calicum. The recommendations are that I take Fosamax. The glaring side effect of that drug is esophagus damage. I have reflux, so that drug is not an option for me. (My decision) It is very difficult to get a doctor to listen to someone who has done research and wants to be involved in the decision on her body."

I cannot believe, after all the publicity, that doctors do not know about the cruel treatment of pregnant mares for urine collection. I read about this problem years ago in my Humane and Horse publications and again recently in several of them. Maybe the articles need to be submitted to those publications for the MD, DO, PA, and NP who are writing the scripts. Thank you for your efforts. E.E. Reg.Nurse, loving owner of "the girls" Barby, Bitsy, and Belle, all Quarter Horse mares.
Thank you for your extremely informative letter. I feel that my doctors did not help me make an informed decision regarding which type of estrogen replacement would be the most beneficial. At the beginning of the month, I asked my physician to switch me to Estrace. I feel that I have made a positive change to Estrace. I intend to follow up on the reading list you provided. I am interested in finding out more about natural progesterone. I have suspected that the Provera I have been taking in conjunction with Premarin may be effecting me adversely as well as the Premarin. Thanks again...S.B.
Today I saw the clip on TV about Premarin and how it is produced on a news magazine type show. Mary Tyler Moore was featured telling about this cruelty to Current Affair or something similar. I told a surgical nurse about it yesterday when she was getting information about me for an outpatient surgery coming up. She asked me about medicine I am taking and I told her I was taking Premarin but not since I heard what it was and how it was obtained. I told her about it. Word of mouth will help. Thanks. Barb G.

I" saw your page on Premarin. I know what you mean about the rudeness of doctors. They think they are right up there next to God. I am amazed at the number of women who want to take hormones. I quit taking the ones I was on when I learned through a magazine article that the estrogen was causing my headaches. The doctor surely didn't tell me all the hazards of taking hormones, the risk I would run concerning stroke. I just did some "looking" and found that the makers of Provera tested it on Beagle dogs. What these greedy people won't do for a buck! Makes me furious.
I wouldn't take Premarin for anything. I heard about it a long time ago. No way! Two years ago my 24 year old daughter had terrible abdominal pain. Instead of coming to MOM the nurse, she went to friends who recommended going to an OB/GYN. He told her she had endometriosis and said something about a complete hysterectomy. She came crying to me and I told her, not on your life, we'll get a second opinion. I am trying hard to tell women not to believe everything they hear from male doctors. Do you think for one minute those men would take the junk they prescribe for women? Not on your life. Also, do you think they'd have surgery and neuter themselves like they do women with hysterectomies or removing the ovaries. Not on your life!"

I had a complete hysterectomy in 1988. At that time the doctor just gave me a perscription and said 'you will be on this for life--NEXT!' You had the feeling of being on a factory line (much like the poor mares) with no say on what was to come next. I never realized how the pill I took everyday affected my body or how it was produced. When I first plugged into the internet and looked up Premarin I was amazed and shocked. Thank you for the information on Premarin and the even more shocking information on how it is produced. I have an appointment this morning to see my doctor to change over to a different type of estrogen. I realize I am only one person but as the commercial went--and she told a friend--who told a friend--who told a friend...Once again, thank you friend! K.S.

"Thanks for putting this on the internet - I had the same reaction from my doctor when I requested a more natural hormone replacement. I was not aware of the animal cruelty. I plan to search out another doctor immediately."P.R.

Thanks for your information. Talk about shock, I knew there had to be something wrong with me. I have been on Premarin for two years and for some reason I have been run down tired in the middle of the day and just had to push myself in order to do my work at home and on the job. I gave myself a test. I did not take my tablets in the morning as usual to see what if anything happens. I felt good all day and got so many things in order. I took my tablet before going to bed, woke up drained and felt like I'd been beaten to no end. Today I have not taken the Premarin, and I feel good and wide awake. So with this information from you (Thank You so much), I am going to a health market and purchase herbs so I can get off this. Again Many Thanks. Rose M.
Thank you so much for your informed article. I heard a rumour about the drug from my nutritionlist and needed to check. I want to come off HRT anyway and this is the final push I needed. I would rather take my chances of osteoporosis and eat well, exercise, etc., than let animals suffer. Many thanks again...Anne J.
Thank you for the information on Premarin...I am writing a speech about it and I'm trying to investigate as much as possible. I think the use of Premarin is horrific and needs to be destroyed. It's unfortunate that women are not informed about this drug and doctors and pharmacists just want to bring in the bucks. I've owned horses all my life and it is not a satisfying feeling to know what these ignorant and foolish people are doing around the world. Thanks again for supporting the horse world. Good luck and I'll write to others to protest about this government money hungry issue. Sincerely, Karen
I must thank you for putting up your web page. I saw the Millenium episode (Broken World - about a serial killer who grew up on a PMU farm) and asked around, but *no one* would give me any information; not my pharmacist, not my doctor, not the clinic I use. Only today a small newspaper insert on health held your article. I cried so hard, then I got really angry. I have been taking this drug for five years, at the insistance of my doctor. NO MORE. Ironic that today I was to pick-up my refill. Well, I walked into the pharmacy and paid for my prescription and then, quietly, dumped the whole bottle out on the counter. I left the article there as well. I have e-mailed forty of my friends and asked each of them to e-mail everyone they know. Perhaps you could include an e-mail address for Wyeth? Maybe a *page-set-up* where people could e-mail their outrage on-site? Please, let me know if there is any way I can help get the word out. T.H.

"I will take your advice and taper off of the Premarin. Interestingly, I spoke with my doctor's colleague, since my doctor was not available. He informed me to stop the pill if I had problems. Nothing about tapering off. He also sarcastically said, 'I can always give you a hysterectomy' when I discused my concerns about flashes etc. I was appalled and verbally blasted him."

"I had the same experience with my doctor. I was not aware of the horrible treatment given horses when I contacted my doctor and complained about the way I was feeling after being on Prempro for 3 weeks, and having bleeding for 2 of those weeks. A friend told me all the info, and thank you for your web site. I will help in spreading the news, and I am looking for a new doctor and going to a nutritional consultant for natural hormonal replacement. Thank you." P.C.

"I am 32 and have had a complete hysterectomy, I am currently taking Premarin 0.9. When I asked my physician about alternatives to Premarin he said he he does not feel comfortable changing to a new product because there may be side effects that no one is aware of yet. I would like advice on whether HRT is necessary. I was told because of my age I should take it, but I just don't feel comfortable taking it for the next 40 years or so, with all the side effects. . . any suggestions?" S.T.

"What a nightmare of a drug! I have taken Premarin in the past, and I am deeply saddened to think that I have contributed to the suffering of these mares. Will mankind ever learn to respect our four-leggeds? I shall be telling all I know what is happening and I shall be writing to the drug company to tell them that the world is watching and is now aware of their inhumane practices. Thank you for lifting the awareness of the people and for speaking out for those who cannot, namely the mares." M.H.- Tasmania, Australia

"I have never felt really comfortable with Prempro, some inner voice has always been prompting me. That same urging sent me to your site. Both of my female doctors I have seen have sworn by this therapy, and always down played any questions I had about it. Anyway, thanks for a good site. V. W.

"Help Please!! I am currently taking Premarin and would like to begin a natural hormone replacement therapy as I've had a total hysterectomy. I've been told not to quit the Premarin "cold turkey" and just taper off slowly. Can you tell me where to get info regarding this? My doctor does not agree with my quitting, so I'm not comfortable discussing this with her again. Thank you very much!

Click on READERS RESPONDfor more letters.

MY DOCTOR'S RUDENESS IN NOT HEARING ME OUT and apparent indifference to the cruelty to horses made me determined to spread the word as much as possible. Initially I had 1,000 flyers printed and delivered them door- to-door to near-by neighborhoods. I then decided I could let many more people know about this well kept secret by having a web site in addition to the many informative web sites that already exist on this subject. I also wrote a letter to the editor of my local newspaper to let women know about this unnecessary cruelty. I would like to encourage others to do this also.

Each woman who tells another woman about this abuse can feel she is correcting a wrong done by the "medical establishment". Doctors know very well that most women knowing of the abuse would choose other alternatives. Remember, Premarin would not be so prevalent if the medical profession had not condoned this cruelty with its silence. "Silence is consent".

Click on my Links Page for the following article: "Politics Trumps Science at the FDA" (Op-Ed on Premarin as it appeared on July 21, 1997 in the Wall Street Journal and "The Politics of Pharmaceuticals" as it appeared on April 2, 1997 in The Washington Post. You will learn how politics and money donated by Wyeth-Ayerst played a major part in keeping a safe generic (Cenestin) alternative off the market. Had the FDA approved the application of of the generic alternative, women, the government through Medicare, hospitals and managed care organizations could save almost $300 million per year. I would like to urge everyone who reads this to please write to your senate and house representatives to protest these crooked tactics that appear to run our country.

Unless there is an immediate and overwhelming response from the female consumers of Premarin and the general public, the tens of thousands of mares and foals currently caught up in this nightmare will quickly double and triple as baby-boomer women reach menopause. IF compassion and conscience prevails, and this well kept secret is made known, Premarin will soon be a drug of the past. Please spread the word and help save the horses.

"I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of the whole human being." Abraham Lincoln


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Sonja Timmers, e-mail: nrsprntg@athenet.net
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