A recent report about the potentially serious side effects of estrogen-progestin drugs, commonly prescribed for menopausal symptoms, has left millions of American women wondering whether they should continue to take their daily doses of Prempro™.
Their concerns are based on a study, released July 9 by the National Institutes of Health's Women's Health Initiative (WHI), which found that the estrogen-progestin drug Prempro increased the risks of breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, and blood clots when used over a period of 5.2 years (at which point the study was halted because of its dangers). These new findings recently prompted the U.S. government to launch an initiative to reassess the risks and benefits of combination hormone replacement therapies.
The slew of bad news has left six million American women—the estimated number who take the combination hormone drug—angry, confused, and searching for more answers about whether they should continue taking the drug. (Another nine million American women take estrogen-only products such as Premarin®, whose risks and benefits are still uncertain.)
But almost all the media reports have neglected one other factor that may help women decide whether to take Premarin and Prempro—the origin of the most commonly prescribed HRT drugs. Both are derived from horse urine.
"The sad truth behind the production of these hormones offers yet another compelling reason for women to reconsider their use," says Ellen Buck, D.V.M., director of equine protection for The HSUS. "Women could potentially save themselves future health problems by not taking these drugs, but they can definitely save horses from inhumane conditions today."
"The fact is, there are alternative forms of hormone replacement therapy available, but many women don't know about them," Buck adds. "This is, at least in part, because many doctors simply prescribe Premarin and Prempro as a matter of course and do not necessarily discuss the full range of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) programs available."
Only pregnant horses produce urine rich enough in estrogen to be used in the production of Premarin and Prempro. In order to collect the pregnant mares' urine (PMU), PMU farmers keep the horses tethered in stalls so narrow that the mares cannot even lie down comfortably. The horses are confined to the stalls for up to six months of their 11-month pregnancy. A rubber funnel system, held against the mares' bodies, collects the urine.
The inhumane conditions extend beyond the limited lives led by horses on the production line—a dark fate also awaits the foals born to PMU mares. Because the industry values mares only for their urine, the foals are viewed merely as a by-product of production.
The 35,000 mares imprisoned on PMU farms every year produce as many foals, and at least 12,000 of these young are taken from their mothers prematurely and sold directly to slaughter. A certain number of female foals will replace their mothers on the PMU production line.
"Clearly, there are more reasons than ever for women to reevaluate their decisions about HRT medications, and possibly switch to other products," says Buck.
Women who decide to start or continue on HRT should ask their doctor about the many plant-derived and synthetic hormones on the market. These drugs can safely and effectively alleviate the symptoms of menopause, Buck notes, and their production does not contribute to animal suffering.
For a free copy of The HSUS brochure, Facts About Hormone Replacement Therapy, which includes a list of drug alternatives to Premarin, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Facts About Hormone Replacement Therapy, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.
