The estrogen-replacement drug Premarin, prescribed to menopausal women, is made from horse urine ; in fact, the drug’s name is short for PREgnant MARes’ urINe. About 750,000 mares are impregnated each year for the sole purpose of collecting their estrogen-rich urine.
What medication is made from mare urine?
Premarin , a complex of conjugated equine estrogens manufactured by Wyeth for use as hormone replacement therapy in women, was originally developed by the Canadian pharmaceutical firm Ayerst, McKenna and Harrison. The name Premarin was coined from pregnant mare urine, from which the estrogen complex was isolated.
What is HRT made from?
The hormones used in traditional HRT are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones . Supporters of bioidentical hormones claim their products are safer because they are “natural” and identical in makeup to the hormones the body produces naturally.
Is Estrace made from mare urine?
An estrogen replacement therapy drug, taken by more than 10 million women in the United States every day, is made in part from the urine of pregnant mares .
Is there horse urine in HRT?
Both drugs contain horse urine , specifically pregnant mare’s urine (PMU). Not only has this form of HRT proved to be dangerous to humans, horses raised for their urine are also kept confined and pregnant, and their foals often end up in the slaughterhouse.
Which HRT does not contain horse urine?
Like Premarin, Cenestin contains a complex mixture of conjugated estrogens that are slowly released into the body. But unlike Premarin, Cenestin is derived from plant sources—soybeans and yams—not horse urine.
Does estradiol have horse urine in it?
While Prempro and Premarin are made from horse urine , estradiol more closely resembles the estrogen that a woman’s body naturally makes.
Can you stay on HRT forever?
There’s no limit on how long you can take HRT , but talk to a GP about how long they recommend you take the treatment. Most women stop taking it once their menopausal symptoms pass, which is usually after a few years.
What is the best natural alternative to HRT?
- Black cohosh. Black cohosh is a flowering plant that may work to balance hormones. ...
- St. John’s wort.
- Dong quai.
- Chaste tree.
- Maca.
- Red clover.
- Sage. Some research suggests that taking a daily tablet of fresh sage can help minimize hot flashes and improve other menopause symptoms.
- Milk thistle.
At what age should a woman stop taking hormone replacement?
Women older than 60 or 65 don’t automatically have to stop taking HRT and can consider continuing HRT beyond age 65 for persistent hot flashes, quality-of-life issues, or prevention of osteoporosis after appropriate evaluation and counseling of the benefits and risks of HRT.
What happens when you stop taking Premarin?
Once you stop taking estrogen, you may develop brittle bones . However, lifestyle, dietary and nonhormonal medications can be very effective in preventing bone loss and osteoporosis. Women who stop taking HRT may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Can you drink horse urine?
That said, it is possible to drink your urine without ill effects . A healthy person who’s fully hydrated likely wouldn’t be harmed by a couple cups of his own clear cocktail (not golden at this point). Urine is about 95% water. It is not completely sterile of microorganisms, as many sources incorrectly state.
Can you replace hormones naturally?
There are two main types of natural hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Bioidentical HRTs involves taking bioidentical plant hormones to correct hormone imbalances. Traditional natural HRTs involves consuming plants or supplements that may help to alleviate hormonal symptoms.
What is a natural alternative to Premarin?
The most widely cited natural remedy is soy , which is very high in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Other sources are red clover and flaxseed, both of which are available as supplements.
Is Premarin still used?
Yet the drug is still made and sold ; indeed, the FDA recently gave the manufacturer permission to market a new Premarin-based drug meant to treat osteoporosis as well as menopause.
What is the best alternative to Premarin cream?
What is the best alternative to Premarin? Estrace is a similar alternative to Premarin. Other medications containing estrogen include the Vivelle Dot Patch, Climara Patch, or vaginal estrogen in the form of Vagifem vaginal tablets (vaginal tablets applied with a vaginal applicator) or Estring Vaginal Ring.
