For most females, menopause is a difficult transition in life, both emotionally and physically.
When a woman suffering from the symptoms of menopause visits the GP, he/she will only be too happy to prescribe an oestrogen pill or patch to replace the hormone a female’s body should be making. A very commonly prescribed Hormone Replacement drug is called Premarin. This is an oestrogen drug prepared by the pharmaceutical giants Wyeth/Pfizer. It is sometimes referred to as a “natural” drug for women.
Premarin (Pregnant mares + urine) is a horse oestrogen made on specific US and Canadian farms for Pfizer and Wyeth. It is “natural” to female horses (Mares).
Mares are firstly impregnated. When they reach the 4th month of pregnancy and right through to the 11th month, the mares are confined to tiny spaces between metal bars so that they cannot turn around or lie down comfortably. Most stand the entire length of their 6-7 months confinement. Their urine is collected in “pee-bags” which are urine collection devices harnessed to them and which cause infections and painful chafing of their legs. The mares are fed and watered on a time controlled basis. The deprivation of water is so that estrogen is concentrated in their urine.
When the mares give birth, the foals (babies) are removed from their mothers and sent to the slaughterhouse or they are used as replacement for the mothers. After giving birth, the mares are re-impregnated for a cycle of twelve years. After the 12 years, their lives are cut short and they are killed.
So why should females suffer?
For the sake of relieving one female’s hot flushes or menopausal symptoms, should another female be exploited?
And why shouldn’t cruelty free alternatives be discussed instead?
We invite your comments.
For more information on menopause and cruelty free alternatives:
read what the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine have to say about menopause and natural cures.
For more information about Premarin visit the HorseFund.
