Are there still PMU farms?

The farms. The number of mares in PMU barns in North America has decreased significantly from an estimated high of 55-60,000 in the late 1990’s. There are no PMU farms operating any longer in the United States.

Are there still PMU farms in Canada?

There are 18 family-owned equine ranches that are members of NAERIC and contracted by Pfizer to collect pregnant mares’ urine (PMU). These equine ranches are located in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba (15) and Saskatchewan (3).

What is a PMU mare?

PMU stands for Pregnant Mare’s Urine and is a product of the pharmaceutical industry and production of hormone replacement therapy drugs such as Premarin and Prempro.

Are horses still used for HRT?

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.

Do they still make Premarin?

Premarin is a brand-only medication, and a 30-day supply can cost well over $200. Currently, there is no generic for Premarin, and there may never be.

How is pregnant mare urine collected?

Premarin is created by collecting the urine of pregnant mares. The mares are kept in small standing stalls in order to limit their movement, so not to displace the urinary bladder bags used to collect every drop of urine.

Are there PMU farms in the United States?

Due to increasing pressure of animal welfare regulation, and public outcry over the horrible fates often suffered by the foals, current PMU production has moved overseas. Because of the move overseas, PMU foals are no longer available in the US.

What is a nurse mare foal?

A nurse mare foal is a foal who was born so that its mother produces milk. The lactating mares are then used as surrogate mothers for foals from other horses. In order to have milk, the nurse mare has to give birth to her own baby, and their foals become orphans.

What does Premarin do to your body?

Premarin (conjugated estrogens) replaces estrogen hormones that your body loses during menopause. Replacing estrogen strengthens bones, relieves symptoms of menopause, and helps with the pain that happens with some forms of advanced breast and prostate cancer.

Why was Premarin taken off the market?

A government study of Wyeth’s hormone replacement drugs, Prempro and Premarin, was discontinued in 2002 when it became apparent that taking Prempro heightened the risk of breast cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, and pulmonary embolism, and that Premarin increased risk of stroke.

Is HRT cruel?

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 is better estradiol or Premarin?

Is Estrace or Premarin more effective? Studies show that when comparing estrogen products, estradiol (the ingredient in Estrace) and conjugated estrogens (the ingredient in Premarin) are equally effective in treating menopause symptoms. Vaginal creams are effective and well-tolerated.