Before the 70's, menopause was not really talked about.  In 1966, Robert Wilson's book was published.  Here comes Premarin, the synthetic hormone.  It was touted as the only important hormone for a woman's well being.  At this time in history, birth control was more talked about than menopause.

Back in the 70's is when studies started to link Premarin therapy (made from horse urine) to an increased incidence in uterine cancer. Studies were also being done on birth control pills which contained high doses of synthetic estrogen.  There was a connection found between using birth control pills and to women experiencing blood clots in the legs and lungs.

This prompted more studies to be done. On the market came low-dose estrogen birth control pills.  And birth control pills are pretty much the same today as they were then.

Some of the side effects back then as reported in the medical literature were: swollen breasts, heavy irregular periods, ovarian cysts, phlebitis, and pulmonary embolisms.

Women started reacting from these studies in different ways. Some women immediately stopped their birth control pills and the Premarin, some were afraid to discuss the problems they were having with their own doctors, and some just accepted the side effects as part of life.

Are you still taking Premarin?  Read more about it.