If you find this objectionable, there are a variety of other products available that do not require animals for production. Examples include Estrace, Estratab, or Ogen. Newer combination products include Ortho-Prefest and Femhrt. Estrogen is also available as a patch. The estrogen is absorbed from a small patch, about the size of a band-aide.
Patches are available containing estrogen alone, as well as in combination with progesterone.
Although most of the same health benefits can be achieved with the patch, they do not change cholesterol values, and therefore may not help prevent heart disease. Natural hormone replacement has become very popular recently. The idea is to give women the same three estrogens, in the same proportions that women produce naturally, before menopause. Many feel that this more natural approach is less likely to cause side effects. There is no commercial product available with this combination.