Serum estrogen levels after topic application of estradiol-17 beta on two different cutaneous areas

Circulating estrogen concentrations were compared in 11 postmenopausal women during 3 months of percutaneous administration of estradiol-17 beta on the skin of the abdomen and on the thigh. The absorption from the two different cutaneous areas was equally effective and the serum levels of estradiol-17 beta were in the same range as previously reported after oral therapy with doses of 2 mg estradiol. In contrast to oral therapy the excessive conversion into estrone was avoided. The medial inner aspect of the thigh could be used as an alternative to abdominal application during percutaneous estrogen therapy.