Lipid-lowering effects of two synthetic oestrogen derivatives with weak genital oestrogen properties

The effects on serum lipids of two weak synthetic oestrogens were examined in 23 patients, 17 of whom were given cyclofenil and 6 methallenestril for a period of 10 weeks. These compounds have previously been demonstrated to have a much lower effect on the genital organs than on connective tissue compared with natural oestrogens. With both substances there were during treatment significant reductions of serum triglycerides (mean average reduction 25%) and cholesterol (20%). No side effects were noted. Previous studies have shown that the net effects of oestrogens on serum lipids depend on their formulation. This study indicates that weak synthetic oestrogens, primarily designed to influence bone and connective tissue, also have lipid-lowering properties which are unrelated to their feminizing capacity.