Endocrine studies in postmenopausal women during oral replacement therapy with unconjugated oestrogens

Two groups of postmenopausal women were seen at monthly intervals during a three-month trial of continuous therapy with oral unconjugated oestrogens. Ten women in the first group were administered daily Hormonin No. 1 containing oestriol (E3) 0.135 mg, oestradiol (E2) 0.3 mg and oestrone (E1) 0.7 mg. Eight women in the second group received Hormonin No. 2 containing E3 0.27 mg, E2 0.6 mg and E1 1.4 mg. E1, E2, E3 and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) as well as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Maturation index of vaginal smears and clinical effects were also evaluated. Oral replacement therapy with these unconjugated oestrogens produced a significant elevation of E1 (p less than 0.05) and E2 (p less than 0.05) to values corresponding well with the premenopausal range measured in our laboratory. Postmenopausal levels of FSH and LH showed only a moderate but significant decrease (p less than 0.05). There was consistent relief of vasomotor symptoms. One case of endometrial focal adenomatous hyperplasia uncovered during the period of treatment was transformed to functional secretory endometrium after an appropriate course with progestogens. Oral administration of unconjugated oestrogens and periodic withdrawal bleeding induced with a progestational agent seems to be an effective method of replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.