Attenuation of hypertension by conjugation estrogens

An unusual case of hypertension in a female that was normalized by the administration of conjugated estrogens is reported. During the period when no estrogens were administered, marked sodium retention was noted with an associated increase in sensitivity to the vasopressive effect of infused catecholamines and an increase in the electronegativity of the colonic mucosal potential difference. These findings suggested the presence of a mineralocorticoid influence that was reversed by estrogen therapy. The increase in arteriolar sensitivity occurred despite normal serum concentrations of aldosterone, deoxycorticosterone and 18-hydroxy 11-deoxycorticosterone and paralleled the sodium-retaining state. All the abnormalities were corrected with estrogen administration.