[Uterine bleeding in the elderly after long-term application of oestrogen-containing hair lotion]

Long-term use of a widely available oestrogen-containing hair lotion caused specific systemic oestrogen effects with proliferation of the endometrium in two patients aged 66 and 82 years. Uterine bleeding was the cardinal sign. These findings confirm the possible percutaneous absorption of externally applied oestrogen-containing substances. They probably also explain an oestrogen effect on uterine epithelium, which is not rarely seen during cancer-preventive gynaecological examination and has no other explanation.