Profound hypocalcaemia associated with oestrogen treatment of carcinoma of the prostate

A case of profound hypocalcaemia which occurred in a patient with osteoblastic metastatic carcinoma of the prostate after treatment with oestrogens is reported. Although there may have been other contributory factors, it was felt that the administration of oestrogens was the most important causative element. Treatment with high doses of oestrogens in patients with osteoblastic metastatic carcinoma of the prostate should be accompanied by frequent measurements of plasma calcium levels.