Estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in oophorectomized women applying percutaneous 17 beta-estradiol over the medial surface of the left arm.

To assess the changing estradiol (E2) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level in oophorectomized women applying percutaneous 17 beta estradiol over the medial surface of the left arm. Thirty-nine women, who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy after 4 weeks, were enrolled into the study. All subjects received a daily dose of 1.5 mg percutaneous 17 beta-estradiol in 2.5 g of the gel, applied over the medial surface of the left arm in the limited area of 150 cm2. Serum E2 and FSH were measured before and after commencing the study at weeks 4, 8 and 12. The measurement was performed 12-14 hours after the gel application, using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) method. Serum E2 significantly increased from the baseline value at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (Median of E2 value at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12 = 47.30, 86.78, 128.00 and 163.15 pmol/L, respectively, P < 0.05). While the serum FSH level significantly decreased. (Median of FSH value at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12 = 66.05, 60.40, 53.35 and 48.40 IU/L, respectively, P < 0.05). In conclusion, this dose, duration and route of estrogen administration increased the serum E2 level close to the early to mid-follicular phase of the normal menstrual cycle. While FSH level significantly decreased but did not reach the premenopausal range.