[Subjective complaints and hormonal reactions in the first 6 weeks after hysterectomy].

Hormone profiles (estradiol, testosterone, FSH, LH) and typical estradiol deficiency phenomena were investigated prospectively in the first 6 weeks after hysterectomy (n = 50) and after additional bilateral adnexectomy (n = 17). In the second group estradiol was replaced transdermally from the 2nd postoperative day (estradiol patch, 0.05 mg daily). In the 1st group 34% of patients showed a significant decrease in estradiol, 28% of patients a significant decrease in testosterone on the 3rd postoperative day which was no longer demonstrable after 6 weeks. In the second group no decrease in hormone levels was found. So the estradiol patch can replace estradiol to a sufficient degree and in particular physiologically even after bilateral oophorectomy Subjective complaints improved in both groups. Psychosomatic influence also seems to be of importance.