Deuterium-labeled steroids for study in humans. II. Preliminary studies on estrogen production rates in pre- and post-menopausal women.

6,7-Dideuterio-3-hydroxy-1,3,5(10)-estratrien-17-one (dideuterio-estrone) and 4-deuterio-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17 beta-diol (monodeuterio-17 beta-estradiol) were used for the estimation of estrogen production rates in pre- and post-menopausal women. The results are concordant with those obtained by radioisotope administration as reported in the literature. This preliminary study suggests that one or more steroids labeled with one or multiple deuterium and/or other stable isotopes may be employed for the measurement of production rates of steroid hormones which are derived from multiple precursors.