Serum oestrone, oestradiol and oestriol levels in ovariectomized women receiving a high dose of oestradiol valerate.

Fourteen recently ovariectomized women received 4 mg of oestradiol valerate therapy daily for 6 mth. Serum oestrogens were measured by radioimmunoassay at monthly intervals. The results of therapy produced a 25-fold increase in serum oestrone (E1) concentration. Circulating oestradiol (E2) increased 5-to 6-fold. No accumulation of oestrogens was observed as a consequence of treatment. Serum concentration of oestriol (E3) showed no elevation. One month after the completion of therapy the E1 and E2 concentrations had returned to pre-treatment levels. Although therapy of high-dose oestradiol valerate was well-tolerated, it is not recommended because of the non-physiological high serum concentrations of oestrone and high serum level of oestradiol.