Effect of Small and Large Doses of Diethylstilbestrol upon Menopausal Symptoms, Vaginal Smear and Urinary Gonadotrophins in 23 Oöphorectomized Women1,2

Abstract

The effect of relatively small and relatively large oral doses of diethylstilbestrol was determined upon menopausal symptoms, vaginal smears and urinary gonadotrophins in 23 [female][female] who had been subjected to bilateral oophorectomy and followed post-operatively until the menopausal syndrome had been firmly established. Daily doses of 0.5 mg. by mouth alleviated menopausal symptoms in 20 cases and had an estrogenic effect upon the vaginal mucosa in all 23 patients but did not suppress gonadotrophic excretion. The avg. titer of gonadotrophins during the adm. of this dosage was slightly higher than before treatment due to increased output of the luteinizing fraction (interstitial-cell-stimulating hormone). The symptomatic and physiological effects of the 0.5 mg. dose of diethylstilbestrol were not mediated through the ant. pituitary gland. Daily doses of 5.0 mg. of diethylstilbestrol administered for 1 mo. or longer in 8 cases caused complete suppression of gonadotrophic output. An explanation is offered for the divergent opinions concerning the mechanism of production of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms and the mechanism of relief by estrogenic therapy.