THE EFFECT OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTROGENS UPON THE PRODUCTION OF CERVICAL MUCUS IN CASTRATED WOMEN1

Abstract

The effect of the admn. of various hormones on the quantity of cervical mucus was studied in 5 recently castrated young [female] [female], 4 of whom had also undergone supracervical hysterectomy. Following castration the mucus coming from the cervix is scanty in amt. and is very opalescent. Progesterone, given intramuscularly, is without appreciable effect upon the quantity and opacity. However, following the injn. of [alpha] estradiol benzoate or the oral admn. of diethylstilbestrol dipropionate the quantity and transluceucy of the cervical mucus is significantly increased, depending in part on the quantity of hormone administered. The cervical mucus elaborated under these conditions is comparable in amt. and transparency to that obtained in the mid-portion of the menstrual cycle in the normal woman. The authors suggest that the observation of the cervical mucus offers a method for appraising the efficacy of estrogenic therapy after the menopause.