Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies on oestradiol valerianate administered orally to postmenopausal women.

Peripheral plasma from four postmenopausal women was analysed for oestrone (E1) and oestradiol (E2) during 48 hours after oral intake of a single tablet of 2 mg Progynon (oestradiol valerianate). Plasma levels of E1, E2 and d-norgestrel were analysed daily in five postmenopausal women during treatment with tablet Cyclabil (oestradiol valerianate in a biphasic preparation with dl-norgestrel) in 21 dyas. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was utilized for the quantifications. Pretreatment plasma levels of E1 were about 20 pg/ml and E2 about 12 pg/ml. It is concluded that oestradiol valerianate is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and converted to E1. This is reflected by plasma levels of E1 considerably higher than those of E2. The E2 levels found were in the range of those in ovulatory women, while the oestrone levels were higher.