Effect of oestrogens and progestogens on liver function in the puerperium.

A modified bromsulphthalein test has been used to detect alterations in liver function in puerperal women taking either a synthetic oestrogen, stilboestrol, or a pure progestogen, megestrol acetate. The oestrogen appreciably reduced the ability of the liver to excrete dye into the bile. It also reduced significantly the equivalent liver volume and the plasma clearance of dye. The progestogen did not have this effect. In so far as these results represent liver dysfunction they are due to the oestrogen component of the combined preparation.