Serum equilin, oestrone, and oestradiol levels in postmenopausal women receiving conjugated equine oestrogens ('Premarin').

Two groups of postmenopausal women were seen at monthly intervals during a 6-month trial of cyclic therapy with conjugated equine oestrogens ('Premarin'). the seven women in the first group were taking premarin alone and the six women in the second group were taking premarin plus a progestagen, norethisterone acetate. On each visit, serum unconjugated oestrogens were measured by radioimmunoassay. Mean concentrations for the first group were 393 (+/- 203, SD) pmol/l for 17 beta-oestradiol, 599 (+/- 180) pmol/l for oestrone, and 6840 (+/- 5130) pmol/l for equilin. Corresponding levels for the second group were 342 (+/- 112) pmol/l, 564 (+/- 279) pmol/l, and 8840 (+/- 4020) pmol/l. 3 months after completion of therapy, the oestrone and 17 beta-oestradiol concentrations had returned to pre-treatment levels in both groups, but equilin was detected in 3 out of 3 women in the first group at a mean level of 532 (+/- 267) pmol/l and in 2 out of 4 women in the second group at 1170 (+/- 870) pmol/l. In view of the prolonged presence of equilin and the possible association between treatment with conjugated equine oestrogens and endometrial cancer, it is suggested that equilin-containing compounds should not be given for more than 12 months.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes