Effects of oestrogens, orchidectomy and cyproterone acetate on salt and water metabolism in carcinoma of the prostate.

Salt and water metabolism was investigated during treatment with oestrogens and with cyproterone acetate and after orchidectomy in 46 patients. An increase in plasma volume was noted during oestrogen treatment and a slight transitory rise in plasma volume was also seen after orchidectomy. During cyproterone acetate therapy there was a reduction of body weight and a transitory increase in 24-hour urine volume and urinary sodium excretion. The increase in plasma volume during oestrogen treatment might tax the circulatory capacity. Cyproterone acetate treatment does not change the salt-water balance or the plasma volume in such a way that the risk of congestive heart failure could be increased.