The Relationship of Urinary Total Oestrogens With Haemoglobin Concentration

Summary A study of 20 women undergoing a course of human pituitary gonadotrophic hormone injections at an endocrine clinic revealed a significant negative correlation (P<0.001) between urinary total oestrogens and haemoglobin concentration. This correlation was independent of changes in progesterone excretion, the initial haemoglobin level and menstrual loss. Mean differences of over 1 g. per 100 ml. exist in haemoglobin levels associated with the lowest and highest oestrogen groups (approaching 2 g. difference in certain individuals). The tendency of oestrogens to suppress erythropoiesis and cause haemodilution is discussed in relation to the present findings.