Effect of Estrogenic Substance on Blood Volume

We have reported in previous papers (1, 2) that women who have had both ovaries removed show a reduction in blood volume of 20 to 25 per cent. A normal blood volume is found in women after the menopause even though the ovaries presumably cease their function at this time. In menopause artificially produced by radiotherapy the blood volume also remains normal. These facts appear to indicate that some substance is produced in the ovary, even when the menstrual cycle is in abeyance, which influences the amount of circulating blood. It has been reported that there is an absence of female sex hormone in the blood and urine of castrated women (3). The low blood volume and the absence of female sex hormone in these cases suggested the possibility of a relationship worthy of further investigation. Since it is easy to supply biologically standardized estrogenic hormone by subcutaneous injections, the effect of this substance on the blood volume could be studied.