The Clinical and Endocrinological Effect of Oestradiol Implants at the Time of Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingo‐oophorectomy

Summary The plasma oestrogen level was maintained within the premenopausal physiological range for 16 months following the insertion of an implant of 100 mg. of oestradiol B.P.C. during the operation of hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. The karyopyknotic index (KI) was elevated for the same duration, and levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were depressed. None of the 42 patients who had an oestrogen implant developed hot flushes whereas 11 out of 14 without an implant did so and were severely distressed thereby.