Comparative Studies of the Effects of Estradiol and Stilbestrol Upon the Blood, Liver, and Bone Marrow1

THE SYNTHETIC ESTROGEN, 4,4-dihydroxy, αβ diethylstilbene (stilbestrol) has been subjected to intensive clinical investigation during the past 2 years. It has been demonstrated that this diphenolic estrogenic substance is capable of relieving the symptoms brought about by a deficiency of the ovarian hormone and that it has a high potency when it is compared with the available estrogens derived from natural sources. In some instances, however, the administration of stilbestrol has been accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, the most frequent of which is nausea, either with or without vomiting. The reported incidence of nausea as reported by different investigators has ranged from 7 to 80%. Among other less frequent disagreeable manifestations which have been reported are abdominal cramps, headaches, edema, rashes, jaundice, salivation, diarrhea and paresthesia. It has been suggested, but without conclusive evidence, that the liver may be damaged.