Evaluation of Equilin 3-Monosulfate and Other Estrogens

Previous clinical studies rarely provided quantitative evaluations of the relative potency of estrogens. Eight oophorectomized and seven other amenorrheic women with elevated urinary gonadotropins (HPG) were selected, and HPG responses followed during estrogen treatment and withdrawal. The effects of the daily administration of the purified 3-monosulfates of equilin, estrone, rarer components of conjugated estrogens, and diethylstilbestrol were compared. Because of differing sensitivities between individuals, comparative effects were determined in subjects independently. The majority of the comparisons between estrogens were obtained in three oophorectomized women and the remainder from three additional oophorectomized and four other amenorrheic subjects. Diethylstilbestrol and equilin 3-monosulfate were more potent than conjugated estrogens. Estrone 3-monosulfate and other components were less potent than conjugated estrogens. The relative effects may be similar when these are prescribed in various clinical conditions.