ABSORPTION OF ORALLY SUPPLIED NATURAL ESTROGENS CORRELATED WITH AGE AND SOMATOMETRIC PARAMETERS

The plasma levels of estradiol were studied in 20 post-menopausal wome n over a period of 8 h following the ingestion of a single dose of 2 m g estradiol valerate and 2 mg micronized estradiol. The determined pla sma estradiol concentrations were correlated with somatometric charact eristics and age. Twenty-six postcephalic body measurements, the body weight and six skin-fold thickness measurements were taken and the bod y mass index computed; estradiol serum concentration was measured befo re and after administration of micronized estradiol and estradiol vale rate, respectively. It was shown that estradiol concentrations obtaine d after estradiol valerate and micronized estradiol ingestion were dep endent on the patient's age as well as on the constitutional type. Add itionally, we found that there were differences in the reachable estra diol plasma concentrations following the application of the two prepar ations. Our results justify the individual and differentiated estrogen replacement therapy of the postmenopausal woman.