Are high levels of oestradiol after implants associated with features of dependence?

Objective To determine whether features of dependence develop in women rece iving oestradiol implants, and if so, whether these features are related to serum oestradiol levels. Design A questionnaire survey of women attending for implants over a six mo nth period. Setting An implant clinic in a district general hospital. Main outcome measures Psychological symptoms and their relationship to seru m oestradiol levels. Results Women with serum oestradiol levels below 500 pmol/L were generally asymptomatic of psychological symptoms. Conclusion Serum oestradiol levels of women receiving implants should be ke pt in the range of 300-500 pmol/L. Higher levels appear to be associated wi th the development of psychological symptoms which could be classified as f eatures of dependence.