Serum estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in Thai women post total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy using oral 17 β-estradiol

To assess the difference of serum estradiol (E2) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in Thai women post total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy, before and after using a daily dose of 2 mg oral 17 beta-estradiol. Experimental study (before and after treatment). Menopause Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. Thirty-five women who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy at Chulalongkorn Hospital 1 week previously due to benign gynecologic conditions were recruited in the study. Body mass index was 20-25 kg/m2. These women had no contraindication for using hormonal replacement therapy and no history of any hormonal intake in the past. All subjects were assigned to receive a daily dose of 2 mg oral 17 beta-estradiol applied at bedtime (8.00 p.m.). Serum E2 and FSH were measured before and after the study at weeks 4, 8 and 12, 12-14 hours after oral application. The hormonal measurement was performed using the time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) method. Five cases were excluded, three cases due to poor compliance which was less than 85 per cent and two cases due to loss to follow-up. Of the remaining 30 cases, the mean age and body mass index were 43.03 +/- 4.58 years and 22.72 + 1.86 kg/m2, respectively. Serum E2 level significantly increased from baseline value at 4, 8 and 12 weeks (median of E2 value at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks: 20.00, 22.50, 324.65 and 355.35 pmol/L, p