ŒSTROGEN TREATMENT OF RECURRENT APHTHOUS MOUTH ULCERS

The ætiology of recurrent aphthous ulceration of the mouth is uncertain, but there is evidence suggesting that there is an endocrine factor in recurrences, which are not prevented by any treatment hitherto described. Since œstrogen produces hyperkeratinisation and hyperplasia of oral epithelium we gave this hormone to 43 female patients with recurrent aphthous ulceration who were referred to our endocrine clinic. There was a good response to œstrogen treatment in 30 of 33 patients in whom the ulcers were related to the menstrual cycle, and in 5 of 10 patients without this association.