Ovarian conservatism

Everyone is conscious of the prime role of the ovaries in making a female a "female." However, too little attention has been directed toward the systemic mechanism of estrogens that protects against coronary artery disease and osteoporosis. Exogenous estrogen appears to be almost as effective as the ovaries are in protecting a female from these diseases. The incidence of neoplasia in preserved ovaries after previous pelvic surgery is low. Emphasis has been placed on ovarian conservatism in the young female because a clearer benefit can be demonstrated in them than in postmenopausal females.

Simultaneous estimation of four plasma androgens before and after dynamic tests in women with hirsutism: correlation with long-term therapy

Concentrations of testosterone, delta4-androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone and delta5-androstenediol were measured in 12 patients affected by hirsutism associated with menstrual disorders. Testosterone was elevated in 9 cases, in whom high levels of delta4-androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone was found, and normal in 3 cases, 2 of which presented high values of dihydrotestosterone and one high levels of delta5-androstenediol. In some hirsute females therefore, other androgens, such as dihydrotestosterone and delta5-androstenediol, play a role in the pathogenesis of hirsutism. Dexamethasone and estrogen progestin combinations were administered for dynamic tests, and results in most cases provided useful information in the selection of suitable long-term therapy.

Effect of hormone therapy on immune response in patients with prostatic cancer

Thirty-one patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate had laboratory studies done for total proteins, serum immunoglobulins, white blood cell counts, lymphocyte blastogenesis, skin tests, acid phosphatase, and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen). The 16 patients receiving no hormones had depressed total proteins, lymphocyte and monocyte counts, skin tests, and CEA compared with the 15 patients receiving hromones who had depressed serum immunoglobulins, white blood cell counts, lymphocyte blastogenesis, and acid phosphatase.

Primary liver cancer associated with long-term oestrogen therapy

A woman with primary liver cancer after nine years therapy with polyestradiol-phosphate is reported. The oestrogen was administered monthy by intramuscular injection for menopausal symptoms. This case suggests a possible association between long-term oestrogen therapy and the development of hepatic malignancy and also must direct attention to both hormone components in the evaluation of tumour development in users or oral contraceptives.