Absorption of 17 beta-estradiol in a neovagina constructed from the peritoneum.

Estrogen absorption from the neovagina was studied by administering 2.0 mg of micronized 17 beta-estradiol (E2) neovaginally to 6 patients. The neovagina in each patient was constructed by using the peritoneum from the pouch of Douglas. A mean peak of circulating E2 concentrations more than 15-times the basal level was achieved 90 min after the application. Until 12.5 h after the application, the E2 levels were significantly (P less than 10(-6)) elevated. FSH levels were significantly (P = 0.003) changed in comparison to the basal serum concentration. There was no significant (P = 0.08) change in LH levels. The resorption of estradiol from the neovagina is similar to that seen in women with normal vaginas.