A gaschromatographic method for the measurement of small amounts of estrogens in urine

A sensitive gaschromatographic method for the measurement of estrone,estradiol and estriol in urine is described. After acid hydrolysis, extraction with ether and preliminary purification of the extracts, the three estrogens are separated and purified prior to gaschromatography. Adequate purification was achieved for estrone and estradiol by two thin-layer chromatograms,one with the free steroid and one with the acetate-derivative;for estriol with alumina chromatography of the 3-methylether derivative. The reliability of the method is discussed. Preliminary results obtained from urines of normal postmenopausal women are given