^ 5.05.15.2Oettel M, Schillinger E. Estrogens and Antiestrogens II: Pharmacology and Clinical Application of Estrogens and Antiestrogen. Springer Science & Business Media. 6 December 2012: 261, 271. ISBN 978-3-642-60107-1. Natural estrogens considered here include: [...] Esters of 17β-estradiol, such as estradiol valerate, estradiol benzoate and estradiol cypionate. Esterification aims at either better absorption after oral administration or a sustained release from the depot after intramuscular administration. During absorption, the esters are cleaved by endogenous esterases and the pharmacologically active 17β-estradiol is released; therefore, the esters are considered as natural estrogens. [...] Wiemeyer et al. (1986) measured elevated estradiol levels up to 31 days after an intramuscular dose of 10mg estradiol enanthate.