[Hormonal abnormalities in women with breast cysts].

OBJECTIVES

Increased estrogen activity and prolactin hypersecretion is a hormonal reason for Benign Breast Diseases.

DESIGN

To evaluate hormonal disorders in women with gross breast cysts.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

30 women with gross breast cysts (over 10 mm in diameter) have been investigated. Cytohormonal vaginal swabs and serum levels of prolactin, estradiol and gonadotropins were evaluated.

RESULTS

Normal prolactin levels were found in 96.7% of cases, but in 8 women with recurrent breast cysts after repeated FNA-biopsies prolactin secretion stimulated by metoclopramide was significantly increased. Low progesterone activity in all women and low estrogen activity in 65.3% were shown. Absolute high estrogen activity was diagnosed only in 8.7% women with gross breast cysts.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly all patients with gross breast cysts have normal prolactin and low progesterone levels. High estrogen levels appear very seldom and in most cases these patients are hypoestrogenic.