The concentrations of prolactin and estrogens in women with fibrocystic changes in the breast

OBJECTIVE AND STUDY DESIGN: To evaluate the concentrations of prolactin and estrogens in blood sera in women with fibrocystic changes in the breast (FCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The control group consisted of 32 women without any pathological changes in the breast (mean age 44.9 +/- 4.4 y.). The studied group comprised 81 women having FCC (mean age 45.5 +/- 3.5 y.). Both groups were divided into two subgroups according to age: the first subgroup ranged 40-44 y. and the second 45-51 y. The hormonal profiles, namely: prolactin in basal conditions (PRL I), and after metoclopramide-test (PRL II), follitropin (FSH), lutropin (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) were assayed by means of "bioMerioux" kits. Estrone (E1) was assayed by means of "DBC Diagnostic kits. RESULTS: In both subgroups of the study group (40-44 and 45-51 y.) a significantly higher (p < 0.001) concentration of prolactin was shown after metoclopramide test, as well as significantly higher percentage increase in prolactin after metoclopramide test (p < 0.001) were shown in comparison with the control group. In age compartment of 40-44 y. in the study group significantly lower (p < 0.05), progesterone-estradiol index (PEL) was found in comparison with the control group. In age compartment of 45-51 y. a progesterone-estradiol index (PEL) in study group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION: Functional hyperprolactinemia and relative hyperestrogenism are risk factors of the development concerning fibrocystic changes in the breast.