This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Sherman, B. M. Articles by Bean, J. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Sherman, B. M. Articles by Bean, J. A.

Cyclic Ovarian Function and Breast Cancer¹

Departments of Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine, University of Iowa, Iow City, Iowa 52242

We postulated previously that systematic differences in menstrual cycle length and/or variability might be used as indicators of underlying hormonal abnormalities that could help explain the endocrine biology of some breast cancer risk factors. In the present study, we prospectively and retrospectively analyzed menstrual cycle patterns in breast cancer cases and controls in two populations. No significant differences were found. This and previous studies emphasize that contemporary women have a long reproductive experience characterized by uninterrupted, regular menses, which is a condition of maximum ovulation potential and which contributes to estrogen stimulation over time.