Endocrine evaluation of patients with benign lumps of the breast.

We studied 39 women with benign breast disease in order to evaluate their endocrine status. Two groups of women were distinguished: premenopausal (n = 22) and postmenopausal (n = 17). We determined basal concentrations of the following: follicle-stimulating (FSH) hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). We also assayed sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and calculated the free androgen index (FAI). The samples in premenopausal subjects were collected in the follicular phase. There was no significant difference between the groups considered and normal control subjects for any of the hormones tested; there was no significant correlation between T concentration or E2/T ratios and SHBG levels; the FAI was not significantly different compared to normal subjects. In conclusion, even if basal steroid, gonadotropin, and SHBG levels do not indicate an unequivocal alteration, it is not possible to exclude subtle alterations in transport and local metabolism of steroids. The balance between steroids and SHBG seems to indicate small dysregulations, which could be of some importance.