[Use of hormone loading tests for assessing the source of hyperestrogenism and the functional state of the ovaries in breast cancer patients in menopause].

The source of hyperestrogenia was ascertained in 12 patients by dexametasone-infecundin test, and the ovarian hormonal activity in 5 patients by dexametasone-choriogonin test. The source of hyperestrogenia was found to be the adrenal glands in 50%, ovaries--in 30% and the adrenal together with ovaries--in 20%. Ovarian hormonal activity was retained in 3 of 5 patients under examination. The response to the test concerned was changed in two of them. It is felt that application of hormonal stress tests will make it possible to get detailed indications to castration in menopausal patients with breast cancer.