[Physiology of the ovary. VI. Anovulatory menstruation]

In 65 patients with menstrual cycle alterations--in it's length and/or amount of bleeding--estradiol-progesterone relationship was studied. The plasma levels of these hormones were correlated with basal temperature, length of menstrual cycle and histologic study of endometrium. The patient- were grouped as follows: I excessive menstrual bleeding; II short menstrual cycles; III long menstrual cycles; IV increment of bleeding period and, V uterine hemorrhage. All patients had an anovulatory menstrual cycle; peripheral concentration of progeseterone was less than 6 ng/ml and mean concentration of estradiol was not statistically higher than that found in normal patients (83+/-23 pg/ml). Based upon these findings, it is postulated that the term of hyperestrogenism or excessive estrogen production should not be used when referring to these menstrual cycle alterations.