Menstrual Cycle Maintenance and Quality of Life: A Prospective Study

Menstrual Cycle Maintenance and Quality of Life: A Prospective Study

Very little is known about the incidence, onset, time course, and symptomatology of premature menopause induced by breast cancer therapy. No prospective study exists. The purpose of the present study is to identify determinants of treatment-related amenorrhea nad its effect on quality of life in a cohort of youg breast cancer patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-institutional (community dwelling) woman of any race
• Between 18-45 years at the first screening visit
• Have regular menstrual cycles
• Diagnosed with invasive breast cancer stage I, II, III within the previous eight months
• Have physician agreement for patient participation

Exclusion Criteria:

• No menstrual bleeding cycles
• Psychiatric or psychologic abnormality precluding the informed consent process or which would decrease compliance
• Previous malignancy (excepting basal and squamous skin cancer and stage 0 cervical cancer)
• Stage IV breast malignancy
• Residency outside United States
• No telephone