To study the relationship between breast symptom, characteristic of ultrasound image and sex hormone level in women with different menstruation status.

50 women with normal menstrual cycle, 129 women in menopause transition and 318 menopausal women were recruited. Breast ultrasound were performed. Breast section thickness, ductal width, breast structure and blood flow were measured. Serum estradiol(E₂)and progesterone(P)level were measured by enzyme immunoassay on the day when ultrasound was performed. Onset and persistent days of breast pain were recorded.

①32(60.4%)women with normal menstrual cycle and 74(57.4%)women in menopause transition women experienced cyclic mastalgia. The average serum E₂ level and serum progesterone level were higher in women with cyclic breast pain than in women without breast pain. 12.5% of menopausal women had breast pain. There was no significant difference of average serum E₂ level between women with cyclic breast pain and women without breast pain ②Breast section thickness was(14.4±4.3)mm, (13.0±3.7)mm and(10.6±3.2)mm, and ductal width was(0.62±0.18)mm, (0.88±0.39)mm and(0.90±0.47)mm in normal menstrual group, menopause transition group and menopausal group, respectively. The difference had statistical significance. ③26 women(49.1%)in normal menstrual group had breast structure changes, while 42 cases(32.6%)and 60 cases(18.9%)in menopause transition group and menopausal group had breast structure changes.

Most women in normal menstruation and menopause transition group experience mastalgia. About 1/3 breast structure change in women of normal menstruation are inversible. About 1/2 breast structure change in menopause transition and menopausal group are similar to those with normal menstruation.

Regular menstruation; Menopause transition; Menopause; Breast; Ultrasound