Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor during the normal menstrual cycle

Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether cycle-related variations in circulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels would increase the metastatic potential at specific times during the menstrual cycle. Materials and Methods: VEGF levels in serum and whole blood were evaluated during the normal menstrual cycle in premenopausal women. Determination of the menstrual phase was based on hormonal measurements. Results: A total of 46 samples were taken of six menstrual cycles. Serum VEGF was inversely related with progesterone levels (r=-0.6, p=0.012). Throughout the menstrual cycle the serum VEGF decreased indicating that the lowest VEGF level occurs during the secretory phase, which is compatible with the inverse relationship between serum progesterone and VEGF. Conclusion: These findings, however, do not suggest that individual VEGF levels can direct the optimal timing of surgical intervention in breast cancer.