Little is known about the epidemiology of ovarian cysts. Recent publicity has been given to the hypothesis that use of triphasic combination oral contraceptives increases the risk of functional ovarian cyst formation. This is in contrast to a study indicating a decreased incidence of functional cysts and no difference in the incidence of benign ovarian neoplasms in women using monophasic combination oral contraceptives. We propose to conduct a case-control study to determine exposures that predispose a woman to the development of ovarian cysts and cystic ovarian neoplasms, with particular attention given to recent and/or current use of various types of oral contraceptives. We plan to identify and interview approximately 555 women aged 18 through 39 who are diagnosed as having ovarian cysts between July 1, 1989 and June 30 1994 at Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound (GHC). To estimate the exposures of women in this population to various potential etiologic factors, a random sample of approximately 740 women comparable to cases on age and length of membership will be identified from the GHC membership fil and interviewed as well. A second comparison group will consist of the approximately 208 women throughout GHC who are diagnosed with benign ovaria neoplasms. Exposures of special interest in addition to oral contraceptive use include smoking, infertility, menstrual and other reproductive factors and previous ovarian cysts.
| Holt, Victoria L; Cushing-Haugen, Kara L; Daling, Janet R (2005) Risk of functional ovarian cyst: effects of smoking and marijuana use according to body mass index. Am J Epidemiol 161:520-5 |
| Holt, Victoria L; Cushing-Haugen, Kara L; Daling, Janet R (2003) Oral contraceptives, tubal sterilization, and functional ovarian cyst risk. Obstet Gynecol 102:252-8 |
| Dhillon, Preet K; Holt, Victoria L (2003) Recreational physical activity and endometrioma risk. Am J Epidemiol 158:156-64 |
| Holt, Victoria L; Cushing-Haugen, Kara L; Daling, Janet R (2002) Body weight and risk of oral contraceptive failure. Obstet Gynecol 99:820-7 |
