The Authors have evaluated the relationship between the presence of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR) receptors and the ovarian function in 321 consecutive and unselected women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer. A significant relationship was found between the presence and the concentration of steroid receptors (ER and PgR) in the neoplastic tissue and the ovarian function. The Authors confirm the importance of considering the menopausal status in the evaluation of the results of steroid receptor assay.