Mammographic breast density changes after 1 year of tibolone use

• Published in: Maturitas 2004-06, Vol.48 (2), p.133-136
• Main Authors: Kutlu, Tayfun, Fiçicioǧlu, Cem, Başaran, Toygun, Başaran, Esra, Topaloğlu, Tümay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Breast - drug effects; Breast density; Breast Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Drug Administration Schedule; Estrogen Receptor Modulators - administration & dosage; Female; Genital system. Reproduction; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Mammography; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Norpregnenes - administration & dosage; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Prospective Studies; Puberal and climacteric disorders (male and female); Tibolone
• ISSN: 0378-5122; 1873-4111
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2003.08.009

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used with a large variety of regimens and medications. For each of these regimens the goal is the same but there is always a fear about side effects, especially on breast. Mammographic screening is a standard tool for all women receiving hormone replacement therapy. Breast density is very important, because it interferes with the sensitivity of the evaluation and it is also a predictor of malignity. Objective: We planned a study to investigate the effects of tibolone on mammographic breast density. Design and methods: We studied 70 postmenopausal women who started tibolone therapy (2.5 mg per day) after initial mammography and blood samples taken for biochemical examinations. None of the women used any hormone replacement therapy before. Eleven of them either discontinued the therapy or lost contact. After 1 year, we evaluated 59 women by mammographic status, using Wolfe classification. Mammographies were analyzed by two independent radiologists. Results: Mammographies of 59 women were compared with the initial ones. While in the low density patterns, there was a slight increase (15%; P