Randomised trial, 2009
Does toremifene reduce premenstrual breast pain?
Yes, toremifene reduced premenstrual breast pain compared to placebo in this 10-woman study, and MRI scans showed measurable changes in breast tissue. However, the study was small and some results were inconsistent.
What they did
Randomized, double-blind crossover study of 10 women with marked premenstrual breast pain. Women took either 20 milligrams of toremifene or placebo from day 15 of their cycle until their next period for 3 cycles, then switched to the other treatment for 3 more cycles. Breast MRI scans were done at the end of each treatment phase.
What they found
Nine women completed the study. On the left breast, the maximum slope of enhancement on MRI was significantly smaller during toremifene cycles (median 5.150) than placebo cycles (median 6.500). Quality-of-life scores improved with toremifene but results for other measures were inconsistent.
What it means for you
Toremifene appears to work for premenstrual breast pain and causes measurable changes in breast tissue that MRI can detect. However, this is a very small study of one drug, so we cannot be sure how well this would work in larger populations or compare it to other treatments for breast pain.
10
women in study
20 mg
toremifene dose
3 cycles
duration of each treatment
About the study
- Original title
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging findings in women treated with toremifene for premenstrual mastalgia
- Authors
- Oksa S, Parkkola R, Luukkaala T et al.
- Journal
- Acta radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
- Year
- 2009
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Toremifene 20 milligrams from cycle day 15 until next menstruation vs placebo for 3 cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/02841850903168083
Topics
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