Randomised trial, 1997
Does tamoxifen or danazol help severe cyclical breast pain?
Yes. Both drugs reduced pain more than placebo during treatment, but tamoxifen was more effective and longer-lasting, with 53% still symptom-free 12 months after stopping.
What they did
Ninety-three women with severe cyclical breast pain lasting more than 6 months were randomly assigned to tamoxifen, danazol, or placebo for 6 consecutive menstrual cycles. Pain relief was measured on a linear analog scale. Women were followed for 12 months after treatment ended.
What they found
During treatment, pain relief was achieved in 72% (23 of 32) taking tamoxifen, 65% (21 of 32) taking danazol, and 38% (11 of 29) taking placebo. At 12 months follow-up, 53% (17 of 32) of the tamoxifen group were still symptom-free, compared to 37% (12 of 32) of the danazol group and 0% of the placebo group.
What it means for you
For severe cyclical breast pain, tamoxifen works better than danazol and much better than placebo, with longer-lasting relief. The main limit is that the abstract does not describe side effects or which women might experience them.
93
Women studied
72%
Pain relief with tamoxifen during treatment
53%
Symptom-free at 12 months after tamoxifen
About the study
- Original title
- Comparison of tamoxifen with danazol for treatment of cyclical mastalgia
- Authors
- Kontostolis E, Stefanidis K, Navrozoglou I et al.
- Journal
- Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 32
- What was tested
- Tamoxifen or danazol taken for 6 consecutive menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/09513599709152566
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