Randomised trial, 2006
Does toremifene reduce premenstrual breast pain?
Yes. Toremifene reduced pain significantly more than placebo, with a 64% reduction in pain compared to 26% with placebo.
What they did
A double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study in three Finnish practices. 62 women aged 25-45 with premenstrual breast pain for at least 3 prior cycles received toremifene 20 mg daily or placebo from day 15 until menstruation for three cycles, then switched treatments for three more. Pain was measured by visual analogue scale and quality of life by a modified 36-item Finnish Depression Scale.
What they found
Both groups had significant pain reduction after three treatment cycles. The toremifene group had a VAS score of 1.8 compared to 3.7 in the placebo group (p = 0.004). Toremifene showed a 64% reduction in median pain scores versus 26% reduction with placebo. Quality of life scores were similar between treatments. Treatment effect between cycles was significant (p = 0.001).
What it means for you
Toremifene is effective at reducing premenstrual breast pain and works better than placebo without major side effects. The crossover design strengthens the findings. Results are from Finland, so they may apply to women in other developed countries.
62
women enrolled
20 mg
daily dose of toremifene
64% reduction
pain reduction with toremifene
About the study
- Original title
- Toremifene for premenstrual mastalgia: a randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study
- Authors
- Oksa S, Luukkaala T, Mäenpää J
- Journal
- BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 62
- What was tested
- Toremifene 20 mg daily or placebo from day 15 of menstrual cycle until menstruation, for three cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2006.00943.x
Topics
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