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Postmenopausal hormone therapy and mammographic breast density
D Marchesoni1, L Driul, A Ianni
1Department of Surgical Sciences, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Udine, P.le Santa Maria della Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy. diego.marchesoni@dsc.uniud.it
Maturitas
|June 9, 2005
Summary
Continuous combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increased mammographic density more than tibolone. This study compared HRT types in postmenopausal women, finding tibolone did not significantly alter breast density.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Mammographic density is a risk factor for breast cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to manage menopausal symptoms.
- Different HRT formulations may have varying effects on breast tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of tibolone and continuous combined HRT on mammographic density.
- To evaluate changes in mammographic density using the Wolfe classification.
- To assess the impact of HRT on breast density in postmenopausal women.
Main Methods:
- Prospective 1-year study with 103 postmenopausal women.
- Randomized controlled trial comparing tibolone, continuous combined HRT (conjugated equine estrogens + MPA), and placebo.
- Mammograms analyzed at baseline and 12 months using Wolfe classification.
Main Results:
- Continuous combined HRT increased mammographic density in 45.1% of patients (p<0.001).
- Tibolone showed a minimal increase in density in 2.3% of patients, not statistically significant (p=0.34).
- No significant changes in mammographic density were observed in the placebo group.
Conclusions:
- Continuous combined HRT is associated with a higher likelihood of increased mammographic density compared to tibolone.
- Tibolone appears to have a neutral effect on mammographic density.
- These findings have implications for HRT selection in menopausal women, particularly those concerned about breast density.