Maintenance therapy of cyclical mastalgia using low-dose danazol

In an open study, low-dose danazol (mean total dose 700 mg/month) was given during the luteal phase to 20 women with severe relapsing cyclical mastalgia. All subjects had previously obtained a useful clinical response on conventional dosage of danazol, but side effects occurred in 13 (65%). On the low-dose regimen, complete relief of symptoms was attained by 11 women (55%) and the remainder achieved a substantial clinical improvement; no side effects were reported. A low-dose regimen may be suitable for women with chronic relapsing cyclical mastalgia or those who develop side effects on conventional dosage.