[Use of long-acting contraceptives in the treatment of mastopathy]

Effects of long-acting contraceptives on mammary glands of patients with diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy were under study. A total of 206 women aged 17 to 38 were examined. In 50 of them fibrocystic mastopathy was detected by palpation, non-contrast mammography, and ultrasonic examination. On days 5-7 of the cycle the patients were injected 1 ml of depot provera or noristerate or subcutaneously implanted norplant. Injections of the two former agents were repeated in 3 months if necessary. Control examinations were carried out 3 months to 5 years after the contraceptives were started. The results indicate that long-acting contraceptives did not cause any negative changes in the course of mastopathy in 32 of 50 women. In 18 women the general status improved (pain and induration in the mammary glands disappeared), mammographic, thermographic, and ultrasonic data improved, this prompting us to continue our research.