Long term effects of Tibolone on postmenopausal women with uterine myomas.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the long term effects of Tibolone (Livial) on uterine myomas volume as well as on uterine arteries pulsatility index (PI) in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
This study included 66 naturally menopausal women. Twenty of them (group A) had no uterine myomas; 23 of them (group B) had a single, asymptomatic, intramural or subserous myoma of a maximum diameter less or equal than 2 cm; 23 of them (group C) had a single, asymptomatic, intramural or subserous myoma of a maximum diameter between 2 and 5 cm. The volume of the myomas as well as the pulsatility index of the uterine arteries was assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography every 6 months after administration of Tibolone (2.5 mg daily).


RESULTS
No statistically significant difference on myomas volume was found after a 3-year period of Tibolone administration. The uterine artery basal PI was significantly higher in group A compared to that of groups B and C. After 6 months of Tibolone administration the PI in group A was significantly lower compared to the basal one whereas in groups B and C was significantly higher compared to the basal value.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that treating postmenopausal woman with Tibolone on a long-term basis: (a) does not increase the volume of uterine myomas and (b) has an early effect on uterine haemodynamics (decrease of PI in women without myomas and increase of PI in women with myomas).
Gregoriou
O
O
2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Areteion Hospital, 76 Vas Sophias Ave, Athens 115 28, Greece. geocre@aretaieio.uoa.gr
Konidaris
S
S
Botsis
D
D
Papadias
C
C
Makrakis
E
E
Creatsas
G
G
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009652:Norpregnenes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000187:drug effects; D011673:Pulsatile Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D013995:Time; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D009652:Norpregnenes; C027385:tibolone