Raloxifene prevents the growth of uterine leiomyomas in premenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of raloxifene administration on uterine leiomyoma size in premenopausal women.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
Tertiary care unit, University of Vienna, Austria.


METHODS
Twenty-five premenopausal women with uterine leiomyomas.


METHODS
Three months of treatment with raloxifene (180 mg/d) or no treatment.


METHODS
Baseline to end point percent change difference in leiomyoma volume between the therapy and control groups.


RESULTS
Raloxifene treatment prevented the progression of uterine leiomyomas. Compared with no medical intervention, raloxifene resulted in a decrease of myoma volume. Raloxifene was clinically well tolerated. No significant differences were detected in symptoms related to leiomyomas and hormonal status.


CONCLUSIONS
In premenopausal women, high-dose raloxifene is well tolerated and inhibits the growth of leiomyomas.
Jirecek
Stefan
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. stefan.jirecek@akh-wien.ac.at
Lee
Andreas
A
Pavo
Imre
I
Crans
Gerald
G
Eppel
Wolfgang
W
Wenzl
Rene
R
D000328:Adult; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D017697:Premenopause; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism
D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D013739:Testosterone; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride; D004958:Estradiol; D011388:Prolactin; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D013974:Thyroxine