Toremifene use does not alter serum inhibin A and B levels during mid-luteal phase in women with premenstrual mastalgia

Abstract

Aims. To find out if there is any link between the therapeutic effect of toremifene on premenstrual mastalgia and luteal phase serum inhibin A and/or B levels.

Methods. Forty-eight patients participating in a randomized cross-over trial on toremifene vs. placebo for premenstrual mastalgia gave three blood samples during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle: the first at baseline, the second during the third toremifene/placebo cycle, and the third during the third placebo/toremifene cycle, respectively. The blood samples were analyzed for inhibin A and B with respective specific two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Toremifene (20 mg/d) and placebo were administered during the luteal phase only.

Results. When all the toremifene-treated cycles were compared with all the placebo cycles and with the baseline, the median inhibin A levels were 42, 38, and 40 pg/ml, respectively (baseline versus toremifene, p = 0.638; baseline versus placebo, p = 0.468; and toremifene versus placebo, p = 0.365). The median inhibin B levels were at baseline 19 ng/l, during placebo 20 ng/l, and during toremifene 17 ng/l (baseline versus toremifene, p = 0.983; baseline versus placebo, p = 0.519; and toremifene versus placebo, p = 0.880).

Conclusion. A luteal administration of toremifene does not seem to result in any changes in mid-luteal concentrations of inhibin A or B in serum.

Keywords:

• Premenstrual syndrome
• mastalgia
• toremifene
• SERM
• breast
• inhibin A
• inhibin B

Acknowledgments

The English language was checked and revised by Ms. Piia Mäenpää, BA (English). The study was supported by grants from the Hilda Kauhanen Memorial Foundation and the Medical Research Fund of Satakunta Central Hospital, Pori, Finland.