Effect of a GnRH analogue on bone mass in premenopausal patients with mastalgia

Abstract

Changes in bone mass in 40 women with severe mastalgia treated with Goserelin (Zoladex) for 6 months were studied. 23 premenopausal women with mild breast pain requiring no treatment served as controls. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry system. There was a statistically significant decrease in BMD in both the lumbar spine and femoral neck at the end of 6 months treatment period (-5%, -6% respectively). There was evidence of recovery after cessation of treatment but BMD values had not returned to baseline levels in the 8 patients who were followed up for 12 months from the end of treatment (-3% at both lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck). No morbidity secondary to the decrease in bone mass was reported. In the control group no significant changes in bone mass were observed. The decrease in bone mass and a prolonged period of recovery following a six month course of Zoladex should be taken into account when considering the length and frequency of a course of Zoladex. Show more