THE EFFECTS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY ON MAMMOGRAPHIC DENSITY AMONG POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN HOSPITAL RAJA PEREMPUAN ZAINAB II, KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN
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Date
2011
Authors
Santhi, Kamaravel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Introduction
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly prescribed to postmenopausal
women to improve their postmenopausal symptoms. Postmenopausal hormone use is
associated with increase in mammographic density and increased incidence of breast
pain. Mammographic density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer.
Objective
Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy on
mammographic density in postmenopausal women in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Material and Method
An observational study was conducted for a period of 18 months. A total of 33
postmenopausal women who received combined hormone replacement therapy
(containing estrogen and progesterone) were included as study subjects. Mammograms
were performed at baseline and after 12 months of receiving HRT. Mammographic
density was evaluated according to BIRADS classification of breast density. During
follow-up, patients were also enquired about breast pain and they were asked to classify
according to a specified scale.
Result
The categorical assessments showed that there was a significant shift in categorical
classification as assessed by BIRADS categories among the postmenopausal women
receiving hormone replacement therapy. Amongst these women, 30.3% had increased
mammographic density after treatment with HRT. There was also significant
xiv
association between breast pain and increase in mammographic density. Amongst the
study population, 33.3% complained of breast pain after hormonal therapy. We also
concluded that the study factors (grade, age, parity, BMI, duration of menopause and
age at menopause) did not significantly influence change in mammographic density.
Conclusion
Hormone replacement therapy significantly affects the mammographic density and
increased mammographic density was associated with breast pain in women receiving
hormonal therapy.
Description
Keywords
Radiology