Raloxifene prevents the growth of uterine leiomyomas in premenopausal women

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of raloxifene administration on uterine leiomyoma size in premenopausal women.

Design: Prospective, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Tertiary care unit, University of Vienna, Austria.

Patient(s): Twenty-five premenopausal women with uterine leiomyomas.

Intervention(s): Three months of treatment with raloxifene (180 mg/d) or no treatment.

Main outcome measure(s): Baseline to end point percent change difference in leiomyoma volume between the therapy and control groups.

Result(s): 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.

Conclusion(s): In premenopausal women, high-dose raloxifene is well tolerated and inhibits the growth of leiomyomas.