Mammographic Changes Related to Different Types of Hormonal Therapies
Saipin Pongsatha MD*, Malai Muttarak MD**, Somsak Chaovisitseree MD*, Suchaya Luewan MD*, Ataporn Panpanit MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai ** Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai
Objectives : To determine the effects of different types of hormone therapies (HT) on mammographic breast
density changes.
Materials and Methods : Between 1999 and 2002, mammograms obtained before and 12-18 months after different
types of HT in 170 women were evaluated. Estrogen alone (n = 66), or estrogen in cyclic (n = 59) or continuous
(n = 45) combination with progesterone were used. The baseline mammographic density was classified
according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS). The serial changes observed
mammographically were categorized as follows; no change, minimal change (10-25% increased density),
moderate change (26-50% increased density), and marked change (> 50% increased density).
Results : Twelve (7%) of the women developed an increase in parenchymal density after HT. Mammographic
changes were minimal change in five (2.9%) of the women, moderate change in four (2.3%), and marked
change in three (1.8%). No mammographic change was observed in women receiving cyclic estrogen-proges-
terone. A greater percentage of women who had undergone continuous estrogen-progesterone therapy (22.2%,
10 of 45) demonstrated more change than those who had estrogen alone (3%, 2 of 66). The difference was
statistically significant (p < 0.01).
Conclusion : Changes of increased density after HT was seen in only 7% of mammograms and depended on the
selected hormone regimen.
Keywords : Mammographic changes, Hormone therapy
