Publication:

Effects of letrozole on patients with symptomatic leiomyoma in the reproductive age women

Background Uterine leiomyoma is a common indication for hysterectomy in India. An effective medical treatment option may reduce hysterectomy associated morbidity. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the Letrozole on patients with symptomatic leiomyoma in the reproductive age women.

Methods Prospective interventional study was conducted on 50 women between 30-45 years of age with menstrual or pressure symptoms on the bowel or urinary system, and having no. Of myoma ≤4 and size of single myoma ≥2 cms in diameter. They received tablet letrozole 5mg/day for 3 month, and effect of the drug on myoma volume and symptomatology were studied. Beside these, effects on uterine volume, ovarian volume, endometrial thickness and side effects of letrozole of any were also studied.

Results Average reduction of myoma volume by 47.68% and uterine volume by 19.58% was seen. Haemoglobin concentration was significantly higher at the end of study. It increased from 9.56g/dl to 10.76g/dl and overall improvement in symptomatology score was observed. Ovarian volume increased significantly from baseline mean volume of 8.18±0.51cm³ to 19.3±0.84cm³ and no significant change in endometrial thickness was observed at the end of 3 month. Sweating, hot flushes, nausea and vomiting were the main adverse effects observed and were self limiting.

Conclusions Letrozole, the aromatase inhibitor resulted in significant volume reduction of the uterus-leiomyoma structure and was effective in controlling the more frequent symptoms of this disorder with fewer side effects.