Committee Opinion No. 663: Aromatase Inhibitors in Gynecologic Practice

Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Jun;127(6):e170-e174. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001484.

Abstract

Aromatase inhibitors have been used for the treatment of breast cancer, ovulation induction, endometriosis, and other estrogen-modulated conditions. For women with breast cancer, bone mineral density screening is recommended with long-term aromatase inhibitor use because of risk of osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency. Based on long-term adverse effects and complication safety data, when compared with tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors are associated with a reduced incidence of thrombosis, endometrial cancer, and vaginal bleeding. For women with polycystic ovary syndrome and a body mass index greater than 30, letrozole should be considered as first-line therapy for ovulation induction because of the increased live birth rate compared with clomiphene citrate. Lifestyle changes that result in weight loss should be strongly encouraged. Aromatase inhibitors are a promising therapeutic option that may be helpful for the management of endometriosis-associated pain in combination therapy with progestins.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference

MeSH terms

  • Aromatase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Endometriosis / drug therapy
  • Estrogens / deficiency
  • Female
  • Gynecology / standards
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / drug therapy
  • Osteoporosis / chemically induced

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Estrogens