ACOG Committee Opinion No. 738: Aromatase Inhibitors in Gynecologic Practice

Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Jun;131(6):1. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002640.

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 the 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 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

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Aromatase Inhibitors / standards
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Endometriosis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Female / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis / chemically induced
  • Ovulation Induction / methods
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors