Raloxifene Duration? Gyno Reversal....

[My_Pitch27]

I'm on Raloxifene 60mg/day along with a Letro gyno reversal.
I've been on the Raloxifene for just under a month. I have 3 months worth of medication, but will get more if needed.

My question is - how long should I continue the Raloxifene at 60mg/day?
3months?
6months?
9months?

I was thinking that if by 6 months I don't see any improvements, then it's safe to say surgery is my only option.

Please give me your advice and personal experience with Raloxifene, if applicable.

Thank you in advance!

 

[DreDay187]

1: J Pediatr. 2004 Jul;145(1):71-6. Related Articles, Links

Comment in:

* J Pediatr. 2005 Apr;146(4):576; author reply 576-7.
* J Pediatr. 2005 Apr;146(4):576; author reply 576-7.

Beneficial effects of raloxifene and tamoxifen in the treatment of pubertal gynecomastia.
Lawrence SE, Faught KA, Vethamuthu J, Lawson ML.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

slawrence@cheo.on.ca

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of the anti-estrogens tamoxifen and raloxifene in the medical management of persistent pubertal gynecomastia.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of 38 consecutive patients with persistent pubertal gynecomastia who presented to a pediatric endocrinology clinic. Patients received reassurance alone or a 3- to 9-month course of an estrogen receptor modifier (tamoxifen or raloxifene).

RESULTS: Mean (SD) age of treated subjects was 14.6 (1.5) years with gynecomastia duration of 28.3 (16.4) months. Mean reduction in breast nodule diameter was 2.1 cm (95% CI 1.7, 2.7, P <.0001) after treatment with tamoxifen and 2.5 cm (95% CI 1.7, 3.3, P <.0001) with raloxifene. Some improvement was seen in 86% of patients receiving tamoxifen and in 91% receiving raloxifene, but a greater proportion had a significant decrease (>50%) with raloxifene (86%) than tamoxifen (41%). No side effects were seen in any patients.

CONCLUSION: Inhibition of estrogen receptor action in the breast appears to be safe and effective in reducing persistent pubertal gynecomastia, with a better response to raloxifene than to tamoxifen. Further study is required to determine that this is truly a treatment effect.

PMID: 15238910 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



-----

1) ............We decided to evaluate the effect of raloxifene in a series of patients with gynaecomastia. Twelve patients aged 18-84 years were treated. Breast enlargement was unilateral in 5 cases; its duration ranged from a few weeks (7 cases) to several years (5 cases). Four patients were hypogonadal by clinical criteria, and had low serum testosterone. In two patients there was a possible drug effect (prasterone in one, ranitidine in the other). The size of breast tissue ranged between 1.5 and 6.0 cm. All patients had normal testes by palpation, and normal serum levels of estradiol, lh - leutenizing hormone - , FSH - follicle stimulating hormone - , prolactin, and alpha-HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - . Liver function tests and serum creatinine also were normal. The dose of raloxifene was 60 mg every other day in 4 elderly patients (age 70 years or more), and 60 mg daily in the remaining; the medication was given for 2-12 months. Hypogonadal patients received, in addition, i.m. injections of testosterone enanthate, 100 mg twice a month.

Raloxifene was well tolerated; only one young patient reported a slight decrease in sexual potency. No subject complained of hot flushes; there were no episodes of thrombophlebitis during follow-up. The analgesic effect of treatment was fast (2-4 weeks) and sustained among 9 patients with pain and tenderness. The size of the gynaecomastia was evaluated monthly by means of a caliper (all patients), and ultrasonography (7 patients). All patients responded: there was an average reduction in size of 61% (range: 34-100%); in 2 patients gynaecomastia disappeared. Six of 8 eugonadal patients (75%) had a reduction in the size of breast tissue of at least 50% (average, 73%). Among hypogonadal patients (all of them followed with ultrasonography) gynaecomastia disappeared in one, and size reduction in the remaining subjects ranged between 46 and 67% (this is particularly noteworthy, since testosterone replacement not infrequently causes or aggravates gynaecomastia due to local aromatization to oestrogens by mammary tissue). Maximal effect was observed during the first 2 months of treatment.

This open, observational study suggests that raloxifene may be a safe, well tolerated and effective therapeutic alternative for drug-induced or idiopathic gynaecomastia in men of all ages.

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/eletters/327/7410/301#36880

^^^those studies used it for a pretty extensive amount of time. I'd feel safe in saying keep going to till its gone since some of the patients used it for over a year

 

[My_Pitch27]

1: J Pediatr. 2004 Jul;145(1):71-6. Related Articles, Links

Comment in:

* J Pediatr. 2005 Apr;146(4):576; author reply 576-7.
* J Pediatr. 2005 Apr;146(4):576; author reply 576-7.

Beneficial effects of raloxifene and tamoxifen in the treatment of pubertal gynecomastia.
Lawrence SE, Faught KA, Vethamuthu J, Lawson ML.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

slawrence@cheo.on.ca

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of the anti-estrogens tamoxifen and raloxifene in the medical management of persistent pubertal gynecomastia.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of 38 consecutive patients with persistent pubertal gynecomastia who presented to a pediatric endocrinology clinic. Patients received reassurance alone or a 3- to 9-month course of an estrogen receptor modifier (tamoxifen or raloxifene).

RESULTS: Mean (SD) age of treated subjects was 14.6 (1.5) years with gynecomastia duration of 28.3 (16.4) months. Mean reduction in breast nodule diameter was 2.1 cm (95% CI 1.7, 2.7, P <.0001) after treatment with tamoxifen and 2.5 cm (95% CI 1.7, 3.3, P <.0001) with raloxifene. Some improvement was seen in 86% of patients receiving tamoxifen and in 91% receiving raloxifene, but a greater proportion had a significant decrease (>50%) with raloxifene (86%) than tamoxifen (41%). No side effects were seen in any patients.

CONCLUSION: Inhibition of estrogen receptor action in the breast appears to be safe and effective in reducing persistent pubertal gynecomastia, with a better response to raloxifene than to tamoxifen. Further study is required to determine that this is truly a treatment effect.

PMID: 15238910 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



-----

1) ............We decided to evaluate the effect of raloxifene in a series of patients with gynaecomastia. Twelve patients aged 18-84 years were treated. Breast enlargement was unilateral in 5 cases; its duration ranged from a few weeks (7 cases) to several years (5 cases). Four patients were hypogonadal by clinical criteria, and had low serum testosterone. In two patients there was a possible drug effect (prasterone in one, ranitidine in the other). The size of breast tissue ranged between 1.5 and 6.0 cm. All patients had normal testes by palpation, and normal serum levels of estradiol, lh - leutenizing hormone - , FSH - follicle stimulating hormone - , prolactin, and alpha-HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - . Liver function tests and serum creatinine also were normal. The dose of raloxifene was 60 mg every other day in 4 elderly patients (age 70 years or more), and 60 mg daily in the remaining; the medication was given for 2-12 months. Hypogonadal patients received, in addition, i.m. injections of testosterone enanthate, 100 mg twice a month.

Raloxifene was well tolerated; only one young patient reported a slight decrease in sexual potency. No subject complained of hot flushes; there were no episodes of thrombophlebitis during follow-up. The analgesic effect of treatment was fast (2-4 weeks) and sustained among 9 patients with pain and tenderness. The size of the gynaecomastia was evaluated monthly by means of a caliper (all patients), and ultrasonography (7 patients). All patients responded: there was an average reduction in size of 61% (range: 34-100%); in 2 patients gynaecomastia disappeared. Six of 8 eugonadal patients (75%) had a reduction in the size of breast tissue of at least 50% (average, 73%). Among hypogonadal patients (all of them followed with ultrasonography) gynaecomastia disappeared in one, and size reduction in the remaining subjects ranged between 46 and 67% (this is particularly noteworthy, since testosterone replacement not infrequently causes or aggravates gynaecomastia due to local aromatization to oestrogens by mammary tissue). Maximal effect was observed during the first 2 months of treatment.

This open, observational study suggests that raloxifene may be a safe, well tolerated and effective therapeutic alternative for drug-induced or idiopathic gynaecomastia in men of all ages.

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/eletters/327/7410/301#36880

^^^those studies used it for a pretty extensive amount of time. I'd feel safe in saying keep going to till its gone since some of the patients used it for over a year

Thank you for this information but I'd really like to know personal experiences with Raloxifene in the gyno reversal process.

 

[DreDay187]

I was leaning more towards the advice aspect of your request but personal experience with gyno I do not have. Never had to treat it or had it. But if you look at the studies the first one says 91% of raloxifene patie TS saw I,prove nets in reduction of gyno size and 86% of those had >50% reduction in size. It also says no side effects were recorded. The second study says many patients had >50% reduction and some had 100% reversal. Maximal effect was seen within the first 2months. Again well tolerated treatment option so you could run it as long as you want but I wouldn't suggest anything under 2months minimum before giving up hope.

 

[My_Pitch27]

I was leaning more towards the advice aspect of your request but personal experience with gyno I do not have. Never had to treat it or had it. But if you look at the studies the first one says 91% of raloxifene patie TS saw I,prove nets in reduction of gyno size and 86% of those had >50% reduction in size. It also says no side effects were recorded. The second study says many patients had >50% reduction and some had 100% reversal. Maximal effect was seen within the first 2months. Again well tolerated treatment option so you could run it as long as you want but I wouldn't suggest anything under 2months minimum before giving up hope.

Thanks for your help. The articles definitely gave me some hope!

Anyone have any personal experience to speak of?

 

[JimiThing]

Most studies are 6 months however in my experience after 8 weeks MAJOR improvement.
I would agree if after 6 montgs still a mass resent, the knife may be your only "cure"
Best of luck man - hope this helps.

 

[unkazra1]

Hey bro..wish you all the best. I'm anxiously waiting to hear of your results (in at least 6 months time frame ((sorry bro..no quickies)). I've heard good things about raloxifene. I'm considering it for myself...as I'm very sensative. Keep us all posted bro..

 

[riaz]

Get rid of scares is most important thing of any person . Any person can get scares any movement or any situation . So I suggest that those that whose get scare any situation .how to get rid of scars Don't be upset brave mind and go front in your way. Brave is the most thing for win

 

[juced_porkchop]

Get rid of scares is most important thing of any person . Any person can get scares any movement or any situation . So I suggest that those that whose get scare any situation .how to get rid of scars Don't be upset brave mind and go front in your way. Brave is the most thing for win

They are talking about Gyno, not scars.



OP, I wish you best of luck. i would use it for no less then 6-8 weeks but expect to go 3-4mo. and like others said at that point there is only so much that can be done if it doesn't go away.

 

[My_Pitch27]

Most studies are 6 months however in my experience after 8 weeks MAJOR improvement.
I would agree if after 6 montgs still a mass resent, the knife may be your only "cure"
Best of luck man - hope this helps.

Thank you Jimmy. I'm most likely going to give it a solid run for 6 months. No improvements then off to the plastic surgeon I go. LoL Thanks!

 

[My_Pitch27]

Hey bro..wish you all the best. I'm anxiously waiting to hear of your results (in at least 6 months time frame ((sorry bro..no quickies)). I've heard good things about raloxifene. I'm considering it for myself...as I'm very sensative. Keep us all posted bro..

I will keep you updated through this thread, or when you reach 50 posts (which I'm sure you will by the time my 6 month run with Raloxifene ends) we can stay in contact and I'll let you know if the medication was successful or not in my case.
best!

 

[My_Pitch27]

Get rid of scares is most important thing of any person . Any person can get scares any movement or any situation . So I suggest that those that whose get scare any situation .how to get rid of scars Don't be upset brave mind and go front in your way. Brave is the most thing for win

I think you're in the wrong forum....

 

[My_Pitch27]

They are talking about Gyno, not scars.



OP, I wish you best of luck. i would use it for no less then 6-8 weeks but expect to go 3-4mo. and like others said at that point there is only so much that can be done if it doesn't go away.

Thank you Juiced PorkChop...

I will let you guys know how it goes...I'm slowly tapering off Letro due to hair thinning and eyebrow shedding, damn, I didn't know that was a side effect...
Live and learn...
Thank you all

 

[wamy]

Did the Raloxifene get rid of your gyno?