Prospective clinical study to evaluate role of centchroman in regression of mastalgia in rural population

Abstract

Background: Mastalgia in the reproductive age group is common among women. Treatment is not yet standardized for these conditions. The majority of treatments used for mastalgia is costly and have side effects. The aim of our study was to find the efficacy of centchroman for regression of mastalgia in a predominantly rural population, measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Materials and Methods: A total of 140 patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (n = 70) patients treated with centchroman and Group 2 (n = 70) patients treated with placebo for 12 weeks. The main outcomes are evaluated after one week to look for any intolerance, followed by repeated follow-ups at four, twelve, and twenty-four weeks to evaluate the treatment response using the VAS score and the side effects. Results: The mean age of patients in Group 1 was 29.63 ± 9.67 years and 32.32 ± 9.74 years in Group 2. The baseline mean VAS score was 6.40 ± 1.65 and 5.83 ± 1.69, respectively. After 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks of follow-up, the mean VAS score was significantly decreased in patients treated with centchroman. On intragroup comparison, the mean VAS score was significantly decreased at baseline to 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks of follow-ups. In both the groups, gastritis and headache were comparable, and delayed menstruation was significantly more in patients treated with centchroman. Conclusion: Centchroman has substantial efficacy, with a marginal effect on regression, of mastalgia in women of the reproductive age group, and it can be used as the first line of treatment.