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Estrogen therapy (ET) and hormone therapy with a combination of estrogen and progesterone are known to increase breast density. In a subanalysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, manufacturer-supported trial of osteoporosis prevention, these U.S. investigators assessed the effect of raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on breast density. Paired baseline and 2-year craniocaudal mammograms were compared among 168 postmenopausal women receiving either ET (n=36), raloxifene at 60 mg/day (n=45), raloxifene at 150 mg/day (n=42), or placebo (n=45). The mammograms were digitized, and by a process of "interactive thresholding" (developed by 1 of the investigators), a percent density on the views was determined.
ET increased breas…