Which type of hormone therapy can treat breast cancer in women both before and after menopause?

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are a class of drugs that can effectively treat breast cancer in women both before and after menopause. These drugs work by binding to estrogen receptors in breast tissue, thereby blocking the action of estrogen, which can promote the growth of certain types of breast cancer.

Tamoxifen, a well-known SERM, is commonly prescribed for premenopausal women because it not only blocks the estrogen receptor but also works synergistically with other anti-cancer therapies. In postmenopausal women, SERMs can still be effective as certain breast cancer types may remain sensitive to estrogen-receptor inhibition even in this population.

Aromatase inhibitors are primarily used in postmenopausal women because they reduce estrogen production; they are not effective in premenopausal women where ovarian function still plays a significant role in estrogen levels. Fulvestrant is an estrogen receptor antagonist used mainly in postmenopausal women and is generally not used in premenopausal women because it does not effectively target ovarian function. Estrogen replacement therapy is contraindicated in patients with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer due to the risk of promoting cancer growth.

Therefore, SERMs represent a versatile option for breast cancer management across both premenopausal