Which pharmacologic therapy is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used in gynecomastia?

Which pharmacologic therapy is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used in gynecomastia?

• A. Tamoxifen
• B. Anastrozole
• C. DHEA
• D. Testosterone

Answer: (A)

Gynecomastia arises when estrogenic stimulation of breast tissue promotes glandular growth. A selective estrogen receptor modulator acts by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, preventing estrogen from triggering that growth. Tamoxifen binds to breast estrogen receptors and acts as an antagonist there, reducing breast tissue stimulation and often relieving tenderness and enlargement. The other options don’t fit as the best choice: reducing estrogen production with an aromatase inhibitor lowers overall estrogen but doesn’t block the receptor; DHEA is a hormone precursor with no targeted effect on estrogen signaling in the breast; testosterone can convert to estrogen and may worsen gynecomastia rather than treat it.

Gynecomastia arises when estrogenic stimulation of breast tissue promotes glandular growth. A selective estrogen receptor modulator acts by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, preventing estrogen from triggering that growth. Tamoxifen binds to breast estrogen receptors and acts as an antagonist there, reducing breast tissue stimulation and often relieving tenderness and enlargement.

The other options don’t fit as the best choice: reducing estrogen production with an aromatase inhibitor lowers overall estrogen but doesn’t block the receptor; DHEA is a hormone precursor with no targeted effect on estrogen signaling in the breast; testosterone can convert to estrogen and may worsen gynecomastia rather than treat it.