INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHERS
ISSN: 3030-332X Impact factor: 8,293
Volume 11, issue 1, April 2025
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26
Sabirova K.T.
Tashkent State Dental Institute, Uzbekistan
POSTMENOPAUSAL BREAST: AGE-RELATED CHANGES AND
THEIR CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Abstract:
This article examines age-related changes in the breast in postmenopausal women and
their clinical significance. Morphological, hormonal, and metabolic changes are analyzed, as
well as their impact on the risk of developing benign and malignant neoplasms. Modern
diagnostic methods and approaches to the prevention of age-related breast changes are also
considered.
Keywords:
postmenopause, breast, hormonal changes, breast cancer, diagnosis, prevention.
Introduction.
Postmenopause is a physiological period in a woman's life accompanied by significant hormonal
changes that affect various organs and systems, including the breast. The decline in estrogen
levels leads to glandular tissue involution, an increase in the fat component, and fibrotic changes
[Santen et al., 2016]. These processes may predispose to the development of mastopathy, cystic
formations, and oncological diseases.
Methods.
A literature review including epidemiological studies, clinical observations, and morphological
research on age-related changes in the breast in postmenopausal women [Howell et al., 2014].
Results and Discussion.
1.
Hormonal changes and their impact on the breast.
In postmenopause, estrogen levels drop sharply, leading to glandular tissue atrophy and
an increase in stromal components. However, the relative activity of estrogens increases
due to the peripheral conversion of androgens into estrone, which may contribute to
proliferative changes in breast tissues [Trabert et al., 2015].
2.
Morphological changes.
Age-related changes include fatty involution, duct sclerosis, and a reduction in alveolar
structures. These processes may be accompanied by the development of fibrocystic
changes, requiring differential diagnosis with precancerous conditions [Russo et al.,
2016].
3.
Risk of malignant neoplasms.
In postmenopause, the risk of breast cancer increases, especially in women with excess
weight, metabolic syndrome, and hormone-dependent risk factors. High levels of
circulating insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) contribute to tumor growth
[Neuhouser et al., 2015].
4.
Diagnostic and preventive methods.
o
Mammography remains the "gold standard" for screening; however, in women
with dense breast tissue, it may be supplemented with ultrasound and MRI
[Nelson et al., 2016].
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHERS
ISSN: 3030-332X Impact factor: 8,293
Volume 11, issue 1, April 2025
https://wordlyknowledge.uz/index.php/IJSR
worldly knowledge
Index:
google scholar, research gate, research bib, zenodo, open aire.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=ru&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=wosjournals.com&btnG
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Worldly-Knowledge
https://journalseeker.researchbib.com/view/issn/3030-332X
27
o
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) requires individual selection, as prolonged
use may increase the risk of breast cancer [Chlebowski et al., 2015].
o
Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role: weight control, physical activity, and a
balanced diet help reduce the risk of oncopathology [WCRF/AICR, 2018].
Conclusions.
Age-related changes in the breast during postmenopause include glandular tissue atrophy,
fibrotic changes, and an increased risk of oncopathology. Hormonal changes, metabolic
disorders, and lifestyle factors significantly impact breast structure and function. Modern
diagnostic and preventive methods allow for the timely detection of pathological changes and
reduce the risk of their progression.
References:
1. Santen R. J., Yue W., Heitjan D. F. Estrogen metabolites and breast cancer // Steroids. 2016.
Vol. 99. P. 61-66.
2. Howell A., Anderson A. S., Clarke R. B., et al. Risk determination and prevention of breast
cancer // Breast Cancer Research. 2014. Vol. 16. No. 5. P. 446-459.
3. Trabert B., Sherman M. E., Kannan N., et al. Progesterone and breast cancer // Cancer
Research. 2015. Vol. 75. No. 19. P. 4011-4015.
4. Russo J., Russo I. H. Development of the human breast // Maturitas. 2016. Vol. 84. P. 18-25.
5. Neuhouser M. L., Aragaki A. K., Prentice R. L., et al. Overweight, obesity, and
postmenopausal invasive breast cancer risk // JAMA Oncology. 2015. Vol. 1. No. 5. P. 611-
621.
6. Nelson H. D., Zakher B., Cantor A., et al. Risk factors for breast cancer for women aged 40
to 49 years // Annals of Internal Medicine. 2016. Vol. 164. No. 9. P. 596-609.
7. Chlebowski R. T., Anderson G. L., Aragaki A. K., et al. Estrogen plus progestin and breast
cancer incidence and mortality in postmenopausal women // JAMA. 2015. Vol. 314. No. 16.
P. 1684-1692.
8. World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. Diet, Nutrition,
Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective. 2018.