Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2020, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (6): 509-513.

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Application of Tamoxifen in Reproduction: A Review

CHEN Li,MENG Yu-shi   

  1. Department of Reproductive Medicine,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University,Kunming 650000,China
  • Received:2020-04-20 Revised:2020-06-22 Published:2020-11-15 Online:2020-11-15
  • Contact: MENG Yu-shi,E-mail:mengyushi0102@163.com E-mail:mengyushi0102@163.com

Abstract: Tamoxifen (TAM) as a selective modifier of estrogen receptor mainly regulates the response of cells, tissues and organs containing estrogen receptor, so as to exert estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects in different target tissues. To date, TAM has been mainly used in clinical treatment and prevention of breast cancer with the positive estrogen receptor. With the development of medical research, especially with the in-depth study of the relationship between TAM and disease, some clinical trials have shown that TAM may be benefit for a specific group of infertile patients. In women, TAM affects the function of reproductive system through the dual effects of estrogen and anti-estrogen, and promotes follicular development, maturation and endometrial proliferation. In men, TAM mainly shows the anti-estrogenic effect, which directly or indirectly stimulates spermatogenesis. TAM can also bind to the estrogen receptor of tumor cells and effectively inhibit tumor growth. We reviewed the pharmacological effect and mechanism of TAM, and the effectiveness and safety of TAM applied in the field of reproduction.

Key words: Tamoxifen;, Reproduction;, Receptors, estrogen;, Infertility;, Ovulation induction;, Endometrium;, Spermatogenesis