ABSTRACT
This was the first of many new studies in breast pain that used a controlled trial format with a placebo control and semi-objective measurements of breast symptoms. Prior to this study, the literature consisted of open observational studies with no controls, and suffered from the usual high placebo responses in subjective symptoms. In this study also, biochemical measurements of relevant hormones were correlated with changes in symptoms. Although bromocriptine is now seldom used as therapy for breast pain, this trial was the forerunner of a format that has now become standard in the study of therapy in breast pain. The study of new therapies for breast pain also led to exploration of new ideas for management, such as the restriction of caffeine and essential fatty acid therapy, not all of which have stood the test of time.
