Therapeutic effects of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in the treatment of idiopathic menorrhagia

• DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(02)04913-0
• Publication Date: 2003-05-27T22:48:19Z
• Authors: Bilian Xiao; Shang-Chun Wu; Jie Chong; Tao Zeng; L.i-Hui Han; Tapani Luukkainen
• Keywords: Adult; China; Estradiol; Progesterone Congeners; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; Levonorgestrel; Menstruation; 3. Good health; Hemoglobins; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Ferritins; Humans; Female; Menorrhagia; Progesterone

To investigate the effect of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of idiopathic menorrhagia.Measurements of menstrual blood loss (MBL), hemoglobin, and serum ferritin before and after LNG-IUS insertion.National Research Institute for Family Planning and Beijing Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.Thirty-four patients with MBL over 80 mL.Insertion of the LNG-IUS on cycle days 5-7 and follow-up at 3-month intervals for 3 years.Measurement of MBL, serum ferritin, and hemoglobin for evaluation of efficacy of treatment.A significant reduction of MBL to 23.4 mL (78.7% decrease), 26.4 mL (83.8% decrease), 2.7 mL (97.7% decrease), and 13.7 mL (85.0% decrease) at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. After 6 months, one-third of the patients experienced amenorrhea, and one-fourth, spotting. Hemoglobin increased significantly from 121.5 g/L preinsertion to 135.5 g/L after 36 months, while serum ferritin levels increased significantly from 21.9 ng/mL before insertion to 92.8 ng/mL after 36 months. In women using the LNG-IUS for 3-4 years, the E2 levels in 20 samples were 239.4 pmol/L, P levels were 11.1 nmol/L, and serum LNG levels were maintained at an average of 511 pmol/L.The significant reduction of MBL and the increase in hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels in the treatment of menorrhagia with the LNG-IUS has great implications for women's reproductive health, particularly in developing countries.