A double-blind randomised study comparing danazol and medroxyprogesterone acetate in the management of menorrhagia

Abstract

A randomised study was undertaken comparing danazol 200 mg daily and medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg daily from days 16 to 25 in the management of menorrhagia. Twenty-three women were recruited to the study over a 12-month period. Eighteen subjects were suitable for analysis. Three months' therapy was given and patients were observed for a 3-month period following discontinuation of therapy. Menstrual blood loss was estimated during initial patient assessment and then during each of the 6 months of the study. In the danazol group mean blood loss at all treatment phase months was significantly decreased from baseline. In contrast, blood loss was not reduced significantly in any study month when compared with baseline in the medroxyprogesterone acetate group. During the post-treatment phase the mean blood loss in the danazol group increased to above normal levels but remained significantly lower than baseline, and there was a significant reduction in menstrual blood loss in the medroxyprogesterone acetate group.