Efficacy of levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system for the treatment of menorrhagia due to benign uterine lesions in perimenopausal women

Abstract

Aims:To evaluate the efficacy of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS, Mirena, Bayer Healthcare) in the treatment of menorrhagia caused by benign lesions of the uterus in perimenopausal women.Settings and Design:A prospective observational study was conducted to study the efficacy of levonorgestrel intrauterine device in the treatment of menorrhagia due to benign lesions of the uterus in perimenopausal women.Materials and Methods:Forty women with menorrhagia, due to benign conditions like idiopathic menorrhagia, fibroid (not more than 12 weeks size) or adenomyosis, attending our out-patient department were included in the study. All the women underwent a PAP smear, transvaginal sonography and endometrial biopsy. Endometrial carcinoma and cervical carcinoma were excluded. LNG-IUS was inserted in the postmenstrual phase. Blood loss was assessed by pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC). They were followed up after 3 months, 6 months, and after 1 year.Results:Majority of the women had menstrual spotting for 3–4 months followed by infrequent menstruation, scanty menstruation or amenorrhoea. LNG-IUS was removed because of continued bleeding in two cases and was removed because of displacement in one case. It was expelled spontaneously in four cases. Thirty-three women continued to use LNG-IUS.Conclusion:LNG-IUS is a safe and effective option for women with menorrhagia due to benign lesions of the uterus in perimenopausal women.