Evaluation of the efficacy of levonorgestrel intrauterine system in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding

Abstract

Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) poses threat to the quality of life among women. To prevent HMB, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a well-known nonsurgical, long-performing, and alternative method. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of LNG-IUS in women with HMB through an analytical observational study. Materials and Methods: This study was performed among 60 patients who visited the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient department (OPD) at the Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research and Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital (IPGMER and SSKMH), Kolkata, West Bengal, India from May 2019 to April 2020 due to HMB. The mean demographic and clinical profiles were evaluated, and comparative analysis was performed for hemoglobin (Hb), spotting, pain, and endometrial thickness on day 0 and follow-up 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: The mean age of patients was 37.77 ± 4.58 years was obtained. The Hb level was significantly (P < .001) increased, whereas pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) score, endometrial thickness, spotting, and pain were significantly (P < .01 and P < .001) reduced. The majority of patients had pallor, but the rates of spontaneous expulsion and hysterectomy were observed lower after using LNG-IUS among studied patients. Conclusion: the usage of LNG-IUS is potential in the treatment of HMB in women, which may lead to a better quality of life. This can be the alternative to hysterectomy and oral pills for long-term use. It is suggested in a future study with larger sample size and multicentric approach to minimize hospital biasness.