Use of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system to treat bleeding related to uterine leiomyomas

Abstract

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the potential usefulness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) in treating women with uterine leiomyomas. Design Prospective before-and-after study. Setting Family planning unit in an academic research institute. Patient(s) Sixty-seven women with uterine leiomyomas who chose the LNG IUS as their method of contraception. Intervention(s) Clinical and ultrasound examinations were performed prior to and 3, 6, and 12 months after the LNG IUS insertion. Main outcome measure(s) Menstrual blood loss assessed with pictorial blood loss assessment charts, ferritin and hemoglobin concentrations, and uterine and leiomyoma volume. Result(s) Use of the LNG IUS was associated with a marked reduction in menstrual blood loss. After 12 months of use, the mean pictorial blood loss assessment chart score declined from 97 to 16 ( P<.001). Hemoglobin and ferritin levels increased significantly over 1 year of use. Eighteen of 19 women (95%) who were anemic at the beginning of the study were no longer anemic at 12 months, as judged by hemoglobin levels. No pregnancies occurred during the study. Conclusion(s) The LNG IUS was associated with a profound reduction in menstrual blood loss. For women with leiomyomas of this size, the LNG IUS provides effective medical treatment of bleeding.