Reduction In Menstrual Bleeding Research Articles

Use of oral GnRH antagonists combined therapy in the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids have an impact on women's lives due to their high prevalence, physical symptoms, their consequences on patients' emotional and psychological well-being and loss of work productivity. The choice of therapeutical approaches varies depending on several factors, and therefore should be applied individually. Currently, there is an unmet need for good, reliable, uterine-sparing options. The oral GnRH antagonists (Elagolix, Relugolix, Linzagolix) represent a new alternative for the medical management of hormone-dependent gynaecological diseases such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis. They rapidly bind to the GnRH receptor, block endogenous GnRH activity and directly suppress LH and FSH production, avoiding unwanted flare-up effects. Some GnRH antagonists are marketed in combination with hormone replacement therapy add-back to counteract hypo-oestrogenic side effects. According to the registration trials, once-daily GhRH antagonist combination therapy results in a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding, as compared with placebo, and preserves bone mineral density, for up to 104 weeks. Further studies in the long term are needed to evaluate the whole impact of medical treatment of uterine fibroids on the management of this common women's disease.

Progestin intrauterine devices versus copper intrauterine devices for emergency contraception.

The copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) is a highly effective method of contraception that can also be used for emergency contraception (EC). It is the most effective form of EC, and is more effective than other existing oral regimens also used for EC. The Cu-IUD provides the unique benefit of providing ongoing contraception after it is inserted for EC; however, uptake of this intervention has been limited. Progestin IUDs are a popular method of long-acting, reversible contraception. If these devices were also found to be effective for EC, they would provide a critical additional option for women. These IUDs could not only provide EC and ongoing contraception, but additional non-contraceptive benefits, including a reduction in menstrual bleeding, cancer prevention, and pain management. To examine the safety and effectiveness of progestin-containing IUDs for emergency contraception, compared with copper-containing IUDs, or compared with dedicated oral hormonal methods. We considered all randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of interventions that compared outcomes for individuals seeking a levonorgestrel IUD (LNG-IUD) for EC to a Cu-IUD or dedicated oral EC method. We considered full-text studies, conference abstracts, and unpublished data. We considered studies irrespective of their publication status and language of publication. We included studies comparing progestin IUDs with copper-containing IUDs, or oral EC methods for emergency contraception. We systematically searched nine medical databases, two trials registries, and one gray literature site. We downloaded all titles and abstracts retrieved by electronic searching to a reference management database, and removed duplicates. Three review authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text reports to determine studies eligible for inclusion. We followed standard Cochrane methodology to assess risk of bias, and analyze and interpret the data. We used GRADE methodology to assess the certainty of the evidence. We included only one relevant study (711 women); a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial comparing LNG-IUDs to Cu-IUDs for EC, with a one-month follow-up. With one study, the evidence was very uncertain for the difference in pregnancy rates, failed insertion rates, expulsion rates, removal rates and the difference in the acceptability of the IUDs. There was also uncertain evidence suggesting the Cu-IUD may slightly increase rates of cramping and the LNG-IUD may slightly increase bleeding and spotting days. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review is limited in its ability to provide definitive evidence regarding the LNG-IUD's equivalence, superiority, or inferiority to the Cu-IUD for EC. Only one study was identified in the review, which had possible risks of bias related to randomization and rare outcomes. Additional studies are needed to provide definitive evidence related to the effectiveness of the LNG-IUD for EC.

Treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding using levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices: experience from a Turkish tertiary hospital.

We evaluated the efficacy of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device in treating menorrhagia using a pictorial blood assessment chart. We retrospectively examined 822 patients treated with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device for abnormal uterine bleeding between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, at a Turkish tertiary hospital. A pictorial blood assessment chart was used to determine each patient's blood loss amount, which involves the use of an objective scoring system to determine the amount of bleeding in towels, pads, or tampons. Descriptive statistical values were presented as mean and standard deviation, and paired sample t-tests were used for within-group comparisons of normally distributed parameters. Moreover, in the part of the descriptive statistical analysis, the mean and median values for the non-normally distributed tests were not close to each other, indicating that the data obtained and analyzed in this study had a non-normal distribution. Of 822 patients, 751 (91.4%) exhibited a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding after device insertion. Moreover, a significant decrease was observed in the pictorial blood assessment chart scores 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). This study revealed that the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device is an easy-to-insert, safe, and effective treatment option for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Furthermore, the pictorial blood assessment chart is a simple and reliable tool for evaluating menstrual blood loss in women before and after the insertion of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices.

Menstrual Cycle Characteristics, Premenstrual Syndrome, and Anxiety in Midwifery Student Infected and Not Infected with COVID-19: A Comparative Study

Objective: Periods of crisis, fear, and stress target hypothalamic-gonadal axis of women in reproductive age and can have an impact on menstrual symptoms. This study was conducted to evaluate menstrual cycle, premenstrual syndrome and anxiety in midwifery students with or without COVID-19 disease.Methods: In this descriptive and comparative study, 216 young girls infected with COVID-19 in the last 6 months were compared with 634 midwifery students, who were not infected yet. “Personal Description Form”, “Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS)” and “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)” were used to collect data. Results: In the study, it was determined that the mean scores of PMSS and STAI of midwifery students, who had COVID-19 disease were higher than those who did not. It was determined that the difference between the mean scores of PMSS and STAI of midwifery students had COVID-19 was statistically significant, while the difference between the mean scores of PMSS and STAI of midwifery students who did not have COVID-19 disease was not statistically significant. The difference between the prolongation of the two cycle intervals and the reduction of menstrual bleeding in midwifery students with and without COVID-19 disease was found to be statistically significant.Conclusion: The difference between the prolongation of the two cycle intervals and the reduction of menstrual bleeding in midwifery students with and without COVID-19 disease was found to be statistically significant. In addition, the study revealed that being diagnosed with COVID-19 increased the premenstrual symptoms and anxiety levels of single young girls.

Reasons for satisfaction with the use of the 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system.

To assess the reasons to use, reasons they liked, satisfaction with, and possibilities of recommendation to other women of the levonorgestrel 52-mg intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) by users. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil from January to July 2021. We enrolled users who came to the clinic, and we applied a pre-tested structured questionnaire with open-ended questions. We performed descriptive analyses of the variables, assessing the level of satisfaction with, and the reasons regarding the possibility of continuing to use, the IUS. Of the 517 enrolled women, 251 (48%) were aged 35 years or older (mean age 33.9± 9.0 years), 276 (53%) were white, 14 (3%) were adolescents, 155 (30%) were nulligravidas, and 307 (59.4%) reported experiencing amenorrhea in the last 90 days. Common reasons why women liked to use the LNG-IUS included both the reduction of menstrual bleeding (419 women; 81%) and dysmenorrhea (290 women; 56.1%). Nine out of 10 users (517 women; 91%) were satisfied with the method, and the majority would recommend it to other women. We found a high satisfaction rate among LNG-IUS users mainly due to the reduction of both menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea.

Treatment of Uterine Fibroid Symptoms with Relugolix Combination Therapy

BackgroundUterine fibroids are a common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding and pain. Treatment with the combination of relugolix (an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone-receptor antagonist), estradiol, and norethindrone acetate, administered once daily, may have efficacy in women with uterine fibroids and heavy bleeding while avoiding hypoestrogenic effects.MethodsWe conducted two replicate international, double-blind, 24-week, phase 3 trials involving women with fibroid-associated heavy menstrual bleeding. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive once-daily placebo, relugolix combination therapy (40 mg of relugolix, 1 mg of estradiol, and 0.5 mg of norethindrone acetate), or delayed relugolix combination therapy (40 mg of relugolix monotherapy, followed by relugolix combination therapy, each for 12 weeks). The primary efficacy end point in each trial was the percentage of participants with a response (volume of menstrual blood loss <80 ml and a ≥50% reduction in volume from baseline) in the relugolix combination therapy group, as compared with the placebo group. Key secondary end points were amenorrhea, volume of menstrual blood loss, distress from bleeding and pelvic discomfort, anemia, pain, fibroid volume, and uterine volume. Safety and bone mineral density were assessed.ResultsA total of 388 women in trial L1 and 382 in trial L2 underwent randomization. A total of 73% of the participants in the relugolix combination therapy group in trial L1 and 71% of those in trial L2 had a response (primary end point), as compared with 19% and 15%, respectively, of those in the placebo groups (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Both relugolix combination therapy groups had significant improvements, as compared with the placebo groups, in six of seven key secondary end points, including measures of menstrual blood loss (including amenorrhea), pain, distress from bleeding and pelvic discomfort, anemia, and uterine volume, but not fibroid volume. The incidence of adverse events was similar with relugolix combination therapy and placebo. Bone mineral density was similar with relugolix combination therapy and placebo but decreased with relugolix monotherapy.ConclusionsOnce-daily relugolix combination therapy resulted in a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding, as compared with placebo, and preserved bone mineral density in women with uterine fibroids. (Funded by Myovant Sciences; LIBERTY 1 [L1] and LIBERTY 2 [L2] ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT03049735 and NCT03103087, respectively.)

1630 12-Month Outcomes of the Us Patient Cohort in the Sonata Pivotal IDE Trial of Transcervical Ablation of Uterine Fibroids

Study Objective The SONATA trial was performed in the United States (US) and Mexico to examine the safety and effectiveness of transcervical radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. This is an analysis of 12-month clinical outcomes in the US cohort. Design Prospective, longitudinal, multicenter, single-arm trial. Setting 21 clinical sites in the US. Patients or Participants Premenopausal women between the ages of 25 and 50 with heavy menstrual bleeding secondary to fibroids. Interventions Transcervical, intrauterine radiofrequency ablation was performed on ≤10 uterine fibroids from 1 to 5 cm in diameter with the Sonata® system. Twelve-month co-primary endpoints were reduction in menstrual bleeding and rate of surgical reintervention. Symptom severity, quality of life, satisfaction, safety, and fibroid volume reduction were also evaluated. Measurements and Main Results 125 patients were enrolled/treated in the US. Both IDE trial co-primary endpoints were achieved, as 65.3% of patients reported ≥50% reduction in menstrual bleeding and 99.2% of patients were free from surgical reintervention. Symptom improvement was noted by 97.4% of patients and 98.3% were satisfied. Ninety-five percent of patients reported reduced menstrual bleeding at 12 months, and 86.8% noted >20% reduction. Significant mean improvements at 12 months were realized in both symptom severity and health-related quality of life (33.8 points and 45.8 points, respectively). Mean maximal fibroid volume reduction per patient was 63.8%. There were no device related adverse events. Mean length of stay was 2.5 hours and 50% of patients returned to normal activity within 1 day. Conclusion This analysis of US patients in the SONATA pivotal IDE trial demonstrates results consistent with those in the full cohort. Treatment with the Sonata system significantly reduced fibroid symptoms with a low surgical reintervention rate through 12 months. These results support the efficacy and safety of Sonata as a first-line treatment for women affected by symptomatic uterine fibroids.

12-month outcomes of the US patient cohort in the SONATA pivotal IDE trial of transcervical ablation of uterine fibroids.

ObjectiveThe prospective SONATA pivotal Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) trial was performed in the United States (US) and Mexico to examine the safety and effectiveness of transcervical fibroid ablation (TFA) in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. This is an analysis of 12-month clinical outcomes in the US cohort.MethodsTFA with the Sonata® System was performed on women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. The 12-month co-primary endpoints were reduction in menstrual blood loss and freedom from surgical reintervention. Symptom severity, quality of life, patient satisfaction, safety, and reductions in uterine and fibroid volumes were also evaluated.ResultsOne hundred twenty-five patients were enrolled and treated in the US. Both co-primary endpoints were achieved in this US-based cohort, as 65.3% of patients reported ≥50% reduction in menstrual bleeding and 99.2% of patients were free from surgical reintervention. Symptom improvement was noted by 97.4% of patients and 98.3% were satisfied. Ninety-five percent of patients reported reduced menstrual bleeding at 12 months, and 86.8% noted >20% reduction. Significant mean improvements at 12 months were realized in both symptom severity and health-related quality of life (33.8 points and 45.8 points, respectively; all P<0.0001). Mean maximal fibroid volume reduction per patient was 63.8%. There was a 0% incidence of device related adverse events. Mean length of stay was 2.5 hrs and 50% of patients returned to normal activity within 1 day.ConclusionThis analysis of US patients in the SONATA pivotal IDE trial demonstrates results consistent with those in the full cohort. TFA with Sonata significantly reduced fibroid symptoms with a low surgical reintervention rate through 12 months. These results support the efficacy and safety of the Sonata system as a first-line treatment for women affected by symptomatic uterine fibroids.

A feedback survey on the clinical performance and acceptability of levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system (EMILY®) during two years of usage

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Objective of the study was to evaluate the long term clinical performance and acceptability of levenorgestrel releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), ‘Emily’, for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A two year feed back survey was carried out by telephonic conversation and the data obtained was fed in to the house web application system in the respective Emily users. Subjective perceptions were verbally assured based on a questionnaire framed on the quality of the life led by the Emily users. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the menstrual bleeding of 102 patients who completed the two year study. The mean bleeding score and SD 18.79 (13.36) in first year falls to 10.76 (12.40) in second year. 78 (76.47%) users were very satisfied with the product usage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Use of ‘Emily’ LNG-IUS resulted in significant reduction of menstrual bleeding in women with AUB in two years and most of the users were very satisfied with the product.&lt;/p&gt;

Endometrial Ablation—Current Evidence for Patient Optimization and Long-Term Outcomes

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive surgical option to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Here, we summarize the evidence regarding patient optimization prior to endometrial ablation and the long-term outcomes of this procedure. Patient optimization includes preoperative planning, patient selection, and preoperative predictors of postoperative failure. Long-term outcomes include postoperative bleeding patterns, frequency of additional procedures for treatment failure, patient satisfaction, risk of endometrial cancer, and pregnancy outcomes. Endometrial ablation is a safe procedure to treat abnormal uterine bleeding in high- and low-risk surgical patients. A prior low transverse cesarean section is not a contraindication to the procedure. Young age at ablation (less than 30–45 years of age) is the most significant risk factor for treatment failure. Preoperative dysmenorrhea, large uterine size, fibroids, and prior tubal ligation may also be risk factors for failure. Reduction in menstrual bleeding and patient satisfaction achieved at 12 months usually persist for 5–10 years. There is a 17–25% risk of subsequent hysterectomy that usually occurs within the first 5 years. Endometrial ablation does not appear to increase the risk for developing endometrial cancer. Lastly, outcomes of post-ablation pregnancy are poor, and preoperative counseling should include a discussion about reliable post-ablation contraception. Endometrial ablation can effectively reduce menstrual blood loss and improve patient satisfaction with effects sustained for years after the procedure and is appropriate to use in high-risk surgical candidates. Younger women should be counseled preoperatively about the risk of treatment failure and need for additional procedures in the future.

The effectiveness of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in obese women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in obese women with heavy menstrual bleeding in Counties Manukau Auckland area, New Zealand. Prospective observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital. Twenty women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) who agreed to treatment with the LNG-IUS and had a body mass index (BMI) of >30kg/m2 were recruited between May and December 2014. The women completed two validated tools (Menstrual Impact Questionnaire and the Pictorial Bleeding Assessment Chart) at recruitment, 6 and 12months follow-up. Demographic, medical and laboratory variables were obtained from the relevant CMH databases. Data on side effects and satisfaction were obtained from the women at 12months. The median age (range) and BMI of the 20 women were 40.5years (27-52years) and 40.6kg/m2 (30-68), respectively. Three LNG-IUS were removed due to infection and pain and these women were subsequently booked for a hysterectomy. The reduction in menstrual loss was estimated at 19.7% per month (95% CI (12.5%, 26.2%); P<0.001), which translates to 73.2% per period of 6months (95% CI (55.3%, 83.9%)) and 92.8% per period of 12months (95% CI (80.0%, 97.4%)). The six items in the quality of life measure improved significantly in 14 women but only 12 women were satisfied with the treatment. The LNG-IUS was an effective treatment for 67% of obese women with heavy menstrual bleeding over a 12-month period, as assessed by the reduction in menstrual bleeding and the improvement in the quality of life measures.

Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in the Treatment of Idiopathic and Nonfunctional Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in the treatment of idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding. Design. Systematic review. Population. Women with a diagnosis of idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding treated with tranexamic acid. Methods. Electronic searches were conducted in literature databases up to February 2011 by two independent reviewers. We included all trials involving the efficacy of tranexamic acid for the treatment of heavy uterine bleeding. Pregnant, postmenopausal and cancer patients were excluded. Main outcome measures. Effect of tranexamic acid treatment on objective reduction of menstrual bleeding and improvement in patient quality of life. Results. A total of 10 studies met our inclusion criteria. Available evidence indicates that tranexamic acid therapy in women with idiopathic menorrhagia resulted in 34–54% reduction in menstrual blood loss. Following tranexamic acid treatment, patient’s quality-oflife parameters improved by 46–83%, compared with 15–45% for norethisterone treatment. When compared with placebo, tranexamic acid use significantly decreased the blood loss by 70% in women with menorrhagia secondary to an intrauterine device (p<0.001). Limited evidence indicated potential benefit in fibroid patients with menorrhagia. No thromboembolic event was reported in all studies analyzed. Conclusions. Available evidence indicates that tranexamic acid treatment is effective and safe, and could potentially improve quality of life of patients presenting with idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding. Data on the therapeutic efficacy of tranexamic acid in patients with symptomatic fibroids are limited, and further studies are therefore needed.

Nonsurgical Management of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

To compare the effectiveness of nonsurgical abnormal uterine bleeding treatments for bleeding control, quality of life (QOL), pain, sexual health, patient satisfaction, additional treatments needed, and adverse events.MEDLINE, Cochrane databases, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception to May 2012. We included randomized controlled trials of nonsurgical treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding presumed secondary to endometrial dysfunction and abnormal uterine bleeding presumed secondary to ovulatory dysfunction. Interventions included the levonorgestrel intrauterine system, combined oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), progestins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antifibrinolytics. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, danazol, and placebo were allowed as comparators.Two reviewers independently screened 5,848 citations and extracted eligible trials. Studies were assessed for quality and strength of evidence.Twenty-six articles met inclusion criteria. For reduction of menstrual bleeding in women with abnormal uterine bleeding presumed secondary to endometrial dysfunction, the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (71-95% reduction), combined OCPs (35-69% reduction), extended cycle oral progestins (87% reduction), tranexamic acid (26-54% reduction), and NSAIDs (10-52% reduction) were all effective treatments. The levonorgestrel intrauterine system, combined OCPs, and antifibrinolytics were all superior to luteal-phase progestins (20% increase in bleeding to 67% reduction). The levonorgestrel intrauterine system was superior to combined OCPs and NSAIDs. Antifibrinolytics were superior to NSAIDs for menstrual bleeding reduction. Data were limited on other important outcomes such as QOL for women with abnormal uterine bleeding presumed secondary to endometrial dysfunction and for all outcomes for women with abnormal uterine bleeding presumed secondary to ovulatory dysfunction.For the reduction in mean blood loss in women with heavy menstrual bleeding presumed secondary to abnormal uterine bleeding presumed secondary to endometrial dysfunction, we recommend the use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system over OCPs, luteal-phase progestins, and NSAIDs. For other outcomes (QOL, pain, sexual health, patient satisfaction, additional treatments needed, and adverse events) and for treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding presumed secondary to ovulatory dysfunction, we were unable to make recommendations based on the limited available data.

Levonorgestrel intrauterine system: Current role in management of heavy menstrual bleeding

A review of literature was conducted to report on the effectiveness of levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). The relevant data were obtained by computerized searches of PubMed up to December 2012 and other references available with the authors. Information was obtained from references listed. Studies and case reports were excluded if they did not specifically provide information about LNG-IUS usage in women with HMB. After perusal, each relevant publication was summarized and appraised in terms of whether it contained information relevant to the stated objective. Available data shows that LNG-IUS therapy is effective and safe, providing significant reduction of menstrual bleeding in patients with HMB. LNG-IUS is a good strategy to reduce the number of hysterectomies in women with HMB.

OC13.01: Sonographic findings in adenomyosis after insertion of levonorgestrel intrauterine device

The aim of this study (2006–2011) was to assess whether the sonographically detectable morphological alterations of the myometrium induced by adenomyosis changed after insertion of the LNG-IUD. 120 premenopausal symptomatic patients (menorrhagia, severe dysmenorrhea) with minimum five sonographic findings (globular shaped uterus, myometrial cysts (2–6 mm), inhomogeneous myometrium, indistinct borders to a myometrial mass, indistinct endometrial stripe, subendometrial linear striations, hyperechoic myometrial nodules, asymmetric thickening of the anterior or posterior uterine wall, minimal mass effect on the endometrium or serosa) of adenomyosis were enrolled into the study. Before and at 3, 6 and 12 months after insertion of the LNG-IUD all the patients underwent transvaginal sonography which evaluated uterine diameters and volume, endometrial thickness, presence and dimension of myometrial cystic areas, thickness of uterine wall and asymmetric myometrium, presence of myometrial hyperechoic striation. Color Doppler can be utilized in all cases to help distinguish between leiomyomas and adenomyosis. 23 patients become amenorrheic at 6 months and at 12 months—43 patients become amenorrheic. 50 patients had a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding at 12 months. 4 patients need to extract the LNG-IUD because of important bleeding. Dysmenorrhea was significantly alleviated in all 78 patients. We observed a significant decrease in uterine volume (170.3 ± 10.4 mL vs. 104.5 ± 8.2 mL) and reduction in asymmetric wall thickness (29.3 ± 1.9 mm vs. 17.2 ± 2.8 mm). However sonographic signs of adenomyosis such as myometrial cystic areas and hyperechoic striation did not disappear. The accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in the detection of adenomyosis is highly operator dependent. After insertion of a LNG-IUD in patients with adenomyosis, uterine volume decreased, the myometrial wall shrank and symptoms were significantly alleviated. However sonographic signs of adenomyosis did not seem to disappear completely.

Efficacy of tranexamic acid in the treatment of idiopathic and non‐functional heavy menstrual bleeding: A systematic review

To evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in the treatment of idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding. Systematic review. Women with a diagnosis of idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding treated with tranexamic acid. Electronic searches were conducted in literature databases up to February 2011 by two independent reviewers. We included all trials involving the efficacy of tranexamic acid for the treatment of heavy uterine bleeding. Pregnant, postmenopausal and cancer patients were excluded. Effect of tranexamic acid treatment on objective reduction of menstrual bleeding and improvement in patient quality of life. A total of 10 studies met our inclusion criteria. Available evidence indicates that tranexamic acid therapy in women with idiopathic menorrhagia resulted in 34-54% reduction in menstrual blood loss. Following tranexamic acid treatment, patient's quality-of-life parameters improved by 46-83%, compared with 15-45% for norethisterone treatment. When compared with placebo, tranexamic acid use significantly decreased the blood loss by 70% in women with menorrhagia secondary to an intrauterine device (p<0.001). Limited evidence indicated potential benefit in fibroid patients with menorrhagia. No thromboembolic event was reported in all studies analyzed. Available evidence indicates that tranexamic acid treatment is effective and safe, and could potentially improve quality of life of patients presenting with idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding. Data on the therapeutic efficacy of tranexamic acid in patients with symptomatic fibroids are limited, and further studies are therefore needed.

Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, quality of life and sexuality. Experience in an Italian family planning center

Background The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) was first marketed in 1990 in Finland. Since then, it has been approved in approximately 120 countries throughout the world, with almost 50 million women-years of cumulative experience to date. Its high contraceptive effectiveness and favorable bleeding profile, leading to significant reduction of menstrual bleeding both in women with idiopathic menorrhagia and in those with normal menstrual bleedings, have been the key to the success of the system. At the same time, women need to be provided adequate preinsertion counseling about changes in menstrual bleeding to be expected. In the Italian context, it is important to highlight during counseling that amenorrhea is not harmful but can lead to health benefits such as an increase in iron blood stores and blood hemoglobin concentration. Study Design To evaluate contraceptive efficacy, compliance and the effect of changes in menstrual cyclicity on quality of life and sexuality of the LNG-IUS (Mirena®), 156 women attending the Family Planning Clinic to request contraception were enrolled in the study and inserted with the device. Results Menstrual blood flow decreased in all users, in terms of both quantity and duration; although spotting was present in 93.7% of the women, it disappeared within 6 months in the majority of cases. Amenorrhea occurred in 29.5% of all women, with onset within the first six cycles postinsertion. Data from the EuroQuality of Life-5D and Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires showed improvement in the quality of life, with a decrease in intercourse-related pain and an improvement in sexual desire. Conclusions Although in Italy intrauterine contraception is poorly accepted, once started on LNG-IUS, women found that the device represents a safe and effective contraceptive modality, with valuable noncontraceptive benefits, especially in the presence of heavy or prolonged bleeding.

Safety, efficacy and patient acceptability of the contraceptive and non-contraceptive uses of the LNG-IUS.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) provide highly effective, long-term, safe, reversible contraception, and are the most widely used reversible contraceptive method worldwide. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a T-shaped IUD with a steroid reservoir containing 52 mg of levonorgestrel that is released at an initial rate of 20 μg daily. It is highly effective, with a typical-use first year pregnancy rate of 0.1% - similar to surgical tubal occlusion. It is approved for 5 years of contraceptive use, and there is evidence that it can be effective for up to 7 years of continuous use. After removal, there is rapid return to fertility, with 1-year life-table pregnancy rates of 89 per 100 for women less than 30 years of age. Most users experience a dramatic reduction in menstrual bleeding, and about 15% to 20% of women become amenorrheic 1 year after insertion. The device's strong local effects on the endometrium benefit women with various benign gynecological conditions such as menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, leiomyomata, adenomyosis, and endometriosis. There is also evidence to support its role in endometrial protection during postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy, and in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia.

Cervical cancer in 2 women with a Mirena®-pitfalls in the assessment of irregular bleeding: a case series

IntroductionThe levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine device (Mirena®) is an effective, long term form of contraception that leads to a significant reduction of menstrual bleeding among majority of women. However, irregular bleeding is quite common in initial Mirena® users and may thereby mask underlying cervical pathology.Case presentationTwo women with cervical cancer and a Mirena® initially presented with irregular bleeding, posing a diagnostic pitfall which resulted in doctor and patient delay.ConclusionProper evaluation of irregular vaginal bleeding, including cervical cytology, should be a prerequisite among all women opting for a Mirena® and must be repeated in case of persisting symptoms.

Thermal balloon endometrial ablation: a systematic review

The aim of our study is to review the role of thermal balloon endometrial ablation (TBEA) as an alternative in treating abnormal uterine bleeding. Articles relevant to our review and relevant references from the initially identified articles on the field that were archived by May 2007, were retrieved from Pubmed. Success rates ranged from 83 up to 94%, with patient's satisfaction ranging from 57 up to 94%. Persisted menorrhagia could reach 17% in some studies. TBEA is an effective alternative method used in the treatment of menorrhagea which results in a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding and high satisfaction rates. However, a longer follow-up is required to determine the role of such a treatment.