title: Use of the copper intrauterine device in the management of secondary amenorrhea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether the insertion of a copper intrauterine device can restore regular menses in patients with functional secondary amenorrhea.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-eight volunteers with functional secondary amenorrhea.
  
  
  METHODS
  Insertion of a copper intrauterine device.
  
  
  METHODS
  Restoration of menses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 40 patients, regular menses were restored within a few weeks after insertion of the device. Normal menses were maintained as long as the copper intrauterine device remained in place. After removal of the device, normal menses persisted for 1 year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Insertion of a copper intrauterine device restores regular menses in women with functional secondary amenorrhea. The mechanism of action of the device probably is related to the release of prostaglandins from the endometrium.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy. clm@dnf.unife.it
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vesce
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jorizzo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bianciotto
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gotti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper; D008598:Menstruation; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging