Use of the copper intrauterine device in the management of secondary amenorrhea.
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.
Vesce
F
F
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy. clm@dnf.unife.it
Jorizzo
G
G
Bianciotto
A
A
Gotti
G
G
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