Use of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system to treat bleeding related to uterine leiomyomas.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to evaluate the potential usefulness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) in treating women with uterine leiomyomas.


METHODS
Prospective before-and-after study.


METHODS
Family planning unit in an academic research institute.


METHODS
Sixty-seven women with uterine leiomyomas who chose the LNG IUS as their method of contraception.


METHODS
Clinical and ultrasound examinations were performed prior to and 3, 6, and 12 months after the LNG IUS insertion.


METHODS
Menstrual blood loss assessed with pictorial blood loss assessment charts, ferritin and hemoglobin concentrations, and uterine and leiomyoma volume.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. vgrigorieva@fhi.org
Vera
V
Grigorieva
Mario
M
Chen-Mok
Marina
M
Tarasova
Anton
A
Mikhailov
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D006454:Hemoglobins; D016912:Levonorgestrel