title: Hair loss with use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD) has associated systemic side effects. However, there is little published information about the risk of alopecia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of both the New Zealand Intensive Medicines Monitoring Programme (IMMP) data on alopecia associated with levonorgestrel IUD and the international evidence.
  
  
  METHODS
  The IMMP uses Prescription Event Monitoring to study the safety of medicines during the postmarketing period. All reported cases of alopecia with levonorgestrel IUD use were identified in the IMMP databases and assessed for causality. World Health Organization (WHO) spontaneous reporting data were also obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five reports of alopecia associated with the levonorgestrel IUD were identified in the IMMP database. From the cohort of insertions during 2000-2001, the estimated cumulative incidence of alopecia was 0.33% (95% CI 0.07-0.95) in the responder population. The WHO database contained a further 68 reports.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Counselling prior to insertion of the levonorgestrel IUD should include information on systemic effects, including the possibility of alopecia.
authors: Department of Women's and Child Health, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. helen.paterson@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Paterson
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Clifton
authors: Dawn
authors: D
authors: Miller
authors: Janelle
authors: J
authors: Ashton
authors: Mira
authors: M
authors: Harrison-Woolrych
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel