The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena) for treatment of idiopathic menorrhagia. Assessment of quality of life and satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate patient satisfaction and improvement in quality of life (QoL) among women with idiopathic menorrhagia treated with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS).


METHODS
Prospective-observational study with one-year follow-up in which 225 women were enrolled who had a LNG-IUS inserted for control of idiopathic menorrhagia. Bleeding, tolerability, user satisfaction, and health-related QoL (by means of the SF-36 QoL questionnaire) were assessed.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant reduction in the amount of bleeding, an increase of haemoglobin and ferritin levels, and an improved QoL score. A high degree of satisfaction was reported by over 98% of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The LNG-IUS is an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality in idiopathic menorrhagia. The QoL of women treated with the LNG-IUS is markedly improved, causing high levels of patient satisfaction. This IUS can be regarded as a first-choice therapy in idiopathic menorrhagia.
Lete
I
I
Santiago Apostol Hospital, Vitoria, Alava, Spain. ilete@hsan.osakidetza.net
Obispo
C
C
Izaguirre
F
F
Orte
T
T
Rivero
B
B
Cornellana
M J
MJ
Bermejo
I
I
D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D013030:Spain
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D006454:Hemoglobins; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D005293:Ferritins