title: Use of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device in the treatment of adenomyosis associated heavy menstrual bleeding.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device in the treatment of adenomyosis associated with heavy menstrual bleeding.
  
  
  METHODS
  The retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in Izmir, Turkey, and comprised data on adenomyosis patients who were implanted with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device for heavy menstrual bleeding between December 2004 and January 2008. After the insertion of the device, all patients were followed up by transvaginal ultrasonography and serum haemoglobin levels and menstrual patterns were determined at the 6th and 12th month. Data was analysed using SPSS 10.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the 42 women in the study was 43.2 +/- 0.8 years. At the sixth month, amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, spotting and regular menstrual flow were 9.5% (n = 4), 7% (n = 3), 19% (n = 8), and 64% (n = 27), respectively. At the 12th month, the same parametres were 9.5% (n = 4), 7% (n = 3), 12% (n = 5), and 71% (n = 30), respectively. Haemoglobin levels had increased and endometrial thickness had decreased, and these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The easy-to-use levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device can be added to the treatment options as a well-tolerated alternative in cases where a woman who has completed her fertility and does not request a hysterectomy has anaemia associated with adenomyosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seferihisar Necat Hepkon State Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. drahmetuysal@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uysal
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seferihisar Necat Hepkon State Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Cüneyt Eftal
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Taner
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seferihisar Necat Hepkon State Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Semih
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mun
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, MH, Aegean Maternity and Teaching Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Uysal
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seferihisar Necat Hepkon State Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Fatma Horasan
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Celimli
mesh_terms: D062788:Adenomyosis / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel