title: The effect of vitamin B1 on bleeding and spotting in women using an intrauterine device: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Excessive menstrual bleeding, the most common complication caused by intrauterine devices (IUDs), often leads to discontinuation of use. Our study investigates the effect of vitamin B1 on menstrual bleeding and spotting after insertion of the TCu380A IUD.
  
  
  METHODS
  This double-blind, randomised controlled trial involved 110 Iranian women. We recruited women who noted that their menstrual flow (duration, amount, and number of sanitary pads needed) or intermenstrual spotting had increased one month after the insertion of a TCu380A, and randomly assigned them to two groups. The intervention group and the control group received 100 mg of vitamin B1 or a placebo, respectively, daily, for three months. We followed all participants for four months. The Higham scale was used for estimating the volume of menstrual bleeding. The Mann-Whitney test, paired t-test, independent t-test and Repeated Measure test were used for statistical purposes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the intervention group the duration of menstrual bleeding, the number of sanitary pads and the amount of spotting decreased significantly compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vitamin B1 is a safe, natural and cost-effective supplement that is devoid of side effects and reduces menstrual bleeding and spotting caused by a copper bearing-IUD.
authors.affiliation: * Department of Midwifery, College of Paramedical Sciences, Borujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University , Borujerd , Iran.
authors.forename: Azam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jafari
authors.forename: Parvin
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Abedi
authors.forename: Masumeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sayahi
authors.forename: Roya
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Torkashvand
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D052576:Menstrual Hygiene Products; D008796:Metrorrhagia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013831:Thiamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D013831:Thiamine
keywords: Heavy menstrual bleeding; Intrauterine device; Iran; Spotting; Thiamine; Vitamin B1