OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, performance and acceptibility, for up to 2 year, of an intrauterine device releasing 20 microgram/day of levonorgestrel (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of women with menorrhagia.

MATERIAL& METHODS:

It was a descriptive, prospective, non-comparative study. A 20 microgram/day LNG-releasing-IUS was inserted following menstrual period to 44 women (between 31 and 49 years of age) who presented with menorrhagia after medical therapies had failed. Menstrual patterns were assessed, hemoglobin concentrations were measured and transvaginal sonography was done before LNG-IUS was inserted and at 45days, 3months and then at 6 month interval for 2 years.

RESULT:

The most common bleeding pattern at 3 months after insertion was spotting, and after 1 year and thereafter 41 women (93%) presented with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. Three women (6.8%) requested removal of the LNG-IUS because of continuous spotting, and two women (4.5%) expelled it spontaneously. Hemoglobin levels were improved from 10.0 mg/L to 11.4 and 12.8 mg/L at 1 and 2 year respectively, after insertion of the LNG-IUS. At end of 2 year 88.6% of participants continued the use of LNG-IUS and found it acceptable.

CONCLUSION:

LNG-IUS was an effective treatment for women with menorrhagia and could be an alternative treatment for women with menorrhagia who are either contraindicated for or refuse hysterectomy or endometrial ablation. It acceptability is high.

Keywords: LNG-IUS, menorrhagia, levonorgestrel