The levonorgestrel intrauterine system as an alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of idiopathic menorrhagia
Goñi, A.Zapico.; Lacruz, Rón.Lanzón.; Paricio, J.José.Parilla.; Hernández Rivas, F.J.
Gynecological Endocrinology the Official Journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology 25(9): 581-586
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0951-3590 PMID: 19562603 DOI: 10.1080/09513590902972034Document Number: 209101
Prospective, observational study to determine the percentage of hysterectomies cancelled after a year of treatment with levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) among women diagnosed with idiopathic menorrhagia. Eighty-two women with a mean age of 44.3 + or - 4.9 were enrolled. Throughout 1-year follow-up, progressive and significant reduction was observed in number of days of bleeding (8.9 + or - 4.0 vs. 5.0 + or - 5.4), number of sanitary measures (29.3 + or - 19.4 vs. 8.1 + or - 10.8) and percentage of patients having intense/very intense bleeding (98.8%vs. 6.4%). Duration of menstrual cycle significantly increased from 26.9 + or - 5.5 to 52.6 + or - 33.6 days. Significant improvement in overall health-related quality of life was achieved. Patient satisfaction was good/very good in 70.7%. Considering only women who attended 12-month visit satisfaction reached 91.2%. 75.6% of scheduled hysterectomies were cancelled. Adverse effects were recorded in less than 40% of patients with no significant differences between visits. Adverse effects led to premature discontinuation of treatment in seven cases. No serious adverse effects were encountered. LNG-IUS meets the effectiveness and tolerability criteria for being considered as a first choice treatment option for women with idiopathic menorrhagia. Its use may contribute to decrease the large number of hysterectomies scheduled in Spain.