Efficacy of levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system for the treatment of menorrhagia due to benign uterine lesions in perimenopausal women

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS, Mirena, Bayer Healthcare) in the treatment of menorrhagia caused by benign lesions of the uterus in perimenopausal women. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective observational study was conducted to study the efficacy of levonorgestrel intrauterine device in the treatment of menorrhagia due to benign lesions of the uterus in perimenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty women with menorrhagia, due to benign conditions like idiopathic menorrhagia, fibroid (not more than 12 weeks size) or adenomyosis, attending our out-patient department were included in the study. All the women underwent a PAP smear, transvaginal sonography and endometrial biopsy. Endometrial carcinoma and cervical carcinoma were excluded. LNG-IUS was inserted in the postmenstrual phase. Blood loss was assessed by pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC). They were followed up after 3 months, 6 months, and after 1 year. RESULTS: Majority of the women had menstrual spotting for 3–4 months followed by infrequent menstruation, scanty menstruation or amenorrhoea. LNG-IUS was removed because of continued bleeding in two cases and was removed because of displacement in one case. It was expelled spontaneously in four cases. Thirty-three women continued to use LNG-IUS. CONCLUSION: LNG-IUS is a safe and effective option for women with menorrhagia due to benign lesions of the uterus in perimenopausal women.