The effectiveness of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in obese women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in obese women with heavy menstrual bleeding in Counties Manukau Auckland area, New Zealand.

METHODS: Prospective observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital. Twenty women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) who agreed to treatment with the LNG-IUS and had a body mass index (BMI) of >30 kg/m(2) were recruited between May and December 2014. The women completed two validated tools (Menstrual Impact Questionnaire and the Pictorial Bleeding Assessment Chart) at recruitment, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Demographic, medical and laboratory variables were obtained from the relevant CMH databases. Data on side effects and satisfaction were obtained from the women at 12 months.

RESULTS: The median age (range) and BMI of the 20 women were 40.5 years (27-52 years) and 40.6 kg/m(2) (30-68), respectively. Three LNG-IUS were removed due to infection and pain and these women were subsequently booked for a hysterectomy. The reduction in menstrual loss was estimated at 19.7% per month (95% CI (12.5%, 26.2%); P < 0.001), which translates to 73.2% per period of 6 months (95% CI (55.3%, 83.9%)) and 92.8% per period of 12 months (95% CI (80.0%, 97.4%)). The six items in the quality of life measure improved significantly in 14 women but only 12 women were satisfied with the treatment.

CONCLUSION: The LNG-IUS was an effective treatment for 67% of obese women with heavy menstrual bleeding over a 12-month period, as assessed by the reduction in menstrual bleeding and the improvement in the quality of life measures.