A Study of the Effect of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System on the Management of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.
Soumya S Patil, Vidya Jadhav, Nidhi Pathak
Abstract
Open AccessIntroduction Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) significantly impacts women's quality of life. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS 52 mg) is a uterus-sparing and effective treatment option. Methods This retrospective observational study included 27 women with AUB managed on an outpatient basis at a tertiary care centre. Data were collected from hospital records using a predefined proforma, Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC), and the SAMANTA questionnaire. Outcomes included haemoglobin change, bleeding pattern improvement, patient satisfaction, and complications. Validated tools and a minimum six-month follow-up strengthened reliability. Results The mean age of participants was 40.3 years. The mean haemoglobin level improved significantly from 9.4 g/dL to 11.6 g/dL (p < 0.0001). PBAC scores, including subscores for pad saturation and clot passage declined significantly after LNG-IUS insertion. The mean SAMANTA score, reflecting menstrual bleeding-related quality of life, reduced from 5.81 ± 2.97 to 0.52 ± 0.98 (p < 0.0001). Amenorrhea was achieved in 10 of 27 women (37%), and 25 (93%) reported treatment satisfaction. One patient (4%) experienced spontaneous device expulsion, and two patients (7%) discontinued use, one due to persistent bleeding and another due to weight gain. No participants reported mood or libido changes. The proportion of women with bleeding lasting more than seven days decreased from 74% to 0%, and none reported night-time staining or activity avoidance following insertion. Conclusion The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS 52 mg) significantly reduced menstrual blood loss and improved haemoglobin and quality-of-life parameters in women with AUB. It was well tolerated, demonstrated a high continuation rate, and represents an effective uterus-sparing alternative to hysterectomy.