The LNG-IUS Is More Effective Than Other Medical Therapies for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem that often interferes with quality of life. British investigators conducted a 2-year multicenter randomized trial to compare the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) with usual medical therapy (tranexamic acid, mefenamic acid, combined oral contraceptives, high-dose progestin, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, or combinations of these agents) in 571 women (age range, 25–50) who presented with at least three consecutive menstrual cycles having self-perceived heavy menstrual bleeding and no evidence of fibroids or other disorders.

Fully 75% of women in the usual-treatment group received mefenamic acid, tranexamic acid, or both. By 6 months in both groups, scores on a validated quality-of-li…