A randomized controlled trial of levonorgestrel releasing IUD and thermal balloon ablation in the treatment of menorrhagia

Abstract

Our aim was to compare the treatment of menorrhagia either with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device or with endometrial thermal balloon ablation. The primary endpoints of evaluation were menstrual blood flow reduction and the increase in hemoglobin values, while the secondary end points were adverse side effects; health related quality of life. After randomization, 36 women underwent outpatient thermal balloon ablation under local anesthesia and an intrauterine device releasing 20 µg/day of levonorgestrel, were inserted within the first 7 days of menses to 36 women. Both techniques were found to be significantly effective in reducing the menstrual blood loss but in comparison thermal balloon ablation was more effective in Δmean ± SD decrease of pictorial sores (388.2 ± 21 vs 343 ± 27; p < 0.001). We noted a significant but similar increases in Δmean ± SD hemoglobin values (3.9 ± 1.7 vs 3.7 ± 1.4; p: .21). Patients treated by thermal balloon ablation reported fewer side effects and perceived a higher health related quality of life in physical role functioning. At one year of follow-up, the medicated device was effective but not as effective as thermal balloon ablation in reducing the menstrual blood loss. However it was found to be as effective as thermal balloon ablation in increasing the hemoglobin values. The side effect profile of the medicated device may alter its acceptability by reducing the perceived health related quality of life in menorrhagic women with no desire for further childbearing.