Abnormal uterine bleeding in midlife: The role of levonorgestrel intrauterine system

Abstract

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common gynecological complaint affecting 10-30% of women in midlife and constitute about one-third of all outpatient gynecological visits. It adversely affects the quality of woman's life and can lead to psychological, social, medical, and sexual problems and thus necessitating appropriate and adequate management. Different treatment modalities for such problems are available, yet the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) has recently provided a good treatment option effective in treating such complaints and at the same time, having a reliable contraceptive effect which is desired by such age group. For women in their reproductive years, the LNG-IUS has become one of the most acceptable medical treatments for menorrhagia, reducing referrals to specialists, and decreasing the recourse to operative treatments. It is easy to insert, has a sustained effect, cost-effective, and well tolerated besides providing reliable contraception.