A randomized prospective trial comparing the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system with thermal balloon ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) was compared with thermal balloon ablation (TBA) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized trial comparing the LNG-IUS (n=30 women) and TBA (n=28 women). RESULTS: Hemoglobin levels increased (p<.001) and blood loss was reduced (p<.001) in both groups after 1 year of treatment. Menstrual bleeding was less in the LNG-IUS group compared to the TBA group at 6 and 12 months of treatment (p=.035 and p=.048, respectively). Intermenstrual bleeding was significantly less in the TBA group at 6 months compared to the LNG-IUS group (p=.044); however, there was no significant difference at 12 months (p=.129). No difference was found in psychological aspects between pre- and posttreatment variables in either of the groups (p=.537). CONCLUSIONS: Both the LNG-IUS and TBA appear to be effective in controlling HMB; however, posttreatment uterine bleeding patterns are different.