Use of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System to Treat Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Adolescents and Young Adults with Inherited Bleeding Disorders and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Study ObjectiveTo report on the rate of amenorrhea among adolescents and young adults with a bleeding diathesis after insertion of the 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)DesignRetrospective chart reviewSettingTertiary care, multidisciplinary Gynecology-Hematology clinic or Adolescent Gynecology clinicParticipantsThe cohort included 35 females aged 12–25 years presenting from January 2010 to January 2020 with heavy menstrual bleeding, 23 with an inherited blood disorder, and 12 with Ehlers-Danlos syndromeInterventionsThe 52-mg LNG-IUSMain Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome was bleeding profile after LNG-IUS insertion. Secondary outcomes included rates of amenorrhea, intrauterine device (IUD) expulsion, IUD discontinuation, and unplanned pregnancy.ResultsMean age at menarche was 11.6 years, with mean age at insertion of 16.9 (range 11–23). Most participants were white (n = 26, 74.3%). Von Willebrand disease was present in 16 patients (45.7%) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 12 (34.3%). Most (91.4%) had tried at least 1 hormonal regimen prior to LNG-IUS. Most participants (81.8%) reported improvement in bleeding, with 60.6% reporting spotting or amenorrhea. LNG-IUS expulsion occurred in 3 participants (9.1%) within the first 21 days, despite hemostatic agents at time of insertion. Mean continuation was 5.08 years (95% CI, 4.24–5.92), with 79% likelihood that participants kept their IUD in place for at least 2.5 years, and some up to 6 years.ConclusionThe 52-mg LNG-IUS is an effective treatment option for adolescents and young adults with heavy menstrual bleeding and a bleeding diathesis, with high rates of amenorrhea. Rates of IUD expulsion appeared higher during the first 30 days, but long-term continuation remained high.