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Semin Reprod Med 2001; 19(4): 365-372
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-18644
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Therapeutic Use of the LNG IUS, and Counseling

Päivi Pakarinen1,2 , Juhani Toivonen1,3 , Tapani Luukkainen1
  • 1Steroid Research Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
  • 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jorvi Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Espoo, Finland
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
29 November 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The intrauterine release of levonorgestrel (LNG) alters the function of the endometrium. This phenomenon offers special health benefits for users and a manner of local intrauterine therapy. In this review we discuss use of LNG-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) in treatment and prevention of anemia and in the therapy of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. The antiproliferative effect of the LNG IUS on the endometrium offers targeted therapy against the proliferative action of estrogen on the endometrium during hormone replacement therapy. The LNG IUS as an alternative to sterilization is also discussed. There are also promising therapeutic fields such as use of the LNG IUS in the treatment of endometriosis and in the protection of endometrium exposed to tamoxifen during breast cancer treatment. Special attention is paid to counseling because successful use of the LNG IUS requires good training of the providers and extensive counseling of users.

KEYWORD

Levonorgestrel - LNG IUS - menorrhagia - HRT - counseling

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