Comparison between mefenamic acid and danazol in the treatment of established menorrhagia

Article Abstract:

Menorrhagia, abnormally heavy or long menstrual periods, can cause iron deficient anemia (a reduction in iron carrying red blood cells). The effectiveness of mefenamic acid (an anti-inflammatory pain killer) and danazol (a drug that suppresses the production of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle) in treating menorrhagia were compared. Excessive menstrual bleeding was defined as blood loss greater than 80 milliliters (ml). There were 20 patients who received mefenamic acid (500 mg) three times a day for three to five days, and 20 patients who received danazol (100 mg) twice a day for 60 days. In the patients receiving mefenamic acid, the blood flow was reduced from 160 to 127 ml. In the danazol treated group, the blood flow was reduced from 163 to 65 ml. Side effects were experienced by 75 percent of the women treated with danazol. These included breast pain, flushes, acne, irritability, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and reduction in breast size. Side effects experienced by 30 percent of the women receiving mefenamic acid were nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and fluid retention. Half the patients in both treatment groups said they would continue therapy. Of the patients not willing to continue therapy, nine women in the mefenamic acid group reported lack of efficacy as the reason, whereas eight danazol treated women cited side effects as the major reason for discontinuing therapy. Although mefenamic acid was less effective, fewer side effects may make this the preferred therapy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Danazol

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A comparative study of ethamsylate and mefenamic acid in dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Article Abstract:

A comparison was carried out of the effects of two non-hormonal agents, ethamsylate and mefenamic acid, used to treat menorrhagia, excessive blood loss during menstruation (more than 80 milliliters). Thirty-four women with menorrhagia and regular menstrual cycles were assigned to receive either ethamsylate or mefenamic acid, which they took from the first day of bleeding until the bleeding stopped. Sanitary napkins and tampons were collected from the subjects to determine the blood loss during three consecutive cycles. Drug side effects were also noted. Results showed that both drugs caused a statistically significant reduction in monthly blood loss. Although no differences were noted between the effects of the drugs during any given month, more women taking ethamsylate than mefenamic acid had reductions in blood loss equal to or greater than 40 percent during the third month of treatment. Mefenamic acid led to reduced blood loss in each of the three months, while ethamsylate led to reduced blood loss in months two and three only. A similar proportion of women in the two groups showed side effects (56 percent in the mefenamic acid group and 31 percent in the ethamsylate group); these were usually nausea, backache, and bloating, but did not cause any woman to discontinue treatment. The results indicate that both agents are effective in limiting the amount of blood lost in menorrhagic women. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Uterine bleeding, Uterine hemorrhage

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Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device in the treatment of menorrhagia

Article Abstract:

Menstrual blood loss is the most frequent cause of iron deficiency in healthy women. Women who lose more than 80 milliliters each period become iron deficient, and this level of blood loss defines menorrhagia. The level of stored iron in tissues is reflected in the blood levels of ferritin, an iron-carrying protein. Menorrhagia has been effectively treated by intrauterine devices (IUDs) containing progesterone. Levonorgestrel, a progesterone-like drug which is not metabolized as rapidly, has reduced menstrual blood loss (MBL) and increased ferritin levels in healthy women. The effects of a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (L-IUD) in 20 menorrhagic women were studied to determine if similar benefits would be achieved. Four women withdrew from the study before completion because of uterine fibroid tumors or hormonal side effects. After three months of L-IUD treatment, MBL was reduced by 86 percent, and MBL continued to decrease during the 12 months of treatment. Blood ferritin levels increased significantly after 12 months of L-IUD treatment, as did hemoglobin, the iron-containing protein of red blood cells. The chief side effect was spotting (intermenstrual bleeding), which was slight in amount and decreased during the study. The study suggests that L-IUD provides women with an effective treatment for menorrhagia and may be an acceptable alternative for hysterectomy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Progestational hormones

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