Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of 4 mg dienogest in women with adenomyosis and BMI >30

In: International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2025 · vol. 14(6) , pp. 1783–1788 · doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20251562 · W4410844591
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AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08

This study found that 4mg of dienogest was effective and well-tolerated in 81% of obese women with adenomyosis, improving symptoms, though adherence to lifestyle changes was crucial.

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AI-generated deep summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-12 · read from full text

This prospective study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of 4 mg dienogest in 110 women aged 30–40 with ultrasonography-confirmed adenomyosis, severe dysmenorrhea, and BMI >30, treated over 20 weeks with 8 weeks of 4 mg dienogest followed by tapering to 2 mg once daily, alongside dietary counseling to reduce carbohydrate intake and implement lifestyle modifications. Symptom improvement for menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain was reported in 81% of participants, while adverse effects included headache (15%), breast discomfort (10%), and mild weight gain (8%); irregular bleeding led to discontinuation in 3%. The paper notes a limitation that women who needed ongoing 4 mg dosing beyond eight weeks showed poor adherence to dietary modifications, and outcomes may therefore be influenced by adherence. This paper is centrally about adenomyosis — it tests a higher-dose dienogest regimen in obese women with adenomyosis-related symptoms.

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Abstract

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of 4mg dienogest in women with adenomyosis and BMI >30. Methods: This prospective study, conducted at Lakshmi Madhavan Hospital Pvt Ltd, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, between January and October 2023, included 110 women aged 30-40 years diagnosed with adenomyosis via ultrasonography and presenting with severe dysmenorrhea. These women, all with BMI >30, were administered 4mg Dienogest (2mg twice daily) for eight weeks, followed by a taper to 2mg once daily for 12 weeks. All participants received dietary counselling emphasizing reduced carbohydrate intake and lifestyle modifications. Data on symptom improvement, adverse effects, and adherence were collected and analyzed using STATA 11.0. Results: A significant improvement in symptoms such as menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain was observed in 81% of participants. Adverse effects, including headache (15%), breast discomfort (10%), and mild weight gain (8%), were reported but were well-tolerated. Irregular bleeding led to discontinuation in 3% of cases. Women requiring the 4mg dose beyond eight weeks demonstrated poor adherence to dietary modifications. The overall success rate was 81% (n=89), with a failure rate of 19% (n=21). Conclusion: The study suggests that a higher dosage of Dienogest (4mg) for a limited period is effective and well-tolerated in obese women with adenomyosis who do not respond to the standard 2 mg dose. However, individualized treatment and strict lifestyle adherence are essential for optimal outcomes.
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Background

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of 4mg dienogest in women with adenomyosis and BMI >30.

Methods

This prospective study, conducted at Lakshmi Madhavan Hospital Pvt Ltd, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, between January and October 2023, included 110 women aged 30-40 years diagnosed with adenomyosis via ultrasonography and presenting with severe dysmenorrhea. These women, all with BMI >30, were administered 4mg Dienogest (2mg twice daily) for eight weeks, followed by a taper to 2mg once daily for 12 weeks. All participants received dietary counselling emphasizing reduced carbohydrate intake and lifestyle modifications. Data on symptom improvement, adverse effects, and adherence were collected and analyzed using STATA 11.0.

Results

A significant improvement in symptoms such as menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain was observed in 81% of participants. Adverse effects, including headache (15%), breast discomfort (10%), and mild weight gain (8%), were reported but were well-tolerated. Irregular bleeding led to discontinuation in 3% of cases. Women requiring the 4mg dose beyond eight weeks demonstrated poor adherence to dietary modifications. The overall success rate was 81% (n=89), with a failure rate of 19% (n=21).

Conclusion

The study suggests that a higher dosage of Dienogest (4mg) for a limited period is effective and well-tolerated in obese women with adenomyosis who do not respond to the standard 2 mg dose. However, individualized treatment and strict lifestyle adherence are essential for optimal outcomes. Metrics

References

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adenomyosischronic_pelvic_paindysmenorrheadyspareunia

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