Added health benefits of the levonorgestrel contraceptive intrauterine system and other hormonal contraceptive delivery systems

Fraser Is, Ian S. Fraser
Contraception · 2012 · vol. 87(3) , pp. 273–279 · doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2012.08.039 · PMID:23040129 · W2079524990
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This paper reviews the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and other hormonal contraceptives to explore their added health benefits beyond pregnancy prevention.

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Abstract

BackgroundIt has been recognized for well over half a century that hormonal preparations designed as contraceptives are also capable of offering health benefits through the treatment and prevention of benign gynecological disease and even some systemic conditions. Increasing attention is now being paid to the extent and detail of such added health benefits, and it is becoming clear that the long-acting, low-dose, hormonal contraceptive delivery systems may offer particular advantages in this regard.MethodsConventional databases were thoroughly searched, especially for publications from 2006 to 2012, which addressed non-contraceptive-related indications for therapy and prevention.ResultsA considerable literature now exists to demonstrate the multiple and substantial noncontraceptive health benefits of long-acting progestogen-releasing systems, especially the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. These benefits mainly relate to disturbances of menstruation and related symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding (due to many causes); iron deficiency; pelvic pain, especially around endometriosis; and endometrial hyperplasia. The long-acting estrogen-progestogen systems may carry similar added health benefits to those of the combined oral contraceptives, but data are still lacking.ConclusionAdded health benefits are now becoming an important part of the contraceptive choice equation, and the long-acting delivery systems are recognized as suitable primary therapies for a range of gynecological disorders.

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MeSH descriptors

Contraceptive Agents, Female Genital Diseases, Female Intrauterine Devices, Medicated Levonorgestrel Contraceptive Agents, Female Female Genital Diseases, Female Humans Levonorgestrel

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