A 31-year-old woman presents to the GP with a 4-month history of regular but heavy menstrual periods. She has a normal pelvic examination. She does no...

Question

A 31-year-old woman presents to the GP with a 4-month history of regular but heavy menstrual periods. She has a normal pelvic examination. She does not wish to conceive and is interested in the levonorgestrel intrauterine system. She asks how the LNG-IUS reduces menstrual blood loss. Which is the most accurate mechanism?

Accepted Answer

It causes endometrial atrophy through local progestogenic action, reducing endometrial thickness and menstrual blood loss by up to 96% at 12 months

Answer

It blocks ovulation completely in all users

Answer

It increases uterine contractility to expel blood faster

Answer

It reduces oestrogen production from the ovaries

Answer

It works primarily by thickening cervical mucus, which secondarily reduces bleeding

uk-drcog MCQ (SBA): LNG-IUS Mechanism for HMB