Role of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in effective contraception

Depressive Disorder With Panic Attacks After Replacement of an Intrauterine Device Containing Levonorgestrel: A Case Report

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is used as hormonal contraception by millions of women worldwide. It is considered as a safe device with low rates of systemic adverse drug reactions (ADRs). However, an emerging evidence suggest mood changes as ADRs. Whereas most of these studies report psychiatric ADRs after the first implantation of the LNG-IUS, it has to be considered that these may also occur after replacement, even when psychiatric symptoms were not evident at the time of the initial insertion. A potential explanation for the development of psychiatric ADRs in subsequent LNG-IUS may rely on fluctuations of sex hormones throughout the female life cycle with changing windows of vulnerabilities for developing mood disorders. Thus, the reliable contraception for women remains a continual challenge. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman that used the LNG-IUS (Mirena®) for contraception over 5 years without any complaints. Within the first weeks after insertion of the second LNG-IUS, she developed a depressive syndrome and anxieties. An extensive somatic, including gynecological examination revealed no pathological findings and a mental disorder was suggested. Due to the patient´s request and the recommendation of her psychiatrist, the device was removed and led to a remission of her mental complaints up to a 6- and 12-months follow-up. Beyond the mood changes considerably affecting her quality of life, the patient raised the concerns that she has never been informed about potential ADRs on mental health and her remarks regarding the potential association between psychiatric symptoms and the LNG-IUS were considered as groundless. With this case, we strengthen previous observations regarding mood changes under LNG-IUS. Moreover, we illustrate that psychiatric symptoms may also occur as ADRs during the subsequent insertion. Thus, we emphasize that psychiatric symptoms have to be clearly communicated as ADRs to patients with LNG-IUS within a written informed consent and should be routinely examined by gynecologists.

Contraception counseling for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): current perspectives

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affecting up to 7% of reproductive age women. Women with PMDD are of reproductive age; therefore, contraception and treatment of PMDD are important considerations. The disorder as described in the DSM-V is characterized by moderate to severe psychological, behavioral and physical symptoms beginning up to two weeks prior to menses, resolving soon after the onset of menstruation and significantly interfering with daily functioning. PMDD develops in predisposed individuals after they are exposed to progesterone at the time of ovulation. It has been hypothesized that PMDD is in part attributable to luteal phase abnormalities in serotonergic activity and to altered configuration of ℽ-aminobutyric acid subunit A (GABA_A) receptors in the brain triggered by the exposure to the neuroactive steroid progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone (Allo). A large body of evidence suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be effective in the treatment of PMDD. Combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) pills, specifically the 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol/3mg drospirenone in a 24/4 extended cycle regimen has been shown to significantly improve the emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD. Other combined monophasic, extended cycle hormonal contraceptive pills with less androgenic progestins may also be helpful, although not well studied. Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) are recommended for those not seeking hormonal contraceptives. Progestin-only methods including the progestin-only pill (POP), levonorgestrel (LNG) IUD, etonorgestrel implant or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) have the potential to negatively affect mood symptoms for women with or without baseline mood disorders, including PMDD. Careful counseling and close follow-up is recommended for patients with PMDD seeking these contraceptive methods.

Norethindrone is superior to combined oral contraceptive pills in short-term delay of menses and onset of breakthrough bleeding: a randomized trial

Background

To determine whether oral norethindrone acetate is superior to combined oral contraceptives (OCP) in delaying menstruation and preventing breakthrough bleeding when started late in the cycle.

Methods

This article comprises of a case control study followed by a pilot randomized controlled study. In the first study, four women who presented late in their cycle and desired avoiding vaginal bleeding within 10 days before a wedding were started on norethindrone 5 mg three times daily and compared to age matched controls started on OCPs. Subsequently, a randomized controlled pilot study (n = 50) comparing OCPs to norethindrone for the retiming of menses was conducted. Percentage of women reporting spotting were compared with level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Of the norethindrone treated group, only 2 women (8%) reported spotting compared with 10 women (43%) in the control group (p < 0.01). Norethindrone recipients experienced significant weight gain, which resolved after cessation of therapy and had heavier withdrawal bleed (p < 0.04) when compared to controls. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the norethindrone group, with 80% willing to choose this method again. Time to conceive was significantly shorter in the norethindrone group (p < 0.03).

Conclusions

Norethindrone, begun on or before cycle day 12, is superior for women who desire to avoid breakthrough bleeding and maintain fertility when compared to OCPs. It is an ideal approach in patients presenting late in their cycle and who desire delaying menses as well as in circumstances when even minute amounts of breakthrough bleeding cannot be tolerated.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03594604, July 2018. Retrospectively registered.

Use of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device in Women With Type 2 Diabetes

IN BRIEF Women with type 2 diabetes are less likely to receive prescriptions for contraceptives despite the fact that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. In the largest case series to date examining use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) in women with type 2 diabetes, we demonstrate that the LNG-IUD is safe and effective and does not affect glycemic control in women with type 2 diabetes. In this study of 115 women under the age of 55 years with type 2 diabetes who had an LNG-IUD placed between 2007 and 2012, we found low rates of pregnancies, expulsions, and other complications in every age category and disease stratification. Thirty-nine patients had A1C data before and up to 2 years after placement, and there was no significant change in A1C (mean A1C decrease of 0.17, 95% CI -0.76 to 0.43). This study will enable evidence-based contraceptive counseling for women with type 2 diabetes.