Randomised trial, 2012
Do hysterectomy or hormonal IUDs reduce premenstrual symptoms in women with heavy periods?
Both treatments significantly reduced premenstrual symptoms by 6 months with similar effectiveness. However, the study involved women treated for heavy periods, not those specifically diagnosed with PMS.
What they did
Randomized controlled trial across five Finnish university hospitals. 236 women aged 35-49 with heavy periods were randomly assigned to hysterectomy (n=117) or levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (n=119). Symptom assessments occurred at 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years after treatment.
What they found
Both groups showed significant symptom decreases by 6 months (p≤0.028). Breast tenderness decreased later in the IUD group, by 12 months (p=0.048). During follow-up, 42% of women assigned to the IUD had a hysterectomy. Results were similar whether analyzed by intention-to-treat or actual treatment received.
What it means for you
Both treatments help reduce symptoms in women being treated for heavy periods. The study does not tell us whether they work for people specifically diagnosed with PMS. Results are limited to Finland, older women (mean age 43), and women with heavy periods.
236
women studied
6 months
until symptom improvement seen
42%
of IUD group had hysterectomy during follow-up
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of hysterectomy or levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system on premenstrual symptoms in women treated for menorrhagia: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
- Authors
- Leminen H, Heliövaara-Peippo S, Halmesmäki K et al.
- Journal
- Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 119
- What was tested
- Hysterectomy versus levonorgestrel-releasing IUD
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0412.2011.01340.x
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