Efficacy of tranexamic acid in the treatment of idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in the treatment of idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding.

Design: Systematic review.

Population: Women with a diagnosis of idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding treated with tranexamic acid.

Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in literature databases up to February 2011 by two independent reviewers. We included all trials involving the efficacy of tranexamic acid for the treatment of heavy uterine bleeding. Pregnant, postmenopausal and cancer patients were excluded.

Main outcome measures: Effect of tranexamic acid treatment on objective reduction of menstrual bleeding and improvement in patient quality of life.

Results: A total of 10 studies met our inclusion criteria. Available evidence indicates that tranexamic acid therapy in women with idiopathic menorrhagia resulted in 34-54% reduction in menstrual blood loss. Following tranexamic acid treatment, patient's quality-of-life parameters improved by 46-83%, compared with 15-45% for norethisterone treatment. When compared with placebo, tranexamic acid use significantly decreased the blood loss by 70% in women with menorrhagia secondary to an intrauterine device (p<0.001). Limited evidence indicated potential benefit in fibroid patients with menorrhagia. No thromboembolic event was reported in all studies analyzed.

Conclusions: Available evidence indicates that tranexamic acid treatment is effective and safe, and could potentially improve quality of life of patients presenting with idiopathic and non-functional heavy menstrual bleeding. Data on the therapeutic efficacy of tranexamic acid in patients with symptomatic fibroids are limited, and further studies are therefore needed.