Hormonal contraception as treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review

Abstract

A systematic review to compare the effectiveness of contraceptives to treat heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). PubMed was searched for studies using hormonal contraceptive methods to treat HMB. Two reviewers screened 734 citations and extracted eligible trials based on rigid inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria. The evidence was good to poor quality and suggested that all contraceptives tested were effective in the treatment of HMB, but the levonorgestrel intrauterine system was the most effective method. Hormonal contraceptives effectively treat HMB. The levonorgestel intrauterine system is the superior method.