Therapeutic efficacy of Mirena in gynecologic disease

ABSTRACT

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) was originally developed as a method of contraception and was first marketed in Finland in 1990. In Korea, the only LNG-IUS approved for non-contraceptive use is Mirena, a T-shaped device with a vertical stem containing a reservoir of 52 mg of levonorgestrel, which releases 20 µg of levonorgestrel per day. The device's strong local effects on the endometrium benefit women with gynecological conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, leiomyoma, adenomyosis, and endometriosis. There is also evidence to support its role in endometrial protection during postmenopausal estrogen therapy and in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia and, possibly, early endometrial cancer. Because of its effectiveness, safety, and high patient satisfaction, the LNG-IUS will continue to provide important benefits in women's reproductive health.