Effect of naproxen on IUD-induced hypermenorrhea

48 volunteers using either a Lippes Loop D or a T Cu 220C IUD who subjectively observed an increase in menstrual bleeding associated with IUD use received 250 mg naproxen 3 times/day during, or for 5 days of, their menstrual period. Results were compared with those on administration of placebo. Of the 48 women studied, 14 had hypermenorrhea (average 133.4 ml/menstrual cycle; heavy bleeding group) and 34 had blood loss within the normal range (average 47 ml; normal group). The study consisted of measuring menstrual blood loss (MBL) during the 1st (control cycle). During the 2nd cycle, the women received placebo medication 3 times/day for the 5 days of menses; results were not significantly different from control values. Naproxen was administered during the 3rd and 4th cycles (treatment); a significant reduction in the amount of MBL was observed in the group of women with heavy bleeding. During the 1st treatment cycle, a reduction of 42.8% was observed and during the 2nd treatment cycle, the reduction was 24.2%. In the group of women with MBL within the range of normal, no significant change in the amount of menstrual bleeding was observed in the treatment cycles as compared with the control cycle or placebo administration.