A comparative study of danazol and norethisterone in dysfunctional uterine bleeding presenting as menorrhagia

This randomized open study compared the efficacy and safety of norethisterone, 5 mg three times a day from day 19 to 26, and danazol, 200 mg daily, in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding presenting as menorrhagia. Clinical criteria were employed to confirm the diagnosis, and subjective assessment of the condition was performed during one pre-treatment and three treatment cycles. Fourteen patients commenced norethisterone and 10 danazol. Bleeding intensity scores were significantly lower with danazol than with norethisterone, and patients assessed their blood loss to be significantly less with danazol than with norethisterone. Associated symptoms of backache and abdominal pain were improved to a similar degree by both treatments. Adverse reactions were reported with similar frequency and were of a similar nature in both treatment groups.