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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Measurement of Four Uterine NK Cell Subtypes Using Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining in Women with Repeated Implantation Failure

Measurement of Four Uterine NK Cell Subtypes Using Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining in Women with Repeated Implantation Failure

Published on: October 25, 2024

Menstrual pattern changes from levonorgestrel subdermal implants and DMPA: systematic review and evidence-based

David Hubacher¹, Laureen Lopez, Markus J Steiner

¹Family Health International, PO Box 13950, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. dhubacher@fhi.org

|July 28, 2009

Summary

Levonorgestrel (LNG) implants cause fewer menstrual irregularities than depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injections. LNG implants offer a viable long-acting contraception option with more predictable menstrual patterns.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Measurement of Four Uterine NK Cell Subtypes Using Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining in Women with Repeated Implantation Failure

Measurement of Four Uterine NK Cell Subtypes Using Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining in Women with Repeated Implantation Failure

Published on: October 25, 2024

Area of Science:

Reproductive Health
Contraception
Gynecology

Background:

Many women seek long-acting reversible contraception but are concerned about menstrual changes associated with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).
Subdermal levonorgestrel (LNG) implants present a potential alternative, yet comparative data on menstrual alterations remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review and compare menstrual changes associated with DMPA and LNG implants.
To provide an understandable summary of menstrual patterns for informed contraceptive choice.

Main Methods:

Systematic literature review of studies using menstrual diaries and WHO definitions.
Analysis of amenorrhea, bleeding/spotting episodes, and days over four 90-day periods.
Comparison of menstrual patterns between DMPA and LNG implant users.

Main Results:

Data from 16 articles included up to 1600 DMPA users and 2300 LNG implant users.
DMPA use showed increasing amenorrhea (12%-46%), while LNG implant amenorrhea remained low (11%-13%).
LNG implant users had more bleeding days than DMPA users, but similar to natural patterns; 23% had normal menses vs. 11% for DMPA at 12 months.

Conclusions:

Levonorgestrel implants, like other hormonal contraceptives, induce menstrual changes.
Menstrual changes with LNG implants appear less disruptive to normal patterns compared to DMPA.
Understanding these differences aids women in making informed long-term contraceptive decisions.