Anaemia and menstrual blood loss studies in women using multiload Cu250 and progestasert IUDs

Two to 9 months following insertion of the ML Cu250 (n = 54) and Alza T (n = 30) IUDs, mean menstrual blood losses (MBL) were 46.3 ml and 32.7 ml, respectively (p less than 0.005). Significantly more of the Alza T users had losses below 40 ml and they also perceived their menses to be lighter. Based on a haemoglobin level of 12gm/dL, the upper normal limit of MBL was about 40 ml. These findings are consistent with earlier observations that during the first year, ferritin levels fall in ML Cu250 users whereas they are unaltered in Alza T users.