Comparative Study of Desogestrel - Containing Oral Contraceptive and Levonorgestrel - Containing Oral Contraceptive in Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

Abstract

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a type of abnormal uterine bleeding where vaginal bleeding occurs outside of the menstrual cycle in the absence of any known pelvic pathology. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding can be treated safely with hormone therapy. Combined oral contraceptives help in increased menstrual cycle regularity and decreased blood loss. In this study, a reliable drug for the dysfunctional uterine bleeding with maximum effectiveness and minimal side effects were assessed. This study was conducted on 120 cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Patients who were diagnosed with dysfunctional uterine bleeding were randomly assigned into two groups. Group D and group L included patients who were given Ethinyl estradiol 0.02mg + desogestrel 0.15mg and Ethinyl estradiol 0.03mg + levonorgestrel 0.15mg respectively for the four consecutive 28- day cycles. Menstrual blood loss was assessed using the pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) score on 2^nd and 4^th months of recruitment. Side effects such as weight gain, acne and headache were assessed in both groups. This study shows 56.68% reduction in mean PBAC score in 2 months in desogestrel group whereas only 44.96% reduction in levonorgestrel group and 79.87% reduction in mean PBAC score in desogestrel group in 4 months whereas only 74.46% reduction in levonorgestrel group. Side effects like weight gain, acne and headache were more prominent in the levonorgestrel group than desogestrel group. Desogestrel containing combined oral contraceptive can be a useful and safe treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding.