The hormone-releasing Mirena coil intrauterine device (IUD) is a better treatment for heavy menstrual periods than other conventional medical approaches, according to results of a major clinical trial led by scientists from the Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham.
The findings of the ECLIPSE study, published online today (10 January 2012) in the New England Journal of Medicine, are widely expected to change standard clinical practice.
Heavy periods, or menorrhagia, affect the lives of large numbers of women aged 25-50 years, accounting for many GP consultations and 20 per cent of gynaecological referrals in the UK.
Professor Joe Kai, of The University of Nottingham's Division of Primary Care, explains in this video why and how the trial was carried out, and how it will affect clinical care of sufferers.
The ECLIPSE study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research's Health Technology Assessment Programme.
