Comparison of Mefenamic Acid, and Tranexamic Acid in Treatment of Hypermenorrhea

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive menstrual bleeding is a common complaint and each year
around 5% of 30-49 year old women have this problem. The aim of this study is to
compare the efficacy and acceptability of mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid for
treating menorrhea. Attempts have been made to choose a more effective with less
complications to treat hyper menorrhea.
Materials and Methods: This study is a control trial study and the setting is Shahid
Sedugh University, department of obstetrics and gynecology ,Yazd in 2001-2005.
75 women with excessive uterine bleeding (hyper menorrhea) were under treatment
for five days from day 1 of menses during three consecutive menstrual periods. 36
patients were randomized to take mefenamic acid 500 mg, Tid; and 39 patientsto take
500 mg tranexamic acid, Qid.
Menstrual loss was measured in three control menstrual periods and three menstrual
periods during treatment. Duration of bleeding patient's estimated blood loss, sanitary
towel usage and unwanted events were also taken into consideration.
Results: mefenamic acid reduced blood loss by 20% and tranexamic acid reduced
blood loss by 50% (P=0.001). Duration of bleeding was not different in patients
treated with mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid.
Conclusions: Tranexamic acid given during menstruation is a safe and highly
effective treatment for excessive bleeding. Patients with dysfunctional uterine
bleeding should be offered medical treatment with tranexamic acid before a decision
is made about surgery. 

Keywords


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