THE INFLUENCE OF THE GYNE-T 380S IUD ON MENSTRUAL BLOOD-LOSS AND IRONSTATUS

The influence of the Gyne-T 380S intrauterine contraceptive device (IU D) on menstrual blood loss (MEL) and iron status (hemoglobin, hematocr it, red cell count and indices, and serum ferritin) was evaluated. MBL was determined objectively by the alkaline hematin method in 18 women (mean age 37.1 +/- 1.6 yr, range 22-46 yr) before and 3, 6 and 12 mon ths after insertion of a Gyne-T380S IUD. MBL prior to IUD insertion wa s 59 +/- 8 ml and increased to 91 +/- 11 ml (p<0.01) 3 months after in sertion. MBL then remained largely unchanged during the remainder of t he observation period (6 months, 94 +/- 12 ml; 12 months, 92 +/- 13 ml ). The percentage increase in MBL at the respective measurement points ranged between 54 and 59% which is comparable with previous reports r egarding the increase in MBL associated with the use of a copper IUD. There were no significant changes recorded in iron status parameters d uring the le-month observation period following IUD insertion. Based o n the results of the present study, women from developed countries app arently tolerate an increased MBL of approximately 55% without develop ing iron deficiency anemia. Iron stores were unchanged indicating an a dequate adaptive increase in intestinal iron absorption.