Use of the copper intrauterine device in the management of secondary amenorrhea

Objective: To determine whether the insertion of a copper intrauterine devi ce can restore regular menses in patients with functional secondary amenorr hea. Design: Prospective, observational study. Setting: Clinical practices. Patient(s): Forty-eight volunteers with functional secondary amenorrhea. Intervention(s): Insertion of a copper intrauterine device. Main Outcome Measure(s): Restoration of menses. Result(s): In 40 patients, regular menses were restored within a few weeks after insertion of the device. Normal menses were maintained as long as the copper intrauterine device remained in place. After removal of the device, normal menses persisted for 1 year. Conclusion(s): Insertion of a copper intrauterine device restores regular m enses in women with functional secondary amenorrhea. The mechanism of actio n of the device probably is related to the release of prostaglandins from t he endometrium. (Fertil Steril((R)) 2000;73:162-5. (C) 1999 by American Soc iety for Reproductive Medicine.)