High-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding in 24 adolescents

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of high-dose oral medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy in the management of excessive dysfunctional uterine bleeding in adolescents. The study group consisted of 24 adolescents who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of excessive uterine bleeding and anaemia. Oral medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets were administered at a total dose of 60-120 mg during the first day of admission and 20 mg per day for the following 10 days. The blood loss was reduced to acceptable levels in all patients, and actually stopped in 6 (25%) within the first 24 hours of the treatment; bleeding ceased in 29.2%, 20.8% and 25% on the second, third and fourth days respectively. Significant correlation was identified between the initial haemoglobin concentration and the time required for cessation of bleeding (r=0.5, p=0.001). Rapid saturation of the endometrium with progestogens seems to be an highly effective mode of treatment for excessive dysfunctional uterine bleeding in adolescents.