Aims: To evaluate the effect of low-dose mifepristone on leiomyoma-related symptoms, uterine and leiomyoma in women with symptomatic leiomyomata.
Methods: In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 40 patients with symptomatic leiomyoma and normal endometrial histology were randomised to receive 10 mg mifepristone (group 1) or placebo (group 2) daily for three months. Leiomyoma-related symptoms, uterine, leiomyoma and largest leiomyoma volumes were assessed at baseline and every month for three months. Endometrial biopsy was repeated at the end of therapy.
Results: Significant change was noticed between the two groups for mean menstrual blood loss (MBL) by first month. Menstrual blood loss declined by 94.8% in group 1 at three months and 84.2% patients attained amenorrhoea in this group. In group 1 complete relief of dysmenorrhoea occurred in significant number of women (80%) but only 33% patients got rid of pelvic pain. There was no change in these symptoms in group 1 Backache, urinary complaints and dyspareunia were not relieved in either group. Uterine, leiomyoma and largest leiomyoma volume declined by 26-32% in group 1 as compared to none in group 2, and this difference was statistically significant only by the end of the third month of therapy. Mean haemoglobin increased from 9.5 to 11.2 g/dL in group 1. In group 1, at the end of therapy, 63.1% of patients had endometrial hyperplasia without atypia.
Conclusions: Ten milligrams mifepristone for three months is effective in reducing MBL, increasing haemoglobin and reducing uterine and leiomyoma volume with side-effect of endometrial hyperplasia.