Question

What is the preferred treatment for menorrhagia in the reproductive age group?

• A. NOVA T (copper IUCD)
• B. Cu IUD (copper intrauterine device)
• C. OCPs (oral contraceptive pills)
• D. Hysterectomy

Hint:

Which option thins the endometrium and reduces flow, instead of increasing it like copper devices?

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) in a woman of reproductive age is best managed medically first, while preserving fertility. The treatment chosen should reduce blood loss without removing the uterus.

Step 2: Among the given options, combined oral contraceptive pills are the preferred choice. OCPs make the endometrium thin and atrophic, regularise the cycle and reduce menstrual blood loss by roughly half, while also providing contraception. Hence option (c) is correct.

Step 3: Why the others are not preferred. A copper IUCD, including the NOVA T device, tends to INCREASE menstrual bleeding rather than reduce it, so both (a) and (b) are inappropriate and can worsen menorrhagia. Hysterectomy, option (d), is a definitive treatment but is reserved for failed medical therapy or completed family, not the first-line choice in the reproductive age group.

Step 4: Therefore, for menorrhagia in the reproductive age group, the preferred treatment among these options is OCPs.