Efficacy and Safety of Estradiol Valerate/Dienogest for the Management of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Clinical Trial

Background: To investigate the efficacy and safety of estradiol valerate (EV)/dienogest (DNG) for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in Asian and non-Asian women desiring contraception. Materials and Methods: In this multicenter, double-blind, phase III study, women were randomized 2:1 to receive EV/DNG or placebo tablets daily for seven 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was the absolute change in menstrual blood loss (MBL) volume between the run-in and efficacy phases (90 days each). Secondary endpoints included the proportion of women with successful treatment (i.e., no episodes of MBL 80mL and a decrease of <50% in MBL), percent change in MBL from the run-in phase, and change in hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout the study. Results: Of the 341 women (mean age 34.77.7 years; 309 Asians, 32 non-Asians) randomized, 270 completed the study. Mean reduction in MBL volume from run-in phase was significantly greater with EV/DNG than placebo (366.75mL vs. 149.14mL; p<0.0001), with approximate to 52% and 12% of women, respectively, experiencing successful treatment. Percent decrease in MBL volume from the run-in phase was significantly greater with EV/DNG than placebo (63.5% vs. 24.8%; p<0.0001). Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were increased with EV/DNG compared with placebo. Study drug-related AEs were reported in 16.3% and 8.2% of women with EV/DNG and placebo, respectively, none of which were of severe intensity. Conclusions: EV/DNG may be a safe and effective option in the treatment of HMB in Asian and non-Asian women who desire contraception.