Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which drug is indicated for menorrhagia in a sexually active young woman?

1. Iron supplements

2. Mirena IUD

3. Progesterone therapy

4. Oral contraceptives

The correct answer is: Mirena IUD

The Mirena IUD, which releases a form of progestin, is a highly effective option for managing menorrhagia, particularly in sexually active young women. This device helps reduce menstrual bleeding by thinning the uterine lining and providing localized hormone therapy, which can significantly decrease menstrual flow and improve quality of life for those experiencing heavy periods. In addition to its benefit in reducing menorrhagia, the Mirena IUD also offers long-term contraception, making it a suitable choice for young women who may wish to prevent pregnancy while managing their symptoms. The practicality of having a long-acting reversible contraceptive is an important consideration for sexually active individuals, as it eliminates the need for daily adherence to a medication regimen. While other options like oral contraceptives and progesterone therapy can also effectively manage menorrhagia, the Mirena IUD offers a dual benefit of treating heavy bleeding and providing contraception, making it particularly advantageous for young women who are sexually active. Iron supplements may help with anemia resulting from heavy menstrual bleeding but do not address the underlying issue of menorrhagia itself.