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Levonorgestrel IUD
Levonorgestrel IUD releases a synthetic progestin directly into the uterus to prevent pregnancy through multiple mechanisms including thickening cervical mucus, thinning the endometrium, and inhibiting ovulation.
Levonorgestrel IUD releases a synthetic progestin directly into the uterus to prevent pregnancy through multiple mechanisms including thickening cervical mucus, thinning the endometrium, and inhibiting ovulation. Used for Contraception, Heavy menstrual bleeding (off-label/secondary indication).
At a glance
| Generic name | Levonorgestrel IUD |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mirena, Mirena IUD, Mirena IUD, LNG20 IUD, Levonorgestrel IUD, Liletta IUD |
| Sponsor | University of Utah |
| Drug class | Progestin-releasing intrauterine device |
| Target | Progesterone receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Contraception / Gynecology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device provides sustained local and systemic delivery of the progestin levonorgestrel. This creates a hostile uterine environment by altering endometrial thickness and cervical mucus viscosity, while also suppressing the LH surge needed for ovulation in some cycles. The high local concentration in the uterus combined with minimal systemic absorption makes it highly effective for contraception.
Approved indications
- Contraception
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (off-label/secondary indication)
Common side effects
- Irregular bleeding or amenorrhea
- Abdominal/pelvic pain
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Expulsion
- Perforation
Key clinical trials
- SHAPE-ENDO: Multimodal Pre-Surgical Optimization in Patients With Obesity and Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer
- A Study to Estimate Early Clinical Efficacy Signals of GLP-1 Agonist Administration in Conjunction With Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device in Obese Patients With Endometrioid Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PHASE2)
- Postplacental Copper Intrauterine Device Versus Postpartum Progesterone-only Pills on Uterine Niche Formation (NA)
- Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System With or Without Everolimus in Treating Patients With Atypical Hyperplasia or Stage IA Grade 1 Endometrial Cancer (PHASE2)
- Uterine Preservation Via Lifestyle Transformation (PHASE2)
- Primary Prevention and Uterine Preservation in Premenopausal Women With Obesity and Endometrial Hyperplasia (PHASE2)
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Progestin Treatment in Bleeding Disorders Study
- Timing of LNG-IUD Insertion and Ovarian Cyst Formation
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Levonorgestrel IUD CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Levonorgestrel IUD updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Utah portfolio CI