[Study and significance of ferritin levels in 104 women using intrauterine devices].

OBJECTIVE

To study the ferritin level in women using an intrauterine device.

METHODS

104 women were enrolled before and during use of the intrauterine device. The subjects were divided into four groups according to whether or not they had used oral contraception previously.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in ferritin level, particularly in women who had not used contraception previously (Student's test).

CONCLUSION

Ferritin assay is a better test for measuring the effect of an intrauterine device on iron depletion than blood cell count or haemoglobin level.