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Mercy Medical Center Takes Part in National Study of Investigational Drug for Treating Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Baltimore, MD -- Almost a third of all women will suffer from menorrhagia or heavy bleeding during their lifetime. Menorrhagia becomes a concern when it impacts quality of life. Women with this condition may rearrange their schedules around their period, limit involvement in favorite activities, avoid going outdoors, constantly wear dark clothing, and suffer from pain and fatigue.

Dr. Christine Vergara, Director of the Adolescent Gynecology program at Mercy Medical Center’s Weinberg Center for Women’s Health and Medicine, is the lead investigator at the downtown hospital for a research study into an investigational drug to treat menorrhagia in women ages 18 to 49.

“The goal of this study is to identify an alternative to hormonal and surgical therapies for the thousands of women who suffer from abnormally heavy bleeding. For example, in the United States, upwards of 650,000 hysterectomies are performed each year of which 20% — that’s about 120,000 — are for abnormal uterine bleeding. Dr. Vergara said.

According to Dr. Vergara, the investigational drug being studied is currently approved in other countries for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding but is not approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in the United States.

Women eligible for the study must be in generally good health, between the ages of 18 and 49 who have regular menstrual cycles with heavy bleeding while not suffering from any other bleeding disorder. Qualified participants will be screened for two cycles and may qualify to participate in the study for three menstrual cycles. All study related physical exams, electrocardiograms, eye exams, lab tests, etc., will be paid for, and patients will receive compensation for their time and travel.

Mercy is one of many hospitals to take part in this national study. Women interested in learning more about taking part in the study should call 410-332-1200 for more information.