What are the treatment options for heavy periods?
Treatment aims to reduce the amount of blood loss. The rest of this leaflet discusses treatment options for women who have regular but heavy periods with no clear cause (dysfunctional uterine bleeding). This is the majority of cases. If there is an underlying cause, such as a fibroid or endometriosis, treatment options may be different.
Not treating
This is an option if your periods do not interfere too much with normal life. You may be reassured that there is no serious cause for your heavy periods, and you may be able to 'live with them'. A blood test may be advised every so often to check for anaemia. Iron tablets can correct anaemia.
Tranexamic acid tablets
This reduces bleeding by almost half (40-50%) in most cases. You need to take a tablet 3-4 times a day, for 3-4 days during each period. It works by reducing the breakdown of blood clots in the uterus. In effect it 'strengthens' the blood clots in the uterus lining which leads to less bleeding. It does not ease period pain. Side-effects are usually minor, but may include an upset stomach. The heaviness of the bleeding is eased, but the number of days of bleeding is not reduced.
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