Several medical options can help reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. Here's a breakdown of the common approaches, based on medical recommendations:
Medical Options to Reduce Period Bleeding
If you are experiencing heavy bleeding during your period, several medical treatments can help manage it. These treatments aim to reduce the amount of blood flow and can vary in approach and effectiveness. Here's a look at the options:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These medications, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help reduce menstrual blood loss.
- How they work: NSAIDs work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that can contribute to inflammation and heavy bleeding.
- Practical use: They are typically taken during your period and can also help relieve pain.
- Tranexamic Acid: This is a non-hormonal medication that helps promote blood clotting.
- How it works: It reduces the breakdown of blood clots, which can help lessen heavy bleeding.
- Practical use: It's a prescription medication taken only during your period.
- Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills): These contain hormones that can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding.
- How they work: They balance the hormones in your body to regulate the endometrium (the lining of your uterus).
- Practical use: You typically take a pill daily, which can also offer other benefits like birth control and reducing cramps.
- Oral Progesterone: This hormone can be taken to balance the lining of the uterus and decrease heavy bleeding.
- How it works: Progesterone helps stabilize the uterine lining and reduces the chance of heavy menstrual flow.
- Practical Use: It can be prescribed as a pill and should be taken as advised by your doctor.
- Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD): This device, such as Mirena or Liletta, is inserted into the uterus and releases a hormone to lessen bleeding.
- How they work: The hormone thins the uterine lining and reduces the monthly blood flow.
- Practical use: It's a long-acting reversible contraception method that can also greatly reduce or eliminate heavy bleeding.
Other Treatment Options:
There are other medications and procedures that may also help. You should consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation to determine the right course of action based on the severity and cause of the bleeding.
| Treatment | Description | How it Helps |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen. | Reduces prostaglandins, decreasing inflammation and blood loss. |
| Tranexamic Acid | Prescription medication to promote blood clotting. | Prevents blood clots from breaking down quickly, reducing bleeding. |
| Oral Contraceptives | Hormone-based pills. | Regulates cycle and thins uterine lining, reducing menstrual flow. |
| Oral Progesterone | Hormone-based pills. | Balances hormones and reduces the chance of heavy bleeding. |
| Hormonal IUD | Device inserted into the uterus that releases a hormone. | Thins uterine lining and reduces blood flow and can also be used as contraception. |
| Other Medicines/Procedure | A range of medical interventions depending on the diagnosis and patient condition. | Various effects based on the specific intervention. |
Note: It's important to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Self-treating can be risky and might not address the underlying cause of the problem.
