Does a hormonal coil help with heavy periods?

The hormonal coil, also called a hormonal IUD or IUS, sits inside the uterus and releases progestogen locally. This can make the uterine lining thinner, so there may be less bleeding and less period pain over time. It also provides contraception, but it is not suitable for everyone.

Spotting, irregular bleeding or cramps are common during the adjustment period. Some people have very light periods or no bleeding later, while others continue to bleed. The change is gradual and the coil does not treat every cause of heavy bleeding.

Discuss the coil if heavy periods affect daily life, cause tiredness, or make you plan around bleeding. A clinician can ask about pregnancy plans, pelvic symptoms, infection risk, uterine shape and unexplained bleeding before insertion. Keep a record of flow, clots, pain and bleeding between periods to support the discussion.

Arrange medical review for bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, new pelvic pain, or heavy flow that causes dizziness or breathlessness. After insertion, seek urgent help for severe pain, fever, unusual discharge, fainting, or very heavy bleeding. A pregnancy with a coil in place also needs prompt assessment.

Could the coil suit my medical history? How will we investigate the cause of my heavy bleeding? What bleeding pattern should I expect after insertion, and when should I call?