What should you know about tranexamic acid for prolonged periods?

The medicine helps stabilise clots at the womb lining, which may reduce flow while you are taking it. Bleeding that lasts longer than expected can have several causes, including fibroids, polyps, hormonal changes, pregnancy-related problems, thyroid conditions, or medicines. Treating the flow does not replace checking why it changed.

Ongoing blood loss can leave you tired, short of breath on exertion, dizzy, or pale because iron stores may fall. Tell a clinician how often you change pads or tampons, whether you pass clots, and how the bleeding affects sleep and daily life.

Use tranexamic acid only after a clinician or pharmacist has confirmed it is suitable, and follow the prescribed timing. Do not extend the course or combine products without advice. Arrange an assessment if prolonged bleeding is new, recurrent, or occurring between periods or after sex.

Mention pregnancy possibility, clotting history, kidney disease, vision symptoms, and hormonal contraception. Read [Tranexamic Acid](/materials/tranexamic-acid/) for general information and [Tranexamic Acid for Heavy Bleeding](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/tranexamic-acid-for-heavy-bleeding/) for a related treatment overview.

Seek urgent care if bleeding is very heavy, you feel faint or weak, have severe pelvic pain, or could be pregnant. While taking tranexamic acid, urgent symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulty, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling, or sudden vision change.

What may be causing the prolonged bleeding? Do I need a pregnancy test, blood test, or examination? How long should I use tranexamic acid, and what should happen if bleeding continues?