What can I take for heavy periods?

Treatment for heavy periods may include anti-inflammatory medicine, tranexamic acid, or hormonal treatment, chosen after checking the cause and your health. A pharmacist or clinician can confirm what is suitable, especially if you take blood thinners, have a clotting history, or could be pregnant.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can occur with fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, perimenopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome. Ongoing blood loss may lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which can cause tiredness, breathlessness, headaches, or paleness. The bleeding pattern and associated symptoms help guide assessment.

Anti-inflammatory medicines can reduce cramps and may reduce menstrual flow for some people; take them only as directed and avoid them when a clinician has advised against them. Tranexamic acid is a non-hormonal option used during bleeding for some patients, but it is not suitable for everyone. Hormonal contraception may reduce bleeding, and a hormonal coil can be considered when appropriate. Do not start iron tablets solely from symptoms; testing can show whether iron is low.

Book an appointment if heavy periods are new, persist, cause flooding or clots, or interfere with work, sleep, or daily activities. Seek urgent care if bleeding is rapidly soaking through protection, you feel faint, have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain. Pregnancy with heavy bleeding also needs urgent assessment.

Ask whether you need a blood test for anaemia, what medicine fits your medical history, and whether symptoms point to fibroids, adenomyosis, or another uterine cause.