What does tranexamic acid for heavy bleeding treat?

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic medicine. During menstruation, it supports the clotting process so the lining of the womb sheds with less blood loss. It does not remove the underlying reason for heavy periods, and it is not a hormone treatment. It may be used when heavy bleeding occurs with conditions such as adenomyosis or uterine fibroids, or when blood loss has contributed to iron deficiency anaemia. Read more about [Tranexamic Acid for Heavy Bleeding](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/tranexamic-acid-for-heavy-bleeding/) and [Tranexamic Acid](/materials/tranexamic-acid/).

Take it only as prescribed, usually when your period starts or when bleeding becomes heavy. Follow the instructions about dose and timing, and do not take extra tablets to compensate for a missed dose. Keep a note of how often you change pads or tampons and whether bleeding limits daily activities. This helps your clinician judge whether treatment is helping. You can also read about [Heavy Periods](/symptoms/heavy-periods/), [Adenomyosis](/conditions/adenomyosis/), and [Uterine Fibroids](/conditions/uterine-fibroids/).

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is so heavy that you feel faint, weak, breathless, confused, or unable to stand safely, or if severe pelvic pain occurs. Contact a clinician promptly if bleeding continues despite the prescribed medicine, happens between periods or after sex, or occurs during pregnancy. Do not restart tranexamic acid without advice if you have had a blood clot or have been told you are at increased risk of one.

Ask what pattern of bleeding the medicine is intended to control, when to begin each course, and how long to use it. Ask whether you need assessment for fibroids, adenomyosis, or iron deficiency, and which symptoms should prompt an urgent review.