Heavy period treatment

Heavy periods don't always have to be treated, but if they're having a negative impact on your quality of life, you don't have to suffer in silence. There are treatments out there that could help.

Here are some of the options you may want to consider.

Certain types of contraception

Various forms of hormonal contraception can make periods lighter or even stop them altogether.

Combined contraceptive pill

Often simply called 'the pill', this combined oral contraceptive contains synthetic versions of the female hormones progesterone and oestrogen. Some women find it makes their periods lighter and more regular.

Mini pill

The progestogen-only pill, often known as the mini pill, can also cause periods to stop or become lighter. However, for some women, it may cause periods to become more frequent or irregular. It contains the synthetic hormone progestogen, but unlike the combined pill, it doesn't contain oestrogen. This means it can be used by people who can't take contraception containing oestrogen.

Lovima is an example of a progestogen-only contraception pill and it is available without prescription online and in participating pharmacies.

Lovima®️ 75mcg film-coated tablets. Desogestrel. Oral contraception. Always read the label.

IUS

The intrauterine system (IUS) can help to make menstruation lighter or shorter, or it can stop it completely. The IUS is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is placed into your womb by a nurse or doctor. It works by releasing the hormone progestogen. Once in place, it can last for between 3 and 5 years depending on which brand is used.

Non-hormonal medicines used to reduce bleeding

Certain non-hormonal medicines can also be used to help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, including treatments containing the active ingredient tranexamic acid. Sometimes shortened to TXA, tranexamic acid aids with blood clotting and can help to control bleeding. In fact, data shows that tranexamic acid can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by up to 60%.

Evana Heavy Period Relief 500mg tablets is an example of a non-hormonal treatment option for heavy menstrual bleeding that contrains tranexamic acid. Evana is available to buy without the need for a prescription right here on our website and in participating pharmcies.

Discover more about heavy periods

If treatments like these don't work for you, or your doctor thinks a medical condition might be causing your heavy periods, they may refer you to speak to a specialist.

Browse our website to find out more about the possible causes of heavy periods and the symptoms you should be aware of.