May 145 min read

Alternative Treatments for Heavy Periods Other Than Birth Control

clean sanitary pads covered in red rose petals

Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, can significantly impact a woman’s life, leading to discomfort, inconvenience, and even serious health concerns such as anemia. While many physicians are quick to prescribe birth control to manage heavy periods, there are several alternative treatments that can be extremely effective while still maintaining the ability to conceive. Today, we are going to dive into the possible causes of heavy periods, medications and supplements for treatment, and lifestyle changes to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding. If you experience heavy periods, make sure to consult with your NFP practitioner in order to treat your symptoms and diagnose the underlying cause. This way you will not only prevent symptoms in the future, but you will be able to treat this medical condition, which could have affects on fertility in the future.

Understanding Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as losing 80 milliliters or more of blood during each period, or having periods that last longer than 7 days. In practical terms, it may involve soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours. Possible causes of heavy menstrual bleeding include:

Uterine fibroids and polyps: These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus can lead to increased bleeding.
Endometriosis: This condition, where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, can cause heavy and painful periods.
Adenomyosis: This is a condition where the inner lining of the uterus breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus.
Hormonal imbalances: Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause heavier menstrual bleeding.
Blood disorders: Conditions such as von Willebrand disease or other clotting disorders can lead to increased menstrual bleeding due to the body's inability to properly clot the blood.

Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective management, as treatments may vary significantly based on the root problem.

Medications for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Tranexamic Acid (Lysteda): This is a medication that you can take for the first 5 days of your period to help decrease menstrual flow. It is a prescription medication, so if interested in this option, discuss Lysteda with your physician.
- How it works: Tranexamic Acid prevents fibrinolysis, which is the breakdown of fibrin found in blood clots. This therefore inhibits the breakdown of blood clots, and thus decreased menstrual flow.
- Efficacy: Studies, including one published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, have shown that tranexamic acid can reduce menstrual blood loss by up to 50% compared to placebo, and there was an average of 70mL of reduced blood loss with tranexamic acid (Lukes et al., 2010).
- Additional benefits: Since this medication is only taken during menstruation itself, and does not interfere with ovulation, it is a great option for women who experience heavy periods but want treatments that keep their fertility intact.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
- How they work: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, reduce menstrual bleeding by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in promoting inflammation and blood flow.
- Efficacy: Research indicates that NSAIDs can reduce menstrual blood flow by approximately 30% compared to placebo group (Potter et al., 2021).
- Additional benefits: Besides reducing blood loss, NSAIDs are effective in relieving menstrual cramps.

red cotton balls spilling out of a clean menstrual cup

Supplements to Consider for Heavy Periods

Iron: Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Supplementing with iron can help prevent and treat anemia caused by excessive blood loss. It’s crucial for those with heavy periods to monitor their iron levels and consider supplementation under a doctor’s supervision. I recommend the THORNE or Nature Made daily iron supplements.
Vitamin C: This vitamin can increase the absorption of iron from your digestive tract. In combination with iron supplements, Vitamin C can help improve the overall hemoglobin levels in the blood, which is essential for those who experience heavy periods. You can get Vitamin C from many different fruits (especially citrus) and vegetables. Plus, you can take an additional daily Vitamin C supplement, which will also aid in immune support, collagen production, and wound healing.
Other Beneficial Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium are also known to help reduce menstrual bleeding. Omega-3s can decrease inflammation and help with clotting dysfunction, while vitamin E and magnesium are involved in hormonal balance and muscle relaxation, respectively.
Prenatal Vitamins: The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all women of child bearing age take daily folate, which can be found in prenatal vitamins. These vitamins are also a great way to get the vitamins listed above (iron, Vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and magnesium) along with other important daily vitamins. My top recommended prenatal vitamins are One A Day Women's Prenatal Advanced as well as the THORNE Comprehensive Prenatal Bundle.

Click here to read my complete guide to choosing the best prenatal vitamins.

The Importance of Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

Incorporating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help manage symptoms associated with heavy periods. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress through techniques such as reading or prayer, and exercising regularly can also help balance hormones and manage menstrual symptoms.

Conclusion

While birth control is a commonly prescribed treatment for managing heavy menstrual bleeding, alternative treatments such as tranexamic acid (Lysteda), NSAIDs, and specific supplements can provide relief and help manage this condition effectively. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the underlying causes behind your heavy menstrual bleeding and to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and manages the root problem. By exploring these alternatives, women can find effective solutions to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life during their menstrual cycle. Using the treatment options listed above, a women can manage her symptoms while still maintaining her fertility and actively trying to conceive.