Effective Treatment Options for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: What You Need to Know

Reviewed by Dr. Kenneth Barron, MD

Struggling with relentless bleeding, constant fatigue, or the frustration of frequent pad changes can leave you drained. Heavy menstrual bleeding doesn’t just disrupt your routine—it impacts how you feel, work, and move through your day. If the flow seems unmanageable, or the clots and prolonged periods keep you from living fully, relief is possible. By exploring what causes heavy menstrual bleeding and the treatments available, you can take the first step toward regaining control and finding solutions that work.

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What is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding refers to abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding that interferes with daily life. For some, it might involve:

Passing large blood clots
Needing to change pads or tampons frequently, sometimes every hour
Experiencing heavy periods that last more than seven days
Experiencing bleeding past sanitary products
Feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy during your menstrual period

During a normal menstrual cycle, blood flow should be manageable and not disrupt your daily routine. If you’re soaking through protection hourly, feeling fatigued due to blood loss, or showing signs of iron deficiency anemia, these symptoms may indicate a deeper issue. Uterine fibroids, polyps, or bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease are some of the common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Treatment Options for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Fortunately, there are many potential treatments that can help manage heavy menstrual bleeding, depending on the underlying cause.

Medications

Birth control pills and other hormonal treatments: These help regulate the menstrual cycle, lighten menstrual flow, and reduce menstrual bleeding. Birth control options such as progestin-releasing IUDs are often effective for managing heavy periods.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen reduce pain from menstrual cramps and can also decrease menstrual bleeding when taken in a scheduled fashion from the beginning of the period.
Tranexamic acid: This non-hormonal medication works by promoting clotting to reduce blood loss during heavy bleeding episodes.

Medical Procedures

Hysteroscopic polypectomy: If one or more polyps are found on ultrasound then a polypectomy is performed with a hysteroscope, a slim and flexible tool that enters through the vagina and into the uterus. The procedure can often be done in the office, but sometimes is done in an operating room with anesthesia.
Uterine fibroid treatment: If uterine fibroids are contributing to heavy bleeding, minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization and uterine fibroid ablation can shrink fibroids and reduce blood flow. Depending on the fibroid location, surgical removal can be achieved with a hysteroscope (through the vagina), or through laparoscopic surgery.
Endometrial ablation: This procedure removes or destroys the uterine lining to reduce heavy periods, typically for those who no longer plan to have children.

Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments

Iron-rich foods or supplements can help manage anemia caused by blood loss from heavy periods.
Iron supplements are best absorbed when taken every other day rather than daily, and absorption can be aided by taking with vitamin C.

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How Do I Know When to See a Doctor?

Heavy menstrual bleeding isn’t something to endure alone. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

Bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons every hour for several hours during your menstrual periods
Periods that last longer than seven days
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia such as fatigue, dizziness, or pale skin
Frequent passing of large blood clots
Painful or irregular menstrual cycles paired with heavy periods

Doctors often recommend tests such as blood work to diagnose anemia, ultrasounds to detect uterine fibroids, or hysteroscopy to evaluate the uterine lining. These tools help determine the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding and guide personalized treatment options.

Receive Compassionate Care at The Center For Advanced Gynecology

Dealing with heavy menstrual bleeding can be exhausting, but you don’t have to manage it by yourself. At The Center for Advanced Gynecology, we provide expert care to uncover the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding and offer personalized solutions. We're here to help you regain control of your health. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options and start feeling better.