If needed, your doctor may also do one or more tests to find out what's causing heavy periods. These tests may include:. In most cases, heavy menstrual periods can be managed with medicines or hormone treatments.
If those treatments don't help, you may need surgery to help control your bleeding. Sometimes doctors prescribe a medicine called tranexamic acid such as Lysteda. It is not a hormone treatment. It reduces bleeding by helping blood to clot.
You may want to think about surgery if medicines don't help or if you have a growth in your uterus. Your choice will depend partly on whether you want to get pregnant in the future. Surgery options include:. If you have severe cramping during your periods, taking an NSAID such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help. If you don't know when your period will start next, take your first dose as soon as bleeding or cramping starts. Heavy periods can make you feel weak and run-down and can lead to anemia.
Your doctor may suggest that you take an iron supplement if your iron levels are low. You may be able to prevent anemia if you increase the amount of iron in your diet.
Foods rich in iron include red meat, shellfish, eggs, and beans. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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What are heavy menstrual periods? When you have heavy menstrual periods also called menorrhagia , you may: Pass large blood clots and soak through your usual pads or tampons.
Bleed for more than 7 days. A normal period usually lasts 4 to 6 days. Have severe menstrual cramps. What causes heavy periods? A number of things can cause heavy periods. These include: A change in hormones. Normally one of your ovaries releases an egg during your menstrual cycle. This is called ovulation. If you don't ovulate, your hormone levels can get out of balance.
Top of the page. Topic Overview Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can affect the menstrual cycle. A few examples are: Aspirin and other medicines called blood thinners that prevent blood clots. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as birth control pills, Depo-Provera injections, Nexplanon implants, and the levonorgestrel IUD Mirena. Hormone therapy. Medicines used to treat cancer chemotherapy.
Thyroid medicines. If you are having changes in menstrual bleeding that you think may be related to medicine use: Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether this is an expected side effect of this medicine. An appointment may not be needed.
Allergic reactions: This medication should not be given to people who have had a reaction to acetylsalicylic acid ASA that included a runny nose, itchy skin rash, nasal polyps, or shortness of breath and wheezing. If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction e.
If you have a history of asthma, runny nose not caused by the common cold, or nasal polyps, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood clotting: This medication may reduce the ability of the blood to clot for some people. If you are taking acetylsalicylic acid ASA or blood thinners e. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early. Avoid driving and other activities that require alertness and concentration until you determine how this medication affects you.
Heart failure and high blood pressure: NSAIDs such as naproxen sodium can cause fluid retention and edema swelling. This can lead to high blood pressure or worsening of heart failure. If you have heart failure or high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines: NSAIDs such as naproxen sodium can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding from the stomach.
If you have a history of these conditions, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
People with inflammatory bowel disease, such Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or those who have ulcers in the stomach or intestines that are bleeding, should not take this medication. If you experience symptoms of bleeding in the digestive system, such as black, tarry stools or stomach pain, contact your doctor immediately. Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during the third trimester last 3 months of pregnancy. This medication should not be used during the first and second trimester first 6 months of pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. This medication may reduce your ability to become pregnant. Taking this medication while trying to become pregnant is not recommended. Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking naproxen sodium, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 12 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors appear to have a higher risk of side effects. If you are over the age of 65, use the lowest effective dosage under close medical supervision. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about all available treatment options that may be right for you. If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:.
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