Hormonal Treatments for heavy periods
- Oral contraceptives – low doses of female hormones such as birth control pills (estrogen and/or progestin) – can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding as well as provide the added benefit of contraception.
- They have been shown to reduce bleeding in around one-third of women treated for heavy periods, however they may take up to 3 months before they start working.
Hormone-releasing Intrauterine Device (IUD)
- The hormonal IUD, which is inserted into the uterus, releases a steady amount of progestin called levonorgestrel. This makes the uterine lining thin and decreases menstrual blood flow to control heavy bleeding.
- Clinical research shows 42 per cent of women treated with an IUD opted for a hysterectomy after 5 years. A hormone-releasing IUD should be removed and replaced every 5 years. It is not a permanent solution to heavy menstrual bleeding but is an option for women still wanting to have children.