Menu

Non-hormonal therapy

e.g. NSAIDs, Tranexamic acid

There are two main types of non-hormonal treatments your GP may prescribe, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. ibuprofen or tranexamic acid.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and naproxen are a suitable option for milder menorrhagia and can help to reduce the amount of menstrual bleeding, particularly in the first few days of the cycle. NSAIDs have the added benefit of relieving painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea). They may be prescribed in additionto tranexamic acid.

Tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid works by blocking the breakdown of blood clots. It can also help reduce menstrual blood loss and pain and only needs to be taken at the time of the bleeding. It has been shown to be more effective at relieving symptoms than NSAIDs. It may reduce the amount of blood flow during each period by 40-60%.

Benefits

  • Reduces bleeding
  • Suitable for women trying to get pregnant
  • Help with period pain
  • Is not permanent

Disadvantages

  • Risk of side effects
  • It can take 3 months to take effect

Features

  • For

    Heavy bleeding, period pain

  • Treatment type

    Pills

  • Treatment duration

    Taken during each period

  • Conception

    Still possible

  • Recovery time

    Not applicable

  • Success rate

    NSAIDs – 20-50% reduction Tranexamic acid - 40-60% reduction

Related blogs about Non-hormonal therapy

All blog items

Frequently Asked Questions about Heavy periods

  • What is non-hormonal therapy?

    There are two main types of non-hormonal treatments your GP may prescribe, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. ibuprofen or tranexamic acid. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and naproxen are a suitable option for milder menorrhagia and can help to reduce the amount of menstrual bleeding, particularly in the first few days of the cycle. Tranexamic acid works by blocking the breakdown of blood clots. It can also help reduce menstrual blood loss and pain and only needs to be taken at the time of the bleeding.

* Stock Photo. Posed by model

1 IN 5 WOMEN SUFFER WITH HEAVY PERIODS

1 IN 5 WOMEN SUFFER WITH HEAVY PERIODS About 20% of women suffer from heavy periods (menorrhagia). It’s not always possible to identify a cause and the symptoms vary too. If heavy periods are taking over your life, it’s time to do something about it. Because you can.

Read More
Talk to your GP

Talk to your GP

Be prepared! Make sure you get the most out of your GP appointment. Complete the questionnaire and period diary, it will help your GP understand your problem, so you can get the right treatment, quickly.

Read more
Experiences
    • Donna (47) Had anaemia due to heavy periods
      “On some occasions I would literally be in and out of the toilet for hours on end. I am normally such a confident, sociable person that I found being in this situation totally alien to me and highly embarrassing.”
    • Maria (51) Periods changed following childbirth
      "I was at my wits end. I experienced terrible back and abdominal pain that no pain killers could alleviate. I experienced heavy menstrual bleeding practically non-stop for a whole month and was feeling drained, miserable and snappy, so I finally went to see my GP”
    • Vera (32) Her periods changed completely after childbirth
      “I did not know what had hit me when I had my first period after childbirth. My periods were suddenly very heavy, there was blood everywhere. It felt as though I was having contractions, even though that was naturally impossible.”
    • Monique (44) Is able to run and swim again after treatment
      “I had been unhappy about my periods for years. I would always experience heavy bleeding for a week and, on top of that, my cycle was 21 days long, a lot shorter than most women.”
    Read full story All stories
    Close menu