Treatments For Heavy Menstrual Periods
If your periods are so heavy that they interrupt your life — causing you to miss work, plan social activities around your cycle, or constantly worry about bleeding through your clothes — you’re not alone. Millions of women experience heavy menstrual bleeding, a medical condition known as menorrhagia. For many, this isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a daily struggle that can affect energy, mood, and confidence. The good news is that heavy bleeding can be treated.
At Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness in West Bloomfield, Michigan, we understand how draining heavy menstrual periods can be, both physically and emotionally. In this post, we’ll explore the most common treatments, from medication to minimally invasive procedures, and how the right care can help you find lasting relief.
Understanding Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as bleeding that lasts longer than seven days or involves soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours. It is one of the most commonly reported problems by women, affecting more than 10 million American women each year.
While some variation in flow is normal, excessive bleeding can cause:
- Fatigue or signs of anemia
- Passing large blood clots
- The need for double protection (tampon and pad)
- Periods that interfere with daily routines
There are many possible causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, including hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, and blood clotting abnormalities. Sometimes, it’s also related to life stages such as perimenopause. Understanding the root cause is key, because treatment that works for one woman may not be right for another.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
Before recommending any treatment, your provider will take time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. A physical exam and ultrasound are often the first steps, helping to detect fibroids, polyps, or abnormalities within the uterus. Blood tests can identify anemia or hormonal issues, while more advanced procedures such as endometrial biopsy or hysteroscopy may be used to evaluate the uterine lining.
An accurate diagnosis ensures that treatment isn’t just masking symptoms but addressing the actual cause of the bleeding. With the right testing, you and your provider can create a personalized care plan that meets your goals, whether that means preserving fertility, avoiding surgery, or finding fast, lasting relief.
Medical Treatments for Heavy Menstrual Periods
For many women, the first step toward relief begins with period medication or hormonal therapy. These treatments are effective for managing symptoms and often provide significant improvement without the need for surgery.
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control — such as the pill, patch, injection, or hormonal IUD — can regulate cycles and reduce the thickness of the uterine lining, which leads to lighter bleeding. Hormone therapy can also be particularly helpful for women approaching menopause, when hormonal fluctuations often make bleeding unpredictable.
Non-Hormonal Medications
For those who prefer non-hormonal approaches, medications like tranexamic acid are taken only during the period to reduce blood loss, while NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can lessen bleeding and relieve cramping. Iron supplements are often recommended if anemia develops. With these medical treatments, many women notice meaningful improvement after just a few cycles.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
When medication alone isn’t enough, minimally invasive procedures can provide long-term relief with minimal downtime.
Endometrial Ablation
This outpatient procedure removes the uterine lining (endometrium), the source of menstrual bleeding. Techniques may involve heat, radiofrequency, or freezing. Most women experience dramatically lighter periods afterward, and some stop menstruating entirely. It’s a great option for those who don’t plan future pregnancies.
Hysteroscopic Polyp or Fibroid Removal
If fibroids or polyps are causing your heavy menstrual bleeding, they can be removed through the cervix without incisions. This approach relieves symptoms while preserving fertility.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
For larger fibroids, UFE is a minimally invasive treatment that blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It’s an effective alternative to traditional surgery.
Dilation & Curettage (D&C)
In certain cases, a D&C may be performed to remove a portion of the uterine lining and reduce bleeding. Though often temporary, it can help control acute heavy bleeding or diagnose underlying issues.
When Surgery Is the Best Option
In certain cases, especially when fibroids are large, symptoms are severe, or conservative options haven’t worked, surgery may be the best long-term solution. While surgical treatment is never the first recommendation, for some women, it offers the freedom and peace of mind that comes from finally being free of years of discomfort and inconvenience.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a procedure that removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact, which is ideal for women who wish to maintain fertility.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. While this procedure is only considered after other options have been explored, modern minimally invasive hysterectomies allow for faster recovery and smaller incisions than in the past.
Supporting Period Health Naturally
Lifestyle changes can also play an important role in managing heavy periods. While they are not a substitute for medical care, when combined with professional treatment, they can help to improve overall menstrual health and wellness.
Eat Iron-Rich Foods
A diet rich in iron, such as lean meats, leafy greens, lentils, and fortified cereals, can help replenish blood loss and reduce fatigue.
Stay Hydrated & Active
Exercise, even light exercise like walking or yoga, improves circulation and hormonal balance.
Tracking Your Cycle
Using apps or journals can help to identify changes and patterns in your menstrual cycle.
Managing Stress
Stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can ease hormonal fluctuations that worsen bleeding.
Reclaim Your Confidence & Quality of Life
Living with heavy menstrual periods can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to define your life. Today’s medical advances offer a wide range of safe, effective period treatments that can reduce bleeding, ease discomfort, and restore energy and confidence. Whether you need medication, a minimally invasive procedure, or a more comprehensive approach, there’s a path to relief that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Helping Women Find Lasting Solutions
If heavy menstrual bleeding is interfering with your daily life, it’s time to seek care that prioritizes your comfort and well-being. The team at Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness is here to help you explore your options and find the treatment that’s right for you. Don’t wait another cycle to feel better, schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.