Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is common enough to cause 10 to 30% of women to seek a physician’s help.  Often the bleeding is severe enough to affect social and emotional well-being.  The current treatment options have been non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills like ibuprofen, hormonal medications like “The Pill,” progesterone-only intrauterine device, and surgical procedures.

There was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study (oooh, aren’t those exciting words for you researchers and physicians out there) which compared tranexamic acid with placebo.  Tranexamic acid caused a reduction in blood loss per cycle over 6 cycles of 40%.  Maybe, better yet, the women in the tranexamic acid group improved their quality of life with fewer changes in social and physical activity due to menstrual flow.

The tranexamic acid is only given during the menstrual cycle and does not interfere with ovulation.  So, women who want to conceive can take this.  One caveat, the study was sponsored by the pharmaceutical company that makes the drug (no surprise).

The medication, brand name is Lysteda, is expensive, costing about $170 for 30 tablets.   Of note,  I do not own any stock in this product.

Hope this helps.