Heavy Periods Won't Stop? Why Tranexamic Acid Works & Medical Next Steps

Heavy periods can be exhausting, disruptive, and sometimes frightening. If your period feels like it won't stop—or you're soaking through pads or tampons faster than expected—you're not alone. Many women experience heavy menstrual bleeding, also called menorrhagia, at some point in their lives.

One of the most effective non-hormonal treatments doctors use for heavy periods is tranexamic acid. Below, we'll explain how tranexamic acid works, when it's appropriate, and what medical next steps to consider.

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What Counts as a "Heavy" Period?

A heavy period isn't just about discomfort—it's about volume, duration, and how much it affects your life.

You may have heavy menstrual bleeding if you:

• Bleed longer than 7 days
• Soak through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours
• Need to use double protection
• Pass large blood clots (larger than a quarter)
• Wake up at night to change protection
• Feel tired, weak, or short of breath (possible signs of anemia)

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and want to understand what might be causing your heavy bleeding, try this free Abnormal period symptom checker to get personalized insights before your doctor's appointment.

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Why Do Heavy Periods Happen?

Heavy menstrual bleeding can have many causes. Some are temporary. Others need medical treatment.

Common causes include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis
• Endometrial polyps
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Bleeding disorders
• Copper IUD use
• Thyroid problems
• Certain medications (like blood thinners)

Sometimes, no clear cause is found. That doesn't mean the bleeding isn't real—it just means your doctor may treat the symptoms while continuing evaluation.

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How Tranexamic Acid Works

Tranexamic acid is a non-hormonal medication that reduces heavy menstrual bleeding. It works by helping your blood clot more effectively.

During your period, the lining of your uterus sheds. Your body naturally forms clots to control bleeding. In some women, this clotting process breaks down too quickly. Tranexamic acid blocks that breakdown, allowing clots to stay in place longer and reducing blood loss.

In simple terms:

• It does not stop your period.
• It does not affect hormones.
• It reduces the amount you bleed.

Studies show that tranexamic acid can reduce menstrual blood loss by 30–60%, which can make a significant difference in daily life.

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How Is Tranexamic Acid Taken?

Tranexamic acid is usually:

• Taken as a pill
• Used only during your period
• Started when bleeding begins
• Taken for up to 5 days per cycle

It is not taken every day of the month.

This makes it a flexible option for women who:

• Do not want hormonal birth control
• Cannot take estrogen
• Want a short-term solution
• Are trying to conceive

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Benefits of Tranexamic Acid

Many women prefer tranexamic acid because:

• ✅ It is non-hormonal
• ✅ It works quickly
• ✅ It is taken only during menstruation
• ✅ It preserves fertility
• ✅ It can improve quality of life within one cycle

It can also help reduce the risk of iron-deficiency anemia, which can happen when heavy bleeding continues over time.

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Is Tranexamic Acid Safe?

For most healthy women, tranexamic acid is safe when prescribed appropriately.

Common mild side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Rare but serious risks include:

• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)

Because tranexamic acid affects clotting, it is not recommended for women who:

• Have a history of blood clots
• Have certain clotting disorders
• Have active thromboembolic disease
• Are at high risk for clotting complications

This is why it's important to speak to a doctor before starting tranexamic acid. Your medical history matters.

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When Tranexamic Acid May Not Be Enough

While tranexamic acid can significantly reduce bleeding, it doesn't treat the underlying cause. If heavy bleeding continues or worsens, your doctor may recommend additional evaluation.

Medical next steps may include:

1. Blood Tests

To check for:

• Anemia
• Thyroid problems
• Hormonal imbalances
• Bleeding disorders

2. Pelvic Ultrasound

To look for:

• Fibroids
• Polyps
• Thickened uterine lining
• Structural abnormalities

3. Endometrial Biopsy

In certain women (especially over 45 or with risk factors), this checks for abnormal or precancerous cells.

4. Other Treatment Options

If tranexamic acid doesn't provide enough relief, alternatives may include:

• Hormonal birth control pills
• Hormonal IUD (like levonorgestrel IUD)
• Oral progesterone
• NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen)
• Endometrial ablation
• Surgical removal of fibroids
• Hysterectomy (in severe cases)

The right choice depends on:

• Your age
• Your fertility goals
• The cause of bleeding
• Your overall health

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When Heavy Bleeding Is an Emergency

While most heavy periods are not immediately life-threatening, certain symptoms require urgent care.

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Soak through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours
• Feel dizzy or faint
• Have chest pain or shortness of breath
• Notice signs of severe anemia (extreme fatigue, pale skin, rapid heartbeat)
• Are pregnant and bleeding heavily

Do not wait if you feel unstable or weak.

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The Emotional Toll of Heavy Periods

Heavy bleeding is not just a physical issue. It can affect:

• Work productivity
• Social life
• Sleep
• Sexual health
• Mental well-being

Many women silently manage symptoms for years before seeking help. You do not have to "just live with it."

Effective treatments like tranexamic acid exist—and so do additional options if needed.

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Key Takeaways

• Heavy periods lasting more than 7 days or causing frequent pad/tampon changes are not normal.
• Tranexamic acid reduces menstrual bleeding by helping blood clots stay in place.
• It is non-hormonal and taken only during your period.
• It can reduce blood loss by up to 60%.
• It does not treat the underlying cause, so further evaluation may be needed.
• Severe or sudden heavy bleeding requires urgent medical care.

Not sure if your symptoms require medical attention? Use this Abnormal period symptom checker to help determine your next steps and what to discuss with your healthcare provider.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Your periods are getting heavier over time
• You feel tired or suspect anemia
• Bleeding interferes with daily life
• You pass large clots regularly
• You have bleeding between periods
• You have risk factors for uterine conditions
• You're considering starting tranexamic acid

If anything feels severe, sudden, or life-threatening, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Heavy periods are common—but they are treatable. With the right evaluation and treatment plan, including options like tranexamic acid, most women can significantly reduce bleeding and regain control over their health.