Expert advice to relieve heavy periods

Every woman has the occasional day when a heavy period overflows her protection. But when the bleeding becomes too heavy or if it continues for seven or more days, you have more than just a period; you have menorrhagia, the medical term for excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Prevent the flood — or at least reduce it significantly — with these recommendations.

Tranexamic acid is the most effective medical treatment available for preventing heavy bleeding. It prevents blood clots from disintegrating. It also stimulates clot formation, which in turn reduces bleeding. Studies find the drug can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by as much as 50 percent.

Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen and the prescription drug diclofenac  — all known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs — can help prevent heavy menstrual bleeding by reducing levels of hormone-like chemicals that interfere with blood clotting. Avoid aspirin, which may increase bleeding.

Because oral contraceptives thin the lining of your uterus, there is less lining to shed and less bleeding. Studies find that birth control pills can reduce menstrual bleeding by up to 60 percent. Taking continuous birth control pills, which skip the week of placebo pills that trigger a period, often prevent menstruation altogether and can significantly reduce heavy bleeding even if your periods continue. A hormone-releasing IUD is another option. The IUD releases a progestin hormone which reduces the growth of the uterine lining. Numerous studies find that it works as well as surgery for controlling heavy menstrual bleeding. It may even stop your periods altogether.

Vitex agnus castus, better known as chasteberry, is an herb often used to treat reproductive issues in women. Studies find that as little as 15 drops of a tincture of extract can significantly reduce the number of days of heavy bleeding, though it may take several months before you see a benefit.

Blood clotting disorders such as von Willebrand's disease often underlie heavy menstrual bleeding, yet many doctors don't think to check for them. Women who have had heavy periods since they were young girls are most likely to have bleeding problems. If you have a clotting disorder, regular injections or infusions of missing clotting factors could make your heavy periods a thing of the past.

If you suffer from heavy bleeding you should consult your doctor and keep in mind these possible remedies.