Discover the Truth: Tranexamic Acid for Heavy Periods Reviews from Real Users
In this article
What's the lowdown?
Tranexamic acid is a non hormonal medication used to treat heavy periods
It is better at reducing heavy menstrual bleeding than other non hormonal medications(1)
Tranexamic acid can be taken with ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and iron tablets
You can buy tranexamic acid over the counter under the brand name EvanaⓇ
Understanding heavy periods
Heavy periods are common, and can really affect your quality of life. Heavy periods affect up to 37% of young people2 and around 1 in 20 women aged between 30 to 49 see their GP every year for menstrual problems3. While heavy periods are common they are not normal, and can be a sign of an underlying condition in half of women who experience them4. You should see your GP if you5:
- Pass clots bigger than 2.5cm
- Have periods which last more than 7 days
- Need to change your period products every hour or sooner than the manufacturer recommends
- Double up on period products to avoid leaking
- Leak through clothes or bedding
What is tranexamic acid?
Tranexamic acid is a non-hormonal tablet which can be taken during your period. It works by stabilising blood clotting, helping your body’s natural ability to stop blood loss6. Tranexamic acid has been used for many years for other medical issues including surgery, nose bleeds and inherited bleeding disorders7, but thanks to further research, you can now also use tranexamic acid for periods.
Tranexamic acid effectiveness
How can you stop heavy menstrual bleeding?
There are different treatments that can ease a heavy period and sometimes stop menstrual flow.
These include:
1.Non hormonal medications
- Tranexamic acid
- Anti-inflammatory medications
2. Hormonal medications
- The hormonal coil which is contraceptive
- The combined pill and some progestogen-only contraceptives
- Synthetic progestogens
3. Surgical treatments depending on the cause
Does tranexamic acid work for heavy periods?
Tranexamic acid is listed as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding in the UK NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines2. These guidelines suggest the best options for treatment of heavy periods based on research and data collected from clinical studies.
Tranexamic acid can be used for all causes of heavy periods and you can use tranexamic acid for fibroids even if they are large or you have multiple fibroids.
Research has shown that tranexamic acid can reduce overall blood loss during a heavy period by up to 60% after taking it for three cycles. Not only that, but trials have also shown there can be a benefit in:
- Overall quality of life9,10,11
- Reduced number of period products used12
- Improvement in sex life13
- Improvement in anaemia 14(a condition caused by heavy bleeding where the body cannot replace red blood cells as quickly as they are lost through periods).
Tranexamic acid v hormonal treatment
Tranexamic acid is a non hormonal option to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. Hormonal options are also available, but which is better?
The hormonal coil (Mirena, Levosert or Benilexa brands) is undoubtedly the best option to reduce heavy periods with one study showing an 84% reduction in blood loss after three months of using these coils, compared to 47% reduction with tranexamic acid after four cycles15. However, the coil isn’t for everyone; some people can experience side effects, and some people do not want to undergo the fitting procedure.
Synthetic progestogens taken in tablet form are another hormonal option. Norethisterone or medroxyprogesterone (also known as Provera) can be taken for three weeks of each cycle to help reduce heavy periods. Both of these options may help, but one study found that over 1 in 4 women stopped using progestogen tablets due to bleeding problems or side effects, compared to only 4% of women who stopped using tranexamic acid16.
Mefenamic acid v tranexamic acid
Mefenamic acid is an anti-inflammatory medication which can be used for period pain. Compared to mefenamic acid, tranexamic acid is more effective at making your flow lighter17. You can take both mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid together as they work in different ways.
Ibuprofen and tranexamic acid
You can buy tranexamic acid and ibuprofen over the counter at a pharmacy. Over the counter tranexamic acid is sold under the brand name EvanaⓇ. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication which is used for pain relief, and can improve heavy periods.
Studies have shown that while anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (and others like naproxen) do reduce heavy bleeding, they are not as good as tranexamic acid18.
Can you take tranexamic acid with ibuprofen?
Tranexamic acid and ibuprofen work in different ways. They can be taken together. However, they can both cause some stomach side effects, so speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you experience any stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
As an extra tip, to stop feeling faint on your period, you can also take iron tablets with tranexamic acid. This can help treat anaemia, or prevent anaemia due to heavy bleeding. Although be aware that iron supplements can cause side effects.
Reviews of tranexamic acid
People who use tranexamic acid are generally happy to take the medication, with 81% of women in one study saying they were “satisfied” with it after three cycles of use19. Tranexamic acid is generally considered safe for most women to use, with any serious adverse events (like an allergy) only being reported as rare or very rare20. If you have a history of blood clots or severe kidney disease, tranexamic acid is not recommended21.
The most common side effects of tranexamic acid are diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting. The dose can be reduced to help manage any diarrhoea16. You can use tranexamic acid while breastfeeding16.
Positive reviews
“I can’t pronounce tranexamic acid properly, but it’s completely changed my periods. After having my son, I started experiencing flooding. Now, I can actually leave the house when I’m on or about to start my period without constantly worrying about leaking through all my clothes. That alone is absolutely game-changing. Especially with my job, it can be hard to leave my desk even for a minute. Just knowing that I can sit for an extra 20 minutes if I need to, without standing up to find a bloodstain on the back of my trousers, is such a relief. I’ve recommended it to so many people, seriously, so many. I absolutely love it. It’s awesome. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it.” – Alice, Lowdown user
“Without contraception my periods have always been fairly heavy, but the copper coil caused unbearable and incredibly heavy ‘flooding’ periods, which lasted for several weeks and only eased with a combination of tranexamic acid and mefanemic acid.”
Negative reviews
“Tranexamic acid works but it always gives me a bad headache. So basically I feel unwell all through the 4 day bleed – either I’m bleeding profusely and low on iron, or I’m taking tranexamic acid and not bleeding profusely but have a bad headache all day while I’m taking tranexamic acid.”
How to use tranexamic acid
Tranexamic acid dose for heavy periods
The tranexamic acid dose is 1g (which is two tablets) taken three times a day.
Timing of dosage
You should start taking tranexamic acid on the first day of your period and can continue it for four days. If you are taking tranexamic tablets and still bleeding, don’t worry. The medication is designed to reduce the blood flow, but it does not shorten the length of your period22.
Tranexamic acid is an effective, generally safe and easy to use medication to help ease your heavy flow and reduce heavy periods. And now, it is even easier to get as it can be bought over the counter under the brand name EvanaⓇ.
Dr Fran Yarlett
Medical Director, The Lowdown
Dr Fran is Medical Director at The Lowdown and works as a GP in Sheffield with a special interest in complex medical patients and women’s health.
Our medical review process
This article has been medically reviewed for factual and up to date information by a Lowdown doctor.
