Periods: The heavy curse

Progestogen or the contraceptive pill - can be effective for some women and comes with the added bonus that it controls an erratic menstrual cycle and provides protection against unplanned pregnancy.

Mirena coil - More recently doctors have been treating heavy periods by inserting a contraceptive coil called a Mirena, which produces a very small amount of the hormone, levonorgestrel, daily. This hormone is found in many contraceptive pills, but in the coil it?s delivered at a much lower dose (about one seventh the usual strength) and goes directly to the lining of the womb rather than reaching it?s destination via the blood stream. This reduces the normal side effects associated with oral contraceptives. The Mirena is very effective, reducing blood flow by 85% within three months. Eventually periods may stop completely in up to a third of women, which isn?t a medical problem, although some women may find their absence strange.

Endometrial Ablation: - This is an operation to remove the lining of the womb. A new lining doesn’t form in its place, so periods are either reduced or stop completely. There are several surgical procedures for this, involving either cutting the lining away, or destroying the tissue with lasers, heat or microwaves. As with all operations there are some risks, and a general anaesthetic is usually needed.

About 75% of women receiving this treatment are cured, but problems can recur later in life, and a further endometrial ablation could be required or a hysterectomy.

Hysterectomy

This is the most drastic treatment for heavy periods, involving the surgical removal of the uterus and in most cases the cervix. Because this operation results in sterility, it’s only suitable for women who don’t want to have more children and would only be recommended for extremely long and heavy periods, or if you have large fibroids. Hysterectomy really is the last resort for menorrhagia sufferers and it’s well worth consulting your GP or a specialist to see which other treatments could offer some monthly relief.