Can You Lighten a Heavy Period?

Menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman, and heavy bleeding may be the norm for some. However, there are ways to lighten a heavy flow, whether for convenience or out of medical necessity.

Causes

• There are several conditions that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, but for the most part, they are benign. The most common causes are uterine polyps, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and ovarian cysts.

Benefits

• Some women choose to lighten their period out of convenience, which can make it less stressful to manage when attending weddings, going on dates, or participating in sporting events. Other women lighten their periods to avoid unwanted health complications, such as iron deficiency anemia.

Medications

• There are several medications that can be used to lighten menstrual cycles, and the most commonly prescribed are Danazol, Synarel and Depo Lupron. These medications reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by stopping the production of estrogen.

Oral Contraceptives

• Oral contraceptives such as Seasonique, Seasonale, and Lybrel are designed to lighten the menstrual period by manipulating hormone levels. Depo-Provera is another form of contraceptive that is administered by injection. It is designed to stop menstrual periods for a period of three months.

Special Considerations

• Contact a physician if your menstrual cycle is normally light to moderate and suddenly becomes heavy, or if your cycle is heavy and becomes heavier. Contact your physician if menstrual bleeding is accompanied with unusual bloating, pain or blood clots.