Cyklokapron
500mg
Tranexamic acid 500mg tablets, used in the management of menorrhagia and haemorrhage. An antifibrinolytic that stops clots being broken down early.
From$2.85/ tabletView
Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia means menstrual bleeding that is unusually heavy, prolonged, or both. It is one of the most common gynaecological complaints among women seen in women’s health clinics. When blood loss is significant enough to cause fatigue, iron-deficiency anaemia, or to interfere with ordinary activities, it warrants attention.
Key points
- When blood loss is heavy enough, it can lead to tiredness or iron-deficiency anaemia and start to interfere with everyday activities.
- Tranexamic acid, taken only during the heaviest days of a cycle, can reduce menstrual blood loss by around two-fifths to half.
- Underlying causes worth investigating include fibroids, adenomyosis, a clotting disorder or thyroid trouble, usually assessed with a pelvic scan and blood tests.
Reducing blood loss
The most evidence-backed non-hormonal approach is tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic agent that stabilises clots and can cut menstrual blood loss by roughly 40-50%. It is taken only on the heavy days of a cycle, which makes it straightforward to use alongside other treatments if needed.
When to seek further assessment
Heavy periods can be a sign of an underlying cause such as uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, a coagulation disorder, or a thyroid problem. A gynaecologist can investigate with a pelvic ultrasound and blood tests. Seek prompt care if bleeding is severe enough to soak through protection hourly for several hours, or if you feel faint or unusually breathless.