Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Menstrual Disorders | Resource Guide
The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your healthcare provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your healthcare provider, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Menorrhagia and amenorrhea may be treated with hormonal and nonhormonal agents and therapies. These may include the following:
Progestin-containing Intrauterine Device
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Estrogen Plus Progestogen (HRT)
Combination Estrogen/Progestin Contraceptive Pills
Common names include:
Tranexamic acid is a very effective drug that enhances blood clotting. It is used more in Europe than in the United States.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Oral synthetic progestins are taken during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle and help prevent heavy bleeding. They are most effective when taken for 21 days of each cycle.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Natural progestins may be helpful in reducing heavy bleeding and have few side effects. They may be taken orally or as a vaginal gel.
Common names include:
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Progestasert, Mirena) may be used for up to seven years and helps to reduce heavy bleeding. It releases progestin mainly into the uterus and cervix and can be a good alternative to hysterectomy.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
See the information below, in the over-the-counter medication section.
Common names include:
Gonadotrophin inhibitors are usually used to stop heavy bleeding in severe cases. Danazol may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce heavy bleeding by blocking prostaglandins, which are substances that increase uterine contractions, and reducing inflammation. They are reported to reduce the loss of menstrual blood by 25%-35%.
These same medications can also be prescribed, in a higher dose per capsule. Another prescription medication in this class is Ponstan or Ponstel.
Possible side effects include:
If medications are prescribed to treat amenorrhea, they will be used to treat the underlying causes. If the causes of amenorrhea relate to hormone imbalance, it may be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Amenorrhea related to polycystic ovary syndrome is usually treated with birth control pills. If the underlying cause is a pituitary tumor, it may be treated with a drug that reduces the secretion of the hormone prolactin.
Common names include:
Estrogen may be administered as an oral tablet, skin patch, injection, pellet placed under the skin, or as a vaginal cream, ring, or tablet. In general, you should not use ERT if you are or may be pregnant, have a family history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancer, have unexplained bleeding from your uterus, or have a family history of blot clotting disorders. You should discuss the risks and benefits of ERT with your healthcare provider.
Possible side effects include:
Progestin Oral Tablet
Progestin Injectable
Progestin IUD
Progesterone Oral Capsule
Progesterone: Vaginal Gel
Progesterone IUD
If you choose ERT, progesterone must also be taken to reduce the increased risk of uterine cancer from taking ERT alone. Progesterone or progestin (synthetic progesterone) is available as replacement therapy.
Possible side effects include:
Estrogen Plus Progestogen
When progesterone is taken with estrogen, it is called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There are various options for HRT, and your healthcare provider can help you to explore which one might be best for you. Options for HRT include cyclic, continuous-cyclic, continuous-combined, and intermittent-combined.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Birth control pills are often used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome, which may be an underlying cause of amenorrhea.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Bromocriptine is used to treat amenorrhea that relates to excessive secretions of the hormone prolactin, seen with pituitary tumors. You should use some form of birth control while you are taking bromocriptine.
Possible side effects include:
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/ . Accessed February 28, 2006.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine website. Available at: http://www.asrm.org/ . Accessed February 28, 2006.
National Women’s Health Resource Center website. Available at: http://www.healthywomen.org/ . Accessed February 28, 2006.
United States Food and Drug Administration. FDA Talk Paper . November 15, 2002. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2002/ANS01170.html.
Last reviewed February 2007 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOG
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.