Is there an alternative to tranexamic acid?

Author: Marta Russel PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Nonhormonal options are limited to tranexamic or mefenamic acid. Hormonal options include the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, the combined oral contraceptive pill or progestogen preparations. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone analogues can be a useful short-term option, particularly for women with fibroids.

What is a natural alternative to tranexamic acid?

Additionally, a systematic review of three clinical trials found that ginger capsules and myrtle fruit syrup significantly reduced menstrual duration and blood loss compared to a placebo 4. Pomegranate flower capsules were also as good as tranexamic acid at reducing blood loss 4.

What medication is used to stop menstrual bleeding immediately?

Tranexamic acid helps your blood to clot, which will reduce the bleeding. It comes as a tablet that you take during your period. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the amount of prostaglandin in the lining of your uterus, as prostaglandin seems to contribute to heavy bleeding and pain.

What does Er do for heavy menstrual bleeding?

ER doctors can administer fluids to stabilize a person. They may also give medications and, in some cases, perform a medical procedure to stop the bleeding. Some causes of heavy bleeding require follow-up care, so it is important to contact a doctor or gynecologist after leaving the hospital.

What is the difference between tranexamic acid and norethisterone?

Results Tranexamic acid reduced mean menstrual blood loss by 45 %, from 175 ml to 97 ml (95% CI for the difference in menstrual blood loss 52 to 108, P < 0-OOOl), norethisterone increased mean blood loss by 20 % from 173 ml to 208 ml (95 % CI for the difference in menstrual blood loss -64 to 2, P = 0-26).

Case Conversation: Alternative routes for TXA treatment in obstetric bleeding (WOMAN-PharmacoTXA)

Can I buy tranexamic acid over the counter?

Adults aged 18 years old and over can also take tranexamic acid bought from a pharmacy without a prescription for treating heavy periods.

Why not to use tranexamic acid?

You should not use this medication if you are also using combination hormonal contraception because it may increase your chance of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. Your risk is even higher if you are overweight, if you smoke cigarettes, or if you are over 35 years of age.

What are the disadvantages of tranexamic acid?

your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow. your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet) you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy. someone faints and cannot be woken up.

Will I start bleeding again when I stop taking tranexamic acid?

Yes! Tranexamic acid doesn't stop the natural process of menstruation, it simply stabilizes the blood clots that form after the inner lining of the uterus is gone.

Is tranexamic acid a high risk medication?

Tranexamic acid injections have been added to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices' (ISMP's) 2024 List of High-Alert Medications in Acute Care Settings. “High-alert” medications have an increased risk of causing significant harm to patients when they are incorrectly administered.

Who Cannot have tranexamic acid?

kidney disease. vision problems. an unusual allergic reaction to tranexamic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

How can I reduce menorrhagia naturally?

Heavy period treatments
  1. Eat more foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. ...
  2. Eat more foods rich in iron. ...
  3. Stay hydrated. ...
  4. Applying a heat pad. ...
  5. Cooking in a cast-iron pot. ...
  6. Resting and exercising. ...
  7. Using a menstrual cup. ...
  8. Wearing period pants at night.

Does tranexamic acid mess with hormones?

Do not take tranexamic acid if you are using birth control that contains both estrogen and a progestin (combined hormonal contraceptive). See the Interactions section for more details. Blood Clots.

Which medicine is best for stop period bleeding?

Medicines
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs. NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), help reduce menstrual blood loss. ...
  • Tranexamic acid. ...
  • Oral contraceptives. ...
  • Oral progesterone. ...
  • Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Liletta, others). ...
  • Other medicines.

How long can you stay on tranexamic acid?

Can I take it for a long time? If you have regular nosebleeds or heavy periods you can take tranexamic acid long term, over several months or years. However, you'll usually take it just for a few days or a week at a time when the bleeding is a problem.

Does tranexamic acid cause weight gain?

It's effects are reversible. Possible unwanted side effects: Many women stop having periods when taking this drug. Common unwanted effects include stomach pain, feeling sick, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, weight gain, hot flushes and breast tenderness. What is it?

What pill is good for heavy periods?

Tranexamic acid (sometimes shortened to TXA) is a medicine that controls bleeding. It helps your blood to clot and is used for nosebleeds and heavy periods.

Why do doctors prescribe tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic acid is used to treat heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle (monthly periods) in women. Tranexamic acid is in a class of medications called antifibrinolytics. It works to improve blood clotting.

How much ibuprofen to reduce menstrual bleeding?

“Results are unique to each woman, but I'd say, on average, a woman may experience 30 percent less bleeding if she takes 800 mg of ibuprofen (four over-the-counter pills) three times a day, ideally starting right before or when her period starts,” says Northwestern Medicine OB/GYN Heather Beall, MD. Why?

How quickly does progesterone stop bleeding?

Long-term use of progesterone causes endometrial atrophy by preventing estrogen-induced endometrial proliferation [15]. In addition, it is known that the use of MPA can significantly reduce or even stop bleeding after an average of 3 days [16].

Why is my period so heavy and clotty?

When hormones are out of balance, the lining becomes too thick and sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected bleeding between periods. A number of conditions can cause hormone imbalances. These include obesity, insulin resistance, thyroid problems and polycystic ovary syndrome, which also is called PCOS.

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