Treatment for menstrual irregularities that are due to anovulatory bleeding (absent periods, infrequent periods, and irregular periods) include1,2:
Treatment for menstrual irregularities that are due to ovulatory bleeding (heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding) include1,3:
- Insertion of a hormone-releasing intrauterine device
- Taking various kinds of medications (such as those containing progestin or tranexamic acid) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
If the cause is structural or if medical management is ineffective, then the following may be considered:
- Surgical removal of polyps or uterine fibroids
- Uterine artery embolization, a procedure to block blood flow to the uterus
- Endometrial ablation, a procedure to cauterize blood vessels in the endometrial lining of the uterus
- Hysterectomy
Treatment for dysmenorrhea (painful periods) include4:
- Applying a heating pad to the abdomen
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Contraceptives, including injectable hormone therapy or birth control pills, using varied or less common treatment regimens
- Sweet, M. G., Schmidt-Dalton, T. A., Weiss, P. M., & Madsen, K. P. (2012). Evaluation and management of abnormal uterine bleeding in premenopausal women. American Family Physician, 85, 35-43. [top]
- Master-Hunter, T., & Heiman, D. L. (2006). Amenorrhea: Evaluation and treatment. American Family Physician, 73, 1374-1382. [top]
- Apgar, B. S., Kaufman, A. H., George-Nwogu, U., & Kittendorf, A. (2007). Treatment of menorrhagia. American Family Physician, 75, 1813-1819. [top]
- French, L. (2005). Dysmenorrhea. American Family Physician, 71, 285-291. [top]