Hormonal Treatments for heavy periods

Oral contraceptives – low doses of female hormones such as birth control pills (estrogen and/or progestin) – can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding as well as provide the added benefit of contraception.
They have been shown to reduce bleeding in around one-third of women treated for heavy periods, however they may take up to 3 months before they start working.

The hormonal IUD, which is inserted into the uterus, releases a steady amount of progestin called levonorgestrel. This makes the uterine lining thin and decreases menstrual blood flow to control heavy bleeding.
Clinical research shows 42 per cent of women treated with an IUD opted for a hysterectomy after 5 years. A hormone-releasing IUD should be removed and replaced every 5 years. It is not a permanent solution to heavy menstrual bleeding but is an option for women still wanting to have children.