Painful Period Relief & Treatments | TribElle Women's Health

Heavy, painful periods (menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea) can disrupt your daily life and shake your confidence. But remember, you're not alone in this—many women experience this, and there's no reason to suffer in silence. Your tribe is here to support you, and so are the right treatment options to help you reclaim control and live boldly.
According to NICE, heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is defined as: "Excessive menstrual blood loss that interferes with a woman's physical, social, emotional, and/or material quality of life. It can occur alone or alongside other symptoms."
Let's explore the options that can help lighten the load and get you back to living on your terms.
Hormonal Treatment Options

The combined contraceptive pill: Contains both estrogen and progestogen to make periods lighter and more regular.
Intrauterine system (IUS): A small device inserted into the womb that releases progestogen to reduce heavy bleeding.
Note: If you're planning to expand your family, hormonal treatments may not be the best fit for you.

Non-Hormonal Treatment Options

Mefenamic Acid: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which reduces prostaglandin production helping to alleviate pain associated with menstrual cramps and lessen menstrual blood flow. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation in the uterine lining.
How to take it: One tablet can be taken at the onset of period pain or heavy bleeding, and it generally starts to work within 30 minutes to an hour. Take with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation. This can be repeated every 6-8 hours up to three times a day.

Tranexamic Acid: A powerful option proven to reduce heavy bleeding by up to 60%. This medication helps your blood clot more efficiently.
How to take it: Start with 2 tablets three times a day when heavy bleeding begins. If needed, this can be increased to 2 tablets four times a day, but no more than 8 tablets (4g) in 24 hours.

This isn't about just surviving your periods—it's about finding a solution that works for you.

If your period feels like it's running your life, it might be time to take action. Heavy periods can drain more than your energy—they can chip away at your confidence and even affect your relationships. Here are some signs that your flow might be heavier than "normal":

You need to change your pad or tampon every 1–2 hours, or empty your menstrual cup more often than recommended.
You double up on period products, like using a pad and a tampon together.
Your periods last longer than 7 days.
You pass blood clots larger than a 10p coin (around 2.5cm).
You bleed through your clothes or bedding.
You avoid social activities, exercise, or work because of your period.
You feel constantly tired or short of breath, which could indicate iron deficiency anemia.

Your period shouldn't hold you back from living boldly. Let's change that.

Period pain, also called menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea, happens when the uterus contracts to shed its lining. Some discomfort is common, but if it's stopping you from living your life, that's when it becomes a problem. Here's what typical period pain looks like:

Pain in your lower abdomen that may radiate to your lower back or thighs.
Discomfort that starts 1–2 days before your period, peaks within the first 24–48 hours, and eases as your flow slows down.

But remember, every woman's experience is unique, and if the pain feels too much to handle, it's time to seek help.

Your body knows best—listen to it. Severe, unmanageable pain or heavy bleeding that doesn't slow down may need immediate attention. Red flags to look out for:

Pain so intense it keeps you from your daily activities.
Heavy bleeding that lasts for hours or involves passing large clots.
Symptoms like nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or fainting.
Signs of shock, such as rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath.

These could signal underlying conditions such as:

Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Uterine fibroids
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Ovarian cysts

Tracking your cycle and symptoms is a powerful tool for getting the answers you deserve. Share these details with your healthcare professional—they'll help guide you to the right support.

Women's Health: Bridging the Gap and Building a Tribe

~ 5 min read

Mefenamic Acid 500mg Tablets (28)
£28.00
Strength
Tranexamic Acid 500mg Tablets
£24.99
Strength
Naproxen 250mg Enteric Coated Tablets
£11.99
Strength

Caring for yourself during your period is a powerful act of self-love. Here are some simple, effective ways to ease the discomfort:

Use a heating pad or hot water bottle to relax your uterine muscles and ease cramps.
Stay active—gentle exercise and managing stress can make a real difference over time.
Hydrate and nourish your body with anti-inflammatory foods, like ginger or omega-3-rich meals.

Remember, every woman's experience is different. Explore what works best for your body, and know you're supported every step of the way.

Like any medication, Tranexamic Acid or Mefenamic Acid can have side effects, but not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects:

Mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting.
Skin reactions, like itchiness or swelling.

Rare side effects:

Severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat).
Chest pain or heaviness.
Unusual swelling or pain in your arms or legs.
Sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or fainting.
Vision problems or changes in colour vision.

Drug interactions:
Avoid taking Tranexamic Acid if you're on:

Oral contraceptives
Warfarin or other anticoagulants

Your journey doesn't have to be defined by heavy, painful periods. With the right support, bold solutions, and guidance from our clinical team, you can take back control and step into each day with strength.

Period Pain

Related Posts

Women's Health: Bridging the Gap and Building a Tribe

Mefenamic Acid 500mg Tablets (28)

Tranexamic Acid 500mg Tablets

Naproxen 250mg Enteric Coated Tablets

Period Pain

I am suffering from heavy painful periods, what can I do?

How do I know if my periods are heavier than 'normal'?

What is normal period pain?

When should I be concerned?

Related Posts

Women's Health: Bridging the Gap and Building a Tribe

Mefenamic Acid 500mg Tablets (28)

Tranexamic Acid 500mg Tablets

What are some ways to relieve period pain?

What are the possible side effects and drug interactions?