Treatments for menstrual irregularities often vary based on the type of irregularity and certain lifestyle factors, such as whether a woman is planning to get pregnant.
Treatment for menstrual irregularities that are due to anovulatory bleeding (absent periods, infrequent periods, and irregular periods) include:1,2
- Oral contraceptives
- Cyclic progestin
- Treatments for an underlying disorder that is causing the menstrual problem, such as counseling and nutritional therapy for an eating disorder
Treatment for menstrual irregularities that are due to ovulatory bleeding (heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding) include:
- Insertion of a hormone-releasing intrauterine device
- Use of various 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 (remove or close off by burning) blood vessels in the endometrial lining of the uterus
- Hysterectomy
Treatment for dysmenorrhea (painful periods) include:7
- Applying a heating pad to the abdomen
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Taking contraceptives, including injectable hormone therapy or birth control pills, using varied or less common treatment regimens
