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Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding - Medications

Treating dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) with medicines has fewer risks but is not always as effective as surgical treatment. If you plan to become pregnant in the future, or if you are nearing the time when your menstrual periods will stop (menopause), you may want to try medicines first.

Goals of medical treatment

The goal of medicine treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding is to reduce or eliminate blood loss. This can be accomplished in one or both of the following ways:

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  • Reducing the endometrium's rate of blood loss
  • Regulating or eliminating the menstrual cycle by changing hormonal levels

Medication Choices

There are several hormone therapies for managing dysfunctional uterine bleeding. These treatments help reduce bleeding and regulate the menstrual cycle:

Women who have bleeding that is heavier than normal may want to try a medicine called tranexamic acid (such as Lysteda). This medicine is not a hormone. It prevents bleeding by helping blood to clot. Talk to your doctor to find out if this option is right for you.

What To Think About

Intravenous estrogen therapy is generally used on an urgent basis, when severe blood loss must be quickly stopped. After bleeding subsides, a week or so of progestin or estrogen-progestin therapy is added to help return the menstrual cycle to normal.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 09, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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