Tranexamic acid or mirena coil

[Bugsy73]

Morning,
I'll be 48 at the end of the year, things are starting to change...have just had an 8 week gap between periods, and the one I'm currently experiencing is awful! Started on Friday, over the weekend have been going to the toilet up to every hour at some points as so heavy. Calmed down now, and was able to manage as at home. However, if this is the way forward, will obviously be very difficult to cope with at work.
Have just spoken to lovely GP who has suggested I try tranexamic acid should my next period present in the same way, but also that mirena coil is absolutely recommended for heavy periods and not to hesitate or struggle on unnecessarily.
Will definitely try the tablets, but would really appreciate any advice from anyone that has experience with either or both.
Thanks

I had the mirena coil about 2.5 years ago. Took a while to settle but it's the best thing I ever did! No periods now! I'm 51

I have used both. I have had the coil for 3 years, had 3 days of light bleeding in the whole time. The tablets are good for reducing bleeding but coil is a better long term solution. The tablets you have to take 3 times a day whilst bleeding and don't always help.

I used both for heavy bleeding due to fibroids. If anything, the coil made the bleeding heavier and I had a lot more spotting so still had to take the tranexamic acid on bad days.

I'm really quite tempted. I hate having periods! What kind of side effects did you have? Did it make your periods worse to start with? How will you know when you have gone through the menopause? And how painful was it to have fitted? Thanks

The Mirena coil stopped my heavy periods completely after a few months, I occasionally have spotting but I'm happy. I did have discomfort and pain from the coil for first 6months, I would compare it to bad cramping or mild contractions. It settled down after 6months but was quite bad at first. I considered numerous times having it removed. I don’t think it happens to everyone and it’s very quick and easy to have it removed if it doesn’t agree with you.

When I went to my GP, she made it clear there was a range of options starting with with tranexamic acid, with Minera as the next stage so I started with tranexamic acid, and to date (am 48) haven't needed more. In fact, recently I haven't been using the acid, either, because they haven't been as painful. I am finding it all much easier to deal with, working from home.

There was some pain on fitting but it was over very quickly. Cramping not great the first day but you should be fine with paracetamol and taking it easy. I wouldn’t let the fitting put you off it’s over quickly and not that bad.

I found that tranexamic acid tablets were not that effective; it only stemmed the bleeding a little and over time became less effective.

The important thing here is to also address what is causing the bleeding as well as treat the symptoms; for example if it is fibroids neither tablets nor the Mirena will help with that. The coil does help many women but it is certainly not suitable for all. I would also be talking to the GP about a gynae referral; heavy bleeding is something no woman should have to readily put up with.

If your family is complete I would also be asking a gynae about endometricial ablation surgery.

I can't comment on the coil as I've never had one but tranexamic acid has been literally life changing for me. My periods have never been great but just got heavier and closer together as I've got older. I was constantly leaking and got to the point that I didn't go out for the first couple of days of period every period. Its so much better and easier to manage now. Good luck with whatever you decide

@Bugsy73

I'm really quite tempted. I hate having periods! What kind of side effects did you have? Did it make your periods worse to start with? How will you know when you have gone through the menopause? And how painful was it to have fitted? Thanks

Very uncomfortable going in (but I have a pinprick cervix which doesn't make it easy) Had a relatively Period for about 2 weeks on and off afterwards and about 6 months of intermittent spotting which was a bit annoying but gaily light and manageable, if a bit unpredictable. The progesterone affected my mood fir the first 2-3 weeks but settled after that. Occasional spotting up to about a year but nothing that a liner couldn't cope with - it's not an instant fix and there is a period of adjustment (!) but i found it very much worth it compared to the alternative. Mirena also means that if you go for hrt in the future, you only need oestrogen.

The coil was terrible for me. Painful to insert and remove and I had thrush constantly for the 18 months it was in. They say thrush isn’t a side effect but I never had it before or after so it’s a weird coincidence. The acid work really well for me when I do get a period (I also take the pill continuously and skip the sugar pills regularly to reduce the frequency and that works well for me too).

I’m 40 and have had insanely heavy periods for the last 29 years (except during pregnancy obviously!) and I feel like menopause can’t come soon enough. They are resisting a hysterectomy despite my insistence that I don’t need it anymore.

If I were you I’d try it all and see what works for you. Good luck.

Transexmic acid is ana alegewic and won't stop heavy periods so how about both. Big fan of Minerva coil here reduces periods and heavy ones - after bit of spotting first couple months. It's like a safe pill. And really doesn't hurt at all, but if a pinch up there putting in it but other than that- meh.

An analgesic I meant (pain killer)

I had heavy bleeding with fibroids. tranexamic acid did not help much.,though it may help you. I then went for a mirena. ,This was great.but I was still getting the occasional large clot which pulled the coil out with it (twice ). I have since had a uterine fibroid embolisation. If I were you I woukd try the transaxmic acid, and if does not help try a mirena. I went through a real rough patch 18 months ago of insanely heavy periods. .literally gushing for weeks at a time. I think that was related to menopause rather than fibroid. .now thankfully they are getting lighter .

I've had fibroids for 2 decades & managed heavy periods with tranexamic acid for all that time. I've found you have to take them at the first sign of increasing bleeding & then very regularly every 4-6hrs.

I personally would always avoid adding anything hormonal into an already hormonally complicated situation if there was something else easy to try first.

Thank you all so much. I don't think its related to anything other than starting with peri menopause, periods have always been fine up until this one. Not painful at all, just heavy.
HauntedDishcloth, do you take the tablets just when starts to get heavy, or as soon as you get a period?

I've had both, very heavy bleeding due to fibroids. Tranexamic acid worked for a short while, but I struggled on for a couple of years. I then went for the mirena coil and haven't looked back since.
I was worried about having it fitted, as I haven't given birth vaginally (2 CS's), but it was only a little bit of discomfort.
Then a little bit of cramping for the first day.
I'm on my 2nd one now, at the age of 53, and this is combined with HRT patches to protect the lining of the womb.
I just wish I'd had it sooner.

@Bugsy73 I take it as soon as I notice the bleeding ramping up but you could take it at the first sign. If you take them, don't be fooled the bleeding has reduced & not take the next dose! I take them with food & ensure to drink extra water. Hope they work for you if you give them a try!

@toomanyspiderplants has the embolisation helped? I'm scheduled to get one.

@hopeishere. yes. They told me I would notice a difference almost straight away.but in fact the difference has been much more gradual. I had it done last July and the difference now is much more noticeable. ,I no longer have to double protect! when is yours?

Hopefully in the next few months. Last period lasted 30 days!

Yes I had periods like that.....I was worried about the procedure but actually it was ok.

I had the coil put it and i was all over the place - bleeding for weeks on end. Then i accidentally pulled it out - don't ask, and whilst I've been waiting for an appointment to have it put back in I've been using the Transexamic(sp?) Acid and i much prefer it to the coil. I wont be having another coil put in.