Tranexamic acid and Anemia: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 21, 2020

For Menstrual Disorders "I've been taking tranexamic acid tablets (2 tablets 3 times a day) for almost 2 years now due to heavy, constant bleeding for over 2 years. It's not fully stopping my bleeding, some days I won't bleed at all, but most days I will bleed, and quite often I will bleed so heavily it will go through my tampons and clothing too. I've been to a gynaecologist and so many doctors over the 2 years, however, they've done an ultrasound and blood tests and found nothing. It's making me feel so depressed, and I am in a lot of pain with this. It's caused anemia for me and just bad pains, headaches, and extreme tiredness. I'm struggling on what else to do. The doctors have advised the DEPPO injection, and I've had 2 now, and it's still not stopped. Why aren't they taking this more seriously? This isn't right, I don't know if there's something really serious going on or if it's affecting my fertility, etc. Has anyone got any advice or have experienced something similar?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 27, 2019

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "This medication, Lysteda, has saved my life!! I am 34 and have been dealing with debilitating cramps and heavy period bleeding for years. I am also anemic as a result of the excessive blood loss-mid-cycle spotting plus 8-day periods. I found out about this medication through a Google search (my doctors have all wanted to put me on birth control and suggested NSAIDs, which do NOT help me). It works within an hour of taking it-cramps are completely eliminated, and the bleeding reduces to “normal” levels."

• Dup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2018

For Menstrual Disorders "I have only used it once, and I hope it works similarly next month because, for the first time in years, I have felt 'normal' during my period. I was able to use regular tampons, practically no bleeding during the night (I usually have to sleep on a towel and get up multiple times). I usually have massive blood loss and clots that make me feel like I'm passing my liver out of my body! I had energy again (I have anemia due to adenomyosis/blood loss) and was able to actually go out and enjoy life. I would recommend at least giving it a try. Like others, I was unable to use the Mirena coil, and I was also reluctant to take the pill (hormones/mood swings/bloating). I found this amazing - and yeah, hoping it continues as well as it did this month :) Oh, and PS, I was only taking a half dose (I'm a bit of a worrier when it comes to medications), and it made my blood loss very light and very manageable."

• Lin...
• January 25, 2017

For Bleeding Disorder "I've had horrible periods since high school. I remember in high school when the bell rang I just sat there until the entire class left, then walked to the office to get a ride home. When I got up, it was a puddle of blood. Literally a puddle. I'm 35 and would sleep with a towel under me, plus an overnight pad because I would always overflow. I've started getting really bad clots and I am unable to take birth control pills. Bad bruises, weak, anemic... You know the drill. So, the doctor suggested this... I'm on day 3 and it is a total game changer. I did a spin class this morning (usually day 2 of HEAVY flow) with a tampon and panty liner. I never ever thought this was possible. Small headache, totally worth it."

• Ann...
• February 11, 2017

For Menstrual Disorders "I was prescribed this to reduce my heavy periods, which had been contributing to my anemia. I had been getting annual iron transfusions for the previous three years. I'm on two three times per day for four days. They work as in, have reduced my bleeding significantly. I have not noticed any side effects during the days I take them. Initially, when I took the tablets, I would keep spotting for up to 7 days, but the last few months my period is all over by day 5. My periods have gone from a 28-day cycle to a 35-day cycle, so I'm assuming this is a side effect. I do get some slight pre-period cramping in the 2-3 days before I get my period now, which I have not had previously. My alternatives to taking this were getting a Mirena implant."

• Bon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2017

For Melasma "My dermatologist in the Philippines has prescribed it for my melasma for 3 months. After a month and a half, I have seen a significant decrease, then it disappeared after 3 months. But as soon as I stopped using it, my brown spots started coming back again, even with continued sunscreen. The side effects I experienced were a slight increase in my blood pressure and anemia."

• Mil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2022

For Menstrual Disorders "Since Oct 2021, I've had heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids after having an internal ultrasound to confirm this. My periods have always been regular and at a normal flow, which lasts about 4-5 days, so I'm finding it quite hard to suddenly have to deal with this. I'm 44 and have been referred to a gynecologist, which could take up to 16 weeks for an appointment (I'm in the UK). These pills worked really fast the first time I took it, and I initially only took 1 pill 3 times a day, and by day 3, the bleeding had stopped. However, I've had to increase to 2 pills, 3 times a day, and it would take well over a week for the bleeding to stop. I've become anemic, tired, and rely on ferrous fumarate to up my iron levels, which can be hard on the stomach at times. A few days later, there would be spotting, and the bleeding gets heavier again. I feel like I'm on a never-ending period and have to make sure I have enough pads and tampons at work. It's really getting me down."

• Anonymous
• June 18, 2019

For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "Never have I had heavy bleeding like this before. I feel like I just had a miscarriage with a lot of blood clots coming down. I can't be pregnant, I had my tubes tied 8 years ago. I also had a procedure done for no bleeding, it doesn't work on me. The first 2 months, tranexamic acid helped slow my bleeding, and this is the 3rd month, it doesn't help. I wonder if there is something wrong with my body? I have anemia. Back in March, my red blood cells dropped down to 6.8. After blood transfusion, it is back up to 11. I will definitely call my OB/GYN today. Thank you for reading."