Tranexamic acid and Headaches: 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?"

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2013

Tranexamic acid for Menstrual Disorders "I am 45 years old and have been suffering disabling heavy periods for about 6 years now. My doctor suggested ablation for my heavy periods, but I wanted to try non-surgical remedies first. This medicine is AMAZING. I take 2 pills 3 times a day for 3 days (total of 18 pills). I start on the 2nd day of my period, which is the heaviest. My period dries up and is over within 4 days. I have headaches on or off this medicine during my period, so I cannot say for sure whether that is a side effect. I have my life back each month."

• Cac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2013

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I am a 49-year-old female that has been suffering for 2 years with painful, heavy periods due to fibroids. For the first 2 days, I always had to double up with a tampon and a pad. My gyn dr. prescribed me Lysteda, also known as Tranexamic Acid. The dosage is 2 tablets, 3 times a day, for 5 days. It started working immediately, cutting the blood flow by 50-80%. I no longer had to double up on protection, and I can now sleep through the night. I still had some cramping on the 2nd day, but OTC pain relief helped with that. Side effects: 1 hour after taking the pills, I felt light-headed/slightly dizzy; I experienced minor headaches (nothing unmanageable). I found the pills to be too large to swallow, so I had to cut them in half or thirds. Overall, I love this medication, it has given me my life back."

• cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2013

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I tried this medicine for the first time during my last cycle. It worked immediately and drastically reduced my extremely heavy flow. However, I had headaches the first few days. This is not a usual experience. Also, I am usually EXTREMELY REGULAR. As of today, my cycle is 14 days late. I am not complaining and hope it never returns."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2019

For Menstrual Disorders "I have fibroids and my periods reflect this with large clots, blood pouring into the toilet, soaking a super-size tampon in 25 minutes, and severe cramps. I took this medication as prescribed (2 tablets every 8 hours for up to five days), and by dose 3, my period became manageable. I use Tylenol Extra Strength for my cramping pain because Advil is a blood thinner, and it works well. I can now go 2 hours with a super-size tampon, and the extremely heavy bleeding is down to a 'normal' heavy period. I'd say it reduced bleeding by 40 to 50%. Instead of 5 or 6 days of heavy bleeding, it's 3 days of 'normal' heavy and 6 days in total of menstruation. Ladies, I recommend giving this a try if you also have severe heavy periods. A mild headache is a side effect, but it is tummy-friendly, and I have my life back during my periods."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 13, 2013

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I've been taking Lysteda for over a year and I absolutely love it! I have fibroids, and I bleed very heavily (soak a super plus tampon in an hour). With Lysteda, my periods are so much better! I take 4 pills per day (morning and night) for two days, and the bleeding is decreased by about 60% to 70%. I do get headaches after taking it, but it's worth it."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2010

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I have used Lysteda 2x now with great success. It has slowed down and then stopped my menstrual cycle within 4 doses. I am a bit concerned that one of the possible side effects could be blood clots. I personally have not had any. However, because I am an RN, I have realized that the side effects of this drug could be scary if not used EXACTLY as the doctor has prescribed and at the time intervals prescribed. I have had headaches each time that I have used it but I also suffer from migraine headaches. For me, the headaches are worth the benefit that Lysteda provides. Just make sure that the directions for use are followed completely and report any odd/new symptoms to your doctor."

• Sab...
• November 4, 2015

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I've suffered with heavy periods for the past couple of years. I wanted to make sure that I considered all options before choosing surgery. This medication is great, but has some side effects. For me, I have headaches and diarrhea while on this medication and a few days after my cycle has ended. I also found that my cycle lasts longer when I take this medication. At this point, I've opted to contend with 2 days of heavy bleeding and with a cycle that lasts 4-5 days, as opposed to taking the medication with extended periods, headaches, and diarrhea; that could last 8-9 days. The plus/pro of the medication is that my periods are lighter when I am taking the medication, however it stays on much longer."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2011

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I am taking Lysteda for the first time. It works extremely well. My flow has been reduced by about 75%. I used to soak through both a super absorbency tampon and overnight pad within two hours. Now I can just wear a pad, and it doesn't get full. The only side effect that I'm experiencing is headaches. I don't normally get them, but the results are worth it."

• 39...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2016

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "My periods were extreme bleeding, large and numerous blood clots to the point of anemia from fibroids that would affect whether I would leave the house. I was using tampons and sometimes layering 2 pads next to each other and it still was not enough. I hate taking medications, but felt I was to the point that I needed to try something. I took Lysteda (2 pills/3 times a day) for my first time, it was amazing. Only used a tampon and light pad. Other periods after, bleeding was cut in half. Side effect: occasional headache. Lets me manage periods while I prepare for uterine artery embolization."

• Saz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2020

For Menstrual Disorders "I had very heavy menstrual bleeding and was given tranexamic acid tablets. They help a bit, but I still bleed heavy and have had tension headaches when taking tranexamic acid. Maybe they are not suitable for me."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2018

For Menstrual Disorders "I was prescribed this medicine by my OBGYN for heavy menstrual cycles. I was hesitant to take it due to how many you had to take (2 pills 3 times a day). I wouldn't recommend this medicine to anyone. My body has not been the same since. It did lighten my flow, however, I went to the ER multiple times. I have continued heart palpitations, body aches, chest pain, SOB, horrible headaches, body shivers, numbness in limbs, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea. This medicine has totally messed me up. I stopped over 2 months ago, and the symptoms still haven't stopped."

• 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."

• Son...
• January 18, 2012

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "Has definitely decreased my flow by about 50%. I have not had any accidents while taking this medication. Before, I had at least one or two accidents per cycle. The headaches can be annoying, but I'd take them over the heavy flow any day!"

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2011

Tranexamic acid for Menstrual Disorders "I used it for the first time, and I have spotting on a pad instead of tons of clotting and lots of bleeding. I feel better and did not feel it caused headaches, and I do get PMS migraines as before. I would recommend it. I had a DNC to help with my problem 3 months ago, and last month I started clotting and heavy bleeding again. My doctor told me to try this, as birth control did not do anything positive and made me feel like I am pregnant and gain weight. I am grateful this works, as on the heavy bleeding clotting days, I would feel emotionally slipping into real depression. I am not depressed, but the bleeding seems to bring erratic mood swings. This did help as the doctor said it should. I am not worried about blood clots as I do not smoke."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2012

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and heavy menstrual bleeding. The doctor prescribed Lysteda 650 mg tablets. My doctor stated he only wants me to take 1 tablet by mouth once daily. He prescribed me 6 pills with 2 refills. I took one yesterday, 12/11/2012, around 3:00. All I have been doing since is spotting. I am in WOW mode because I could not believe how fast it worked. The side effect I got from it is a headache. I am not experiencing any clotting. I also take vitamins. Since I have PCOS, my periods are irregular. They started being irregular when I was 20. I have always had regular periods until I turned 20. They diagnosed me on May 11th, 2012, a day before my wedding anniversary, and have been battling since then."

• KSL...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 8, 2021

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "So grateful for this drug. I don't think I realized how much my heavy periods decreased my quality of life. I would have to say no to outings-especially hikes or water activities that fell on the wrong day. I would miss multiple nights of good sleep because I was anxious about bleeding through or busy getting up to go to the bathroom multiple times. The missed sleep and anxiety about bleeding through at night and during the day would affect me for the rest of the week. For more than a decade, I battled anemia. I was in a fog because of this. For the first time, with only taking intermittent iron, my iron and hemoglobin levels were normal recently. I do occasionally get a mild headache with this drug, but worth it as it is very mild."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 28, 2014

For Menstrual Disorders "I love this medication. I bleed super heavy during my cycle. A pad and tampon will last for an hour at most. My doctor wants to do ablation surgery, but I wanted to try the medicine first. It really reduced the bleeding, but my periods went from 9 days to 13. However, they are light days, so I'm happy. For the first 4 months, I got a headache with each dose, but now that has gone away."

• IM ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2019

For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "This is a follow-up review on my own review from 2019-08-18, 'I'm HeavyFlowFibroids.' It's been two more cycles of this pill (2 every 8 hours up to 5 days), and it still works for me by reducing the flow by at least 40%. Instead of changing a level 5 maxi pad every 30 minutes, I can go 2 hours. Only side effect is a mild headache. I still think this is a lifesaver and recommend giving it a go if birth control didn't work for you either."

• Pip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2020

For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "Took tranexamic for one day only and developed severe side effects - numbness in the limbs, prickly skin, stabbing pains in the legs, arms, and abdomen, disturbed vision, confusion, disorientation, headache, blood clot has developed in left hand, keep getting loss of feeling in left arm. Was so severe after taking for just one day a paramedic had to be called because my husband thought I was having a stroke. Emergency GP has told me to go straight to the hospital if I don’t get better or start getting hot or swelling. Five days later still got the horrible and very scary side effects and wondering if they will ever wear off. Worst and scariest experience ever and it’s not over yet and don’t know when it will be."

• T K...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2012

For Menstrual Disorders "I started taking this medicine Monday, and by Tuesday, the bleeding had stopped. I'd gotten very worried because my period had come 10 days early and was very heavy. The side effects I've got are headaches and diarrhea, but a small price to pay to be period-free for a while."

• Kai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2022

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I have endometriosis and suspected adenomyosis. I have very heavy bleeding during my periods. I also have worsened pelvic pain and terrible cramping during my periods. This medication has helped me greatly. My bleeding, pain, and cramping have lessened drastically. It does cause headaches for me, but otherwise, this medication works great."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2022

Tranexamic acid for Menstrual Disorders "After my first two doses of Lysteda, I got very sick to my stomach, horrible abdominal pain, vomiting, and a very bad headache. I also feel very stiff in my joints, and I'm a very active person, so that is not common for me because I stretch regularly. Neck pain, elbow, and knee pain. I'm also very lightheaded and dizzy. I only took 4 total doses, and I have been so sick for two days, and my bleeding did not reduce, nor did the cramps, like my doctor said they would. I ended up dealing with my typical horrible period pains/frustrations, as well as new side effects and pain from being so sick. I missed two days of work. I know this drug works well for a lot of people, but absolutely not for me."

• 3ki...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2016

Tranexamic acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "After researching various options with my gyn, I decided to try Lysteda. I'm on my second month with it. The first month saw horrible cramps barely controlled with Advil, etc. This month I had almost no cramps nor headaches. I was pleasantly surprised when the flow was much lighter on day 2, normally like Niagara Falls for me. But day 3 isn't really much lighter than it used to be, and my periods are longer. Does it cut the flow? Yes. Does it make mine light? No. I still lose 2 ounces per hour or two during day 3, so I'll use it while I investigate other options."

• Suz...
• November 15, 2015

For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I can't say enough about this drug. I've been on it three months now. Before taking this, my periods were so bad that, the first couple nights of my period, I'd wake up and, despite having the heaviest duty pads, the sheets would be soaked. I would change pads at least every hour or two during the first couple days. Now I take two pills a day, one at night and one in the morning, and I am using very light pads with no accidents. The downside is that I do feel a bit of nausea and have slight headaches while taking these pills. Also, I do seem to spot for about a week after my period would usually end. The bleeding was just so awful, though, that I am willing to live with these side effects. It really works, and it works fast."