Although all hormonal birth control methods have an effect on menstrual bleeding, some contraceptives can be better than others when it comes to heavy periods.
If you get periods, any bleeding can feel like too much.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), losing
Birth control pills are a primary method of managing heavy periods and other menstrual problems, such as severe cramps.
Learning about the options — and there are quite a few — can help you narrow down the best birth control for your individual needs and preferences.
A quick look at the best birth control options for heavy periods
- Most accessible: combination birth control, minipill, or Depo-Provera shot
- Most effective:hormonal IUD, minipill, or extended-cycle birth control
- Most popular: minipill or extended-cycle birth control
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While each type can help, they aren’t all exactly the same. They differ in cost, scheduling, and potential side effects.
Here are a few key factors to consider when making your choice.
- some methods might require a pelvic exam
- you don’t have to stick to the same method forever
- some methods may require a guardian’s consent
- cost can range from free to big bucks, depending on the type
How we chose
We considered several factors when deciding which types of birth control to feature in this article, including:
- effectiveness
- accessibility
- convenience
- price
Every type of birth control has its merits. Some are easier to access, some are more effective, and some are just plain popular for various reasons.
Here’s how they measure up.
Most accessible
If accessibility is at the top of your list, these options are the easiest to get your hands on. In some states, they may be available at pharmacies or online. In some cases, you may not even need a prescription, depending on where you are.
These options include:
- combination birth control pill
- minipill
- Depo-Provera shot
Like other birth control methods, these options are covered by insurance. They are also generally more affordable than some other methods, such as IUDs, if you don’t have insurance.
Birth control pills like combination birth control or the mini pill are usually taken daily. Meanwhile, the Depo-Provera shot is only administered once every three months, which may be ideal for those who prefer a lower maintenance option.
Most effective
All hormonal birth control methods have some effect on flow, but these are some of the best options when it comes to heavy periods. They make periods lighter or stop the bleeding altogether.
- hormonal IUD
- minipill, when used correctly
- extended- or continuous-cycle birth control pill, when used correctly
Unlike many other birth control methods, hormonal IUDs can last between
On the other hand, birth control pills are more easily accessible. They can be a cost-effective option for people who don’t have health insurance.
Most popular
The minipill, or progestin-only pill, takes the top spot as the most popular birth control option for people with heavy periods.
In fact, according to
Extended- or continuous-dose birth control pills are pretty popular, too. This is because of the long period-free intervals, which can be around
This type of birth control also contains a combination of estrogen and progestin. According to
Both birth control methods are easily accessible and affordable options for those with or without health insurance.
| How it works | Frequency of use | Requires procedure? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combination birth control | pill taken by mouth | daily | no |
| Minipill | pill taken by mouth | daily | no |
| Depo-Provera shot | injection | three months | yes |
| Hormonal IUD | inserted into uterus | three to eight years | yes |
| Extended- or continuous-cycle birth control pill | pill taken by mouth | daily | no |
| Progesterone pills | pill taken by mouth | daily | no |
Asking yourself these questions before choosing a type of birth control for heavy periods can help you narrow down your choices for the best pick.
- How effective is it?
- Is it easy to use?
- How comfortable are you with using it?
- What are the potential side effects?
- Will it affect any preexisting health conditions?
- Does it have any other benefits, such as helping with cramps or acne?
- How much does it cost?
If you already have a healthcare professional you’re comfortable with, they might be a good place to start.
But you have other options, too:
- a local health department, which you can find by using this
online directory from the CDC - a health center funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration
- a local Planned Parenthood health center
- telehealth options
Can birth control help with a heavy menstrual flow?
Hormonal birth control can be helpful for people with heavy menstrual flows. According to
Can birth control make your period lighter?
Some types of birth control can make your period lighter by reducing bleeding during menstruation. This includes hormone-based birth control methods like hormonal IUDs, birth control pills, and the Depo-Provera shot.
Can birth control make your period worse?
Starting any new form of birth control can cause changes to your menstrual cycle, including changes in the length or flow of your period.
Though birth control is unlikely to cause heavier bleeding during your period, you may notice changes if you are switching from a hormone-based birth control to a nonhormonal birth control method.
If you do experience heavier bleeding after starting a new form of birth control, be sure to talk with a doctor. They can help determine if other factors may be involved or if another birth control option may work better for you.
Although all hormonal birth control methods have an effect on menstrual bleeding, some contraceptives can be better than others when it comes to heavy periods.
While each type can help, they aren’t all exactly the same. They differ in cost, scheduling, and potential side effects.
It can be help to factor in the following when choosing:
- effectiveness
- accessibility
- convenience
- price
A healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist, can help you decide which birth control methods may be best for you.