WOMEN suffering from debilitating heavy periods will be able to buy a "miracle" drug used to treat endometriosis. Starting tomorrow, the pill called Evana will be available to millions of women at high-street pharmacies across the UK for the first time.
The new drug, containing tranexamic acid, has been proven to reduce period blood loss by up to 60 per cent. People who have taken the medicine have called it a "miracle," with one saying it freed her after decades of being "imprisoned" by her painful cycle, letting her "live life again."
More than 13 million women in the UK suffer from heavy periods, which not only cause increased pain and inconvenience but can also result in anaemia or iron deficiency.
The medicine is already available on the NHS with a prescription for women with heavy periods and endometriosis, a painful condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
From Tuesday anyone with heavy periods will be able to purchase the drug under its brand name Evana over-the-counter (OTC), without seeing a doctor. A prescription will not be needed - only a consultation with a pharmacist.
Dr Fran Yarlett, GP from the contraceptive comparison site The Lowdown, said: "Being able to buy tranexamic acid over the counter is another way we’re finally allowing women to take control of their own reproductive health. Heavy periods are not normal and women shouldn’t have to put up with them. So we’re thrilled Evana is being made easily available."
Understanding Heavy Periods and Their Causes
When it comes to periods, there is a textbook definition of normal. But then there is also what a normal period looks like for you. For some (lucky) people, these definitions overlap; for others, they don't.
The NHS recognises a 'normal period' as losing between 30ml and 60ml, or six to eight teaspoonfuls, each month. A 'heavy' period' is anything more than 80ml.
Another, arguably simpler, way of working out whether your period is heavy is to count the number of pads or tampons you use. Having to change a pad or tampon every one to two hours, or emptying a menstrual cup more often than is recommended, is a sign your period is heavy.
An NHS test can also help reveal whether your periods are heavy and if it's worth seeing your GP.
We spoke to Dr Fran Yarlett, GP and medical director at The Lowdown, about the serious things your heavy period could be telling you. She said: "Heavy periods can be normal for some people. But if your periods have changed and become heavier, this can signify medical problems."
Medical Conditions That Can Cause Heavy Periods
This could include:
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Cancer: In the early stages, cervical cancer can cause heavy bleeding.
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Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus). They can cause heavy periods as the growths can prevent the womb from contracting slowing the period and making them longer.
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Perimenopause: If you're in your 40s and you notice your periods have changed, you could be going through perimenopause.
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Hypothyroidism: Having an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism can reduce your body's ability to coagulate or stop bleeding, leaving you at risk of developing heavy and uncomfortable periods every month.
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Endometriosis: This condition can cause heavy bleeding because endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus and reacts to hormonal changes during your cycle, but since it has no way to exit, it leads to increased bleeding.
How Does Tranexamic Acid Work?
Tranexamic acid reduces bleeding by slowing the body's breakdown of blood clots. It is also used in other situations where bleeding is a concern, such as in some surgeries and as treatment of postnatal haemorrhage.
The medicine was previously available for women with heavy bleeding OTC under two different brand names, but these have since been discontinued and removed from pharmacy shelves. Anna Maxwell, of Maxwellia which created Evana, said: "More than three million women have taken time off work related to period symptoms. In almost half of cases of continued heavy bleeding, no underlying cause is found so women need to have ways to manage it. Heavy and painful periods are common, but they don’t need to be disruptive."
What Users Are Saying About Evana
On drugs.com, a user named 'pushing..' described tranexamic acid as "a miracle." "It really slowed down the flow – instead of every hour, I now only have to use the bathroom every four to five hours," they shared.
Another user, 'dpie', said the medication had "freed" her. "After more than 30 years of being imprisoned by my cycle, I finally can live life again! I am so happy, I just want to shout it from the top of the world!" she exclaimed.
Similarly, 'girli', 45, who had suffered from "disabling" heavy periods for years, called the medicine "amazing." "I have my life back each month," she added.
How to Get Evana
During the pharmacist consultation, women who may have endometriosis will be referred to a GP for further evaluation. Women can purchase a pack of 18 tablets for £14.95 at Boots, with a recommended dosage of two tablets three times daily for up to four days.
The Future of Menstrual Health
The launch of Evana marks a significant step forward in women's reproductive health. It provides a convenient and accessible option for women to manage heavy periods. This increased accessibility to treatment empowers women to take control of their own health and well-being, reducing the social and economic impact of heavy menstrual bleeding.
