How do medical treatments for heavy periods work?
A:Combined oral contraceptive Pill.
During the first 14 days of a natural menstrual cycle, the lining of the womb (endometrium) is stimulated by oestrogen alone. Under the influence of the oestrogen the endometrium becomes thicker (proliferates Figure 2.3). Following the release of the egg (ovum ovulation), about 14 days before the next period is due, the endometrium comes under the influence of progesterone as well as oestrogen. The combined oral contraceptive pills contain combinations of oestrogen and progestogen (1). Each pill contains both hormones. They are usually taken cyclically for 21 days with a 7-day gap. One of the effects of the progestogen is to keep the lining of the uterus thin so that in the event that an egg is fertilised, the lining of womb cannot allow implantation, thus preventing pregnancy. As the endometrium is relatively thin and underactive, the monthly withdrawal bleeds tend to be lighter.
