The use of hormonal contraceptives is generally the most effective way to reduce or stop menstruation. The available options are:
- Contraceptives containing estrogen and progestogen in the formula, whether tablets, vaginal ring or transdermal patch;
- Injection of Medroxyprogesterone (Depo Provera®);
- Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD).
Progestogen-only contraceptives are also capable of suppressing menstruation, but in the first few months of use they are more likely to cause unplanned bleeding and leakage.
Other medications that are not hormonal contraceptives can stop menstruation (Danazol, growth hormone analogues, progesterone receptor antagonists and modulators, etc.) but are usually indicated when there is some associated condition being treated and the absence of menstruation is a side effect of using this medication. These medications are not used for the sole purpose of suppressing menstruation.
The removal of the uterus, hysterectomy, is another situation in which the woman stops menstruating. Usually, this surgery is indicated in the presence of uterine pathology that justifies the removal of the uterus.
The use of hormonal contraceptives has some contraindications and should be prescribed by the gynecologist, general practitioner or family doctor.
