I am 42 and my periods are very heavy and last too long. what can i do to help this?

Need to be evaluated: Heavy periods can be due to hormonal problems or due to anatomical problems like benign growth from the muscle of the uterus called fibroids, polyps in the lining of uterus or less likely due to adenomyosis(this is a form of endometriosis of the uterus). No matter what , prolonged heavy periods can make you anemic . You would really benefit from seeing a gyn , and getting an ultrasound.

Options await you: Abnormal periods need evaluation; sonogram, lab tests. Non-surgical options include: birth control pills. Lysteda (non-hormonal rx taken during period), Mirena (levonorgestrel) iud. Minimally invasive options: endometrial ablation (in-office), hysteroscopy polyp removal or fibroid resection; and only if these treatments fail then consider hysterectomy - vaginal or laparoscopic if possible.

Endometrial ablation: There are lots of treatment options you can discuss with your doctor. Lysteda is a nonhormone medication designed for heavy periods. Some benefit from birth control pills, patch or nuvaring. Mirena (levonorgestrel) iud can stop your period in some cases. Consider an endometrial ablation such as genesys hta if you are done having children. These can be done in the safely and comfortably in the office.