Millions of American women are affected by heavy monthly bleeding (HMB), a medical condition that affects their health. Many people have. periodsThese are so heavy that they restrict daily activities like exercise, childcare, and household management.

According to a study, heavy periods can have a profound impact on women’s health. However, many women remain silent. “Living with HMB: A National Survey of 500 Women,”Harris Interactive conducted the survey online for Ferring Pharmaceuticals in June 2010. Survey results showed that:

* 92 percent of women were very frustrated by having HMB. Nearly half of all women (64%) said that HMB had a negative impact on their leisure, social and physical activities.

* 47 percent could not adequately perform everyday household chores, 37 percent reported HMB negatively impacts their job, and 19 percent said it affects their ability to care for their family.

* HMB was also reported to negatively affect relationships. It was reported by more than 55% that it adversely affected their sex life. HMB was a problem for three-quarters of the women who reported it had a negative impact upon their relationship with their partner or significant other.

* Remarkably, 37 percent had never talked to a doctor about their HMB. 42 percent of those who have not consulted a doctor about their HMB believe it is normal (42%), and/or believe that there is nothing they can do to change it (41%). Some women, 21 percent, who have not discussed HMB (21%) with a healthcare professional were too embarrassed to speak about their condition.

As a doctor, I urge women to stop hiding their concerns about HMB and to seek out help from a healthcare professional. The traditional treatments for HMB have included pain relief medications like ibuprofen, and hormonal contraceptives. These drugs are not FDA-approved.

Lysteda (tranexamic Acid) tablets are also available for women. It is FDA-approved to treat HMB and is the only non-hormonal, non-surgical prescription medication FDA approves.

Clinical studies showed Lysteda to reduce blood loss by around one-third during monthly periods.

Lysteda is taken during the monthly period and for up to 5 days. It has been proven to work across all treatment cycles and even the initial cycle. Lysteda has not yet been tested in adolescents aged 18 and under with HMB.

Talk to your doctor for more information on HMB. www.lysteda.com.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. sponsored this news release