I have heavy periods with cramping, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. The last few months in addition to that I've been very tired and lightheaded/dizzy during my period and for a week or so after, probably due to the blood loss. I went to the doctor about a month before the dizziness & fatigue started and we discussed options. Dr was telling me about all the forms of birth control they have now. I told the Dr I didn't want to take something hormonal and Dr started talking about the copper IUD. The copper IUD makes periods heavier. It isn't the birth control that I want, it's something to stop the all the other effects that I feel when I have a period. I've also heard about hormonal birth control causing depression, irritability, etc. and I have enough of that already. I've tried ibuprofen and that doesn't help or just makes my stomach upset.

Does anyone know/use a non-hormonal medication to help with heavy periods & the effects that come along with periods? Maybe someone does take a particular type of birth control and it has no effects on their mood? Ideas of over the counter supplements to try?

I haven't gone to get my hemoglobin tested yet to see if I'm anemic, because if I am I don't want to have my Dr try to convince me to go on birth control and I not have an alternative.