heavy periods- birth control alternatives

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.

Birth control affects everyone differently.

I use the depo provera shot and many of my girlfriends tell me that they hated it, for the reasons you stated above. For me, it actually improved my mood and an added benefit is that I do not get a period!

I have an IUD and after having it inserted, stopped having my period altogether. It's the best thing ever, as far as I'm concerned.

Yes, copper IUD makes periods heavier. You need a Mirena IUD, which makes periods lighter (to the point of removing them altogether in 30% of women). I think that Mirena IUD is one of the best things invented by man. Give it a try.