If you have dysmenorrhea (the medical term for extremely painful periods), [hormonal birth control can make a big difference](https://www.bedsider.org/features/985). Options like the combination pill or a hormonal IUD can reduce the level of pain and heaviness of your bleeding, basically making it easier for you to live your life when you have your period. There are a bunch of [hormonal methods](https://www.bedsider.org/features/819) that can help regulate your periods, decrease bleeding, or even [make your period go away completely](https://www.bedsider.org/features/284).