Best Treatment for Heavy Periods?

Can you give me your opinion on thermal ablation? I'm 45 and am having very heavy (flooding) type periods. My doctor has suggested in lieu of birth control pills or hysterectomy to have thermal ablation.
Thermal ablation is used to control excessive menstrual bleeding by removing a thin layer of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. It is an outpatient procedure that may eliminate the need for a hysterectomy, but it is invasive and should be used only when less drastic methods have failed. My colleague Monica Stokes, MD, a gynecologist practicing in San Francisco, explains that thermal ablation uses direct heat delivered with a rollerball, rod, or a hot water balloon to burn away the uterine lining. The device is inserted via the vagina so no surgical incisions are required. Patients are sedated or given pain relievers prior to the procedure.

Heavy bleeding is common as women approach menopause. The blood loss can result in anemia and can limit your activities. Usually, doctors first recommend non-invasive treatment with birth control pills in an effort to slow or stop the bleeding. Dr. Stokes tells me that the pill works well for some women but doesn't take effect immediately - you may have to wait three months or more for results. A family history of breast cancer may also make this a less desirable option. An alternative that may help is taking one tablet of Aleve when bleeding begins and then one tablet every eight to 12 hours during the days of heaviest flow. Read more...