I don't normally take birth control pills, but have been told that taking 2-4 of them a day when you first start your period will help lessen the bleeding and the length of time you bleed. Does this have any basis in fact? I've had my tubes tied, so no pregnancy worries. I've also had the ablation where the uterine lining is burned with a laser, but it didn't stop me completely, which usually happens. And, I still bleed heavily for up to 12 days. I'm 45. Any ideas?