HI there, I was wondering if anyone out there has noticed differences in themselves after having the Mirena IUD inserted. I have had it in now for almost 15 months. There are days where I just feel like I could explode on the world (I was never like this on the pill) or cry at a drop of the hat. I have also had this itchy scalp now for about the same amount of time that I have had it inserted. I'm wondering if the two could possibly be linked. I have also gained about 10lbs over the last year on it (I had lost all my baby weight when it was inserted) even though am not eating any more than I was previously and am actually getting out there and exercising and moving more now that I'm chasing after 2 toddlers under 3. In January when I went for my yearly check-up and all that fun female stuff, I also had all the necessary bloodwork done to check my thyroid because that's what the dr thought was causing the weight gain. My thyroid levels checked out fine. I love the IUD in the sense of not having to worry about remembering to take the pill everyday but am starting to wonder if its really worth it if its doing harm to me. So I'm really just wondering if anyone else out there that has it has noticed differences in themselves as well.
I had mine taken out -- the doctor had assured me that the amount of the medication it released was so small I'd never noticed, but I did notice and had a lot of the symptoms I'd had while taking the pill. It did make me feel pretty bad and frequently pms-y. I felt much better after it was removed. I had a regular non-medicated iud inserted. My periods are much heavier, but there are none of the other side effects.
Hi Jessica -
I am very sensitive to hormones even in small doses, and when I was using the mirena IUC I had all my same "typical" reaction to the progesterone: random bouts of nausea, tiredness, and just a general icky feeling all the time (I react like I am in the early months of pregnancy with all the side effects). It got so bad, I had it removed.
I, too, really liked not having to worry about getting pregnant, as the IUC is the most reliable form of birth control (it's something like 99.98% effective in ANY situation. I got pregnant while using the Nuvaring CORRECTLY). I now have a different IUC: its called the Paraguard, and has no hormones in it whatsoever. It is plastic and t-shaped like the mirena, but has a small amount of copper at the tips. The copper upsets the ph balance in the uterus (unnoticeable to you) so you cannot get pregnant - and I have not had a single side effect. Like with the Mirena, the first few months you have it in your periods might be a little heavier than usual, but that goes away (I had 2 periods of heavy bleeding, but no discomfort) and leaves you with shorter, lighter periods --- I now spot for one to two days a month, and that's it.
I love the paraguard - I've had it in for 8 months now, and am VERY happy with it. What is also nice about this IUC is that you can have it taken out at any time for any reason, and not have any artificial hormones left in your body to keep you from getting pregnant if you wish to.
Ask your OB about it.
Just as a supplimental edit, here is a list of IUD or IUC birth control methods and their effectiveness from a medical website:
Copper T IUD (Intrauterine Device) – An IUD is a small device that is shaped in the form of a "T." Your health care provider places it inside the uterus. The arms of the Copper T IUD contain some copper, which stops fertilization by preventing sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. If fertilization does occur, the IUD would prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus. The Copper T IUD can stay in your uterus for up to 12 years. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. This IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. You will need to visit your doctor to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems. Not all doctors insert IUDs so check first before making your appointment.
Progestasert IUD (Intrauterine Device) –This IUD is a small plastic T- shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. It contains the hormone progesterone, the same hormone produced by a woman's ovaries during the monthly menstrual cycle. The progesterone causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm cannot reach the egg, and it changes the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot successfully implant. The Progestasert IUD can stay in your uterus for one year. This IUD is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. You will need to visit your doctor to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems. Not all doctors insert IUDs so check first before making your appointment.
Intrauterine System or IUS (Mirena) – The IUS is a small T-shaped device like the IUD and is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. Each day, it releases a small amount of a hormone similar to progesterone called levonorgestrel that causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm cannot reach the egg. The IUS stays in your uterus for up to five years. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. The IUS is 99% effective. The Food and Drug Administration approved this method in December 2000. You will need to visit your doctor to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems. Not all doctors insert the IUS so check first before making your appointment
The Hormonal Vaginal Contraceptive Ring (NuvaRing) – The NuvaRing is a ring that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. You squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger and insert it into your vagina. You wear the ring for three weeks, take it out for the week that you have your period, and then put in a new ring. The ring is 98 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. You will need to visit your doctor for a prescription and to make sure you are not having problems. This birth control method is not recommended while breastfeeding because the hormone estrogen may decrease breast milk production.
I hope someone has something positive to say about it...I am thinking of havng one placed next month.
You are all making me think twice!
Adding...Diana T has a very good point!! Also I didn't think of this before but there are times, about three in the past three years that I have had a very itchy scalp. I have had two babies in the past three years so my hormones have been up and down and on the mini pill off again on again and now nothing…but I always thought it was an allergic reaction to something I ate. Something to look into…
You know, I have had three of my own kids, and fostered lots of others, and met many,,,,,,,moms. I believe that there are other things you can do for birth control. You have allowed something foreign and man made to be placed into your body. Think about it, of course, your body isn't happy with it.
Even the pill is better than a foreign object. IUD's used to be metal, and are now a synthetic plastic. Have you ever smelled new plastic? I think you will find there is a chemical oder. Toxins, can and are probably leeching into your body and your body is reacting. My advise, get it removed.
Thank you everyone for the advice. I have a 19 year old neice that just gave birth and I have been on her case about getting a IUC. You have given us more things to think about. Please keep the testimonies coming!
I also have the Paraguard IUD...I love it and have been loving it for 5 years now...=)
Hi, Jessica,
I had the mirena inserted last May, and in about a month I had little itchy bumps all over my scalp that would come and go but boy, did they itch. At first, I thought it was because of a new dye, but then I started getting acne (I've never had acne, not even as a teenager) and little itchy bumps plus acne on my neck and shoulder. I'm also moodier.
Not everyone has side effects but some of us do. I went online and looked and soome other people have had similar problems. So I definitely think it's the Mirena. I'm to the point where I'm about to go get it removed.
Best wishes,
Jessica P.
I had the IUD removed after about a year and a half. I had the depo at my 6 week check up after my youngest and I felt like I was injected with the devil! I thought the Merena IUD would be a good option since the hormones were supposedly similar to the pill and I'd never had a problem with that before. For a year and a half I struggled with daily headaches, irritability and acne -and weight gain (and I think other things that I've forgotten already!). I was sure it was linked to the IUD although my doctors didn't think so. Then I started bleeding pretty much every day of the month after a year and a half so I just said, I'm done and had it removed. All my symptoms disappeared. I was relieved but then the whole birth control issue became a problem. After it was removed I tried several different pills and my headaches and other symptoms returned. I have since stopped everything and it's my hubby's turn to think about birth control now.
I'm sure the symptoms you are having are related to the IUD. Let me know what happens!
Hi there - I have noticed some changes since having the mirena inserted as well. What I have noticed most for me is the emotional stuff. I feel way more edgy and PMSy than I ever have. One day I even told my husband I just wanted to go and rip it out cause I felt a little crazy. I have never had bad PMS or emotional mood swings like I do now. I don't like that part but I like you like the fact that I don't have to think about taking a pill or about getting pregnant. I don't know how much longer I can be on it.
Okay I actually have something positive to say about it. I have had my IUD in now for over three and a half years I absolutly LOVE it. I gained weight only when I was on the pill. I hated the pill, always forgot to take it and gained all my baby weight back. I got the IUD for the peace of mind of knowing there was no way I could get pregnant again. The IUD has less hormanes in it then the pill so it should not cause any side affects such as weight gain and depression. You should really consult with your doctor about your symptoms. Also, you didn't say how old you are. Your weight gain could have something to do with you age. But like I said earlier, talk with your doctor. We are not doctors and they know what they are doing. Good luck.
Hi There,
I wish I had an answer for you, but actually, I am interested in the responses you get because I am trying to decide between the copper IUD and the Mirena.
Hi Jessica
I have had Mirena in for a year now and have not experienced the side effects you are describing. But I know that everyone has a different reaction to hormones. What I did want to ask you is have you had your thyroid levels checked (TSH)? Before I knew I had a thyroid problem I had issues with weight fluctuations and itchy scalp/hair loss. Since diagnosis I take daily medication but am back to my normal self. Thyroid issues are very common in women. Maybe ask your doctor what she/he thinks?
Good Luck
Courtney
HI Jessica,
I didn't like having an IUD. I had one after the birth of my daughter and though they say that you can't feel it in there I always did. I also didn't have a period during the time I had it which was only a few months, but would go through times of having symptoms of a period...bloating, irritability etc... As soon as I had it removed I had a period and relief!!!
I went back to the pill for now. I agree with what someone else said... I think the men need to think about being responsible for birth control once it's agreed that we're done having babies...
Good luck
I've had the Mirena for about a year now. Every couple of months I have PMS-like symptoms, and once in awhile I have a light period, but it used to be way worse for me. It's funny you say that about itchy scalp though, because my head has been very itchy! Don't know if it's related! Compared to being on the pill, I find Mirena to be much easier. I doubt it has contributed to your weight gain. That's probably more about a changing metabolism. But talk to your doctor about all the things you mentioned and see what she has to say.
I am not firmiliar with the new IUD's but I had one that perverated my uterus 35 years ago. I think that and cramps are the only side effects. I am not sure but ask your Dr.
I've had the same IUD for about 15 months as well.I've had an itchy scalp, acne (that I never had before) lower back pain (started when I had the IUD inserted) and constant PMS. I figured the latter was because of the IUD but i never thought that the itchy scalp or Acne was relate to it as well until i read some of the responses. I too have struggled with my weight even though i am more active now and eat so much healthier. I was going to wait it out but 5 years seems too long now.
My GYN recommended the Mirena to combat the side effects of fibroids. The first year was great, the last 3 months was a disaster. I did gain some weight over the 15 months, maybe about 8 lbs, which may not seem like a lot but given how steady my weight has been since I was a teenager, was very noticeable. Towards the end of my use, my abdomen started to swell quite noticeably. My GYN said I had developed an autoimmune reaction to the plastic part of the Mirena and removed it. Five months later, I was diagnosed with UMCTD (Undifferentiated Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder) which is related to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. Personally, I have suspicions that the Mirena actually caused this condition. I wouldn't go near a Mirena again with a ten foot pole.
I was also very sensitive to the hormones in it and experienced many, many sypmtoms. One such was weight gain - and a lot of it! Within 3 months of having it removed it had nearly all 'melted' off again (all this after the gyn told me I was crazy to think the 2 were related - pretty much just telling me I was fat). I didn't do anything different, the entire time watching what I ate, being very careful about enough calories but not too many, watching fat intake, careful to make sure I had ample vits. and protein and other necessaries. I ran between 10-15 miles every day. If you are sensitive to the pill, don't go for this IUD! I have heard a lot of positives about it, so it just depends on how your body in particular responds. Good luck!!
Hi Jessica,
I also had problems with the mirena, although slightly different. After my first child, I had bad acne for about 6 months but it cleared and then I loved it. After my second, I got super bad acne that never cleared, bad cramping at my period and emotional ups and downs. These symptons did not come on until I quit nursing when my son was a year old. I had it removed 6 months later and the acne immediately cleared up, the cramping got better (although I found out I have mild endometriosis), and the emotions leveled (my husband my not agree...ha ha ha).
If you just quit nursing, I'd give it a few months to see if the side effects go away because if they do, it's awesome. My period was very light, almost gone and I never had to think about it. I was sad to go back on the pill again.
Hope this helps!
Caron