First coil symptoms and conditions

I am aged 42 and I have never had children.
I had my first Mirena inserted in November 2002. I had heavy and painful periods plus I wanted birth control, so Mirena was recommended by my GP. The insertion procedure was sort of painful, but not too bad. I had random cramping and spotting for about 2 years, but after that my periods were barely there. If you had asked me then how I felt I would have said 'fine'. But looking back over the years I can see that I also was suffering from some weight gain, headaches, anxiety and depression. It was mild enough though that I didn't really think it was the Mirena. At that time I was doing a degree at uni plus I was in an unhealthy relationship, so I thought it was down to that. Regardless, I would say that my experience of Mirena (the first time around) was ok.

Then in September 2008 I had the Mirena removed because the 5 year removal date was here. I was feeling fatigued and 'out of balance' anyway so I decided to NOT have another one put in straight away. I wanted try to get 'back in balance' first. When I first had it out I had a mild period that lasted about 2 months. Then after that my periods were regular (and normal), on a 30 day cycle and I am certain that I was ovulating (I was using condoms as contraception). Then after about 9 months of not having the Mirena in, my periods suddenly became heavy and painful. I endured two more heavy painful periods again. It was then that I decided to have a new Mirena put in.

In May 2009, I had a new coil fitted. The insertion procedure was painful and it popped back out almost immediately while I was still on the GP's table. I was told that, although rare, this occasionally happens. So GP discarded that first coil, then had the pharmacy deliver another one. So I waited and waited on the table, then when coil #2 arrived it was inserted with quite a lot of pain. I had mild spotting for about 3 days which then increased more and more until I was bleeding semi heavily. This went on for almost two months. GP told me to 'ride it out' or 'let it settle'. So I waited. During this time (and almost immediatly after it was put in) my hair started falling out...a lot...in clumps. My hair is so thin now! I also have been experiencing weight gain, very bad anxiety, depression and rage/anger/irritability. I am fatigued, can't sleep, have restless legs, back pain, joint pain...and even dizziness, nausea and vomiting! I feel like a train wreck. I also had a blood test and came back that I am now anaemic. My thyroid levels normal.

Ten days ago I had the Mirena taken out. I have been experiencing very heavy bleeding with very large clots ever since...and there has been NO changes so far in any of my symptoms. GP says its normal process when getting 'back in balance' and didn't seem too concerned. I'm still bleeding and still miserable.

I'm just wondering why it was so easy the first time and not so easy this time. What has changed? I was mid 30's when I had the first one put in. I am 42 now...maybe I'm perimenopause or something and my hormones are different. Who knows. I can say though...it really sucks and I totally empathize with everyone else who is in the same boat. Hugs everybody.

I had a Mirena coil fitted about 3 years ago. It was brilliant. I had it fitted because I suffered terribly with painful periods. Not heavy though. I had it for about a year, then had it removed to try for a baby with my partner. I already have a 19 year old son. I didn't get pregnant, now, I believe a good thing, and I had a second Mirena fitted. Let's put it this way, it's not acting like the first one did. I get headaches, hot flushes, bloating, depression, crying, muscle ache, especially arms and hands. I have dizzy spells, and can't stand around for a while as I feel faint. I am overweight, and always intend to do some exercise, and control eating habits a bit, but when your mind isn't right, how can you? It's a vicious circle. Obviously I appreciate that some of how I feel is my weight issue, but as I said, it's hard to do anything about it when you can't get the incentive because your mind is working overtime! The bleeding though, is basically the same as the first coil. It stopped near enough straight away, but at this moment I am having what isn't really a period, but is stranger and little heavier than spotting! I also get sharp pains now and again at the moment, and am very bloated. Doctor said about a month ago, that the coil could still be settling! We will see! Any replies would be great, I hope I haven't rambled on!!! Ha.. Pauline, Gloucestershire