Flat stomach symptoms and conditions

Hi everyone ~ I am so glad I have found all of you. I have an appt today to have the Mirena placed. I highly considering canceling the appt now. I have read probably 98% bad and only 2% good. can anyone help me decide what I should do? I was having it placed for my heavy, painful menses, the birth control is/was a bonus feature. really? I shouldn't do this eh? someone please respond.

Wow, what a relief. Thank you all for your stories and experiences with Mirena. I had Mirena placed in May 2009 and like others was not warned about the "discomfort" of the placement. I am 45 and have never had a child and my cervix was understandably angry at the unwanted visitor. I am an athlete and I like to think my pain thresh hold is high, and I almost came off the table with the pain and cramping. I bled for almost a month straight, sometimes heavy. I was told this would subside and it did.

Now three months in I was talking with a nursing buddy of mine (yes I am a nurse, cardiac) and she was telling me of her experience with Mirena and hair loss and blurred vision and weight gain. I am beginning to understand my last few months. Allow me to share. I have gained 10lbs in the last two months and have severe hunger symptoms if I go over 5 hrs without food. My typically flat stomach is now round and I feel bloated all the time. (I have even taken some of my girlfriends diuretics) I have night sweats and a few weeks ago I almost ripped my husbands head off for just a small disagreement. I remember planning our divorce in my mind!! My nipples get so sensitive to touch at times it hurts to wear a bra. I could go on and on but I am convinces this little uterine invader is coming out this week. If my obgyn won't do it, I will find another.

Thank you ladies for sharing, this is how we learn. I will keep you updated

I've been on the Nuvaring for about a year now. At first there were no symptoms and I actually felt a lot better since it made my periods shorter and lighter with less cramps. Recently, my skin has been acting up with rashes on my forearms and between my thighs and even sometimes on my face and lower abdomen! I've always had issues with my skin because I have eczema but it's never acted up this way before and the last time i had it anywhere but where my arm bends was when I was 12!
My attitude has also taken a turn for the worse, I used to be very active and play sports all the time, but since using the Nuvaring my body has changed so much! My flat stomach is gone. :( I feel like I'm always bloated and my weight went from 120 to 135. I attributed all these changes to maybe being disinterested in playing sports or maybe because I'm in a serious relationship, but after reading all these posts I'm sure I'm getting off of the Nuvaring. I haven't had a lessend sex-drive, but I don't orgasm as much as I think is normal. I also had really curly hair before, I thought it straightening out was maybe because I was straightening it too much, so I stopped using the straightener and started using a curl boosting shampoo and conditioner, its been 2 months and I still have not even one curl.

I used NuvaRing for 6 months, and during that time i cried all the time. I was very depressed, I would get upset for every little thing, and i was not in the mood for sex. My boyfriend told me that i should take the NuvaRing out and i did. I felt better, but i gained weight while using NuvaRing, and even more after i stop. I always weight 120 pounds and right now i have 138. Its been 6 months since i stop and did not lose weight. While using NR i had painful periods, spotting between periods, headache, nausea, and depression, and i thought i was pregnant. I went to see a doctor and everything was just fine. The food i loved had different taste while using NR. I would get sick from some food that i loved before using NR. It felt like food poisoning. My doctor told me it is going to take some time until my body adjusts back to normal. I am afraid that my weight is not going to get back to normal. I look like during my period. I always had flat stomach, and now my stomach looks like i am 4-5 months pregnant. I would not recommend NuvaRing to anyone. I would recommend pills, my friends that are on the pill did not have bad experience that i did.I only hope my body is going to get back to normal.

I have always been thin -- not waif-like, but proportional and around a size 8. I never had a six-pack, but did have a flat stomach and good core muscles. The other consistency about my health was that a little extra exercise usually produced quick gains in strength and stamina. Not so much now. Keep in mind that I'm a runner and eat fairly well...

I had my Mirena placed on the day that I finished a 6K -- in May 08. (Literally went home to shower, took a PB&J sandwich to snack on during the procedure lol, and went to the clinic.) It's June 09 and I'm having it removed tomorrow. I've had the weight gain, very oily hair, and I don't care what the doctors say: I can feel that little sucker! My stomach has been bloated-looking for a year. Yet, ANY time I do any sort of ab workout (i.e. a few crunches) I have cramping for the rest of the day. I've gone up a size or two and none of the pants I wore last year fit me. I've had my thyroid checked to make sure it's not burning out... I've second-guessed everything except the Mirena.

I've had back pain, but it's upper not lower... so that's probably unrelated. I was being treated successfully for depression prior to my Mirena being placed... although I have had to up my dosage within the last 6 months. My periods did go away about 6 months in, but if I do strenuous ab activity (like I did on Friday) within a few days I will have bleeding. Like today ;) So, the advantage of fewer periods... not an advantage if you can't even predict the week you will be bleeding!

I had my Mirena put in back in September 08. It has been a nightmare since then. My period last three weeks, I have gained so much weight 25 pound to be exactly even though I exercise it seems like weight is not going down. I've always had a flat stomach, not any more. It is very depressing. I have my mood swings my husband said that's normal on me lol. Sex drive is down the hill, you can imagine I only have one week free of my period. I just made an appointment to have it removed next week. I hope having it removed it will not be as painful as it was when it was put in. I can handle pain but I was not expenting to be cramping for so long.

I am a 35 year old woman, mother of three. I had the Mirena IUD inserted Feb 9, 09. So far, my experience has been NEGATIVE. I just removed it yesterday. I hope to get better soon.

I first want to thank everyone who has shared their experiences. Without you, I wouldn't have confirmed my suspicions. I am NOT going crazy and all these side effects I am having are REAL! I want to share my experience too, in hopes that it will help others.

Since having the Mirena inserted, I have had multiple side effects. My side effects have included:

BLEEDING all the time. Each period I bled 2 1/2 weeks straight with spotting in-between. It may have gotten lighter if I had left it in longer.

WEIGHT GAIN. I am an advid gym goer, a runner and watch what I eat. I have gained 8 pounds in the last two months! The last three weeks I have cut back on calories and increased my workout intensity and have not lost a pound! Usually, I can loose weight easily if I really put effort into it. Since the Mirena, I have been unable to manage my weight.

FATIGUE. I am SO tired all the time. Especially around 3p in the afternoon. I literally feel like I could sleep walk.

MOOD SWINGS. That has been hard. I have had less patience with my family and I am not as happy and chipper as I usually am. I feel blah. My husband and mother have both noticed and have said something to me.

HEADACHES. I normally only get headaches for specific reasons but now I get them all the time. I got headaches easily when I was pregnant, so I know it has to be the hormones.

DIZZINESS. My head feels off.

LOWER BACK PAIN and CRAMPING. I feel like I am PMSing like 2 weeks out of every month. It is constant.

BLOATING. My stomach really protrudes and I've always had a flat stomach area.

I have not had the acne and hair loss problems. I'm sure the Mirena effects everyone differently.

Hope this helps someone. I wish I would have looked up the side effects before I had the Mirena inserted. I would have never done it!.

Good luck to all.

I've had Mirena for 6 months and after 3 children. I've always been skinny/underweight (5'6" 100 lbs) and after having my third child I am now a stable 120 lbs. I am very happy about my weight but the only thing I am not happy with is my stomach. I have always been blaming it on having 3 kids and that my skin on my stomach has just lost its elasticity. I have the same diet and I have also even been exercising a lot more compared to never even before Mirena. I walk at least 1-2 miles everyday and along with that I do pilates concentrating on just my abs. My stomach looks like I'm at least 3 months pregnant. I started to think it might be the Mirena so I googled side effects and came across this page. My stomach got weak as I read only 3 posts as there are many side effects. I don't want to believe it is the Mirena doing this to my stomach because I love how there is no more remembering to take pills and no more periods (only very light spotting for 2-3 days). I have three kids so I can easily forget.

YAZ BELLY!! anyone else got it? I have been on this pill for 9 months now & about to switch back to ortho novum product. Within the first mth of Yaz I developed a very round (almost menopausal or pregnant shape) lower belly. It has increased over the past 8 months to a ridiculous size that no pants fit but go figure....no weight gain for 7 months. How does ones shape change that much with no weight gain?? I actually am diligent on diet & workout 3 - 6 days a week. Have looked the same for 2 years til Yaz. Now I have to size up due to the belly & rollover. Also past 3 months I started to experience ovary pain that has become significantly worse. Ob/gyn brushed off my issues at first & passed me on to GI. I have had every stomach test & all good! Remarkable they say! So back to GI to switch this week. The only plus of this pill has been a much improved complexion & actually unlike the rest of you...increased sex drive. All I want to know is I am the only one with Yaz shape belly??

Ok i have read some of the post and now i am a bit scared about what i have done to myself. I had this put in Sept 23 2008 so i have only had it for about a week. I have two children 18 months old and 2 months old i am 22 years old and cant afford to have any children let alone any more children. So i chose mirena since i got pregnant with my children on the pill and the patches pill with my last one and the patch with the first one.

I paid 878.38 to have it put in and so far i have noticed that i have some poking and sometimes stabbing pain in that area and i have really bad gas and i am afraid to push to have a bm scared that i might push it out since the cervix is still dialiated. so far i don't want to have it removed but wanted to know.

Has anyone had it fall out?
and also what about weight gain, face compelxion,

Im not so worried about sex drive i didn't have one with my boyfriend before i had it put in. I lost my sex drive after i had my daughter who is 2 months old i actually lost it before i had her so thats not a major concern of mine that i think has a lot to do with bi polor anyways and the meds i take. And i haven't noticed any changes in depression maybe because i already take 3 different meds for manic bi polar syndrome.

I have notice some pimples popped up on my chest in the last few days but i thought that could be due to the heat and i was out side for a few days doing a yard sale.

Does anyone have any advice.

Being weaned from Methylpred, for the third time in 1 1/2 yrs. VERY bad side effects from losing weight, to siezures, thin skin,lots of bruising, mood swings, depression, anxiety, shaking. Now that I have been decreased once more, from 42mg daily, to 12 mg, my stomach is enlarging by the day! My body and face are thin, (size 4) however, my waist is now 35" and my lower abdomen is 39". I am totally uncomfortable. I work out daily, watch my caloric intake, but each day my clothes get tighter. Any ideas? Is this normal. Can I hope to get my flat stomach? I was placed on mega doses of steroids, when it was rhought I had Polymyositis. Had leg biopsy---inconclusive, however, steroids seemed to lower CPK numbers after several months. Now Neurologist believes steroids are causing numbers to raise, and weaken my muscles. Yuck! Thanks for any help JN

What a Godsend this website is. I am a 48 year old female, and I have been taking Advair (the lowest dose) for about 2 months now, with steadily worstening side effects. Although I have to admit, my first dose of Advair was like a much need "breath of fresh air", the side effects are not worth it. In fact, I just got off the phone with my doctor, telling her I will no longer be taking the Advair. These were the side effects I have experienced: rapid heartbeat, rib pain, joint pain in my legs and fingers, loose bowels, and a noticeable change in weight / body shape. I have always been complimented on my tiny waist and flat stomach, but as of late I have noticed my waist size increasing, despite my usual exercise. In addition, the most serious and most disturbing side effects are insomnia and the onset of severe depression / anxiety / paranoia. I had issues with depression as a young woman in my 20's with anorexia, with no relapse until I began this medication. Yesterday, I had to pull over to a store parking lot to cry for no reason! If it were not for this website, I would have blamed myself for some sort of mental weakness or unhealthy thinking. Also, I have never experienced anxiety in my life, and while on this medication I have had several episodes of intense panic, where I was convinced I should immediately draft a last will and testament. My vision has been blurring in and out considerably, my voice sounds as if I have larynxitis daily, and I have also experienced profoundly increased thirst and urination. I have not had my blood pressure checked, but I feel like what must be an increase in this, as well. Lastly, the past few days I have noticed severe hair loss, which, until I read this website, I attributed to my recent dieting. (I have been desperately dieting and increasing exercise to try to regain my figure that this medication is apparently ruining. Until this time, I have weighed the same and had the same or stronger body than high school school (5'4'', 115 - 120 lbs.) God bless everyone who has contributed to this website to educate others about the horrors of this medication. My doctor wants to see me to "give me something else", but I am going look into alternative therapies (yoga, breathing exercises, teas, etc.) The comment that made the most sense on this website was the person who wrote "break up with your asthma...begin by taking a deep breath and telling yourself you no longer have asthma." Also, I have seen that God / Jesus can heal anything, so I am going to turn to Him in prayer instead of the doctors. After all, Who created our bodies to begin with? I will add you all to my prayers, and that God will help us all heal from this... both the asthma and the suffering created by Advair.

I have been on nuvaring for two months and have had numerous side effects never thinking to attribute them to the ring. I have complained to all my friends that there is something weird going on with me and I didn't feel right. I thought maybe my thyroid levels were off. I am 43 and started using it at the recommendation of my gyn for pms symptoms. I have gained weight around my middle despite being very active and eating well. I have always had a flat stomach until recently. all my clothes are tight and I feel bloated all the time. I have also had terrible pelvic pain, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, difficulty with orgasms, depression, irritability, stomach discomfort and headaches. I just took it out and am looking forward to being myself again.

I had miren inserted in August 2007....It was easy with no pain. I wasn't gaining weight..I had a flat stomach. I've noticed the entire time that it is painfull, or very sensitive to be on top during sex..I can't do it most of the time because of the pain. If my husband goes to deep or hard, normal sex, nothing crazy..it hurts in my adoman like never before. I've noticed I get the gas, painful cramps that travel through my thighs like I'm having contractions for real. I never know when my period will come, if at all. My abdomen swells like never before whenever it's around some time for a period. I am starting to have acne...I never blamed it on Mirena until I read this. I found this site because I had sex with my husband......afterwards I was having severe abdominal pain and pressure in my bottom as well. My butt was hurting and full of pressure..does anyone have that??? I got scared so I was looking up stuff on the internet. It hurts when I cough and there was just pain and pressure all over. It was hard for me to pee. I have noticed these symptoms before, but they seem to be getting worse or more noticeable like it's a problem. Sorry to get so graphic, but I would like to see if anyone else had or has the same problems. I used to really enjoy being on top and going deep and having my husband deep and having hard sex sometimes. Since I've had the IUD it is not pleasant and I can't do it, it hurts too much. I have always had a flat stomach and now mine is like swollen...I get the gas and I hate it. I switched to Mirena because I was having terrible mood swings on the pill and know I'm thinking I'll take the mood swings. I think I will have the IUD removed....I'm scared my husband will poke it into my stomach during sex. Whenever I have a flare up of pain it usually goes away. This time it took an hour for the pain to go away. That was the worst pain I've had yet that's why I'm on the computer making sure I don't have internal bleeding or something. Scarey.

Hi everyone –

I read this entire thread (wow, but good read)! I will start with the positives and end with the negatives (and yes, I’m going OFF Yaz).

Positives I lost weight (flat stomach due to the diuretic) and spontaneous sex (but the tricky thing is, it takes away your libido or at least mine) – lost about 5 LBs and decreased appetite. 120 to 115 lbs and sometimes 112 – flexuates between 112-115.

Negatives
First month I felt VERY nauseous – took the pills at night but didn’t help. I had some stomach cramps which went away. I had severe migraines (one that made me vomit and I could not move & I was in such unbearable pain I thought I was going to die – seriously (stuck in bed all night – and yes the headaches did stop after 4 months). I felt “spacey” all the time (this was early on, went away) – Best way to describe this would be like drinking a glass or two of wine, I felt a bit numb. I would get as one poster described these brain spurts that zapped me with this dizzy thing that lasted seconds and would go away (nice to read that as I know I’m not alone). Another common side effect I still got up until the 6 month was my ears plugging up (usually in the morning) and it happened a lot and it was from the pill. I also had troubles sleeping and anxiety out of nowhere (all of a sudden I felt too nervous to walk in my bosses office, very bizarre). I had to go in the bathroom and breathe then felt ok.

The week before my period I am MOODY and ANGRY inside and it’s made me feel more withdrawn from my boyfriend. I was never a depressed person before or moody minus occasional crabbiness from lack of sleep or stress. I never had severe PMS to start to it did the reverse for me, made my PMS worse. I have only been on this pill for 6 months to by the way! Curious if it is true about the serotonin in this pill – if there is serotonin isn’t it supposed to make you happy, LOL so I don’t know how much that part is true. Guess I do better a la natural!

My libido is gone but only comes back during aunt flow when I’m taking NO PILLS and I feel happy during my period (and sexual) and my old self (go figure?). the thought of sex doesn’t cross my mind and trust me prior I was like a cat on a hot tin roof (in my 30’s afterall)!

I used to do Ortho for years with headaches but no loss of sex drive or anything then stopped cold turkey for a year. Prior to that I did seasonal and had some hair loss and a brown spot on my face due to the BC.

It’s really hard to find a specialist who really gets in the ins and outs of birth control pills. They should have a dr that works only on BC’s (sorry but most gyno’s don’t really know as they say “everyone is different which is true but c’mon, you guys are way more educated of the pro’s and con’s then they are). I went to see an OBGYN that said “that’s what happens in relationships, you’re libido drops” when I told her, I thought “huh” what kind of DR are you? My regular DR was way better informed but not a specialist (waste of my time and money)! She told me to stop having a period and to take Yaz continuously and gave me more free samples. Wonder how much the manufacturer is paying her? Makes me wonder. I prefer to have a period, that’s when I felt like myself again, ha!

I want lists and stats of all pills same with side effects and percentages of women who experience the same. I wish Oprah would do a show on this – anyone have any connections??? It should be called “Birth Control, what he manufacturers don’t want to tell you” basically you can have condomless sex but the catch is “ you don’t want sex” LOL

Thanks.
Peanut

PS The straw was last Saturday – I was so moody (5 days before aunt flow) and my BF thought I wasn’t into him anymore and I couldn’t shake the withdrawn feeling and today I miss him so much and can’t wait to see him Saturday and I will not be starting my new pack of pills on Sunday –we’re putting Latex back into business  until I research other methods, possibly nuva ring but who knows? Next 2-3 months I don’t want anything in my body besides food and weekend drinks, ha!

Hi, I feel so much better after discovering this site, as I now know I'm not the only one suffering horrible side effects from Yasmin!

I was on it for just over 5 months and last week I just stopped taking it after I realised that the terrible way I was feeling was due to this pill. Anyway, to cut a long story short, the side effects I have are: leg pain and leg/ankle swelling, also cramps, worsening of my bi-polar mood disorder, nausea, increse in severity and frequency of migraines, dizziness, blurred vision, nervousness, fatigue and to me, worse of all, weight gain which is all on my breasts and stomach!

I am 38 years old and I have ALWAYS had a washboard flat stomach, now I have a little pot belly which is freaking me out because I can't fit into or suit my usual clothes which I always chose to emphasise and cling to my waist and stomach! I feel that I want to stop eating, I am so upset, I feel ugly and fat and I just want my flat stomach back! Please tell me I can get it back to normal!

My doctor wants me to start on the mini-pill, but do I need to wait for my side effects to wear off first? Also, does anyone know how long it will teke me to get back to normal, after being on the drug for 6 months? I have been off it now for 6 days and I still suffer from all the side-effects as yet....

I am hoping it is just Advair but I have a gyno appointment tomorrow. I have severe bloating in my adomen without any significant pain. It started a month after starting this Advair and never goes away. It is wrose after eating and I noticed belching which I never had a problem with before unless I have soda. I have dark circles under my eyes which even my husband noticed and a lot of swelling in many areas of my body.
I feel more anxious and have sore throats every morning.
I am going to seek an alternative. Pulmicort gave me a horrible rash on my legs and puffiness so hopefully there is something else I can try. If anyone has any suggestions please help. I used to have a very flat stomach.