November 3th
2009
10:27 PM
I started taking Loestrin24 Fe in July...At this point I'm on my 4th package....The first 2 months, I missed my periods (even though I had some bleeding but not when I was taking the placebo pills). I would usually get some bleeding on the 2nd of week of active pills. My third month was normal, I was so happy. Unfortunately, now I am on my 4th pack and 15th day onto it, I have some really heavy bleeding with terrible cramps (cannot deal without taking pain killers). Today is my 3rd day of bleeding and really bad cramps which makes me really scared.....Don't know what to do...Any suggestions???
-- By lkorenov | Reply | Private Message me
November 2th
2009
11:49 AM
I am 49 years old and got the Mirena for heavy bleeding / perimenopause systems. I was told I would probably stop having periods a couple months after insertion and that appealed to me. I had it put in place on Friday October 30. Insertion was uncomfortable but over quickly and I did not bleed much as a result. I woke up Saturday nauseous with a head ache and tingly feelings in my extremities. I also felt this thing inside me. I laid on my side, I could feel it. I felt a heaviness inside. I took tylenol and Pepto for headaches and nausea but it persisted. I felt very tired and my skin itched. Sunday the same thing. Tingling, headache, nausea and the sensation of having a foreign object inside. My abdomen hurt too. I took tylenol and Pepto but as the day went on I felt worse. I wanted it out! I called a Consulting Nurse who recommended I go to Urgent Care. I went to Urgent Care last night. My blood pressure was very high as well. The Dr said it was a reaction to the hormone. I got the think taken out and felt immediately better. Today my skin itches but that will go away. I have decided to try natural Progesterone cream and other natural methods vs. synthetic hormones.
-- By wberry22 | Reply | Private Message me
October 29th
2009
2:02 PM
I'M SO GLAD THAT I FOUND THIS WEB SITE BECAUSE I JUST DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH ME. I THOUGHT I WAS JUST FALLING A PART. I HAVE HAD THE MIRENA FOR 14 MONTHS AND I HAD HEAVY BLEEDING FOR THE FIRST 8 MONTHS AND THAT ENDED. I HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES, INSOMNIA, DEPRESSION AND NUMBNESS AND TINGLING IN MY FEET. SOME MORNINGS I WAKE UP AND IT'S LIKE I CAN'T GET OUT THE BED BECAUSE I HAVE JOINT PAIN. I'M ONLY 38 YR OLD. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE THE MIRENA. ONE LAST THING I HAVE ALSO LOST THE DESIRE FOR SEX! IT'S GONE. I'M IN THE PROCESSING OF TRYING TO GET THIS THING OUT OF ME. ASAP . LADIES THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU GET THE MIRENA.
-- By malpatwen | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 27th
2009
1:15 AM
Hi, my name is B. and I am 24, this is my first time using birth control and I have been on Femcon FE for a little over one month now. I always had irregular periods, sometimes i skipped, sometimes i bleed for an excessive amount of time. The reason why I was put on birth control now is because I had very heavy bleeding, which i clotted badly, passed out, was extremely dizzy, and so forth. It is normal to have periods like that in my family but after a few days i went to the hospital cause i noticed that my situation was getting worst, i was told I was anemic and i had to have 4 units of blood transfusions...
My gyno put me on Femcon FE and i was told to take two a day to stop the bleeding first off, she also gave me additional meds for the nausea. Well, at first I stopped bleeding for about a week and after the week was up I went down to one pill, well I started spotting, but my gyno told me that was normal. A few more days has past and my bleeding is getting heavier, not as bad before, so my gyno told me to start taking two a day again, and i did and still am. Well I am STILL bleeding, and I have been bleeding for 16 days now. I have been taking Femcon FE for a little over a month and I am almost done with the 3rd month's package of Femcon FE.
Some of the side effects I have been feeling:
-vaginal cramps (some REALLY painful)
-depression
-moodiness
-being tired most days
-some weight gain
-bleeding
Since reading these stories you have shared with me, I am going to discuss with my gyno on Thursday about maybe trying a new birth control, so thank you for your opinions.
-- By brittney4104 | Reply | Private Message me
October 26th
2009
10:57 PM
I began using the loestrin 24 almost 5 months ago. I was having severe cramping and heavy bleeding, which prompted my doctor to prescribe this pill. It was my first time in more than 20 years trying a bc pill and in the past I only used the pill about 2 months, because it caused severe bleeding then. When I began Loestrin 24 fe, I was not sexually active, and only began a sexual relationship within the last 2 months. My boyfriend, uses a condom in addition to the bc I use. Recently, we talked about trying to conceive. He stopped using a condom close to a month ago. I had noticed nausea from time to time, but didn't really think about side effects of the pill. The other day, after getting nauseated again, it occurred to me I might be pregnant. I have spent the last 2 days trying to figure out if that might be the case. I was loving the Loestrin, my last couple of months have been virtually pain free. However, after reading the signs of pregnancy and side effects of Loestrin, I am noticing they are very similar. I have been experiencing headaches for about 2 weeks now, non stop, nausea, abdominal cramping (although nothing compared to my menstrual cramps), fatigue, depression, increased appetite and recently frequent peeing. The only side I haven't experienced that many women above describe is breast tenderness. The tenderness, however, was something I'd experience before BC. I'm getting off because I decided to conceive, but I was very disappointed with the false signs of pregnancy. I don't think I'd like to go through that on a regular basis.
-- By just_jae | Reply | Private Message me
October 25th
2009
8:52 PM
I had mine removed this week - thank the lord above!!! However, it has been rough and be forewarned that I experienced horrific cramping and HEAVY bleeding for nearly five days. I also had terrible back pains and some pain down my legs as well as some mental fogginess. I only had it in about one month and had gained 3 pounds and outgrown my bras! So now, two boxes of tampons later, I finally stopped bleeding altogether about 24 hours ago and the cramping has subsided. I feel mentally clearer and, believe it or not, have some semblance of libido - my husband is thrilled!
I am exploring other options for managing hormonal changes in perimenopause - including evening primrose oil and am still doing lots of yoga (even during the pain periods I did lots of yoga to help me manage)...Mainly, I feel so betrayed by the doctors (two women half my age) who insisted my symptoms were "all in my head" - to those of you planning for removal I encourage you to tell the medical professionals you work with that you are NOT crazy and NOT the only one experiencing these side effects. I personally believe that many women get too much progestin in the Mirena (which is not Progesterone, either) and this, in addition to overloading our estrogen, is enough to make us completely insane and miserable. I say let nature work its course as regards my own perimenopause and to those out there using Mirena for birth control I managed to avoid pregnancy with little concern using natural/rhythm methods and condoms as well as a diaphragm, conceiving my two beautiful (now teenage) sons without any intervention from hormones except my own. I am going to do peri and menopause the same way here on out. !!!!
Would love to hear how long it took for weight and stomach fat to go away after the removal from anyone who has been there - I eat very healthfully and exercise daily so I knew the pregnant look I got after that month with the Mirena was not due to one too many cookies )as my doctor seemed to infer !
-- By laurafresh | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
October 9th
2009
7:16 PM
I was on Yasmin for about 5 years. I had no problems and my skin was great and i lost weight. it took my periods from 7 days of heavy bleeding to 3 to 4 days of light bleeding with no cramps. The only reason i switched to a different BC is that i wanted less periods and cause of the recall that was out for Yasmin at the time. i am now on the generic for seasonal with no problems.
-- By amandya | Reply | Private Message me
October 5th
2009
11:16 AM
I have been considering the Mirena on the advice of a GYN specialist due to my fibroids (heavy bleeding/clots-hugh). When the doctor describe it, it sounded like something I might consider. But I told him I wanted to do some research on my own and discuss with my husband. I am currently taking the Depo-shot which my insurance doesn't cover - reason for considering Mirena- anyway after reading this blog, I know I am not getting the Mirena, might as well stay with the Depo side effects similar. I think in the end I may opt for the ExAblate procedure. WOW what we women have to endure. But I thank God for this site.
-- By newfaith | Reply | Private Message me
October 2th
2009
11:54 AM
I have been on Yasmin for 5 yrs now and was diagnosed with a heart condition at 16 yrs old and dealt with it for 2 years, I started have really bad cramps and going 2-3 months with no period and 2 months of straight bleeding! I came off of Yasmin (Yaz) 6 months ago and since then have come off my heart medication and have had no other problems with my heart. I changed from Yasmin to Ortho Tri Cyclin and have experienced severe cramping heavy bleeding and horrible low back pain! My dr just proscribed me Loestrin, I'm gonna try it at least anything can be better than having a period for 2 months straight and severe pain!! Anybody had problems like mine on OTC?
-- By pianochic | Reply | Private Message me
September 24th
2009
3:59 PM
Hello,
I also had Mirena for a few months and did not like it. I experienced cramping comparable to labor pains, weight gain, mood swings, oily hair, hair loss, anxiety, felt depressed most of the time, and also zero sex drive. Since I had it removed I have experienced the heavy bleeding, and clear watery and stretchy discharge kind of when your ovulating so I'm not sure if I am ovulating or if it's just hormonal changes. I however don't like it. I also had mood swings after having it removed. It's been two months since I had it removed and I feel a lot better than when I was using Mirena.
September 22th
2009
3:44 PM
I got my Mirena in October of 2005 when I was 37. Prior to that I'd had two surgeries to remove fibriods and had severe heavy bleeding (life threatening, actually). My new husband was scared to death that he'd married a truly defective woman! ;-) So when my doc suggested the Mirena, I was thrilled with the idea. Insertion was painful, but bearable even though I'd never had children. I had a rough couple of months with cramping and such after insertion, but I attributed it to going off a high-dose BCP after 17 years. My body had an adjustment period to get through. After insertion and a little spotting, I never had another period. To this day, 4 years later, I haven't had a period. After all the bleeding issues, I think I was willing to accept a few other side-effects to be flow free.
Fast forward 4 years - my symptoms? SEVERE lower back pain (I had no idea that Mirena could cause this until about a month ago), weight gain despite picking up a new sport and being much more active than previously (I've put on 40 lbs in 4 years despite trying to lose), and vanishing sex drive. I've not been abnormally moody, but I have seriously lost my ability to multi-task. I would never have connected that to the Mirena until reading this site. I've got an appointment with a new doc tomorrow (we recently moved) and my hope is that I'll be able to get the Mirena out at the same appointment. The back pain has gotten so bad that I'm actually occasionally missing work. If I bend over, I cannot stand up again without using my arms to push off something because my back is so weak. For the past 4 years, I've basically changed the way I function in the world in order to deal with it without even thinking about what I was doing. At this point, it's bordering on being debilitating and it has definitely gotten worse over time.
The weight gain has really been difficult. I've always had to fight my weight but in the past, I was able to maintain at the high end of 'normal'. Now, not so much despite eating a much better diet and getting significantly more (and more consistent) exercise than I ever have in my life.
Looking back, I'm trying to come to terms with why I've ignored these symptoms for so long. It's hard for me to truly remember, but I was so distraught with the blood loss and problems I had back then that I know I was willing to remain blind to other factors to be 'cured' of that. Honestly, as much as I can't wait to get this out now, I don't think I made the wrong choice at the time.
Let's see how I feel in a couple of months post Mirena.
-- By cat68 | Reply | Private Message me
September 17th
2009
10:21 AM
What a MISTAKE! I had my dreadful Mirena INSTALLED September 2. My doctor had me convinced this was the answer to my prayers. It was suppose to control my heavy painful periods. I was not using it for birth control. Unfortunately the effects were exactly the opposite. I have a very high pain tolerance, but when I got home from the dr. office the pain was more like labor pains than menstrual cramps. When the excessive bleeding, cramping, bloating, lower back pain persisted I started to look for answers. I was so grateful to find this site! It has been pure torture trying to live with this thing in me. I am happy to share I just had it removed. I only lasted 15 days! My husband came with me because he has never seen me so weak, in pain, dizzy and light headed. All symptoms from the excessive amount of blood loss. I am confident that the women who shared their stories truly helped me to make the right decision today. Thank you
-- By sjtaylor | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 16th
2009
11:22 PM
I am 29 and have started taking bc for the first time in about 6 years. I have never taken Loestrin 24Fe before, but I told my doctor that I always took a low dose bc in the past and I was prescribed with this. I am on my fourth week of the pill and I have been bleeding the last two weeks. For the last two days the bleeding and cramping has been intense and I am passing huge blood clots all day. I am bloated all day and constantly hungry! I have become very sensitive to smell and feel nauseous on and off throughout the day. I came to the conclusion that I am going to stop taking this pill.....I cannot wait it out any longer. I have always had horrible menstrual cramps, but the heavy bleeding and cramping for the last two weeks has made me realize that this is not for me.
-- By 24fe | Reply | Private Message me
September 15th
2009
10:59 PM
I have been given three procedures with kenalog injections. First was in May when I has an epidural for my work related back injury. Though I received little pain relief from the epidural, I began to have menstrual spotting only a week after my regular period ended. This spotting continued every day for about three weeks. I had a normal end of June, beginning of July period. I started my next period the Friday before my first SI joint injection with Kenalog which was Wed. Aug 5th. Well from there my period never ended. Since then I've spotted everyday and all day long. I am sore from having to wear pads all the time. I went next to my f/u appt where they gave me another SI joint injection. I did tell them about this bleeding, but they weren't concerned. So here I am still spotting until today. This morning I woke up feeling fine besides my usual spotting I've had. Got to work, was working for about an hour to so and began to cramp. Went to bathroom and passed a clot about the size of the palm of my hand. And then consisted to have heavy bleeding soaking a pad in about 1.5-2.0 hour time. During the whole spotting I've had, I took preg. tests, with most recent one a week ago and was neg. My other concern is I have an IUD-the copper Paragard. Called my OB-GYN and she wanted to see me right away. Left work and on my way there (45 min. drive) I began feeling lightheaded and weak. My mom ended up driving me the rest of the way. Anyway, everything checked out fine-IUD ok, neg preg test, no chance for tubal preg. Was told must be side effect of the Kenalog. I've been bleeding for like 6 weeks and am soooo sore from pads all the time. I am on light duty due to my work injury and I feel I should be covered for today and tomorrow because OB-GYN wants me on bed rest to stop this heavy bleeding. I feel I should be paid under Workers' Comp since these missed days are related to a complication from the treatment of my work related injury. Any suggestions or comments from anyone?
-- By mlbair | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 13th
2009
12:01 PM
I'm 32 years old, never taken bc or been pregnant in my life. My gyn recommended loestrin24 for my CONSTANT pelvic pain and very heavy, crampy, painful 7-8 days periods. I started taking it, i had some spotting during the first set of pills and some heavier bleeding on the last four pills of my pack. When i started the second set of pills my pelvic pain grown and i had an ultrasound showing a 2cm cyst and also a mildly fibroid uterus.The gyn said just stick to the pill and once it starts kicking in, i will feel a lot better. Well i'm not. I started and extremely heavy bleeding on the 16th day of my second set of pills, 4 days went by and still bleeding, crampy. I started reading this board cause i'm on the edge to finish taking this pill.
-- By avud | Reply | Private Message me
September 1th
2009
10:09 PM
I had mine inserted in August of 2008. Dr. attempted first insertion and realized my cervix was curved so had me take medication to soften it and come back for insertion the next day. Yes, it hurt going in (1 minute of severe pain) but comparing it to two painful births I have has plus severe cramps I used to experience monthly, it was well worth it for me. I have only had one side effect and that was feeling lightheaded at times within 3 months of insertion. Other than that, I have been pleased at my very light periods (four days with only pantyliners needed) and lack of cramps. I have not experienced any of the other symptoms many others have experienced and neither have the three people I know who have also had Mirena inserted and are happy with it. I am glad I did not read this board before having mine inserted because it would have steered me away from it and I truly feel that having had it put in, I am functioning well after experiencing 25 years of intensely painful periods and 10 days of heavy bleeding. I feel like a new person!
-- By momof2mi | Reply | Private Message me
September 1th
2009
7:44 PM
****KENALOG CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT****
Need a list of people that want to join Kenalog class action lawsuit A.S.A.P Please email me with name,state and all side effects. Include if you were treated for the side effects from a Doctor and/or hospitalized.
******
August 30th
2009
2:11 AM
So I am reading all of the posts and Like the woman who posted on the 28th , I had and mirena after my 3rd child and then just this May after my 4th child. My first Experience with the Mirena was a little painful going in had 1-2 periods after and then not a period until I had it taken out. I can not say that it was or wasn't affecting my mood as my life was VERY stressful for many reasons. It was Placed in FEB of 2004 and then I had it taken out in June of 2006 because I felt like my body was rejecting it and I was totally uncomfortable and as soon as it was out I got my period. I thought this was normal and all my periods seemed Normal after that. My husband and I used condoms for the next few months for fear that I may be very fertile and then went back to our original family planning method. ( I had Never been on BC prior to the Mirena except for two months as a teenager for cramps) After having our 4th child, who was planned (3rd child was not planned that is why we decided on the Mirena at all) we were not sure if he would be our last and my OB thought I was too young to decide so another Mirena seemed like a good solution. I had it placed this may during my period and it was fine. I thought it was going to be just like the last one, I WAS MISTAKEN. I have had my period almost every 20days they are heavy and last about a week. I feel like my insides are falling out and I just got my period this morning and I had it two weeks ago. I have been unbearable to everyone in my Family and Ended my vacation today by storming off for five hours alone trying to deal my suicidal thoughts!!!! I came on the computer to search for a reason why I would have my period within two weeks of each other and founds this site. So much of this makes sense that it scares me. I have had a both experiences and am still trying to take in that my actions tonight may have been induced by my Mirena. Never would I have thought I would feel like this after my first experience but now thinking back maybe my coping skills with what was happening in my life then would have been better. As far as the weight When I had the first one Out I went from a size 14 to a size 6 (that at one point were big) in almost 2 months.... This time I have lost weight but I was also put on antidepressants which there side affect is weight loss!!! I am sorry if this is all over the place but my thoughts are all jumbled as I am trying to make sense of this.... I really never thought it was the Mirena until I read these Blogs!!!
-- By zorocomama | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 28th
2009
1:01 PM
My 17 year old daughter is on Yasmin and has been for over a year. She is taking it to regulate her periods and heavy bleeding. We have not noticed any side effects at all. She has a learning disability and a low IQ. She is also on Buspar for anxiety which she has had long before Yasmin. She is also on Strattera for her ADD. Now, after reading and hearing about all these terrible side effects such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blood clots, etc. I am going to ask our doctor about this. I read one post that said if you were on Yasmin and you had to take Motrin you should have blood tests...what kind if this is true? She just had her wisdom teeth out and has taken plenty of Motrin along with other pain medication. This is just way too scary....scared Mom in SC
-- By violetinthesnow | Reply | Private Message me
August 26th
2009
5:38 PM
I am booked in next month to have a mirena inserted due to heavy bleeding having fibroids, causing anemia but I don't think i can go through with it after reading all you stories
thanks for sharing them with us, you think the doctors and nursed would
August 21th
2009
12:03 PM
I was put on Femcon in November of last year. I told my doctor that i did not like it because my cramps were actually worse and bleeding was heavier. They told me to let it regulate in my system. Well It's now almost a year later so it should be regulated right? Well for the past 2 months i have been having my period every other week with heavy bleeding. This isn't just 3 or 4 days its 7 days of full out bleeding and 3 of light spotting. I have been feeling very dizzy and light headed and i actually passed out at work. I just stopped taking it a week ago and already feel somewhat better. I hate this pill.
-- By amoresettrs | Reply | Private Message me
August 19th
2009
10:46 AM
The side effects I have been having are listed:
migraines
weak leg muscles
depression
exhausted all of the time
heavy bleeding
**when the bleeding does ease up, I get a bright yellow discharge that causes painful yeast infections
the skin on my face is red, flaky dry
extremely dehydrated skin all over my body
nausea
zero sex drive
always feel bloated
This is just not worth it...
-- By peaches82176 | Reply | Private Message me
August 17th
2009
4:33 AM
FEMCON almost killed me.... or at least the nurse practioner.. i had written a post here before when the first two weeks of bleeding started... after that i waited and about a month after the heavy bleeding started again... i went back to the GYN and explained my problem, she couldn't even examine me because i was bleeding so much. the same nurse practioner told me to take two pills instead of one for two days and it would throw off my period and gave me a pack of new different pills.. i didn't start the new pack because by the end of the second night i almost drove myself to a hospital.... i thought i was going to die.... i had to sleep sitting down and took several trips to the bathroom to change my EXTRA LARGE OVERNIGHT (Always purple pads) pads.... the pain was unbearable where i walked really slow and would bleed nonstop.... a day later i decided to go to the hospital where they told me my hemoglobyn levels were at 8 and i needed a blood transfusion (really i had 2 because i couldnt stop bleeding after they had put liquid antibiotics in my blood) i was admitted and monitored with a heart rate monitor because from all the stress and being so weak i almost went into cardiac arrest by the time i reached the hospital...... it has been the worst experience in my life... i could go on about everything that happened those three days but just thinking about it makes me want to cry...... i hate my life
-- By mkportugal | Reply | Private Message me
August 10th
2009
4:20 PM
I had my Mirena put in 3 months after having my fifth child in December o8...i tried mirena because in the past birth controls have failed for me such as the pill even depo so me and my doctor decided that mirena would be a good birth control for me i am 29 and have been getting my period since i was 15 and never have my periods ever lasted more then 5 days but since i have gotten the mirena put in i have bleed in excess of 15 days or more currently i am on day 15 and still going the bleeding is so heavy at times i will go through at least 5 tampons a day and most of the time i have to wear a pad also cause i bleed through especially when i just wake up it seems as if the blood just collected all night so when i get out of bed it just comes gushing out sometimes starts running down my legs...im always tired and lately i been crying a lot just out of the blue for no reason i get really irritated very easy and it seems to get worse my sex drive is none i want to have it removed but ive heard stories of the symptoms getting worse after having it removed and i also don't want to get pregnant again but i refuse to get a tubal because the women in my family who have had them always ended up later in life having to have a hysterectomy i am also paranoid even with the mirena that i will get pregnant and end up with a tubal pregnancy. HELP ME LORI
-- By mikenlori | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
Mirena (142) Yasmin (38) Loestrin 24 Fe (34) NuvaRing (22) Femcon FE (16) Lupron (11) Kenalog (10) Yaz (7) Ovcon (3) Lamictal (3) Aviane (2) Alesse (2) Mobic (1) Depo-Provera Contraceptive (1) Tri-Sprintec (1) Tri-Levlen (1) Quasense (1) Balziva (1) Synthroid (1) Provera (1) Dyazide (1) Nicomide (1) Singulair (1) Mononessa (1)
November 4th
2009
2:46 PM
Wow, I'm speechless I came across this website! I just had to share my experience! I had my Mirena removed yesterday. I'm 29 years old, I had it put in 5 years ago under General Anaesthetic whilst having a laporoscopy for Endomentriosis, I was advised by my doctor to give Mirena a go - at that stage I was desperate for a bit of relief from such heavy bleeding and cramps. Reading everyone elses side effects, has made me realize, I have suffered a bit over the last 5 years! I gained 25kgs, and could never understand how I could not shift the weight, I'm really active, play a lot of sport, and eat healthy, I was diagnosed with depression also, and have been taking anti-depressants for 4 of the the last 5 years, I've at times been very short fused, angry, and anxious. Now I've had the Mirena removed, I can't wait to see if I can shift my extra weight with ease! Having it removed was absolutely horrific! The pain was so bad, all I can describe it like, is someone giving your cervix a Chinese burn! OUCH!! I have been bleeding quite heavily, but have been told this is normal????? Is it??? My husband and I hope to start a family soon, so fingers crossed all goes well! I know for some woman out there, the Mirena is great! But for those of us who suffered... I feel your pain... literally!
-- By lissy0011 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me