Muffin top symptoms and conditions

I've been on birth control since my early 20's and now I'm 39. My most current bc was Diane 35 which was not bad. I was scared about the risks of using birth control after the age of 35 so changed to a lower form of birth control-Aviane. Was suppose to have Alesse but was given the generic Aviane. I've gained weight so most likely due to my bad habits, old age due to a lower metabolism. I'm sure I'm at my max weight of 120. I've been feeling horrible in the dressing rooms when I'm trying on clothes and my stomach seems to be more "muffin top" than normal. Also, feel very bloated all the time...thus, a spa rep had asked me how many months I was(might have been the type of top I was wearing but...) I just went on the scale at a gymn I was trying out and to my shock I had gained 10 pounds? I haven't eaten that much different lately...is it Aviane? I think it's time for me to get off bc..

I'm 35 and had Mirena inserted on April 7, 2009. I didn't notice any side effects, until now. I've always been on the petite side 4'11" & have weighed between 94 - 98 lbs. I could eat everything & anything, never exercise and not worry about gaining weight ever. Now I weigh 106, which doesn't seem like a lot to most people, but it is for me. The weight I've gained is in my stomach area. My pants now fit snugly around the waist & I've thus developed an ugly "muffin top". So I can't wear form-fitting shirts because I feel like everyone can see my "muffin top". I've never felt so unattractive before. Most people get mad & say I look the same. But I know my own body & know this is unnatural.

I pretty much don't have a sex drive either. I'm never "in the mood" and just go through the motions numbly.

I've also become a mega-bitch. I feel like I'm angry at the world & always trying to pick a fight with my boyfriend. I hate being this way & am thinking of having Mirena removed very soon!

The only positive thing about Mirena is you don't have to worry about anything: no daily pill or messing with condoms. Also, my periods are super light.

Of course, I know everybody's body is different and will react to Mirena in certain ways. Just thought I'd post to see if anyone has had similar side effects.

I have had the mirena almost two years. Wow now I know im not going insane. My energy has been sucked right out of me, ive been forgetting things left and right and got my first muffin top. I am interested in having mine replaced with the copper t. Does anyone have any experience with this? I like the sound of it because it contains no hormones.
What to do?

Lower back pain,depression, anxiety, mood swings, mind fog, out of sorts,
lack of energy, junk food cravings, terrible acne on neck chin and back

I have four children, two from my first marriage when I was 25 and two from my second at 35. With all my children I was able to lose my baby weight except for my last one. Contributed it to being older but the more I read now I am not so sure. I had Mirena inserted at my 6wk visit with little side effect except some cramping and bleeding. Over the past two years, I have been on and off antidepressants, gained 20 lbs, experience headaches, migraines, sharp shooting pains in my abdomen and back area. I am not able to lose that extra 20 lbs no matter how much I exercise or how little I eat. It looks like I am 4 months pregnant (not to mention that wonderful muffin top). I am tired all the time and have no sex drive. Luckily I am married to a wonderful, understanding husband. After reading all these posts I am definitely convinced that I am going to have the mirena removed. It will be two years for me in January and it is time to have all foreign matters removed from my body...thanks for posting ladies!!

This is my second course of Prednisone after several UC flare-ups. First time I was on 40mg for 2 weeks, then tapered down for two weeks. My first few days on Prednisone were great. I finally had energy, I was in a great mood and finally felt like I was living again. After 4-5 days, the weight/bloating began. My fingers and ankles began to swell, then my face. I no longer felt "alive" anymore, more slovenly. None of my clothes were fitting either. I developed a very noticeable "muffin-top" that made buttoning my pants difficult and wearing and snug t-shirts embarrassing. I returned to my doctor after my two week course (prior to tapering) and found that not only did I gain 12 pounds in two weeks, but my blood pressure had increased dramatically. I was assured that once I quit the Prednisone, my weight should return to what it was, as well as my blood pressure. Sure enough, they did.

I would have to say the very worse part of taking this medicine, for me, was not the two weeks that I was on my 40mg course, nor was it the two week taper, but the two weeks after stopping the medication. My energy level was completely zapped, but I couldn't sleep. I also had the worse headaches and mood swings. I would snap at my family for the smallest of reasons. This medicine introduced a side of myself that I never want to meet again.

Unfortunately, here it is 2 months later and I have been prescribed another course of Prednisone due to another colitis flare-up. I thought I was prepared for what this medicine will do to me since I experienced it once before. However, this time is nothing like the last. Unlike last time, I have yet to feel "on top of the world". My bloat came on quicker this time, as did my mood swings. I am depressed and really hating what I have become. Fortunately, I have enough sense to realize a lot of my depressive thoughts and mood swings are a result of the Prednisone, but it doesn't make it easier. My vision is blurred and for the first time I understand what others are talking about when they speak of foggy brain. I am physically present, but definitely not coherent. I just want this medicine out of my system. I would rather deal with the intense cramping and bloody stools from my colitis, then have to ever go on this medicine again.