Hello, My journey with Minera started in September 2005, two mon...

stress? all you ladies are freaking out just abit...I had some of those symptoms before I went on the IUD...and I have no kids...My docotors said it was stress and hormone changes...Im sorry about everything. But to me, it sounds like depression...

Did you ever find out if it was your IUD? I too have been having similar symptoms. All my blood work comes back negative. I know if is not all in my head. Should I get my IUD taken out. I've had in for a little over 2 years.

After reading Nicole's post, I wanted to add something. I have worked for a rheumatologist for over a decade (along with many other scientists), and also have a chronic condition (Crohn's disease). All of the physicians I have worked with and have seen for my own condition have told me that inflammation and other related symptoms of autoimmune diseases generally go away during pregnancy and return after birth. Don't discount your diagnosis because not getting treatment can set you back and have lasting consequences (especially for RA). I have had mirena now since 2003. I have not had any children, but had tried more than a dozen birth control pills and depo provera for severe dysmenorrhea and periods lasting over a week, occurring nearly every 14 days. I was tortured with pain and bleeding since onset of my period at 13. Depo was great, but I began to lose my hair and discontinued use. After taking numerous other forms of birth control, my primary physician and gynecologist both recommended mirena because of my prior good reaction to depo provera (the synthetic hormones in depo and mirena are nearly the same), and due to my continued horrible reaction to traditional estrogen birth controls (daily debilitating headaches, continued painful periods, etc). I have had a fairly good reception to mirena, which I am debating as to whether or not I will have another inserted in July after the 5 year point. I have not experienced the acne, weight gain, or most of the other symptoms other people have mentioned. I do on occasion get pain that I suspect is from the IUD, but it is not nearly as horrible as the previous pain of my periods. For the younger girls, like me, who have problems with painful periods, and are generally sensitive to hormones, Mirena is a wonderful option. I would suggest first trying depo for several shots to see how you will react. I did notice mood swings and such after the first few months of both mirena and depo, but they eventually resolved. Try depo out first and see how it works. I also want to mention that the insertion of mirena was very painful. I fainted from the pain, for which I generally have a high tolerance. It is over quickly, however the cramps do last for at least a day. I tried to return to work after insertion, which I wasn't able to do, so keep that in mind.

I also was not able to return to work after having my Minera inserted! I thought that it was very painful and the cramps I had for the next 24 hrs were like mini-contractions! However, I have had my Minera in for about 4 years now and I have had great success with it! I haven't had a period in over 3 yrs, just mild cramping every few months. I used to have heavy and painful periods and with Minera they went from a walk in the part to not at all. I certinaly recommend it to anyone who has had a baby and wants easy pregnancy protection for years to come. (I am just speaking for myself, I'm sure that experience is limited to the person; as all of us are different). :)