I got the Mirena inserted in May 2008, and had it inserted while ...

I did not have severe cramping although I certainly did have cramps. I bled for about a month and a half initially....had 2 what I would classify as periods in the 5 months that I had it. While they were lighter than my non-Mirena periods, they lasted 7-8 days vs my regular 4-5. Headaches - every single day. Tingling - yes. Libido - nothing!! Bloated - constantly. I looked the same way I did when I was 5 months pregnant!! I cannot tell you how much I spent in home pregnancy tests because I felt like I was almost the whole time, nausea and all!!

I definitely can relate. I also got my Mirena put in in May of 2008 and the side effects have not only been inconvenient, but they have interfered w/ my life. Like you, I am extremely tired all of the time. I feel like I can never get enough sleep and when I wake up in the morning for work I can't get out of bed. I usually end up waiting until the last possible minute to get up and still make it to work on time.(Before the Mirena I never had such severe drowsiness ALL THE TIME.) Since May when I got the Mirena inserted I have put on about 10 lbs!! I have acne all over and I have gotten both a yeast infection and a UTI. At the same time as both of those were going on, I've also been on my period for almost the whole time since I got the Mirena put in. Like you, I love the idea of not having to worry about birth control, but these side effects are crazy. People keep telling me to wait it out and in a few months things will go back to normal, but I don't know how much more of all of this I can take.

I was talking to my personal trainer today. I have always had a high metabolism but have felt like I need to start watching what I eat the last year or so... I thought it was maybe just my age (29). She was quizing my on my diet and excersise regiment (which isn't perfect) but I have really been more strict that I used too. In addition, we were checking my weight records from last year. I weigh 7 lbs more than a year ago!!! However, I am MORE deligent about my diet now than I ever have been. We were problem solving and thinking maybe its the hormones in the mirena?! I love the fact that I have light periods and don't fret about getting pregnant... but body image is very important to me!!! I have never struggled with my weight and I feel like now I am... In additon, I have 2 weeks of PMS now. These symptoms are similiar to what others have mentioned. I am thinking about having it removed!