For what it's worth, I'm an older (49 y.o.) woman who was prescribed Mirena after surgery for fibroid removal lightened my periods and lessened PMS symptoms, but my periods remained long and irregular. The only troublesome side effect is weight gain. I don't help by becoming discouraged about it. Still, for me, the benefits of very light periods most of the time make me think twice about removal. I guess I'll try disciplining my diet and exercise and see if I can hang in there until menopause when all this will resolve naturally. Thank you all for sharing. I thought I was gaining more weight than I should for the amount of food and exercise I have been taking and it is helpful to hear all your stories. Karin in Vermont