I have always been thin -- not waif-like, but proportional and ar...

I have always been thin -- not waif-like, but proportional and around a size 8. I never had a six-pack, but did have a flat stomach and good core muscles. The other consistency about my health was that a little extra exercise usually produced quick gains in strength and stamina. Not so much now. Keep in mind that I'm a runner and eat fairly well... I had my Mirena placed on the day that I finished a 6K -- in May 08. (Literally went home to shower, took a PB&J sandwich to snack on during the procedure lol, and went to the clinic.) It's June 09 and I'm having it removed tomorrow. I've had the weight gain, very oily hair, and I don't care what the doctors say: I can feel that little sucker! My stomach has been bloated-looking for a year. Yet, ANY time I do any sort of ab workout (i.e. a few crunches) I have cramping for the rest of the day. I've gone up a size or two and none of the pants I wore last year fit me. I've had my thyroid checked to make sure it's not burning out... I've second-guessed everything except the Mirena. I've had back pain, but it's upper not lower... so that's probably unrelated. I was being treated successfully for depression prior to my Mirena being placed... although I have had to up my dosage within the last 6 months. My periods did go away about 6 months in, but if I do strenuous ab activity (like I did on Friday) within a few days I will have bleeding. Like today ;) So, the advantage of fewer periods... not an advantage if you can't even predict the week you will be bleeding!