I'm 48 and got a Mirena put in last January at the suggestion of ...

I had many of the same issues with the Mirena. I had it installed at 42 and only had it for 5 months....which was more than enough! The weight gain, acne, joint aches....and the total inability to focus...awful. Had it removed and within 2 months the hot flashes started....premature menopause at 43! I'm glad I had it taken out....at least the other side effects are gone!

Among other symptoms I also have the weight gain. Its been very gradual over the last 6 months or so, but I can't get it off for the world. I am always hungry. I seriously have a voracious appetite; this also started gradually. I can eat a meal and literally be starving about an hour later. Its scary and it takes everything I have not to eat up the whole house. I have always been very slim and so is all of my family. I'm not overweight but I'm very uncomfortable with the extra on my hips and thighs and the pudge on my belly. I don't eat junk food and I also workout but to no avail. My Dr. said it was the hormones. I'm getting the Mirena out this week, God willing. I will post any updates but I'm hoping to have my appetite curved and looking forward to losing some weight.
Hope to hear you get to your goals too.
emg1223