Mirena side effects

I TO HAVE A MIRENA. GOT IT INSERTED JULY 2, 2008. I CAN ACTUALLY SAY THAT I HAVE HAD HEADACHES AND NOW AND THEN ABDOMINAL PAINS. ONE NIGHT AFTER SEX I WAS EXTREMELY NAUSEATED DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK ABOUT THAT. BEFORE I HAD MIRENA INSERTED I WAS TAKING THE PILL YAZ. I BLEED FROM DAY ONE WITH THE YAZ, BUT ONCE I GOT THE MIRENA INSERTED THE BLEEDING STOPPED. SO FAR I HAVE HAD ANOTHER PERIOD BUT IT ONLY LASTED 3 DAYS.

Placed 6/19/08. Started period two weeks later. Daily period since. Now I am certain I am anemic. Extreme fatigue, weakness, bruises, nails chipping, hair falling out and I've lost 8 pounds. Also experiencing bizarre anxiety attacks - especially at night - almost panic with numbness in arm and tight chest.

I wish I could stick it out like some of you did but I am throwing in the towel. I will have it removed next week.

Just an update from some of my previous posts. As back ground, I had a need for birth control beginning about a year and a half ago. It was time for my annual anyway, so I asked my OB/GYN of over 20 years what my options were. He mentioned that there were two pills for women "of my age" (42 at the time)...Yaz and Loestrin 24FE. He mentioned that he had heard less about libido issues from his patients on the Loestrin, so I opted for that. 5 months into it, I had an episode of I'm not sure what...felt like I was having a stroke...rush of heat, extreme dizziness, headache the next day...went to my GP on Monday and found out that my BP was slight elevated (I'm normally on the low side) but what was alarming was that my cholesterol was way up and my blood sugar was off the charts. Although high cholesterol runs in my family, no one has ever had any blood sugar issues. Stopped taking the pill right away, retested my sugar in two weeks and it was back to normal.

My OB/GYN said NO NO NO, no more pills...let's try an IUD. two months later, went back since I had my next cycle and I got the Mirena. I spotted for like a month and a half straight. Lots of bloating, headaches. As the months progressed, I started having anxiety issues (again, never happened before), had severe cystic acne (always had good skin), bloating to the point that I looked the way I did when I was 5 months pregnant, headaches every single day, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, complete inability to concentrate, mental fog, insomnia and my libido was in the toilet.

Went back for my annual in Feb and had it removed (I had it for 5 months at this point). Dr was wonderful, said that he had been hearing of these side effects more and more from his patients. He said that we'd give my body a break and then consider a Paragard with my next cycle. I feel the fog lift before I get to the parking lot. Next cycle never came. Hot flashes and heart pulps start in March. Gets worse and worse. Have my hormone levels tested...they indicate post-menopausal. Have the blood work repeated first week of June...confirmed post-menopausal at the age of 43. No family history of this. Start on an estrogen patch and within 2 weeks start feeling a lot better, flashes gone. Am taking Prometrium 10 days each month to protect against uterine issues. At day 8 I really start getting dizzy. I am obviously very sensitive to any progesterone although this natural version is more tolerable.

From the time I had the Mirena out, however, ALL my side effects are gone except that my vision is still worse...having my annual eye exam in 2 weeks. The concentration issues, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety...all that GONE. Libido is almost back. Very distinct diminishing of symptoms once the Mirena was removed.

If Mirena works for you, that's great. It's good at least that you are aware of issues others have had so that if it happens to you, you know that it could be the Mirena, contrary to what some doctors say. My doctor has been wonderful and never doubted me. I wish everyone had such a doctor! Just trust your intuition and take care of yourself. No sense jeopardizing your health, relationships, etc just to maintain this type of birth control. I apparently don't need birth control any more....not certain why I blitzed through menopause so fast...could be related to the hormonal assault on my body in the past year between the pill and the Mirena.

Bottom line, take care of yourselves and don't be dismissed if you feel that something is just not right!!

I'm back.. I posted back in June when I've had my Mirena for a few weeks... I go to my GYN on july 29 for my check up.
I can actually be one in a million to say I'm very happy I had this IUD inserted. I have never been able to take the pills. I tried the shot once and had a period for 6 months straight... and that was only ONE injection....
The first couple of weeks I did feel like I had a yeast infection... it burned when I pee'd... It hurt to shower... I started to get frustrated..
I didi wait it out.... I told myself that I would tough it out until my check up appointment and IF I didn't feel better I woudll discuss removal ASAP !!!
but I'm fine ... I did cramp for a couple days after insertion. That is now gone .... I was moody for a few days ..... moodiness is gone.... I still get tired but I notice that is getting back to normal also....
I FOR ONE AM GLAD I HAD MIUD INSERTED !!!!
I say good luck to the rest of you...

I had mine inserted 5mo ago. I have all the same symptoms (no sex drive, severe moodiness, possible depression, high irritability making it difficult to deal with my 3you). I was hypo-thyroid before, and unfortunately for me - my new GP lowered my thyroid dose at nearly the exact same time I quit my mini-pill to get the IUD. I do feel better for that day, when I take my higher dose pill, but I don't know if it'd be sustainable over time (as my doc won't prescribe me out of normal lab ranges).

The only thing I haven't gleaned from the posts attached, is were folks on versions of the pill before Mirena? I believe my mood swings/depression/(not sure of low libido) are probably my normal state. I had had pills switched on me, with drastic mood changes. My mother has drastic mood swings/depression. I had been on the piill for the last 17 years, minus my two pregnancies. My OB did tell me that Mirena wouldn't fix my "moodiness" problems, if I had them w/o the pill - but I wanted to try it and see.

Reading these posts makes me realize, this is my real problem - I need a regular dose of BC pills to feel normal, have my whole life - not my thyroid. I guess I'll stop getting so concerned that I cannot get in to see an endocrinologist for another month - hopefully my 5 min appt to get this thing out will happen next week!

Thanks to all and good luck to you!

i want to start off with IM SOOOOO GLAD I FOUND THIS SITE!!!

i though.. well i wasn't actually sure what to think.. i got my mirena at the end of January 2008.. at first things were going good... yes my periods got longer.. 3 times longer then normal actually.. i wasn't too worried because the OB said that might happen at first. then slowly i started loosing my sex drive ( im only 25 that really shouldn't happen) started getting achy, especially in my joints, so i started drinking more water. then my clothes started getting tighter.. i cut out soda all together and started watching what i eat more closely..i have also had some pretty bad anexity attacks lately.. which i never had before i got this thing.. i dint know what to do i though i was going crazy.. i talked to my doctors and basically got nothing out of that.. im now in my 6th month of having mirena and i have gained almost 30 pounds!!!! yes i have been hungry all the time but i either restrain myself fream eating altogether or eat healthy snacks.. i exercise daily and still am unable to lose any weight.. the numbers on the scale just keep creeping up and up.. im am moody and easily worn out.. i have no energy at all.. which isnt good with a 3 year old that has more energy then the sun.. i had no idea that mirena could cause any of these symptoms.. but the more i have been reading about it and the more site like these i find, the more i realize that the most likely culprut of losing myself is mirena.. i have decided that on Monday im calling my OB and demanding she remove it!! i want my old self back again.. i wasn't perfect but at least ill be me.. thank you all for sharing your experiences, you made a world of difference!!!!

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At first I had all the symptoms you had.. and my doctor told me as well that it wasn't the mirena.. so i decided to stick it out for a few more months.. it totally sucked my first 3.. I was bleeding all the time.. horrible cramps.. breast hurt, sex drive low, hair falling out..MISERABLE.. but still i kept it in cause i knew it would benefit me in the long run. So after the first 3, i got only light spotting here and there from the 4th month to the 6th month.. Ive had it now for 10 months and I totally love it.. about 6 of my friends have it and they said they went through the same thing.. we all love it and im glad i stuck it out. My sex drive is back, acne gone, lost 25lbs, no cramps, spotting sometimes ( only for a day at most)... no more anxiety.. my hair doesn't fall out either.. If your really worried about accidentally getting pregnant then you should keep the mirena, its totally worth. My fiance and I have had sex every day for 2 months and No pregnancy.. so far so good.. well good luck with everything and if you still don't like it after a few month, then maybe the mirena wasn't right for you.. EVERYONES body reacts differently to the mirena... Good Luck all!!!

Hello ladies... Ive been reading everyones posts and have to agree on some of the side effects.. Ive had my mirena for 10 months now and haven't had any symptoms for about 4 months. My first 6 month were like all the rest of ya'lls.. headaches, cramps, non stop bleeding, acne, weight gain, even my hair was falling out... I was miserable.. but i kept telling myself that it will all go away over time. Well I was right, Now I have little or no spotting.. No cramps, my face cleared up, hair is as beautiful as ever, and i lost about 25lbs.. I had worried at first, thought maybe i was pregnant but went to the doctor and the results were negative. Mirena is doing exactly what it should and all is well. Even my sex drive is totally hugh as well.. its nuts .. I wish the best to all of you and hope maybe your mirena experience changes for the better...ciao! Gabby houston tx

I have experienced most of the side effects that others have listed here. Mental fog, dizziness, blurred vision, horrible fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, joint pain, etc. These started approximately one month after insertion. I have been to my PCP multiple times and have been evaluated for things ranging from hypothyroidism to lupus. All tests have come back negative. No one has once suggested that it may be due to the Mirena. I am going to have it removed at my next visit and I would be willing to bet that many of my symptoms will be resolved.

Hi All, For some peace of mind... I went to my Doctor yesterday to discuss having the IUD removed. I'm not doing it yet to give my husband time to get through his vasectomy. Anyway, You are not crazy! My Doctor admitted to me that she has had a handful of patience that have experienced all of these same side effects (depression, fatigue, weight gain, etc...) She was all for getting it out. To give the Docs some credit... If you check the Mirena site they don't mention these side effects, only the stuff like "possible" cyst and no period. What a horrible way to do business.

Gosh so happy I found you ladies. I got my in mine in this May, after delivering my 2nd son in March. I can't stop eating, always hungry, haven't stopped bleeding, dry skin, constipation, major major back pains, no energy and weirdest is pregnancy nausea in the evenings. I'm on the phone right now to either take it out or talk to my doc more about it. Thanx ladies for all your stories.

After reading these posts, I am glad I didn't change my mind about having the MIUD removed. I have had all sorts of problems since that evil piece of plastic was inserted. I didn't think much of it at first and thought maybe I am just tired because I have my period and cramps alllllll the time. The relationship I was in was bad and thought maybe I was tired and moody because of that. After a couple of months - boyfriend free - things didn't change. I had horrible mood swings, my concentration was shot. My work ethic went down the toliet, I felt like a 10 year old kid with ADD. No energy, back hurt on a regular basis, carpal tunnel came back with a vengence and TMJ (I don't know if that's related but I've never had it before), acne, weight gain, no sex drive, and a constant itching around my neck. I am sure the NP was ready to try to talk me out of it and wait the full 6 months for "side effects" to go away. Well, the last 5 sucked, I really didn't want to deal with this crap any longer, besides with the price of gas, I can't afford the money for the regular buying of feminine products. I am only 6 hours free of this and I am already feeling a little better. I don't have that "pressure" you feel in your belly and a have bit more energy. I am so looking forward to the next few weeks when things start to get back to normal!!! If you have any doubts about this thing....get rid of it. Its really not that bad to get it out, 99 times less painful than getting it inserted!!!

I had my Mirena put in 2 days ago and I had such severe cramping I almost went to the ER. I feel sick to my stomach and and have shaking hands. I had sex 1 day after having it put in and surprisingly it made my cramps go away, however after a few hours they are back and worse. I found this blog and am seriously considering having it removed already. Does anyone else think I should have it removed?

Hi ladies! Back again. This has been my 4th month now w/out the IUD. I feel incredibly better and am still as sure as ever that the Mirena was what was making me feel so out of sorts. I'm back up to working out for 1-2 hours a day and am finally seeing more results than I have so far with weight loss. I did gain a lot around my mid-section, but have managed to get most of it off. It's been a difficult road to recover all the damage, but it is so worth it and so much easier once it's out! :) Trust and listen to your body. You know yourself better than your doctors.

I am getting my MIUD removed next Firday after 5 years use. I assumed many side effects that I have had were due to my Fybromyalgia condition that I have had for 12 years. I have been treated appropriately by my Doctor. I also have degenerative disk in lower back that keeps me in constant pain. I have gained 20 lbs. over the 5 years and assumed that to be do to getting older, I am now 42.

I was going to have a new MIUD put in but I decided to give removal a possible shot at hopefully relieving me of some of these symptoms. I really have had no known issues with the MIUD and had regular light 5 day periods the entire 5 years.

I am anxious about what I have read and hope that there will be some positive post MIUD removal stories for myself and others. Meanwhile I will take my vitamins, exercise, and hope for the best.

Take causation when assuming that your symptoms may all be due to the MIUD as many symptoms copy other disorders. When in doubt take it out may apply here.

I check these posts daily, so I have been posting a lot! I'm still amazed at so many of us having problems and doctors doubting us!, Mine has been out since yesterday morning and granted I did not have the Mirena for long , but I'm back to my happy self!!! Please do not wait it out, it won't get better only worse...the quicker you get Mirena removed the quicker you will be doing your body good! My Doctor said he had never heard of Mirena giving any woman these side effects??? He also said I should get blood work done to make sure there was nothing wrong with me...Mirena is what was wrong with me!!! I am sorry so many of you have these health problems now and wish you all the best!

Very disappointed...I became Hypoglycemic!

My story: I became Hypoglycemic within weeks of having the Mirena inserted. My symptoms were; anxiety, shakiness,irritability and nightmares.
I went to a primary care doctor and then to a endocrinologist complaining of that my blood sugar was becoming a problem. I was aware of the feeling of low blood sugar because when I breast feed my two boys (ages now 7 and 10) I then easily became hypoglycemic. However, I have not had this problem since.
Both physicians thought that i had reactive hypoglycemia because my fasting glucose was within normal limits.I have a healthy diet but i changed my eating habits even further (e.g. gave up all caffeine, sweets, alcohol. I started eating more whole grains and had small meals every 3 hours).
Even though I change my eating habits the side effects still became worse.I was starting to get panic attacks, I had never had these before. During one of my worst panic attacks (9 months after I had the Mirena inserted) I called my sister. I kept saying "I don't know what is causing me to be so anxious, I have never been like this before." Well, that statement sank in, I started to think about what was different. The only thing was the Mirena. That night I look up side effects of the Mirena and came across several blogs all describing their disappointment and many speaking about anxiety related issues.
I have to say I felt relief. It was not going crazy. The following day I read the official FDA Mirena web-site and that is when I found out about the effects on blood glucose. It is stated that Levonorgestrel may effect glucose tolerance and the blood glucose. However, my gynecologist never mentioned this side effect so I was not aware of this potential reaction. Btw, I had told both the primary care doctor and the endocrinologist that I had a Mirena IUD but neither of them new about the effects to the blood glucose.
The other interesting thing I noticed on the official FDA Mirena site is that when the list the Adverse reactions (depression,nervousness, weight gain etc...) they say reported by 5% or more subjects...hmmm, MORE...i think that is a key word!
I had it removed one month ago and I am starting to feel better. From what I understand, it may take up to 3 months to get the Levonorgestrel to get completely out of the system. however, my hypoglycemia is starting to diminish, I recently had a cup of coffee without getting the shakes and I can now enjoy a glass of wine at night too. My anxiety is almost completely gone.

What a relief to have figured this out!

I have had my mirena for almost 6 weeks now - I am still having some bloating, indigestion, and joint pain - all of which my doctor says should not be related to Mirena. Also, moodiness and anxiety -which she said could be due to my post partum state or the fact that I am nursing - so we left it in for now. She said to give it another month or two - UGH - I don't want to give up on it - but it seems that those that have had it removed are feeling much better - please continue to post comments after removal for those of us on the fence about what to do.

I received the MIRENA on Jun 9th 2008, the doctor inserted the Mirena while I was on my cycle. After the insertion my cycle stopped. Its been a month now and I received my cycle for the month of July last week. Since then I have been spotting and wearing pantyliners. So, Tuesday I went for my 6 weeks checkup and explained to my Gyn what I've been experiencing with the Mirena which she said it was normal. I explained that my partner could feel the strings and if she could cut them down. When she went in to cut them down the string were not there. I have a sonogram scheduled on the 28th to see where my strings are. I am am very alarmed and concerned of where they are and why she couldn't see them. I asked is this something i need to be concerned about and she said no,,,,I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this at all. I chose the mirena due to high blood pressure and not being able to take the pill, but now I really don't know if all this was worth it. Im tired of the spotting etc.......No sex drive.....I've had migraines for yrs so I cant say its from the Mirena.

I had Mirena inserted after the birth of my 2nd daughter - November 07. Things were going ok (at least that was what I thought) until about two months ago. I really did not think about the Mirena much. Maybe that was because my sex drive has been soooo gone that I have only used the benefit of the Mirena about 3 times. The problems I guess really started when my period disappeared. That happened 3 months after I got in inserted. I thought that was going to be great because my periods usually last 7 days from start to fully finished. But with this thing, I did not bleed but I definitely was still having a period. Bach aches, mood swings, headaches, bloating, etc. I started to think something was really wrong when I got a headache that lasted about a week, and I don't normally get headaches that last longer than a few hours. I could not figure out what was wrong with me. I even went to the emergency room to have them tell me that there was nothing wrong and it was probably just stress. I started to think that maybe it is the Mirena. I started doing searches on the adverse side effects of the Mirena and thank God I found you guys. I have most of the symptoms described here and other Mirena side effect pages. I will be having this awful thing removed in about two weeks. I don't know what my husband and I are going to do about birth control. We both do not want anymore kids but I am only 28 and do not want to have my tubes tied.
Headaches
Joint Pains
Low Back Pain
Mood Swings
No Sex Drive
Massive weight Gain (I have not lost any of my baby weight plus i put on a few more pounds)
Breasts Double in Size
Fatigue
Dizziness
Depression (low self-esteem)
My feet have even grown (probably because of the weight gain)

This is an update to my experience. I got my Mirena IUD removed mid-May, and it has been amazing to see the difference in my body and health. My cycle has always been very predictable. I'm one of those every 28 or 29 days ladies. About every 2 weeks - coinciding with either ovulation or the onset of my period - my body heals a little more. For example, just this last ovulation a few days ago my joints quit hurting. I have seen my energy level, concentration/focus, and mood improve at about every 2 weeks. So for me, my body is getting back to normal by doing what it's supposed to do - Ovulate! Menstrate! No more hormone contraception for me!!! I'm still slowly losing weight (at first it was immediate weight loss of about 7 lbs). The last couple of weeks, since my joints aren't hurting anymore and my energy level has risen dramatically, I'm able to exercise like I used to prior to all my problems with the Mirena IUD. So at every event in my cycle my body is a purging of more and more of the artificial progesterone. My husband and I have grown closer through this too. We have decided to work together and respect my body's natural cycles. I'm aware now of when I ovulate by looking at the signs - mainly the time of the month, a twinge of pain (not uncomfortable at all) telling me I'm ovulating, and cervical music - when it's stretchy and looks like egg whites. By paying attention, I know. I can't believe I didn't trust myself before. We use condoms when I am ovulating (a few days before I predict it to happen and a few days after). I'm fortunate to be so regular, but even if I wasn't nothing could convince me to ever use hormone contraception again!!!

just wondering.. does anybody itch?! i just got mirena put in about a month ago now and am also on zoloft! but i have been on the zoloft for a few months now and haven't itched! so i am not sure if it is the zoloft or the mirena! i am gonna call my doc in the morning and ask what i should do or what she thinks it is!! if any1 has any info please let me know!! thanx lots

hi i had my mirena fitted in October 1999 extremely painful as i have a tilted womb apparently, and today i am having an ultrasound scan to find it.
i have been asking my gp to have it removed for past 3 years and have been fobbed off so many times, made to feel a time waster.
problems i have had are listed below
5 stone weight gain
IBS
GERD
PANIC ATTACKS
LOSS OF LIBIDO
PAINFUL SEX
CHEST PAIN
HEADACHES
DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
MUSCLE PAIN AND FATIGUE
WEAK BLADDER
BLACK HAIRS ON CHIN
POOR FACIAL SKIN
BLOATED STOMACH (IBS)
MOOD SWINGS (PMT)
COSTOCHONDRITUS(inflammation of connective muscle tissue in chest wall)
and just recently diagnosed with diabetes 3 months now
on my last diabetic nurse check i asked her if she could check my coil for me as i hadn't been able to...... she couldn't find it ?
i have pain just from sitting and feel like something is pressing on my bladder.
reason for having it fitted was my very heavy periods with 1 week in between after having my only child in june 1998.
had no periods since dec 1999, but terrible pmt and mood swings am at wits end as i am so heavy do not think general anesthetic poss if coils embedded. very worried

Just had Mirena inserted in the middle of June 2008. I haven't decided what to think about it yet. I screamed when it was inserted as I have not had any kids yet. Was in severe pain for about a week. And now I have on and off bad pelvic pain, some occasional nausea. The only other thing I noticed is sore muscles and lack of energy. I am lucky I have no period so far. I got off the depo shot after being on it too long and switched to Mirena right away. As for now I am staying on it unless things get worse.

OMG... After reading everyone's stories... I know I am not alone. Mirena was placed on April 24th, 2008. IThe only reason I got Mirena is because I felt pressured into doing so. I have recently miscarried and was a little afraid to try and conceive again. I have two small kids already. I informed the doctor that I really may only need the birth control for a year or so and the doctor still insisted on this bull**** device. Insertion was horrible, they tell you to cough as if it will ease the pain. I have been having horrible pain that seems to be in my right ovary. The pain seems to be very sporatic and when it hits its just like a previous poster said ... LIGHTINING! I have large clots during and after my period. Not to mention when I am on my period I have the loudest odor ever. This is so not cool. I have an appointment to have it removed August 21st. I cannot wait any longer. As I am typing I am in so much pain. I have been under so much stress since I have had this thing put in. I am irritable, overly emotional, bitchy, and I have no sex drive. My husband is becoming extremely concerned at this point. Ladies... please beware. I really think I may have long term issues from this piece of crap. I will let you all know about the removal process.

I am posting again and it has been around 9 hours since I had mine removed and I already feel a world of difference! My energy level is up, I have been up and doing things around the house where the last week I have been worthless. My headache, numbness, and join pain is gone...for now anyway, and I don't feel like I'm walking in a haze anymore. I was so upset when telling my doctor my symptoms I was shaking and didn't know why? All I can say is I only lived with this for around 2 weeks and something told me to research this more and came across all these posts and thank God!!! I hope all of you get yours removed ASAP and are healthy and stay healthy!!! Please trust your own body and don't let your Dr. try to change your mind!

I got my Mirena put in a little over two months ago but problems since. I have been on my period for almost a whole month now and I'm having icky brown discharge that stains all of my clothes. I feel like I am constantly tired and I fall asleep all the time at work and other places. The acne is crazy. My back and chest are now covered with it. It's so embarrassing. I have a pressure down in my lower stomach area that almost feels like my ovaries are swollen. I just got over a UTI(or at least that's what I thought it was since it hurt to urinate and I had to go frequently with not much coming out and I had some of the other telltale signs) that I think was caused by the IUD because I've never had one in my entire life. And although I got the UTI about ten days ago, and have been taking medicine for it I STILL have some tenderness down there. It hurts to do anything sexual. I feel like I am falling apart. Does anyone know if all of the symptoms that I am experiencing are related to the IUD? The swollen ovaries are starting to worry me as is the extreme loss of blood. HELP! :(

I had my mirena fitted in 2000 when I was 40 years old. I have suffered with psoriasis since that time and only recently realized that maybe this could be linked to the hormone. I have spoken to my GP who insists that there could be no link and that it is purely co-incidental, however he can offer no other advise as to the cause of the psoriasis, so how does he know. I have tried all sorts of remedies to alleviate the psoriasis with no luck. I am now practically convinced that the mirena is the cause and am considering having it removed asap. I have also experienced palpitations for the last two years and have had all the tests and have been told I am fine. I also suffer from IBS. Has anyone else experienced similar?

I had Mirena put in two weeks ago because I was told this will not affect my heart or give me major side effects like the pill or Depo does. HA! I have not stopped bleeding since, I've had cramps, been extremely angry (more than usual), and now I want to eat all the time too. I had been doing Weight Watchers to try to lose weight and had lost down to my pre-pregnancy weight and then had Mirena put in. Now that I want to eat all the time, I don't have any desire to try to lose weight. I just want to eat. I can't even have sex with my hubby because of the bleeding, and does anyone else still feel the strings? I looked up the Mirena website and it says of the two threads, one is made of some sort of poly-substance and the other is made of iron oxide. Um, that's a metal and I'm allergic to metals. I feel the threads ALL THE TIME. It feels like a burning sensation to a ripping sensation on occasions. Believe me, I even feel it when walking, which makes it difficult to want to exercise. Because I can feel the strings, I don't want to have sex because I'm afraid it will hurt my hubby. I'm calling my doc today to have mine removed. I'll just have to use condoms from now on because Depo destroyed my body last time I was on it and the pills mess with my heart and make me crazy.

Well it's me again! I posted about having mine removed this morning and it's out of me for good! My Dr. is young and very nice, he understood my concern, but said he he had not heard of these symptoms before and thinks I should go to my family doctor and get some tests done. I have not had a fever that I'm aware of and no other stomach problems other than cramping. He thought I may have a virus...anyway, I still have a headache and feel tired, I don't feel like my joints hurt as much, but that came and went. We will see! It was painless, didn't feel a pinch, kind of makes me wonder if he even took it out??? See I'm still paranoid!!!

I had the Mirena put in in August of 2007. Since that time, I'm a moody, crabby, ANGRY, irritable person. I can't even stand to be around myself. I have a 14 month old son who I feel angry at for no reason. He wants to nurse and I get angry. WHY?!?! I'm not an angry person by any means. My sex drive is next to none. Since my son has been born, we have had sex 6 times. Yes, only 6. And I could care less at this point if we ever have sex again. I feel very nervous, worried...almost paranoid. I get weird, period like cramps, but haven't had a period since 2006 when I got pregnant! My back pain is horrible, and I recently started seeing a chiropractor because it was so bad. My hands get numb and I drop ink pens, spoons, etc. I'm making an appt today to have this removed!! I wish someone had told me the side effects before I got this put in. My doctor said it was safe while breastfeeding...ugh. Who knows what I'm putting into my son! This is poison.

I had Mirena removed for less than a month now and "oh boy!, it has been great!" My body doesn't ache anymore, I eat less now, more energy, sex drive, and I don't worry that my uterus will be damage with Mirena! I haven't see any change in my weight yet. But I am happier! Best luck to all and with you need an extra opinion about having mirena or not, let your doctor put in the trash for you! best place!

I posted the other day and I'm getting mine removed tomorrow A.M.! I have only had mine since the end of June, but I feel horrible! I am concerned about if there is pain with removing it and if it has already caused some sort of damage to my body! HELP!!!

I have had the Merina IUD for almost a year now ,, when I got it put it I thought I was gonna faint it was so painful,, I have had severe cramps non stop since I have had the IUD,, I have made several trips to the ER and they try to make it out like ive just got an infection ,well things never got any better so i kept on going until they told me something that was worth hearing well sure enough about 6mnths after having my IUD I got told that I had a 3cm by 3cm mass on my uteras that some women experience with an IUD and still its in my uteras right along with the IUD ,, and like all the other women out there having problems ,, I have experienced low sex drive , sever irritability, weight gain, and im just plain oumit miserable. I have been having an awful fishy smelling discharge for the past 3 months, and like most women my OBGYN tries to throw the truth of the matter off and try to make it out like im crazy,, heck no!! im not crazy and I know my body and I know this just aint normal,,so I made me an appointment at my local Health Dept to get this thing out of Sooo!!! to all the women out there that want an IUD I don't recommend it,, Its dangerous and all it does is destroy your body and your life :(.....I hope all goes well with all of you , best wishes and good luck!! Im ending my miserary ASAP!!!,,

I think it's been about 2 1/2 months since I had my Mirena removed (I'm on my 3rd menstrual cycle since) I've had some improvements but no weight loss yet and I sometimes feel like I am recovering after giving birth? Does anyone else have post birth like symptoms? One really big one is after having sex one night, I cramped so bad it made me nauseous!! It felt just like it did after giving birth and my uterus contracting!!! Thanks for your help.

I got my Mirena on 6-12-08 and still currently have it. I am 22 years old and have two little girls. Before the Mirena I used pills and the patch and never had any problems at all. This thing is a nightmare! I have been twitching-especially my eyes and lips, I cant get my fingers to stop shaking. I have been experiencing the 'drunk eyes' that bulgebegone mentioned. The cramps have not stopped for the month I've had it, even though I was told it would be a week at the most. Also, like so many other women, I was told that I may spot very lightly for 6-9 months and then stop getting my period-after it was inserted. For the last month I have been hemoraging almost exactly the same as those few days in the hospital after giving birth-when they give you the big diapers to wear! My husband hates it too, when we have been able to have sex, he says most of the time it's ok, but then the strings will poke him and it's a very sharp pain. Last Friday I spoke with my doctor about this to see what options we had and I asked her to shorten the strings and she said no, without an explanation at all! I also just read the article below in an email I received. I am now making an appointment to have this removed!!!!!
> I am sure most of you have a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece, a friend
> or
> a friend's daughter... this might be worth checking out.
> PASS THIS ON EVEN IF YOU DON'T USE IT!!
>
>
> Recently, this past week, my cousin Nicole D. (age 31... a newly
> graduated student with a doctoral degree about to start her new career as a
> Doctor...) was flown into a nearby hospital, because she passed out. They
> found a blood clot in her neck, and immediately took her by helicopter to
> the ER to operate. By the time they removed the right half of her skull to
> relieve the pressure on her brain the clot had spread to her brain causing
> severe damage. Since last Wednesday night, she was fighting for her life.
> They induced her into a coma to stop the blood flow and then operated on 3
> times. Finally, they said there was nothing left that they could do.
> Multiple c lots in the left side of her brain were found, the swelling
> wouldn't stop and she was on the life support. She died at 4:30 that day.
> She leaves behind her husband, a 2-year old, Brandon and a 4-year old,
> Justin. The CAUSE of DEATH they found was a birth control she was taking
> that allows you to only have your period 3 X's a year. Doctors said it
> interrupts life's menstrual cycle, and although it is FDA approved... it
> shouldn't be. So to the women in my address book, I ask you to boycott this
> product and deal with your periods once a month, so you can live the rest
> of
> the months that life has in store for you.
> Please send this to every woman you know - you may save someone's life.
> Remember you have a cycle for a reason.
>
> FYI: T he name of this new birth control is Lybrel. If you go to
> ******
> you will find a least 26 pages of information regarding this drug. The
> second birth control is Seasonique. If you go to ****** you will
> find at least 43 pages of information regarding this drug. The warning and
> side effects regarding both pills are horrible.

I had mirena since August 2005. I have experienced the back pain, gain 15 pounds immediately, night sweats, headaches, and the worst of all, joins pain. I decided to removed my mirena two months ago and after that I'been experiencing more join pains, especially in my arms. I loose the 15 pounds I gained, I feel much better now, but I am really concern about this pains. Have anyone experienced the same? How long it take to go away completely?

WOW,, Had i only know all these articles I would have never done what i did..I've had Mirena for 4 years and have been so overwhelmed that this is where i ended up looking for my answers as to whats going on with me... WOW this answers every question and problem i have...
The worst is the mood and weight gain, depression , angry , forgetful, no sex drive and not understanding WHY.. especially when i ask the doctor what's going on and they say it's just my age changes... crap i'm only 34.. when i thought i should be enjoying life kids getting bigger i'm wanting more hubby time and wow none of that... THANKS SO MUCH for opening my eyes.. I'm making the appointment as i type!!

Hi everyone,
Found this site and found it very reassuring, as I can relate to so many of you out there. Here is what is happening to me:

December 08 had Mirena fitted for irregular heavy periods, spotted/bled almost continuously once it was inserted, but gradually the periods became a bit lighter. A typical period lasted around 18 days, which was much longer than before I had the Mirena fitted. Had visual migraines (partial loss of sight), doctor whipped out the Mirena on 7th July, still spotting - into day 26 now! Feel really fed up with all this, have lower back ache, which I didn't have before, pelvic pains as though I am about to start my period, anxiety levels up to around 8/10, insomnia, just generally feeling really low, shakey and tearful thinking something is terribly wrong with me. Have an appointment tomorrow with the gynecologist and am going to ask him for a hysterectomy as my life is being ruled with these ongoing problems. Last year I had a scan which revealed I have fibroids and a thickening of the womb.

Does anybody else have a lot of spotting? Is it a post Mirena symptom?

i've had my mirena in for almost 10 weeks, i had my baby girl on April 2nd, and got mirena may 12th and everything was fine at first... besides the fact that i've been bleeding ever since i had it put in, and on 2 occasions have passed flesh colored blood clots, had severe cramping, weight gain, headaches, depression, paranoia, anxiety, anger, extreme appetite gain, loss of sex drive, and many other strange side effects... i never would've thought that these things were caused by this IUD, until i read how many other women were having side effects to... then finally i realized how this thing worked... it doesn't prevent pregnancy at all... there's a chemical that thins the lining of your uterus, therefor, an egg gets fertilized, travels to your uterus, and your body aborts it, so you are time after time becoming pregnant, it just makes it physically impossible for you to carry the baby in your womb... which raises this question to me... does this mean it could cause tubal pregnancy? which is a risk to your life?! hmmm...

I soooo wish I came across this before I had IT put in!!! I just scheduled a doctor appt. this morning with my family Dr. to explain my symptoms of head pain, numbness in my right side of body, fatigue, depression...then I came across all these posts! I will be removing IT ASAP!!!! I am shocked that all of these doctor's are still suggesting Mirena as the way to go!

I am so glad I ran across this site. I had got the Mirena in April 08 and started having leg cramps and foot cramps all day, as if I had just run a marathon, but trust me I couldn't even run a block. I am so tired all the time and recently started having headaches lasting for over 3 weeks, they have caused me to be dizzy and "not focused". I actually went to a MRI clinic today for a CT scan because I was convinced I had something going on. I also had my doctor run blood work today. After reading these posts, I am thinking it could possibly be the Mirena, I hope so, at least I can have that removed.

Hello!
I've had the Mirena since October 2007. I've had all three of my kids close together, and they were all c-sections. My OBGYN HIGHLY recommended i wait at least 2 years to get pregnant again, if we were to have anymore children. At first my experience with Mirena went OK, but its only recently i've been experiencing some of the same symptoms as other women on this site. I've been having more and more anxiety issues, my hair is coming out at a steady rate, none existent sex drive, and lately it feels as if i have morning sickness! (I know i'm not pregnant, but i wake up and i feel sick.) I'm trying to lose weight, but i seems to hit a point where i can't LOSE ANYTHING. I've been watching what i eat, taking walks, going to the gym when i can. Trust me, with my three kids, THAT IS exercise. When i have my monthly cycles, it seems as if they last FOREVER! They're not really heavy, but they seems to last for up to 2 weeks! Anyway, my moods can turn at the drop of a hat, and it seems like i'm yelling at my kids A LOT. My husband pointed it out, and i feel guilty! I have an appt. tomorrow with my doctor to get it taken out. I'm not the best with the pill, but if taking this IUD out means these side effects going away, then i'm all for it.
So i'm hoping everything will lighten up after tomorrow!!!

Hi all, I have had the Mirena since May of 08. I had twins in Feb of this year and was given the little plastic ring for birth control. That gave me TERRIBLE migraines. i hardly ever even have headaches let alone migraines. It was impossible to take care of twin infants along w/migraine pain. I really shouldn't be on estrogen anyway because of a clotting problem in my family. So my doctor recommended the Mirena. I wanted it anyway because I can't remember to take pills now, (I'm a little busy.) Since I had it put in I have been losing my hair in unbelievable amounts which my doctor attributed to my just having twins. My depression and anxiety meds are NOT working anymore. My fourth and fifth toes on my right foot are completely numb and stiff, almost like I have arthritis or something. I have NO interest in having sex w/my husband. But after taking care of twins, who does?? Just kidding. I am not very happy with this IUD, but have decided the alternative (being pregnant) is not a better option at this time. So, for now I will continue to be a bitchy, balding, arthritic, celbate mother of two. Good luck to everyone else

Hi, I just got the Mirena back in April and I have had nothing but problems from the get go. First they had trouble inserting the Mirena so instead of 5 minutes it took more like 20 minutes....by the time they got finished I started sweating really bad. I went to stand up and almost passed out. They laid me on a bed, put an ice pack behind my neck and gave me water. They checked my blood pressure and it was VERY low. 15 minutes later my blood pressure still wasn't coming back up so I was not allowed to leave. They started telling me that some people's bodies go into a form of shock and that was probably what happened and they were worried about my blood pressure not coming back up and possibly having to take me over to the emergency in order to get my blood pressure back up. Well about ten minutes later they finally get my blood pressure back up to normal so they finally let me leave their office. I get out to my vehicle and all of a sudden I feel like I am fixing to pass out again. I laid down and called a friend to come and pick me up. I kept an ice pack on the back of my neck for another 30 minutes while resting before I finally felt better again. A couple hours later came the pain. Very bad pain that lasted for the next two weeks and I am usually a person that can take pain. Finally the pain eased up after that and now I only get pain once in a while but here I am 3 months later and I am still bleeding. I feel tired all the time, I've had a lot of migraines, it is painful during sex sometimes, my sex drive has almost totally vanished and my energy level is almost at 0. I have also been experiencing stomach problems and a bloated feeling. I am EXTREMELY tired all the time. I never feel like I get a good nights sleep. I have also been experiencing hair loss but I didn't know if that was from the Mirena or not until I started reading posts on here. Now my bleeding is slowly getting worse the past few weeks. Not only am I bleeding still but now it is coming out in little clots too. Now I am getting worried so I have made an appointment to go back in. I came on here hoping I can find someone that has had the same problem so I wouldn't have to worry until the appointment. Its really disgusting and I am so sick of having this mirena in already.

Good luck to those of you that haven't already experienced these same side effects already......

I GOT MIRENA IN ABOUT 2 1/2 MONTHS AGO AND WELL I AM NOW SUFFERING FROM THE SAME SYMPTOMS THAT ALL THESE OTHER WOMEN DESCRIBED. I HAVE PAIN THAT COMES AND GOES IN MY ABDOMINAL AREA, I FEEL TIRED ALL THE TIME, IRRITABLE, DEPRESSED, HEADACHES, BAD CONSTIPATION, WEIGHT GAIN, HAIR FALLING OUT, AND BLOATED SO BAD THAT I LOOK LIKE IM 5 MONTHS PREGO. IT SUCKS I FEEL LIKE I AM GOING INSANE TO THE POINT WHERE I CANT EVEN STAND MYSELF, I DON'T KNOW HOW MY HUSBAND DOES IT. OH AND TO TOP IT OFF 1 MONTH 1/2 INTO HAVING IT I HAD TERRIBLE PELVIC PAIN I COULD NOT EVEN WALK, AND SO I WENT TO DR. AND THEY SAID THAT I MIGHT HAVE A CYST SO NOW I HAVE TO GET AN ULTRA SOUND TO C IF IT IS A CYST OR NOT. UP UNTIL TODAY I DIDN'T CONNECT MY SYMPTOMS WITH THE MIRENA EXCEPT FOR WEIGHT GAIN AND THE POSSIBILITY OF CYSTS. THEN I WAS TALKING TO A FRIEND OF MINE THAT WAS CONSIDERING THE MIRENA AS WELL AND SHE MENTIONED IT TO HER AUNT WHO HAD IT AND HER AUNT TOLD HER NOT TO GET IT AND TLD HER HOW THE MIRENA IS THE PORTAL TO HELL. SHE CALLED ME TLD ME ABOUT IT AND WELL THEN I STARTED TO LOOK FOR OTHER WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES AND THAT IS HOW I CAME ONTO THIS PAGE, AND OTHERS ALL WITH NOTHING BUT THE SAME COMPLAINS. MAYBE 1 OR 2 GOOD EXPERIENCES BUT THE REST WERE BAD. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON 7-21-08 TO HAVE IT REMOVED AND GET BACK ON THE PILL THAT I WAS TAKING FOR ALMOST 9 YRS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH. I CANT WAIT FOR MONDAY TO COME. I WILL LET U ALL KNOW HOW I FEEL AND HOW MY LIFE CHANGES AFTER I GET IT REMOVED. UNTIL THEN ALL I CAN SAY IS DON'T GET MIRENA ITS THE PORTAL SO HELL!!!

This site has made me realize that I am not crazy. Well, now I am... But not for long, I have had my Mirena since 2/2005 after the birth of my daughter. Yes, there was a lot of cramping at first and the insertion was awful. The Dr. reassured me that I would begin to feel better and gave me time frames as to when cramping and bleeding should stop and may even stop completely. Wow, this is great! I thought... I nursed my first year and at the 6 month mark my production slowed. I've heard this was normal. I was proud that I had gotten down to the pre-baby weight. No credit to Mirena. This was strictly due to nursing and some exercise. At the year mark I became more and more irritable, per my husband. I was Forgetful or should I say had difficulty holding conversations due to forgetting simple words... I was depressed and just plain mean... He was right. I didn't notice until he said it, I was angry all of the time. I was reluctant to go on any pills; I feared I would be labeled as crazy. So, instead of meds we ended up needing to see a marriage counselor. Yep, after 5 months of babbling about my childhood and bringing about a normal conversation with my husband again, I end up taking medication. I had been convinced this was simply a little postpartum and everybody is depressed after a baby so I was put on some generic version of Prozac (temporarily). Had some dizzy spells at work (very embarrassing). In the summer of 2006 I started have pain during sex. I could tell it was coming from the ovary. It was on my left side. Of course, my husband had to deal to with the constant feeling of rejection. I was thinking I'm just constipated and the added pressure is well... you get the idea... Hurting everything else. After a few months of this I made an appointment with my OB doctor. I had a 5 cm cyst! I was told this could burst or possibly twist. Then I am restricted to no sex and light exercise. Within 3 months that cyst burst it sent a burning sensation through my abdomen to my upper thighs. I have a lot of abdominal pain and bloating. I went in several times later but was never diagnosed with having anything wrong. Suggested to see an Oncologist (never went). Now to the current year of the Mirena... I mentioned earlier that I had lost all of my weight back to 114 pounds (I'm petite). Within the last 4 months I have put on 17pound and still climbing. I am having some horrible pains on the right side now which I know is the return of another one of those cysts. It must be a dozy, this one really hurts. And having acne breakouts of a teenager. So let’s review... From this post I have experienced the depression, cyst, weight gain, acne, forgetfulness, dizziness, stomach pains, bloating. I want it out I had scheduled to get it done on 7/17. My husband freaked and now has scheduled to get a vasectomy. He has asked me to wait until his procedure has been done before I go through with it. So, I am waiting but am interested to hear how soon we become normal again when all foreign objects and medications has been removed.

I had the Mirena inserted about a year ago and am very anxious to have it out tomorrow. I have so many side effects that I thought I was crazy until I found these blogs. I gained 10 lbs and im not doing anything different than before I'm still eating and exercising the same, I'm a raging bitch and I don't know how my boyfriend puts up with me, I cry out of nowhere, My hair has been falling out by the handfuls, I've had depression, migraine headaches, cramping in the lower abdomen along with numbing of the vagina. My doctor said there would hardly be any side effects when he recommended this to me and he swore by it. I would never recommend the Mirena to anyone! If you are considering it I highly suggest you re-think your options! I cannot wait until this little piece of hell gets removed!

I got the Mirena in Jan 2008. My periods were lasting 2 weeks long (light) every 2 weeks. I had EXTREME fatigue and actually had to go in to take a pregnancy test because my last period came late and I had ALL the effects of pregnancy (had 1 in 2006). I had nausea so bad I actually had to miss work because I felt the urge to be sick, but I couldn't get sick. I had it removed on July 7th, 2008 and felt a difference as soon as I left my doctors office, but now I'm faced with another dilemma. I may be pregnant again! My period never came after I had it removed and have the feeling of being pregnant. My doctor finally told me that my body thought it was pregnant and is going through the motions. I have to wait 2 weeks before I will know if I am or not! I NEVER SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE MIRENA AND DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE ELSE DOES EITHER! I have a hard time remembering to take a pill everyday, but that is much better than the side effects of this thing. I agree with a previous posting, IT IS EVIL!!!!

I had Mirena put in in April 08, I did not have the bad cramping when inserted or any cramping after, how ever I did start bleeding 2 1/2 weeks later and it continued for almost 15 days, and then every 8 days after that I would start "spotting". Just recently the spotting has slowed, but I am bloated ALL the time I have had Looser stools I get nauseated easily IM VERY stressed and tired, and I had a great sex drive before, now I don't even thing about it and pretty well shun my husband who now sleeps in the living room. I have a blood clotting disorder where I cannot take certain forms of birth control and I was told that this was the best option now I wonder if the mini pill is better?!