Mirena and 5 months

I too am one of the many women who wishes that she would have seen this site before getting the Mirena! I thought that I was dealing with some sort of postpartum depression. My MD had me convinced that NONE of the side affects that I am experiencing are Mirena related. Now after reading all of this I know I'm not the only one!
I had my son May of this year. Before I had him my MD had talked to me about the choice of a birth control after birth. Well I knew very little of Mirena, but once my MD had explained it I was SOLD! No kids for 5 years (not looking to have my next one until about that time) and "little to no side effects." What could have been better. He was singing music to my ears about Mirena. 6 weeks after my c-section I went in for my follow up and was given the ok to get it. I was told that the procedure shouldn't hurt. Liars. I can't believe that they don't numb you for that. Hello.....YOU ARE MANUALLY DIALATING MY CERVIX!!! I bled that day and afterwards and the cramps were out of this world! The doctor just told me to take the left over vicodin I had from my c-section. Two weeks later the craps were still in full throttle!
A few weeks after the insertion I was starting to to become this other person. Mood swings and a total bitch came out of me. My poor husband got the bad end of it. He thought it was postpartum and just let it be. A while after that I began to feel bloated and I started to gain the pregnancy weight back. I wasn't eating any different so I know something was not right. Fatigue was another effect that set in around the same time. I thought it was just trying to adjust with a baby in the house but here it is 5 months later and I have no energy. I promised myself I was going to start going to the gym and I can't muscle up the energy to do that. I'm wiped out by the day's end with taking care of the baby and getting simple house chores done. Also my back hurts ALL THE TIME. I thought that it might have been from the epidural but now I think not. I've always had some breakouts but not that bad. Now I break out all the time, and they are bad. Not to mention that I'm getting breakouts all over my neck, chest and back. I've never broken out like this on my body before. Not even when I was pregnant. Even more recent is my hair that is starting to come out in alarming clumps. I can get a good fistfull in the shower when I'm ringing my hair out, another good one when I blow dry it, and then just randomly during the day. For the most part I've always had thick hair and I'm noticing a DRAMATIC difference!
I've made several calls to my md about the cramps and the things I'm going through and he asked me to just give it a few more months. I'm going to call ASAP and demand that this thing comes out!

THE MIRENA HAS RUINED MY LIFE. AFTER 2 YEARS OF HELL, I HAD IT REMOVED, THEN I STARTED YAZ BUT I HAVE NOT HAD MY PERIOD YET SINCE I HAD THE MIRENA REMOVED 3 MONTHS AGO. IM ALWAYS THINKING IM PREGNANT BUT THE TEST ALWAYS COME OUT NEGATIVE. WHEN WILL I GET MY PERIOD? IM TIRED OF THINKING IM PREGNANT WHEN IM NOT. WHATS WRONG WITH ME? BY THE WAY DID I MENTION I GOT OVARIAN CYSTS BECAUSE OF THE MIRENA. I NOW STOPPED TAKING BIRTH CONTROLS SINCE MY HUSBAND IS AWAY WORKING AND I DON'T NEED BIRTH CONTROL. IM STILL WAITING FOR MY PERIOD TO COME. I HOPE I AM NOT GOING THROUGH EARLY MENOPAUSE. IM ONLY 27 YEARS OLD. IVE HEARD ONE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS OF IUDS IS EARLY MENOPAUSE.

Been about 5 months post-removal for me. I can honestly say I am doing better but still not 100% as I had hoped to be. I had a good week last week which was the first time I felt like myself in about 6 months. It gave me hope even though I'm not feeling great this month.
Distraction is a tremendous help. One of the worst things I did to myself was sit and dwell and panic and stress over everything (although there was a point when I'm not sure I had a choice in the matter). I'm ready for this to be done with. I do get very symptom-y and anxious around my periods so I know this is all hormonal and Mirena-triggered. My OB/Gyn told me to give it a year.
The most stubborn effect has been GERD (acid reflux). I don't know that that will ever go away.

I hate Mirena!! I went right from the DEPO shot to MIRENA and thought it didn't have any side effects. I did horrible on the shot, gaining a lot of weight and very very MOODY to where i wanted to crawl out of my skin. I've had Mirena for almost a year now, and I totally hate it. JUST LIKE YOU, ive gained weight in my stomach to where i look 5 months pregnant, and my boobs went from a smaller d size to a large DD and the DD don't fit. When i have a shirt on they look even bigger, and from my head to my boobs, not seeing the lower portions of my body you would think i was very obese. I also have hypothyroidism, and the mirena does not help with the hard time losing weight. But i will tell you one thing, for about 5 months of my life, when my son was about 1, i was off birth control. My body did so well, i lost a lot of weight and i was never bloated. i felt great about my self. birth control is horrible for anyones body, and i have really thought about just using condoms and risk getting pregnant. i have been with the same man for 2 yrs and do not plan on being with anyone else. so i made the decision to not be on birth control. every time i have sex i get severe cramping, and i have such a low sex drive i can hardly get excited. I HATE MIRENA!! AND I WANT THIS THING OUT OF ME!!! IM GLAD I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE! LOL

I am having this THING removed on Friday. I have had it for nearly 5 months now. Two weeks after insertion, I was up 12 pounds. I was working out my same 5/6 times per week and my eating habits were unchanged. My OB, who I adore said after 3 months this would go away. It did not. I'm up 18 pounds now with dieting (which I never did before) and increased exercise. I have rolls on my belly despite 100 crunches every day. Yes, I no longer have the horrible cramps and bleeding but I'm not going to live like this. I hope it doesn't take five months to get my figure back. I looked better 6 weeks post partem than I do now. And, I paid cash for this bullshit.

Well I had Mirena for 15 months and had it removed almost 6 weeks ago. With Mirena I had mood swings, bloating, nausea every night (toward the end), was thirsty, soooo tired, mild cramping, and I'm sure I'm not remembering everything....so I was hoping all my problems would go away as soon as I got it out, but I feel like it's worse! I'm a hormonal mess, crabby, angry, depressed on and off. I'm still so tired, bloated, my fingers are so puffy in the mornings I can hardly get my rings on, and I've gained weight since having it out! I had a period that started 2 days after having it removed that lasted a week, and haven't had another since (I was expecting it last week). From what I've read here and on other forums it sounds like you can't expect a regular period right away. What have others' experiences been after having it out? How long did it take for your period to be normal again? (If ever!?)

I had my Mirena put in Feb 08. I heard wonderful things about it from other women I know who have it. So, I gave it a shot. Wow. I had wonderfully clear skin before the Mirena. Now it is so embarrassing. I get huge pimples all over my chest, my neck, and my face. They are so painful. I have spent so much money on face cleaners and what-not and nothing has worked. Within a week after getting the Mirena put it, I was in the ER for unbearable pelvic pain. I had developed large cysts on both of my ovaries. It was awful.I still get the lovely sharp pains in my pelvic region that will at times make me double over. My periods last a full week now and I can have 2 periods a month (everyone who has it told me they don't even get periods anymore...what gives?). My breasts get so tender that any touch sends me through the roof and outing on and taking off my bra is so painful. And the WEIGHT GAIN. I had just 40 lbs of pregnancy weight and finally started feeling good about myself again. I get the Mirena and I have gained 15 lbs. I am bloated and disgusting. I look 4-5 months pregnant. I feel horrible. I have no health insurance right now and I don't have enough money to pay out of pocket to get the Mirena removed. As soon as I get back on track, I am definitely getting this removed. I can't stand what has happened to me. I look and feel utterly disgusting. :(

Wow I can't believe all of these people feel this way! I had Mirena put in Nov. 07 and I can relate to most people on here. I go to the gym all of the time and I can't lose the weight around my belly. I'm usually about 118 lbs and for the last 5 months have been 124 lbs. I have back ache and mood swings still. I have no cramping anymore, but I'm very bloated. I have never in my life experienced all of the acne I have now. I have no sex drive either. The only thing I like is that I don't have a period at all. I paid so much money to have this put in, but I really want it out! I'd rather be on the pill.

I am 35 years old and LOVE my Mirena. I have NEVER felt better. All these "side effects" sound so crazy to me. I know 10 women who use this product and not one of the complain about anything. They all love it. Its their word of mouth that inspired me to look into it. I have had mine since March 06. I fear for all of you who are having "side effects" that you might be blaming this product, and ignoring that there can be some thing other than the IUD causing your problems. All of these comments are hell bent on blaming Mirena. I'm not saying that its not causing any of these side effects with some of you, but for some, I am wondering if your too busy blaming it, then finding out if there is really something else wrong. I didn't think it hurt that bad at the insertion, a little crampy, but nothing we as women couldn't handle. After I saw this site, I literally contacted the women that I know use it and they all were shocked that people were having such a hard time with it. You would think 1 out of us 10 would have something to say if there was a problem. The only thing in common that we all have is that we went to the same Dr. So maybe that could be an issue with some of you. I didnt bleed for weeks or months. And the pill NEVER could regulate me . Within 3-6 months I had a 90% decrease in my periods ( just like this product states it would do) i had used the vaginal ring before this and that caused some moodiness and was a bit odd during sex, But Mirena has made me feel free, not moody, no pain, no period, I have a strong sex drive ( mainly because I no longer have the worries such as did I remember my pill? Is the ring still in place or did it fall out?) My boyfriend never feels it or the strings ( and I have a short cervical neck!) Nor have I heard such things from my friends and family who do use it. I think if I was having some problems and stumbled across this website I would panic and blame Mirena as well. But in my opinion all these symptoms are things we as women will have happen due to stress, age or routine ob/gyn issues. i actually read in one of these comments someone asking about a lawsuit.... Are you kidding me??? If I were all you with these problems I would seriously check with your doctors and make sure there is nothing else causing your issues...Don't just blame a product with out making sure you know everything thats going on within your own body. I wouldn't take that chance but I am not the one with any problems. I'm sure this method isn't for everyone but my point is that I hope you don't overlook a more serious or undetected problem. good luck to all.

I have had the mirena for 7 months now..
I never realized that I was having all these symptoms until reading tons of websites..

I'm constantly suffering from severe sharp stabbing pains, and my migraines are back are like hell now.
I'm having crazy lower back pain(to which I believe only 1/2 of it is to be blamed on mirena.. other half is to be blamed on my 9 attempts of an epidural)..

I'm going to get it removed today so we can ttc #2(Presleigh our daughter is 1 yr and 2 weeks old:)) I'm terrified of what it will be like to get it removed.. anyone been through this?

I had Mirena inserted in July, 2008. I was feeling pretty good about it, but have come to realize I am experiencing some side effects. Right now, I can say the side effects are worth it compared to the horrific periods I was having for the past 6 years. I have extreme breast tenderness and need to get a Mammogram anyway. I'm sure when the results come back normal, my mind will rest at ease and I will know for sure it is a side effect from Mirena. I've been extremely fatigued, however I used to get the same effect the week before my period. So I'm not sure it's a side effect or normal. I do experience waves of nausea but they pass and I eventually feel better and get back to normal. Other than that, I'm okay. I just hope I continue on this path. I'm sure I'll know after a couple more months.

I am a 48 year old with 4 children. I am not showing signs of menopause at all. I have had increasingly heavy periods, sweats, headaches, mood swings, the whole nine yards so what the heck, I had mirena inserted today. My doc encouraged me to try it to see if my periods would get lighter or even stop. As far as side affects, I am already half psyco according to my daughters. I am still crampy off and on but I expected it. I just switched to this doctor because I was seeing satan who knowing I was very anemic from heavy periods let me almost bleed to death. I skipped two months due to low progestin but still built up the lining so when I was getting ready to have a period the third month, I went in for an ultrasound. The technician was wowed at how thick the lining was. She commented to me that I was going to have a really bad period when it started. My doctor did not advise me to do anything about it. He could have said to call if it went for longer than a week or to call if it was extra heavy but he didn't. My period was at almost three weeks and very heavy. I went to work on my birthday no less, and my potassium bottomed out as well as electrolytes. I felt so sick I went to lay down on the bathroom floor but felt nausea and cramps and thought I needed to use the toilet. When I sat down, I felt my arms and legs go numb. Out of vanity, I tried to stand and pull up my pants knowing I was passing out. I went down and ended up fracturing the fibula in my right leg. My friend knocked on the door and I came around and asked her to call the squad. After my 10 minute $750 ride in the squad, I was admitted to the hospital with a hemoglobin of 6. I stayed in for 5 days receiving 4 units of blood. Needless to say, I found the new doctor. My hemoglobin is now around 14 and I am starting to put weight on my leg. Hopefully, I am on the mend. I know there is a lot of negative response about the Mirena, but I don't have anywhere to go but up. I hope it works for me. If not, I will be on my way to the ER for an ablation.

I had my Mirena input about 5 months ago. At first all was well, but for the last two months I have had bad anxiety. It took me this long to think it could be my IUD. The anxiety is horrible. My heart races, my arms and hands hurt, and sometimes I feel like I am going crazy! I can not wait to have this IUD removed and I pray after a few months I will be back to normal. I would tell anyone thinking about using Mirena, Don't do it.

Hi all i no there is a lot of side effects, i have had mine for nearly 10 weeks now, hardly any bleeding which is why i got it in the first place, but have gained weight, and still get sharp pains, realistically does this change after the 3-6 months, as i am willing if there is hope of feeling better after this length of time, before i give up, as they say if you have it removed you go through a bad time also

So I made an appointment to have my mirena removed on Monday. However, i am scared now that my post symptoms are going to be far more worse than they are now but, it needs to be done. So, if you have had it removed can you please reply to this posting so i can have some idea as to what i could be facing?

I had my Mirena placed in Jan. 11, 2008. I had my son Sept. 20, 2007. Since I had it placed I gained over 15 pounds, after losing most of my baby weight. I had continuous bleeding for about 4-5 months and than really bad odor started that medication didn't cure. I have very dry skin and unusual amount of acne, I've always had pretty clear skin. I've had a noticeable amount of hair loss and regular headaches. I've also had really low energy and different forms of depression and irritability. Also the biggest thing that really bothers me is I have very low to almost non-existent sex drive.

I just called my doctor tonight to schedule an appointment after doing some research on my symptoms. I will never get an IUD again.

Let your body heal from child birth before you get Mirena, that is my opinion. I didn't get Mirena until my son was over a year old and i haven't had any crazy side effects, at first the bleeding and spotting for about a month and then my period stopped. i love it so far and reading some of these comments i realized the common theme in them is that many of the women have had problems got the Mirena right after having their child. i really think your body needs time to process all the hormone changes and get back to normal before you add birth control to the mix.

I have had the Mirena in for 6weeks and I am so BLOATED(look like I am 6months pregnant), GAINING WEIGHT (I work out regularly but nothing is changing), TIRED all of the time, MOOD SWINGS off and on. I feel CONFUSED at times as if I can't seem to get it together. I am having this thing remove ASAP and will post my comments afterwards to give everyone and update.

I had the mirena put in about 5 months ago. I've had the annoying period side effects, having it last for 2 weeks or more. But, for about 2 months now I've been battling yeast/bacterial infections. I have never had a bacterial infection in my life!! I just googled bacterial infections and mirena and I'm shocked to see how many people are suffering from this! Plus, I've had severe mood swings and I've been trying to figure out why I feel like a crazy woman all of the time. I was prescribed clindesse for the bacterial infection, which gave me a yeast infection, after 3 yeast treatments and a diflucan I feel once again like I have a bacterial infection. I don't think that this is all coincidental considering that this is the first time in my life that I've had to deal with odor, discharge, bacteria etc. I'm getting this thing out!!

I hate mirena. I had mirena for a year and a half. I had bleeding with intercourse, headaches, cramping, hair loss, depression, and swollen lymph nodes. I overall just didn't feel good. The strings migrated upward into my uterus. The doctor tried to "fish" the strings out, but had no luck and had to schedule a d&c to remove it. It ended up costing me about 4-5 grand for a small piece of plastic that has gave me nothing but trouble. I still have not had a period and can't get pregnant and it has been 5 months post mirena. My lymph nodes have gone back to normal now..just no period and no baby.

My son was born March 2007, when he was 8wks old, to much of my surprise I found out that I was pregnant again. Mirena sounded perfect!!!! I had it placed 7 weeks after my 2nd son was born in Jan 2008. I had what I still assume is normal with any type of birth control method, irregular bleeding,cramping,some slight mood swings. That all seems normal to me when you mess with you body like that. Aug 1, 2008 I woke up at4am with awful abdominal pain sooo bad that I turned to my husband and said that I think I have to go to the hospital. I decided that if I could fall back asleep then its probably nothing major. I fell back asleep (or passed out, I don't know) The next morning I was hurting so bad I couldn't lift anything, couldn't stand up straight, felt weak and felt as though I had rocks in my stomach but had an empty feeling at the same time. The pain was all over my abdomen, stabbing, shooting,pinching. I also had pain aroung my belly button and a noticeable discomfort about my pevic bone. Finally I called my husband to come home, went to the hospital, they took blood, cultures, did an exam and did a ctscan. All normal! WHAT!! Aug 11th still having pain and now having MAJOR HOT FLASHES. I find myself getting so hot and irritated that I cant be around the babies because I am afraid I will yell at them. If I get in a little disagreement with my husband it will most likely end with me saying I want a divorce (I noticed another lady with that same problem) Today I had a ultra sound done and it came back what my (new) doctor says is normal. The problem with that is that one of my ovaries is split and is NOW shaped like a horse-shoe. I was pregnant for almost 2yrs straight and had lots of ultrasounds NOT ONE TIME did anyone say anything about a odd ovary. I'm just going to make a educated guess that it wasn't deformed till after the Mirena. Now I am wanting to remove it but feel like I should get every test known to man first to rule out any other possibility. I really don't want to remove it. I am afraid of getting it removed and even more of getting pregnant when I already have two 10 months apart and still in diapers.
My biggest question is wanting to know if hot flashes are related or if I might be having something else going on. Am I the only one with he hot flashes? I have them all day long!!!!!!!!
Also I noticed after reading other post that some other things may be related like, piercing headaches, itchy flaky oily scalp, weight gain, ear drainage, lower back pain, oily skin, increased smoking, in-grown hairs in inner thigh area, joint pain, fatigue, decrease sex drive.

headache, nausea, moody, hot, difficulty sleeping, chubby,chubby chubby - even the neighbors have noticed! I was wondering if the IUD could have caused all of this, or if it was just my age, 42. After reading all of this, I'm pretty sure it's the "thing"

I'm so glad I found this site. I've had my Mirena for only 5 months, but since then I've had horrible depression (very severe), hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, headaches, complete loss of any pleasure in anything, no sex drive AT ALL. I'm making an appointment on Monday to have this removed. I've been seeing a psychiatrist for a few months and being treated with antidepressants and Ativan for anxiety and Prozac for the week before my period for severe PMDD. I never had these issues before. Oh my God. I hope the Mirena is causing it. The idea that I could be 'normal' again is giving me so much hope.

i had the mirena inserted on the 7th of aug. on the 1st of aug i started spotting from my period and go my period on the 3rd. the doctor said it was better to get the mirena close to your period date or when your on so i did. now 21 days later im still bleeding. not a lot just spotting except for the last 3 days. i will get heavy bleeding then it goes always. i have started getting dizzy, bloated and really moody that my boyfriend is getting sick of the attitude. i called the doctor and they said that this is normal and that i can spot for 3-6 months after insertion. i cant have sex, feel like shit and still get cramps on and off. when i do get cramps they are so bad that it feels like someone is stabbing me in the "V". i think i want this this taken out. it is so annoying.

Hi! I JUST had the Mirena put in Yesterday...Tues. And within one hour I started to feel foggy, light headed and crazy! I started getting a pressure headache. Being the last patient of the day, I knew the office was closed. So I looked online and found you all. I am horrified at this point! I couldn't sleep last night at all! I was so nauseous and had the poops. (sorry, tmi) Today I feel full of anxiety and my heart is racing. I feel like I'm on drugs or drunk! My head is still pounding. I kept calling my OBGYN and didn't talk to him until about 2 hrs ago. He said none of these symptoms are from the Mirena. So I hear that is most of the Docs words around here! He suggested I give it more time and call him in a few days and if I want it out, he will take it out. Well the thing is, I am ready to pull it out myself! I feel like I'm crazy! Seriously! I don't know what to do! I called my PCP and they refuse to take it out b/c they didn't put it in. They suggested going to the ER. Well my insurance for sure won't cover that!! So what do I do? I feel like I'm going crazy and no one will listen! We are moving to Italy in a month nd I need this resolved AWAY before then! Any advice will help! I just know when I call my doc, he will try to make me keep it in! What do I do?? HELP! Thanks for being here! Wish I had found you before. I am really good about researching things and I didn't with this. I trusted my doc! The other thing is I hear a ton of you have gained weight!!! I JUST had a full tummy tuck June 5th and I freaking better not gain weight!! LOL I want this out!! Calling my doc tomorrow and demanding he take it out. Has anyone had a doc refuse taking it out and if so, what is our recourse? It's our body right?? Thanks again for listening to me gripe!!! ;) God Bless!!
Danielle

Got it removed yesterday.I had just started my period(well had brown discharge)Doc never asked any questions I didn't bother going into it with her just said I wanted a break before next insertion next year( was due a new one next year)It was just a pinch for a min....very quick.There was a bit of red blood under me when I got up....."great" I said to myself a normal period,but last night and this morning still a slight brown discharge.
Had no cramping...slept well.....so we will see
Was just wondering though whats this crash I read about...What can I expect??

Endo Cancer?

It has to be listed and discussed.
All you ladies out there that have had the Mirena removed:
Are your periods lighter than they ever were?
Are they still?
What is the time frame of having the IUD removed & your return to what is a normal period for you?

If you're still experiencing a "light" or "lighter" flow than what is your norm after having the Mirena out, get yourself to the doctor's office (NOT your Gyn), tell them you were using the Mirena & ask for an ultrasound to measure and look at your uterus. Chances are, like me, you'll have an unusually thickened endo lining. Not just thickened, but irregular as opposed to smooth.
What does this mean? Well, you shouldn't have a THICK lining that keeps growing or stays the same.
I was normal before insertion. (u-sounds done 2 weeks prior)
At about 10 days after removal, u-sounds showed an irregular thick lining measuring at 10mm.
At almost 8 weeks after removal, u-sound test showed the lining to be at 13mm.
NOTE: The "C" word starts getting used if you head toward the 15mm range.

Has anyone in your GYN office addressed this side effect with you?
Mine certainly didn't. Not one word. They didn't even tell me what to expect after my insistant demands for removal. (I called them after to report severe bleeding and clots of tissue, to which they responded was "normal".)
Ok....so if I had a heavy bleed, one would assume that the lining would be completely shed. So, why, after two cycles, and only 21 days of actual Mirena usage, is my endo lining growing like a banshee?

I have had mirena since April of 2008. It took me this long but I decided to check out if there were side effects posted from people because I, like others have had almost the exact same symptoms of everyone who has posted here. I have been taking vicodin for the migraines, been depressed, have horrible acne (especially on my back which I have never had before!), very painful intercourse (actually started crying once because it was that bad!) bled for like 4 months and now I bleed like forever when I do get my period, which is still every month, and it is kinda like spotting but enough that I can't have sex! I even went to the hospital one night because the cramping was so bad! They did ultrasounds and everything and told me everything was fine. I, like many others, have been waiting for all these symptoms to go away! I think I will consider getting it removed at this point. And oh yeah, lately I have experienced alot of discharge and it kinda has a weird odor, not a yeast infection- I tested, and no symptoms with peeing so prolly not a bladder thing and def not an std-been with same partner for 6 years! What do I do!

has anyone NOT experienced complications with acne? And for those who have, how bad on a scale of 1-5? (I really should have asked these questions before I got this thing put in...)

I know this is a not support group, but I am having mine out Wednesday via day surgery (see my other posts). If I do not feel significantly better shortly thereafter I think I may admit myself into a hospital for the mentally ill. 80% kidding. Please someone send me a line who has had it out and how you now feel. Aussiegirl did a while back and I appreciate it. Any other good news is welcome. I feel horrible.

I have had the Mirena in for about 5 months now and I feel terrible. I am having awful mood swings that are just getting worse. The moods swings are ripping my marriage apart. I am always tired and get nasty cramps around my period and sometimes when it is not even time for my period. I feel like my weight level has gone up. I have excessive water weight gain and my sex drive has dropped completely. I would not recommended this to anyone.

I got the Mirena inserted in May 2008, and had it inserted while on my cycle. Everything went fine and then I didn't stop bleeding for 1 1/2 months. I had severe cramping and even headaches. It is now 2 months later and now I am having tingling in my breasts and am bloated like nothing else. I feel like I am 4-5 months pregnant with how bloated I am. I have also noticed I am extremely tired all day every day. I try to please my husband but have no sex drive. I love the idea of not having to worry about any b/c for 5 years but I don't think the side effects are worth it. I have also taken 4 prego tests because at first I thought well is there a possibility. But all the tests were negative. I think it's just the Mirena. Can anyone relate to this?

I'm experiencing some VERY concerning symptoms and have a feeling it might be from the Mirena. And my doctors think it's just stress! SOMEBODY HELP!

I had a baby 4 months ago and at my postpardom appointment I was talked into getting the Mirena. After I had it inserted it all started with severe cramping and light bleeding that still has not subsided. I have been suffering with chronic headaches, dizziness, and facial numbness. I've also had bouts of anxiety and leg cramping and recently starting to have pain in my neck and one of my lymph nodes on my left side has become present and tender to the touch.

I mentioned all the these symptoms to my OB/GYN and he said "it's NOT related to the Mirena, go to your Primary Care Dr. and get some tests done" Well, I did that, got a full CBC and had my thyroid checked and all of my blood work came back normal. My Dr. said I am stressed after having the baby and to get some rest. I really wanted to have a CT done but after reading this I am beginning to think it's the Mirena as I had not had any of these symptoms prior to the IUD. I think i'll make an appointment to have it removed.

Anyone ot there have any of my exact same symptoms???

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 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?

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!!!

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.

OK.. I haven't seen my problem here so here goes. I had the Mirena inserted 3 months ago because of uncontrollable bleeding. My periods were so heavy I soaked the bed at night. The doctor suggested this or freezing the cervix and because the oblation was actual surgery in the hospital I chose Mirena.I am beginning to wonder if this was a mistake. The first month was great. I barely had a period (even though what I did had lasted a week) I was thrilled. I could handle that. Well, less than 3 weeks later I got it again. It would be light for 3 0r 4 days and then the floods started. Right threw my pad, pants everything.This would happen twice and it was gone. 2 1/2 weeks later I had it again. Same thing a few very light days and BAM!!! 3 weeks later it happened again which was July 3rd. I was at work and soaked threw my pants on the seat of the company car. I was so embarrassed. The weekend I was fine. Monday the 7th I went for my 3 month check (vaginal ultrasound) and told the doctor what was happening and he told me it takes 6 months to completely work and the "floods" were ok. Well I went back to work today and was fine all day. I lift heavy mail trays at work and this afternoon it happened again.Yes, on the seat of the company car. BLUCH! I am beginning to wonder if it has something to do with heavy lifting? I searched "Mirena" and "Mirena heavy lifting" and couldn't find anyone with this problem. I don't get headaches, cramps, acne or anything that I used to get since the insertion but I almost feel like I am worse now than before. I am going to talk to my Family doctor this week and see what she thinks? Any suggestions will help...Anyone go through what I have?? Thanks for listening...I am bummed this doesn't seem to be working.....

My experience with Mirena has been wonderful. I have had it in since May of 2006. I have stopped having periods about 5 months ago. I get no pimples, I have no abdominal pain, no breast pain. I would recommend Mirena to anyone who cannot remember to take the pill and are unsure if they want more children. I do go through depression every month for about 2 days though which I hate but can deal with. Hope all goes well for the other ladies.

Hello!

My doctor placed Mirena and at first I felt great!!
But weeks later I started to show some symptoms...
I have had horrible headaches ( they are soo bad that I think it is migraine) in the past 2.5 months (almost every day) and my energy level is extremely low.. I am getting addicted to energy drinks since then!!
Even the smallest task such as doing laundry or a little of gardening leave me complete exhausted......... I want this thing removed. I want to be myself again!!!!!!!!

Let me just say that like so many other women on this site I have been stressing over the predicament that Mirena has put us in. Yes, I was warned about having not had children that I am not a good candidate for it but I am in my early twenties and don't want children any time soon and I had been on Depo shots for as long as my Dr. would let me, so don't judge. The fact of the matter is that for the past two years since the insertion I have wondered what the hell is wrong with me!!! I have been extremely moody, depressed, and have had several strange symptoms including headaches, acne, weight gain, and the overall feeling of someone in the nineties instead of being 22. I have never been a lazy person or someone prone to acne. I have been to the doctor several times and she keeps saying it's not Mirena; I'm not convinced!!! I have not had a menstrual cycle since I started depo five years ago, you would think I would be a happy person but I'm not. I don't know what to do, I'm afraid to take it out and be wrong about it and get pregnant. But on the other hand I'm severely depressed about the weight gain and the more and more I exercise and diet doesn't matter. I have gained over 20 pounds and gone up 2 dress sizes, because of this I don't feel like having sex because I'm tired or I don't feel sexy. My marriage is suffering from my mood swings, lack of libido, and not wanting to do fun things people my age do. I've lost several friendships by not wanting to leave the house, I feel like it's starting to take over my entire life. I thought it was just me having these problems but the more I read other peoples posts the more I feel like I'm not alone. You don't have to be forty and have 3 kids to know what it feels like to have symptoms like this and be told over and over it's just in your head. Thanks to every one who wrote on this web site, it's comforting to know you're not the only one having problems. When I get it removed I will post again with how it has changed.

I had Mirena put in five days ago. I have had cramping off and on. I finally did a complete workout on my pilates reformer and did just fine. I have yet to see what having sex with my husband is like with this thing in me. I am a little scared about pain. I do feel bloated. I will keep everyone up to date on how I am doing. I sure wish I had come across this website before I decided to put this in.

hi all

I had mirena inserted in 12/07 after my 3rd child. Last week I experience an anxiety attack , felt restless, heart beating. felt like I couldn't breath. Haven't had my period for four months. Lost of sex drive, depression, and boy or boy MOOD swings. I feel like i'm not myself don't like the feeling. Having it removed. My doctors states that not the problem but I'm convince it is after reading all this side affects. Keep you posted.

I had my Mirena removed 4 1/2 weeks ago and I am still experiencing dizziness. I had posted previously that it was gone 2 days after the Mirena was removed but the dizziness has come back. Just thought I would let everyone know.

I have visited this site frequently after going through my own mirena hell. I had it removed today and thought I would finally chime in so as to help others.
37 years old, 2nd child born 12/22/07, 6 week postpartum checkup I was 12 lbs lighter than before I got pregnant, had mirena put in, in the past 5 months I've had: 15 pound weight gain, bloated stomach, insatiable appetite, acne on neck, face, and back, ovary pain, constant spotting/bleeding, extreme moodiness (quick to anger, no patience). I had reported these increasing symptoms 2 times to my ob who said the first time to give it a little longer, and the 2nd time to try Necon birth control pills for a month. The pill only exacerbated my problems. She was understanding when I had it removed today. Strangely enough, she said of the hundreds she's inserted hardly anyone has it removed due to symptoms. She said it would probably take 3-4 weeks for me to feel better and possibly 3 months for my periods to become regular. Someone posted earlier about it tricking your body into thinking it's pregnant. When I read that I totally related as two times as well these past months I've taken a pregnancy test because that's how I felt.

Had Mirena put in 10/2007. I had mild side effects cramping, bleeding etc.. they went away and everything was okay for a couple months. Recently, I started having issues, I haven't had my period for 2.5 months which is okay, except that I feel like I still have an 'emotional' period, and I constantly feel bloated. Mostly the problem is I keep getting yeast infections, and have an odor that won't go away no matter what I do. I have slight skin irritation- which I NEVER had before. My husband also thinks it has affected my moods drastically, made me depressed. I am thinking about having it taken out but don't want to give up having reliable birth control- plus my period is gone and I don't have cramps anymore!

I've had my Mirena in for about a month now, and honestly, it hasn't given me any problems. Of course I had cramps in the first week, and spotting for the first 3 months or whatever...but I can truly say that I love this birth control, and I hope not to get the negative side effects like most of these women. If you are considering the Mirena for birth control, talk with your doctor. If you have problems, talk with your doctor...if you're pissed off because you feel like you wasted your money, maybe you should take a second to think about it...neither you nor your doctor can look into a crystal ball to find out how something will effect you. But please, if you are considering the Mirena, don't decide against it because what a bunch of middle-aged women (with less than healthy reproductive systems) said. I'm 20 years old, and this IUD is a blessing.