Mirena and good luck

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?

OMG. I guess I am lucky that this is the first site i found! I am 22 years old and i have had Mirena since may of 2007 since i delivered my youngest son. I stopped having a period (which is great) but i started having some symptoms that were completely out of the ordinary for me. I started what felt like panic attacks, it feels like tightness in my chest with pain high in my chest. I'm having heart palpitations very often, and sometimes when my heart palpitates (it feels like it stops for a second) i partially black out. i have been attributing it all to stress because i am a full time college student with 2 toddlers and a house to run but now after reading all of these comments i'm not too sure. I have a really hard time focusing, it's like my eyes slide out of focus and i just stare into the distance. I've been having sleep trouble as well... i'm always fatigued but i have a really hard time falling asleep. My mood swings have inreased tenfold. i get so angry at the littlest things and i just can't help myself. the last and most important side effect (at least in the eyes of my husband) is that i have absolutely no sexual appetite. I find myself dreading sleeping with him because i just don't feel like it anymore. I love him dearly and I really think it's not normal for an otherwise healthy 22 year old to have zero sexual interest.

MY STORY

My Mirena was removed on 29th May 2008.

I had the Mirena put in four years ago,I had terrible pain the day after, it was that bad I was going to go to the hospital Emergency to get the thing out but I put up(the worst thing I done in my life, Im paying for it now) with it and it and the pain got a bit better,had a lot of bleeding (spotting) for the first six months and then it finally went away. For the first year I thought Mirena was Great but then the problems started.I started to gain a lot of weight,facial hair,Very sore breasts, I also had a lump removed from my left breast a couple of years ago, but I didn't know until recently that it was most likely caused by Mirena. Some of the other problems I had, My stomach bloated, I look like I'm six months pregnant ,I have a cyst on my left ovary,dry skin,acne,strange depression,headaches,and the Worst of all I had to have my Thyroids REMOVED on 1st Nov 2006 and I'm pretty sure that was caused by Mirena as well, so now I have to take thyroid Medication for the rest of my life,I had the Mirena removed as soon as I done some searching on the internet for my unexplained medical problems, mainly my weight as I had weighed about the same my whole adult life and now I had put on a few stone and now I have to try and lose it,as for my thyroid I have trouble getting the Meds right its a real pain,blood tests all the time.I just don't feel I have much left in my life,depressed,sick all the time. I eat well as I have high cholesterol so its not that I over ate,I noticed you do feel a lot more like eating sweet things. I found a site called ****** and found out there are thousands of woman,girls with the same problems as myself and that there is a class action law suit going on to Sue. Its worth having a look at this site it helped me a lot.I feel so bad I don't go out anymore I don't see friends or family I'm to depressed about my weight now. I am in the process of trying to find out if there is a Class Action Law Suit in Australia.If anyone knows of a Class Action in Australia could they Please let me know. After having the Mirena removed about 6 weeks ago I thought I was doing ok only a bit of spotting,but about 3 weeks after having it removed I got my period and the pain was unbearable,I was in agony stomach cramps and I bleed so much I thought I was going to die from blood loss,also the scariest was the huge blood clots,very scary,must of been four years of period in 1 week I couldn't believe how bad it was, I felt really sick and weak,but thank goodness its eased off now after a week. I just hope now I might slowly start and feel like my old self. Im also on medication for heart palpitations,I get Heart palpitations (SVT) a few times a week,I had my heart palpitations just after my thyroid removal op and was put on ecg and my heart rate was 176 Beats per Minute I was rushed to Intensive Care and I had to have an injection called Impending Doom (It makes you feel you are going to die) to slow my heart rate,it worked and I was kept in intensive car for 3 days,very scary thing to go through I hope I never have to go through that again,my heart palpitations got worse while I was on Mirena and now I also take Magnesium to help control them as well as Metoprolol which I have been on for some years and I recently read that if you are on Mirena it increases the side effects of Metoprolol.

So if you have had any bad experiences with Mirena please let us know,it will help others with their problems, hopefully. I just wish I never got Mirena and my advice is DON'T its not Worth the risk,if the Doctors had of told me about the BAD side effects I would NEVER of had it put in. Sorry about going on so long, Good Luck to you all,

Thanks Net.

google mirena-side-effects.****** (a mirena help,info site)

UPDATE

I have had it out nearly 3 months now my painful breasts feel normal again,I haven't lost any weight yet, but will soon hopefully,I do feel a lot better but still get some of the symptoms back just before my period.

I get sooo mad when i think of what Mirena done to me and all the other women and how bad some of their side effects have been. I get mad when i read some of the other ladies stories and the terrible things they have gone through ,

Perforations,Miscarriages,IUD's lost in their body,

Hystorectomy,and the rest. I want to wish them all the best, and we WILL get Better and Bayer ,Mirena will PAY some day for what they have done to US..

I feel compelled to post to this site because it's a big part of why I chose to have my Mirena removed. I had it in for two weeks before having it removed because of ever-increasing depression that started after one week. I also was passing large clots and I think my hair was starting to fall out in greater amounts. After two weeks I found myself standing at the kitchen counter making breakfast and balling my eyes out for "no reason." I had had a pretty bad bout of post-partum depression two years ago, and this felt like being right back there. But why? Then it hit me, I wonder if it could be Mirena. Long story short, I found this site and many others like it (do read the article for doctors that reports 5% or more women experience depression), called and got it removed that afternoon, and the clouds parted that night and the sun came out the next day. It was a 180 degree turn around for me within 48 hours. I feel completely back to normal, thank goodness! There is no doubt it was the Mirena. Also, it had come out of place and was sitting in my cervix, which my doctor said probably caused the clotting. I'm so glad it's out. No more artificial hormones for me. I think I'm one of those women who just can't handle them. I hope this helps someone else, as this site helped me so much. Good luck everyone!

Jill in Little Rock, Ark.

For all of the poor girls who are searching "mirena experiences" because you are looking for a sure thing contraceptive-
This site is only for people who have had BAD experiences. Read them all if you want, but take into consideration they are the 3%, or whatever number, that had problems. None of these women deserved it, asked for it, needed it, or wanted it, but unfortunately their bodies responded to it in such an ugly manor.

Here's my experience so far....Had it inserted 8/06/08. Insertion was fine. Felt that speculum more than I could feel the actual insertion of the mirena.
Slight cramping afterwards...not immediately-went home and for like 20 minutes had cramps lighter than my period cramps.
For the first week bled lightly, second week had an actual period, week three and week four just spotting. The doctor told me this can go on for up to six months...kinda worth it if you think about it.
No acne problems so far, my hair is fine (and trust me, if my hair was thinning, falling out, or anything like that I would take the mirena out!), muscles and joints feel like they did before pregnancy, still breastfeeding (I know that they say that the mirena will make you produce less breast milk-tell that to my breastfed 13 pound 24 inch long 2 month old. he would disagree)
My breasts are a little tender and at first I was slightly bloated (less than if I were on my period) but that has subsided. Abstained from sex for a month after insertion per my doctor's orders, so I will come back and post if there were any problems with that...NEXT WEEK! yay!
Know that I understand the side effects could show up later.

Now again, EVERYBODY will experience something different. We are interfering with nature. Birth control is one of the most unnatural things we could do to our body.

Again, since this site commonly comes up when searching the mirena, I want for women to know that it might work for them better than it did for others.

I've never responded to a site like this, but now feel compelled to. I had my Mirena fitted 13months ago, after a friend recommended it on the strength of her excellent experience with it. I was on anti-depressants already, so haven't felt an overwhelming sense of depression, but have been thinking for the past 10 months or so, that I get way more tired, have an overall achy body often, painful joints and swollen ankles. All stuff I never experienced before. But the thing that really did it for me was the weight gain. I was only slightly over normal weight at the time of insertion but have been gaining weight steadily. Initially I thought it was just a bit over over-indulgence, but after weighing myself last week, I've made the horrifying discovery that I've gained 13kg in 13 months!!!!!!!! I've never fluctuated more than about 4 kg in my whole life, eat healthily and am normally active. Nothing has changed to what I was eating/doing before. I specifically searched the internet today to see if weight-gain is a problem. It's not listed as a major side-effect on the 'official' sites, yet I see it on many of the postings on this one.
And for those of you who are into alternative therapies, I had myself checked with a kinesiologist for dietary intolerances/allergies that could have caused this weight issue, and what came up is that the problem is progesterone. When she checked if my Mirena was a problem for me, it came up VERY positive. When checked if I should have it removed, the response was equally positive.
It's a pity, as I had none of the other problems mentioned and it's such a convenient method of bc. But in my case it's coming out, before I have to come out as a seriously obese 41 yr old!!!!!

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 HAD MY IUD IN 2007 AFTER MY BABY BOY AND IN 2008 I GAINED WEIGHT LIKE CRAZY I GAINED ALMOST 30 PONDS EXTRA AND IM GETTING CRAZY WITH THESE SIDE EFFECTS AND THAN I THOUGHT Y NOT USE A MULTI VITAMINS 1 A DAY WHICH IS GOOD FOR WOMEN IT GIVES ENERGY SO I DON'T GET HEADACHES BUT DO HAVE PROBLEM WITH WEIGHT IM JUS NOT LOOSING IT EVEN THOUGH I DON'T EAT FAT FOOD A LOT I JUST SUDDENLY GAINED I HAVE DOUBLE CHIN LOL I LOOK LIKE A FAT COW 157 POUNDS B4 I WAS 130 POUNDS SO U CAN SEE NOW BUT IM THANKFUL TO MULTI VITAMINS PILLS I FEEL MUCH BETTER I DON'T GET THOSE HORRIBLE PAINS IN MY BACK HEAD AND LEGS ...CHEST PAIN BUT IM THINKING TO TAKE THIS SHIT OUT OF ME BECAUSE ITS NOT GOOD BECAUSE IT CAN DAMAGE THE UTRES I THINK AND IM ALREADY HORRIFIED WITH THIS I CALLED MY DOCTOR AS SOON AS I GET HER IM TAKING IT OUT WHEN LAST TIME I TOLD MY DOC SHE SAID ITS NOT MIRENA CAUSING WEIGHT GAIN BULLL S*** THEY JUST LIE I THINK THE DOCTORS I DON'T BELIEVE THAT I CAN GAINED WEIGHT SOO QUICK SO IM GETTING IT REMOVED ..MY ADVISE TO ALL LADIES PLZZ NEVER CHOOSE MIRENA ITS BETTER THAT OUR MEN SHOULD USE STUFF NOT USS I HATE PILLS TOO .. SO I DON'T CARE I WILL NEVER HAVE TO PUT UP WITH S*** AGAIN GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL

Just had mine inserted..it wasn't a pleasant experience at all as my cervix kept tightening up. I didn't feel well the rest of the day, cramping, bleeding, and fatigue. Better today. I hope I don't develop further problems/
What surprises me about this site is that many of the things you are describing are listed by the pharmaceutical company and the FDA as warnings and precautions as well as possible side effects. My doctor went through all of these step by step with me. I have a follow up appointment in 4 weeks and then another at 12 weeks then annually...all to check the device.
Yes, it is terrible that you had to go through these things, but this is a foreign device that is inserted in your body to deliver progesterone...if you are breast feeding, this will get to your infant; you are at risk for an infection; you are at risk for it to move/dislodge; it is a hormone and you may have adverse effects; it shouldn't be used if you have fibroids; immediate postpartum use is cautioned.
I am glad you are sharing your experiences, but I think it would be even more useful to report them to the FDA. Thanks.

so i posted on here a week ago to see if i was going crazy. turns out i wasn't. i have had this horrible mirena for a month now and the side effects are not getting better so i called the doctor today and said i wanted it out. the girl that answered the phone put me on hold went to talk to the doctor and said the doctor was going to call me and she scheduled me a day to get it out. the doctor called me this evening asked me what was going on and i told her that i was feeling really depressed, having a hard time sleeping, horrible back pain that my kidneys hurt and that i was sick of this bc and want it out. she told me that the mirena should not be causing these side effects that that it had to be something else. i told her that i have never had these issues before getting the mirena. i don't see why all these doctors think we are the ones that are going nuts. what is the big deal in wanting it taken out if its not right for you? she finally agreed to take it so i have an apt thurs so we shall see if i go back to being NORMAL after its removed. i will keep you posted.

also does anyone know of any other bc that does not have a risk for blood clots? that was the whole reason for me being put on mirena cause there was no risk for that. i have had them in the past from and IV and no doctor will put me back on normal bc.

I had my Mirena removed just this past Wednesday after suffering for 2 1/2 years with every single one of the symptoms all of you have complained of. Major weight gain and inability to lose any; acne; constant flu-like muscle aches; extreme irritablity; bloated; leg, face, hands & ankle edema; random nausea & dizziness; forgetfulness; cold intolerance; eczema on my hands; elevated blood pressure; hair loss ... I felt like a 90 year old 36 year old.

After endless complaining to a very dear friend (who is 42 and was researching BC because her doctor took her off of the pill) she had come across this forum as well as the few others like this and sent me the links. It never dawned on me that it could be the Mirena, so I made an appointment to have it removed.

So, I had it removed this past Wednesday ... just a slight twinge and it was out...nothing at all like having it inserted ... and feel better already. I started my period pretty much as soon as I got home from the doctor (hadn't had one in 1 1/2 years), although I've read some women take a few days/weeks to start up again ... and for the last couple of evenings I've had some pretty intense cramps (never had them before) ... but at least the bloat this time feels NORMAL for me for being on my period.

My doctor said it'll take probably 2-3 months to get back to normal as far as everything else is concerned, but she wasn't surprised at all of all of the symptoms I had being Mirena-related, especially when I'd told her that my periods stopped completely. It's my own guess that the 20% who stop bleeding altogether are the ones most sensitive to the hormone and will more than likely have the most problems from it. I figured for me, anyway, if something is too good to be true, it's because it is. *lol*

I'm just thankful my darling husband has been so supportive and has had no problem weathering out my storm, so to speak.

Good luck to all of you that are having problems ... and listen to your bodies. This might be the perfect alternative for some women, but everyone's body is different.

i have had mirana since july28 2004. i never had any problem with it i though it was a god'sent UNTIL NOW!! over the last 2 years i have had irregular bleeding,odd pain among other things. the bleeding started normal and but now it is very very dark clots and pain OMG it feels like i am being stabbed all the time. i have been to the doctors over and over and over .. they say it is not a side effect it is all in my head. well let me tell you i am a nurse and i know my body like you all do and something is wrong. i am due for it 2b changed and i want it out. i am so afraid of PID or sepsis. i have weird chalky discharge sometimes. and i have been tested for anything and everything under the sun STD wise so i know the pain and all the problems are from this. i have no energy and i am "sad" most of the time. i do not handle stress the way i used to .. my husband says i have changed. not for the bad per say just different. we have 2 children and thought this would be perfect but we were so wrong. good luck to you all... i know lots of women who have it and are fine. but the ones with a problem with it oh man do we ever have a problem...

I had my Mirena put in about 7 months ago, since then i have been getting sicker and sicker. I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism in June, but my TSH level is almost back to normal now and I still feeling so ill. I have gained 15 pounds, feel very emotionally unstable, I'm moody, fatigued, have constant joint and muscle pain! I am so depressed and no matter what i do I just can't feel better! I just want to die! My husband had a hunch that it could be the IUD causing this all and started researching it. He found this website and read to me what everyone had said. I was shocked! I'm a nurse so i got off the phone with him and removed it myself, which I do not recommend if you are not a health care professional. I'm sure it's just in my head, but I feel better already! I hope that all of my symptoms resolve now, but either way that is one less thing that could be causing my symptoms. I hope this helps others and let me know if you also had joint and muscle pain! Thanks and GOOD LUCK to you all!

Pam

I had mirena inserted today and I feel awful. The pain was worse then labor, and I had drug free labor and births. My husband literally had to carry from the car to the house. I wish I would have found this site before today. Do any of you know if I can have it removed as soon as tomorrow? After reading all the horrible experiences, I am to paranoid to keep it in. Thanks for any input.

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

Hello all i just had to post this. I had the Merina put in On June 12of 2008. I thought at first this was going to be the best thing for me because i have fibroids. Well 1 week after the insert it all started. Constant heavy Bleeding , Pelvic Pain and ect. Of Course i go to my OBGYN and they thought i was crazy and did not take it out. So i went to my Regular Doctor because my symptoms were getting worse. I started having migraine headaches and i just was feeling so sick along with the heavy clotting bleeding. I was to upset that it really wasn't anything he could do but treat me for my headache. Ok, that didn't work. My headaches got worst and I ended up in the Emergency Department with a severe headache trembles and etc. They took all kinds of test and i kept telling them that im having Major problems , know one was listening. I started having bad Anxiety attacks and Panic Attacks. This never happened a day in my life. My doctor had to put me on medication to control my anxiety attacks. Finally i am going to the OBGYN to get this thing out. While im there i am going to give them a piece of my mind as well. When patients are having severe problems , it should be considered an emergency to take it out. Everyone's Heomoglobin isnt low but experience other side effects. I am suffering really bad and trying to work a full time job as well plus married with 2 Kids. Hell i thought i was loosing my mind. I cant wait until 08/21 to get this removed!
Thanks for reading

Kim

I am so glad I found this website. I had the Mirena inserted on April 14, 2008. Since then I've been having anxiety attacks and I'm always tired no matter how much sleep I get. My mom had an accident 2 days after Mother's Day (May 13th) and passed away on July 17, 2008 so I thought my issues were related to everything going on with her. On July 24th (the day after her funeral) I was transported from my doctor's office to the emergency room via an ambulance because I was having chest pains for about 7 hours. After 2 EKGs, and blood work, they could not find anything wrong (thank goodness) and I made the doctors aware that I had the Mirena. I haven't had chest pains since then but I googled Mirena side effects because I still have bouts of anxiety and I am extremely tired. After reading the posts I think my symptoms may be related to the Mirena. I will have a talk with my OB/GYN and see what she thinks.

Ive had mirena for 2 years now, I haven't had very many problems. not like some of the other women here. I sorry for all of you. I think mirena is great. at one point i had severe mood swings, but that was for about a month. other than that everything is good. sometimes it does hurt when I am having sex, if it gets too rough or too deep. I don't have a period. when I first had it put in, which was in august 2006, 3 months after having my little angel, I bleed for about 3 months and had severe cramps, but my doctor did warn me about that. everything is great now. every once in a while I will get some nausea. almost like being pregnant again! Im good though. Sorry that you all had a bad experience with mirena. good luck finding something else!

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??

Most of us that use this seem to have it inserted soon after delivering our babies. Therefore it makes us wonder if it is postpartum depression or the IUD.
I had mind inserted on Aug 1 2008. I started back to work on Aug 4, 12 weeks postpartum. I kept thinking I was feeling so tired, depressed, tons of anxiety, basically not like myself at all, because of my new schedule of being a working mom. Well it has been only about 3 weeks and everyday I feel dizzy and tired at work. I have ridiculous anxiety that people are going to try to turn my baby against me. I have constant anxiety about my mother in law, when before she never really bothered me. I would consider myself severely depressed a lot of the time. We all have so many changes going on with having children but it does seem that it might be the IUD. I'll probably have it removed because I would rather have more children than be worthless to my family. I wanted to wait 5 years before having number 2... but do I want to be depressed and anxious all the time during my sons baby years? No thanks!

just an update..i posted august 13th....I have had mirena out for six days now... and i feel GREAT!!! no more cramping, my bloated belly is already going away...im already feeling more energetic... the following night i had it removed i had the best night of sleep i have had since i had mirena put in. Good luck ladies! get this thing out of you if you haven't already... you'll get your lives back.

I thought I was going to die for the first couple of days after I had Mirena inserted. The pain was unbearable! I had to take Vicodin and laid in bed in the fetal position crying and fighting the pain and nausea. I thought, "What have I done!?" But, eventually the immense pain went away. But not for long. I have horrendous cramping before, during and after every period. I go through Aleve and Ibuprofin like crazy. Then, I ended up with ovarian cysts, I thought I was dying, it hurt. Now, after reading these postings, I realize that I have even more side effects to blame on this device of torture! I'm bloated, gained a crap load of weight, am bitchy ALL the time, I always feel exhausted, and wish I could disappear. I friggin' hate this thing. I have been thinking about having it removed for a while. I have now made my decision.
Good luck to everyone else out there dealing with the effects of Mirena!

I have had the mirena since early December 2007. Other than spotting for the first 5-6 weeks, things were going fine until June of this year (7 months later). I have not had the acne that people are describing, but I have now developed reflux, horrible pms that lasts for 8-10 days before my period comes, jaw pain such that I can't bite all the way down in the back and strangest of all, an issue with my tongue. It's almost like I've developed a lisp and I have trouble with my S's. I even had a CT scan of my brain to make sure it wasn't neurological. My dentist can't find anything wrong, either. I

've also put on a mystery 5 lbs without changing a thing. I am a personal trainer/fitness instructor, so I am conscientious of eating and exercise. I should have know something was amiss when I trained for a half-marathon and didn't lose one pound.

So, I wasn't able to get an appt with my OB for another couple of weeks. The whole reason I got this thing in the first place was to help control heavy periods which led to anemia and iron supplementation. My periods have gotten SO much better, but I just don't think the pros outweigh the cons. I'm at the point to trying uterine ablation - I also have a recurrence of uterine polyps, so I've got lots to consider. There has to be something else out there, but I find it so strange that so many women have had such similar issues.

Good luck everyone!

I had the Mirena put in May'08. I've noticed increased acne, cramping in my legs, and spotting. I am also dealing with symptoms of bladder infections, however, there is no infection. My OBGYN says there is no correlation between the Mirena and my bladder problems, however, the urologist said that the Mirena could cause problems to other organs around the uterus (including the bladder). He stated it could be traumatic to our bodies, causing muscles in our pelvic area to tighten, nerve damage, etc. My OB diagnosed me with Interstitial Cystitis, a disease of the bladder lining that is without a cure, but my urologist didn't buy off on this and so now I'm having other tests done to make sure it's not bladder cancer, etc. Again, my urologist believes it's related to the Mirena. All I know is that I didn't have bladder problems until I had the Mirena inserted, which was the most painful experience aside from giving birth to my children! After reading the postings on this website, I'm definitely removing this device from my body ASAP! Good luck to all of you women who have had similar experiences. I pray that our bodies will return to some sense of normalcy.

I got my Mirena fitted about 5 weeks ago. I've had spotting since she put it in except for about 5 days a week after, which was great I was able to resume my sex life for a few days. But after those 5 days it's been non-stop. It's not a huge amount of bleeding it's just enough to not have sex. So I'm trying to wait it out but the weight gain is something that I've started to notice and the acne as well. I used a topical creme for the bumps on my face and they've since gone away. And for the weight gain I've noticed it's really just water weight. I started taking Diurex (NOT RECOMMENDED) and removing fatty foods from my diet. The Diurex worked within a weeks time just remember to drink gatorade with it. I'd have to say the worst side effect that I've had so far is the spotting/bleeding. I can't have sex with my fiance. My son is 8 months old and after talking about more children we've decided to try again after our wedding next July so I'm thinking of removing the Mirena to get back into tip top shape. I WISH I would have found this forum before I got my mirena fitted because I would've chosen some other form of BC. I've also had severe cramps (never had those before), migraine headaches, and I've been sleeping quite a bit and with an 8 month old that's not the best thing. UGH... The question remains... Should I take it out or not?

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,ve had mirena for 2 1/2 yrs and it has been the worst 2 1/2 yrs ever! I went to the ob 8 months ago to have it removed and my Dr. would not take it out she said that there was no possible way that it could be causing my 6 days in a row migraines that only respond to imitrex nothing else. So for the past couple of days I've been trying to make an appt to have
mirena taken out but the appts are like 2 weeks wait. I removed it myself this morning took a while to find it, hope this doesn't offend anyone I just wanted it out that bad. I really hope I start to feel better and that all the symptoms tat I have been having are not all in my head. My symptoms include no menstrual bleeding but instead a viscous cycle of Pms, cramps, headaches and fatigue that never go away. For the past 10 months I,ve had migraines and have been taking imitrex consistently. I don't ever feel like getting out of bed and my 2 oldest kids don't understand why I'm so ill and my youngest 2 1/2 says mommy has a headache, all day long. I'm curious to know if any one else has had migraines or chronic neck pain? Thanks.

Hey all,
Just had the Mirena put in last Wednesday. Did not hurt at all (I was SOOOO scared that it was going to!). In fact, I literally didn't realize that she had already put it in. I had a TINY bit of cramping after. Nothing like pmsing or anything. And that was for like 20 minutes a little after I got home. I took some IBProfin and had not had any cramps since. Very minimal bleeding. I am breastfeeding so I am not sure if that plays a role with the bleeding.

So this leaves me with one question (well, just one that I want to post and get responses to)....

For all that had problems with the Mirena, did they start from the beginning? From the moment that it was inserted? I wonder if there is a link...well, honestly I am kinda hoping there is a link. It would ease my mind a bit and it would let all of the women who have problems from the get go know that it isn't for them and it could be removed right then.

Oh, and for those that had a problem with the acne, how long after the Mirena was inserted did the acne come into play?

Thanks in advance!

OMG! I thought I was losing it. Have had the Mirena since April and have gained weight (an entire dress size) for NO REASON, been foggy, moody, no sex drive, joint pains, cramps, etc.I thought I was alone, Did I mention EXHAUSTED all the time and acne on my face and back-sever enough to get antibiotics from the dermatologist?
I also suffer with PCOS--does anyoen else on the Mirena suffer with PCOS? Would be interested to see how it has affected you. Tried BC pills and after awhile they stopped working then switched to the YAZ--DO NOT GO THERE--the worst Pill ever--so not many options for those of us with PCOS. Just can't wait to go to the DR and get this thing out.

I have had a mirena in for 2 1/2 months. Within one week I had developed a rash on my hands which after two consultations with specialists is excema. I have used steroid creams but it gets worse. I have never had any thing like this before. This rash is also on my feet. I have had the mirena removed today as the link seems too much of a coincidence.

The mirena has been helpful in stopping heavy bleeding etc but I cannot live with my burning peeling hands and need to know whether it is the mirena.

Hi all! I am not sure this is a new side effect, but it certainly hasn't been the most pleasant one. I have had ZERO sex drive.

I had a baby in early Feb 08, had the Mirena inserted Apr 08. I thought my lack of interest was just being tired from dealing with the baby or frustration with learning how to be a mom and wife. Hubby and I had a little tiff over me not wanting to, again the other night, when it hit me. While plenty of the times I was tired or frustrated, more often than not, I truly just had NO interest. I would think, yeah, I could but I don't want to. This did not happen until after the mirena.

I was very active prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and even after pregnancy (pre-Mirena). Heck, the baby wasn't even sleeping through the night then! He has for months and I still wanted nothing. I don't think I realized it was a possible side-effect. The pamphlets say - "this is not a complete list, please see your health professional"

As soon as I realized it, I called my OB to have it removed. They had a cancellation and I was able to get right in. After reading some of your posts, I am beginning to wonder if the fog I have been in can be attributed more to that as well. Time will tell.

i got mirena 3 years ago. i have felt bad every day since. never thought it could be linked to this device. i have had every symptom but hair loss and flakey skin. its been awful. i found this website last night. and it all clicked. the moodiness, fatigue, heartburn and palpitations, joint pain, headaches, nasal problems. hands going numb, i thought there was something really bad wrong with me. but since reading these blog. i know that i should start feeling better soon. I had it removed today. My husband and I want another baby. i had no idea this device mirena , is what caused all my problems. i even got so weak that i didn't feel like moving. had to force myself to get out of bed. so thanks everyone for this website.

amber

I originally posted how happy I was to get the Mirena. That was on July 22nd when I got it put in. I thought it would help with my heavy periods and terrible cramping I get every month. Instead, I was bleeding and cramping for the 15 days I had it in. I had it removed at 4pm today. Thank God! I also suffered with mood change, stomach aches, diarrhea and nausea on top of the terrible cramping and bleeding that came along with Mirena. All that in for 15 days. I'm so happy it's out! I feel much better already and it's only been about 5 hours. If you don't feel well, take it out. It is nothing like getting it put in, it does not hurt at all. It took a few seconds to take out. I've just about stopped bleeding as well. Good luck everyone!

I'm so glad I found this site! I thought I was going crazy! I got my mirena inserted about 2 months ago, and I feel horrible! I cramped severely when they were putting it in, after they put it in, and still now. I have really sharp pains every now and then that almost completely takes me to my knees. I've been moody, my l sex drive is shot, I have no energy, I'm bloated ALL the time, and I can't seem to loose any weight what so ever! I was previously on depo provera and experienced weight gain so that's one of the reasons why my doctor changed me to the mirena. I have not had any children yet. I thought maybe that was why I was experiencing such horrible cramps. I also, can feel it in me. My doctor asks as if I'm crazy too when I've told him what I'm experiencing. I am going this morning to see a new doctor. I know my body and there is something wrong! And the more I read these blogs the more I'm convened that it IS THE MIRENA!!! I'm just so glad that I'm not the only one experiencing these same side effects and that I'm not insane.

I have had issues with my cycle my entire life (started when i was 12 am now 46). THOUGHT this was a godsend until i started feeling like i was in a continual fog. Dizzy, light-headed. I can't walk without holding on to something, tired all the time. Doctor's prescribed Valium to numb my brain from the dizziness.
I've had CT Scans, MRI's blood work, echocardiograms, EKGs, more blood work and all normal.
I am scheduling to have this thing removed.
I can't wait to see if it all goes away.

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 suffered with pre-menopausal symptoms for 2 years before having the Mirena inserted in May 2007. My symptoms included bad menstrual cramping, heaving bleeding, hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness and lack of libido. But since having the Mirena all those symptoms have gone away. My OBGYN is using it for Hormone Replacement because I am too young (34 yrs old) to have menopause. I felt a lot better after about 3 months, I still have some side effects like hand numbness (mostly when I wake up in the morning or at night). Every couple of months I have some mild break through bleeding and I have PMS symptoms before it happens. I would have gone crazy without Mirena. I do have 1 symptom that I haven't heard anyone mention. Increased bladder infections, I don't know if this is caused by the Mirena or maybe its something else. If anyone has had this symptom can you post it?

I had Mirena inserted May 1st and had it removed July 30th. Ask me why I waited so long? Because my Ob/Gyn told me the SEVERE NAUSEA I felt could not possibly be from the Mirena because the level of the hormone it released was so low. My doctor suggested that I speak with my Family Practitioner regarding the nausea indicating I may have some type of stomach or GI issue occurring. In addition to the nausea, my hair is so thin, you can see my scalp along my hair line. Upon combing or brushing, I could literally roll my hair up into a ball after pulling it out of the comb or brush because so much of it had fallen out. Did I mention the acne? Oh yes, the acne is good and terrible. My husband went out and purchased ProActive Solution for me. I am hoping that will help.

Since it has only been 4 days since I have had it removed, I feel better but not 100%. I will post again after giving this crap more time to get out of my system!!!

Hi Ladies,
I am 31 with 3 beautiful children. I have had the mirena since July 2007. I now have a thyroid disorder called Hashimoto's thyroids. No personal or family history of any type of thyroid diseases. I am having mine removed in 4 days. Of course my family practice MD claims there is absolutely no connection between the mirena and my new onset of thyroid disorder. Just FYI for all of you ladies out there, the symptoms most commonly reported by a majority of you, take a look at the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Fatigue
Weakness
Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
Coarse, dry hair
Dry, rough pale skin
Hair loss
Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you)
Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
Constipation
Depression
Irritability
Memory loss
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Decreased libido

Any of these sound familiar??? All of my labs including my thyroid (TSH) levels came back normal. Except one. PTO, the test for thyroid antibodies. My immune system is literally attacking my thyroid. Thyroid levels under 3.0 are looked at for many women with infertility and miscarriage. Mine was 2.44, which is within normal range, but I am also on the verge of hypothyroidism. 3 weeks ago I noticed a lump on the left side of my thyroid, I just found the infertility information late last night, and that's how I wound up here. Mirena is doing its job, but it is also messing with your metabolism. Just because your thyroid levels are within normal range does not necessarily mean you are not having thyroid issues or it may be early enough where your levels are not "concerning" yet. No connection between thyroid and Mirena, huh???? Good Luck to all of you.

Hi I'm 26 years old and I got the Mirena in November 07. I have been bleeding since then, Also I have some sharp pains in my stomach it gets worse when my husband and I have intercourse. I have been to the doctor a few times now and they give me these pills to take for 14 days and i have done this two times now and its not working. I have another appt Aug 5 to try a different kind of pill. But I'm not even sure I really won"t this in me anymore. If anyone have experienced this please let me know and what did you do? Also I'm scared to get it out because it hurt so bad putting it in. Does it hurt taking it out??

THANKS SO MUCH
Amanda

I had a Mirena Iud Inserted in June of this year, It was painful going in and after insertion I bleed for about a month. This last week I became sick pain in tummy very tired hurts when I walk and blotting badly, I went back to the doctor to find out that my iud is lost he cant find it!
Has anyone had this? I have an ultrasound next week. Is this commen?

46 years young now and had nine years of "no period at all" bliss. I did have heavy periods up till then. First few months a lot of spotting and crampy pains to the extend that I nearly gave up. Now, I would never go without. My daughters are jealous as they are advised that they are to young for it. I already had my 3 kids so why suffer any longer.
Any one know a cure though for a low libido? I think it got worse since the Mirena.
Also, can anyone tell me how I'll know that my menopause has started seeing that I don't have any periods?

Hello ladies....I had my Mirena inserted almost 3 yrs ago and its been great. I am married with 3 children and Mirena has prevented me from having to get my tubes tied. Initially (for about the first 4 - 6 months) I experienced some of the same side effects. Nothing extreme but the typical cramping, spotting, etc...I still notice my hair sheds a little more than normal and occasional headaches (which could be caused by a number of things) but aside from that, I am very pleased with the Mirena. Good luck everyone.

I posted prior to having my Mirena removed. It's been gone for a week now, and although I am not 100% back to my "normal" self, I feel so much better. I am feeling more refreshed when waking in the morning, not so tired all day long like I was previously. I envy those of you who were smart enough to have it removed after just a few months, rather than waiting a couple of years like I did. I also found myself thinking about my husband in a sexual manner, which I haven't done for 2 years. It is amazing to me that having a tiny piece of plastic removed could make me feel that much better. I hope those of you who do not have bad side effects never do, and those of you who do have these side effects- GET RID OF IT! My hair loss has not yet stopped, but I think it's slowing down. The acne has disappeared- in a week it all cleared up. I have lost 2 pounds. Have not had a headache since it was removed. No strange pelvic pains, (had random pain previously). Good luck to those of you keeping it, and to those of you getting rid of it.

Hi - I am stunned at all the awful experiences that users of the Mirena are describing on this and other websites!
I had mine removed 5 days ago - principally because my hair was falling out in worringly large amounts. I wasn't sure it was the Mirena, but decided to get it taken out anyway as I had experienced pretty constant bleeding since having it fitted in March. It was only after having it removed that I checked the internet, and have realized since that I have been suffering from other symptoms that I had not realized could be related to the Mirena. Apart from the hair loss, I have experienced a terrible foggy and tired feeling, dizziness, sore and swollen eyelids, strange spots around my hairline, one sore breast (!), a feeling that I couldn't be bothered with things - including my children, dry skin patches on my face and grumpiness. However, as a working mum of 2, with a husband who is away quite a lot, I had just put this down to a busy life where I don't have time for myself always. Now I think it was the Mirena!
Having had it removed, I can feel the fog lifting, though not the tiredness. I have experienced heavy bleeding and blood clots - now subsiding, but feel more cheerful. My hair loss, however, is seemingly getting worse...has anyone else had a similar experience please? Any advice on how to deal with this and how long it might take to stop would be greatly appreciated!

I am 30 years old and have never had any children. I had my Mirena inserted on on 7/18 (during my cycle). I know it has only been a week but I'm feeling a little concerned and confused.

While having it inserted I was SHOCKED by how painful it was. I, like many other stories I've read, felt like I was going to faint.

Sunday I woke up in at 5:30 a.m. in so much pain! It literally hurt so bad that it woke me up. The same thing happened Tuesday. Night time has been a struggle also. I resorted to taking Tylenol PM to knock myself out.

I asked my doctor to test me for all STD's to ensure that I would not have a PID, but I'm still apprehensive. I realize I need to give it time... but gosh it sucks being a girl! I'm glad I haven't had any emotional side effects and hope that I never do!

I had been on different versions of the pill since the age of 15 due to debilitating and horrific periods. After having migraines, a TIA (mini-stroke), and discovering that I have a small hole in my heart (PFO), my doc told me that I really should not promote estrogen in my body via the pill. So.... after nearly 20 years on the pill, I had to find an alternative. My ob/gyn suggested the Mirena. She told me she has one and that she doesn't have any side effects, I'd love it, it lasts for 5 years, no periods really, etc. I went for it! Not only was the insertion one of the most painful things I've experienced while being 100% awake and alert ---- Motrin and a light numbing cocktail --- and I've never had a baby!????! But the pain afterwards and for the following weeks was amazing. I have had several surgeries, stitches, broken bones, etc. in my life. I'm not a woosie girl. However, that pain was something I had not prepared myself for whatsoever. The first month was really rough. The second month was better. After 3 months of toughing it out, I started to be happier about having made the choice to go with the Mirena. Months 4-6 were pretty good actually. Virtually no period, pretty much no cramping other than once a month, and no glaringly obvious side effects. However... as time kept on, and my life continued to change, I can now look back at Months 7-13 to see how things truly did change albeit at a slow enough pace not to cause any red flags and make me consider pointing my finger towards the Mirena. Work was stressful, but I've always dealt with it... but it was SO much harder to shrug it off, suck it up, and just deal with it! I never sleep enough, but for some reason now, no matter how much I sleep, I'm ALWAYS still tired!! Being single was not as much fun anymore... because I apparently am depressed, even though I've never been depressed a single moment in my life! I freak out about deadlines, but have never had a problem hitting them so why? I clearly have anxiety issues which weren't there before... Lastly, I am BUSY BUSY BUSY, working out regularly, eating quite healthy for me, and consistently gaining weight instead of losing weight..... what the he**? I went to my family doc because I didn't feel "right" and was sick over the weight gain!! He ran blood work, which came back "perfect". He prescribed a med for anxiety and a med for mild depression to get me through "these stressful times". I went to my ob/gyn and she prescribed a diet pill. My sis found this site... I have read 7/14 thru 7/21 so far. I'll read more before making my decision... I will also read more on other sites and talk to my ob/gyn. However, I must admit that the mid-section weight gain, moodiness, anxiety, depression, etc. are all sounding oh so sadly familiar. I also must admit though, I am bummed out if this is the case because as I mentioned, I had high hopes for the Mirena and had enjoyed about 4-5 months of "good" time with it. It's the months after that and right NOW which is seriously in question. I do think it is right for many people, just maybe not for me. Good luck to you all... Oh, P.S. for those of you who have had it taken out, if any of you don't mind saying, had you had a child/children before? I'm really nervous about repeating the horrific pain of the insertion given I had not had a child. Thanks!!

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???

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.