Mirena and good luck

I'm 27 years old. My daughter is 2. Two months after my baby was born, I had Mirena put in. Everything was fine up until this last September. I haven't had a cycle since then. I've taken 6 pregnancy tests and all of them negative. So I know that I'm not pregnant. I have also gain 25 pounds and I've been careful what I eat. I am constantly nausea. My face looks like a bunch of mini volcanos all over it and no matter what I do they just wont go away. My migraines have gotten worse and the doctor tried to tell me it had to do with muscle spasms. I have also had problems with my gall bladder. After reading the things on this page, I'm calling my doc on Monday to get my IUD removed. It's time to go back to my period once every three month birth control method!!!!!

I had my IUD removed November 12th after having it for two years. The removal was painless. Within twenty-four hours, the abdominal bloating was noticeably less and within a week, gone. I also noticed an increase in energy level and change in appetite. I am looking forward to getting rid of the gained weight over the past two years and getting back into the clothes I love. More importantly, I want to feel alive and attractive again. The only adverse effect of having the IUD removed was four days after removal, I had a very emotional, crying episode for the better part of the day. A minimal amount of vaginal discharge, similar to the start of a period, has been present for about six days. Otherwise, no problems. Also, my knees, hips and back are no longer hurting like they were. Don't hesitate to have it removed and don't let your doctor talk you out of it! It is your body and your right to make all decisions regarding your healthcare! Good luck to you all. Thank you for sharing your experiences. If you had not, I may have never put two and two together.

I just recently had my daughter 8 weeks ago and just had the mirena put in yesterday (Thursday). I came home and started to throw up immediately. I felt pregnant which I did not miss! Now, a day later, I feel like every time when I stand up and or move around I can almost feel it. I have HORRIBLE sharp pains and it feels like if I had it removed the pains would all go away. Any advice please?!

I had my son Oct 2008 and had Mirena inserted at my 6 week postnatal checkup. At that point I had lost about 15 lbs of baby weight and was feeling pretty darn good for just having a baby.

Since then I have gained back the 15 lbs plus 15 more despite exercising and dieting and NURSING for 11 months! I have had blurry vision, no sex drive, migraines, acne on my face and arms?!?!, and just been all around grumpy. I have also been diagnosed as hypothyroid since being on this - I don't know for sure if it is related to Mirena, but I do know that I was tested for it before becoming pregnant with my miracle baby because my husband and I were declared infertile!

I have spotted almost the entire time despite not having a "real" period since before my son was born. I do not want any more children (12 year old girl and 1 year old boy keep me pretty darn busy), but decided to take out the mirena after reading this site and seeing that other women have had the same issues. Removed on Tuesday (Nov 10) and guess what - I already feel better! There was no pain getting it removed and no cramping, unlike the insertion process.

I am looking forward to seeing the other side effects disappear. I wish that my OB would have focused more on possible side effects instead of how simple it would be. The past year has been a personal hell for me when it should have been one of the happiest times of my life! I hope that the rest of you find this helpful:) Good luck!

I just had my Mirena placed last week. I felt excited after the procedure. No more kids for at least 5 years? Now that I have read all of these post I am scared. I am 25, married with three children. I had the last baby nine months ago and don't want anymore, right now. The cramping stopped the same day. I took Midol the second day after for bloating and everything was fine. However, I woke up today feeling more tired than usual, irritated, moody, depressed, scared, sleepy. And I have spotting, cramping (both abdominal and lower back)and butterflies in my stomach. I thought that my body was just playing tricks on me and decided to look up possible Mirena side effects that I might have missed and happened upon this site. Now I am really scared. I am scheduled next week for my placement check-up and if these symptoms are not explained or gone I might just have it removed and go back to Trojan. :(

Hi everyone ~ I am so glad I have found all of you. I have an appt today to have the Mirena placed. I highly considering canceling the appt now. I have read probably 98% bad and only 2% good. can anyone help me decide what I should do? I was having it placed for my heavy, painful menses, the birth control is/was a bonus feature. really? I shouldn't do this eh? someone please respond.

I don't have any new side effects; they're the same as everyone has mentioned. I feel so unhappy almost all of the time. I have experienced the fluttering in my stomach, which looks like I'm 5 months pregnant. Diet and exercise aren't working to take away the 20lbs I've gained. And the acne is annoying. Everyday I get a new pimple. I know that Proactive works because I used it prior to my November 2007 insertion of Mirena. After reading the comments listed on this site, I have decided to have it removed. I'm tired of being tired, sad and popping pimples. I also had a vibrating feeling in my right foot for about a week; Mirena related? Don't know for sure. Good Luck ladies! And thanks so much for your posts.

Wow, I'm speechless I came across this website! I just had to share my experience! I had my Mirena removed yesterday. I'm 29 years old, I had it put in 5 years ago under General Anaesthetic whilst having a laporoscopy for Endomentriosis, I was advised by my doctor to give Mirena a go - at that stage I was desperate for a bit of relief from such heavy bleeding and cramps. Reading everyone elses side effects, has made me realize, I have suffered a bit over the last 5 years! I gained 25kgs, and could never understand how I could not shift the weight, I'm really active, play a lot of sport, and eat healthy, I was diagnosed with depression also, and have been taking anti-depressants for 4 of the the last 5 years, I've at times been very short fused, angry, and anxious. Now I've had the Mirena removed, I can't wait to see if I can shift my extra weight with ease! Having it removed was absolutely horrific! The pain was so bad, all I can describe it like, is someone giving your cervix a Chinese burn! OUCH!! I have been bleeding quite heavily, but have been told this is normal????? Is it??? My husband and I hope to start a family soon, so fingers crossed all goes well! I know for some woman out there, the Mirena is great! But for those of us who suffered... I feel your pain... literally!

All I can say is OHMYGOD! I had no idea about all these side effects. I had my son April 4th, 09 and had the Mirena placed October 21st. Since then, I have been constantly spotting, I have headaches, and no motivation to exercise. I have been moody and felt overall like blah. I have noticed some joint stiffness and discomfort in my hands as well as muscle tenderness in my legs. I have not experienced any weight gain or loss at this moment, nor have I noticed a change in hair loss...but will definitely be aware of the possibilities. Well I have a appt. for my follow up, I am going to inform my doctor of my side effects as well as yours, and see if this really is the best option for me. The last thing I want is for this to inconvenience my life when I got it just for the opposite...Good luck ladies!

hi i had my mirena in for a year and a half and jus recently took it out...i loved mine i never had a problem with it no mood swings still had sex drive...and i actually lost 20 pounds i guess its just different for everyone...im trying to have another baby right now but i would definitely put mirena right back in after that..sorry to hear about all the side affects i mean it scares me a little but i guess it all depends on ur body and how it reacts to it...good luck ladies

well i went and had the mirena out today i had worked mysrlf into a nervous wreak before hand and when it came for it to come out it was just like a small scratch just hope all the side effects go away now got i cant wait for the jelly belly to go lol good luck ladys with getting all yours out i no its the best thing ive done already

it's been about 2 months since my Mirena REMOVAL and I am just now starting to see a clearing up of my skin on my face and back. My skin was so bad. I had cystic acne on my back and arms and oily skin on my face and back. It's so nice to scratch my back without feeling thousands of bumps lining my neck and back.
*I feel better emotionally too. I am not getting irritated or angry as easily as i was when i had mirena in place.
*No more odor or discharge
*i'm still losing my hair but I think it's starting to slow down
*My knees don't hurt as bad as they used to.
In General I feel better and i'm getting better every week. I am sooo glad that i had it removed and that my life can continue now without such horrible side effects. It seems like it's taking a long time but that's ok as long as i'm making progress. I had it for 20 months so it will probably take a little longer to be cleaned out of my system .
Good Luck ladies.

I just want to say how happy I found this site. I'm not alone! I thought I was going crazy or that my body was shutting down completely. I had my mirena put in Sept. 2006 and my body has become something I don't even recognize. I am extremely bloated all the time and it hurts every time I eat and use the bathroom. I keep on thinking maybe I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but it doesn't make any sense because the symptoms showed up after I had the Mirena put in. I thought it might be food sensitivities so I got tested and have been trying to cut those foods out but it doesn't seem to be helping. I have tried all sorts of natural remedies but it never seems to go away.

I have gained 40 pounds since I the Mirena put in even though I have never have had weight gain problems before, I eat healthy and I am active. I also have a difficult time concentrating and focusing on anything. I also get dizziness, depression, irritability and mood swings. I also have been experiencing a sharp pulling or stinging in my uterus at times as well as joint pain (especially in my hips, knees) and painful intercourse with bleeding afterwards. My hair is also falling out and I have lost my desire for sex.

I've also noticed a drastic decline in my immune system. I have never been as sick as I have been in the last three years of my life. I seem to always be getting sick. For the first three months after the Mirena was inserted I had frequent bouts of yeast infections, bladder infections and still three years later I have these types of infections frequently. Not only this but I seem to catch everything that is going around when before the Mirena I hardly ever got sick.

Finally after reading the posts on this site I can trace all the changes in my body to when I had my Mirena put in. I am so upset that I have been suffering for 3 yrs with these side effects and it has taken until now for me to figure out that the Mirena doesn't just effect your uterus it effects your WHOLE body. I cant believe I trusted the doctor I went to when I had it put in that said that the hormones would only affect my uterus. NEVER, NEVER USE THIS PRODUCT!! It is coming out as soon as I can have it done! Please ladies if you know what it is like to have it removed let me know.

I've had my Mirena for about 2 1/2 years. I've tried other forms of b.c. such as several versions of the pill, the patch, the ring, the depo shot, etc. Mirena has been the best choice for me by far. I am having it removed in the next month though not because of any dissatisfaction with it; my husband and I are ready to have our third child. Initially it did cause some severe uterine cramping; however, once that subsided it was fabulous. My periods are gone and I don't have to worry about keeping up with have I or haven't taken my b.c. There seem to be many women who have experienced severe side effects from Mirena. Just remember if it doesn't work for you there are many options out there. Once I have my third child, I will not get Mirena again. I want a more permanent solution, i.e. sterilization. Good luck to all in your quest for finding a b.c. that works for you!

Marini IUD side effects and marina crash side effects for my daughter….still going

February- pregnant 19 by 25 yr old first pregnancy...
Abortion first ever
IUD marina same day insertions as abortion
Yr later Sept bloated tummy, anxiety attacks, paranoid, tummy flutters, pushing sensation.. Odor, discharge something’s wrong
Next day….Marina removed, antibiotics, bacteria infection
Lab test all negative.
Next four weeks…. Barley any sleep, barley any food, depression, anxiety, out burst, rage anger, sadness, self verbal destruction, blaming self, tossing turning, moaning, soul hurts, very moody up and down, no patience, confusion, face breaking out…looking pale, skinny, unhealthy….It’s like a drug addict addicted to drugs but this is addicted to the guy who got her pregnant… no drugs ,no alcohol,
Call radio station, ask why are they not making sense…
TV.. fate/Destiny, symbolic meaning meant to be…..
Reality. .NOT an option….
25 yr old who got me pregnant was a fling off and on a yr..
Convinced self…… had to be with him ,loved him,
Drove over to his house daily,
Called daily, text daily,
Believe the earth was putting signs of fate and destiny to be together with him

Couldn’t be in public, took time off from work, saw counselor, who said needed anti- psychotic pills, depression pills, and sleep pills have hormones checked, thyroid level…. Alice in wonderland can’t separate reality from fantasy.
Saw another doctor, had test….white blood cells moderately high have to go do more testing. doctor said doesn’t need hormones checked…. said ADHD need meds again…
Feel crazy, feel like losing mind, drifting in and out of thought conversation, space out get into trance like sate, and feel as if I can’t control self,
Have to be with this guy, have to protect him. Pregnant because of him,
Convincing self destine to be together, family marriage future with guy..
Other times acceptance of rejection from him, never wanted to be together.
Lost three weeks of work., keys to car taken, keep texting him calling him…Girlfriends tell to stop….Ignore her..
What’s real and what’s not. Keep repeating questions seeing signs, from TV, radio, he wants me……he needs me…All in my head??? Everyone tells me…All in my head..
Can’t take ADHD pill, can’t sleep,….Confusion, blurry vision, see colors…..What’s real???
Snapping at family, angry, disbelief,he wants me….
Reality. Is he doesn’t can’t accept it….
Family thinks I’m loosing my mind…am I?
Over a guy? Who was just a fling? Who I thought was the One….
The reality shows, We are meant to be together…..But told It’sall in my head…
No family history of mental disorder, never have gone though this..
Always had confidence before marina IUD…..
Never chased guys, never had too…what’s wrong??? Why this behavior??
know’s better, he wants me,
Began Sept 26th..anxiety,flutters,pushing,bloating….swollen belly..
Still going Oct 28th..Removed Sept 28th 09…..after removal instantly feel better then BOOM!!! Downhill spiral of emotions began’s…..Still feel very clouded in her head, confusion expression......head tells her the opposite of what the family tell's her...
What can I do as a mother with great concern???? How do I get her back to the happy,outgoing,confident 19 yr old she was????

I got my Mirena in about 20 months ago and almost immediately my life started going downhill. I got moody, depressed, started gaining weight, my skin broke out in TERRIBLE cystic acne. Then I started having trouble sleeping at night, and was waking up EXHAUSTED every morning. etc etc. At first I blamed job stress. Then poor eating habits. Then poor skincare products, my new apartment...everything but the IUD.

I have Type 1 Diabetes, so I see an endocrinologist regularly and when I went in yesterday to show him this new BALD SPOT on the top of my head, and talk about my random weight gain, despite joining weight watchers and exercising every single day, he started asking me questions and determined that that IUD needed to come OUT. He said if the hormones were affecting my body enough to cause acne, and increase my insulin dose (I went from 10 units a day to 20...a HUGE increase!) then it was most certainly affecting my hormones enough to cause weight gain, hair loss, etc. It even explained why I suddenly needed to get waxed every three weeks instead of every six.

Unfortunately all the literature indicates that removal comes with terrible bleeding, clots, and cramps. I'm going on vacation in less than one month and I'm super bummed that I have to keep it in until I get back from vacation but I'm not going to the most civilized region so I don't want to risk the kinds of horror stories I've been reading while abroad.

I was literally in tears when I found this site and read all of your posts. It was as if I was reading something I HAD WRITTEN. Having just returned from getting a CT scan of my head, I started researching "causes of severe headaches not related to migraines" and lo and behold this site popped up in my search. What caught my attention was the word "Mirena". Up until today I had never even considered that all of the issues I have been having since the birth of my daughter in August 2008, were in any way related to Mirena. When my daughter was about 2 months old (after my 8 week check up and insertion of the implant) I became extremely moody, sad, social anxiety kicked in, I cried for no reason, had no desire to talk to anyone, not even my husband - VERY unlike my personality. After talking to my doctor it was determined I had post partum depression so I was prescribed zoloft. Didn't work. Was still irritable and lethargic but maternity leave was up so I went back to work. I was exhausted, couldn't process my thoughts, was constantly dizzy and had blurred vision and it was all attributed to the "baby schedule (nightly feedings, no solid sleep, adjusting to schedule, etc.). My mood swings were out of control and it got to the point that I even through a knive (albeit a butter knife) at my husband. I began seeing a psychiatrist who determined I had mild bipolar disorder so he put me on medication for that. It has helped some but still doesn't control my crying spells or occasional outbursts. Recently I was so dizzy that I saw my ENT doctor who said I had vertigo. I was prescribed something for that. Still, I am dizzy and feel off balance. Most recently, I have had severe, severe, severe headaches and though there is a great possibility it is a viral issue, I was ordered to have blood drawn and to obtain a CT scan. Nothing much revealed so we set an appointment to see an neurologist next week. So, because of the worry over it, I started doing an internet search and her I am. Reading these posts brought on an overwhelming sadness because my poor family has had to endure my wrath for past 12 months. I am so angry that I didn't see this sooner and moreso that their !@#@#$% side effects didn't list ANY OF THESE discussed here. Additionally, my hair has been falling out in clumps and I can't seem to lose weight despite my 1500 calorie diet and exercise.
I made an appointment TODAY to have it removed. If I could yank it out myself I would. Thank you all for your posts. You may have just saved my marriage and my life.

so after reading all these posts -- and i cant believe how many were posted, i found the website for the fda. there is a website called ******, you can download a form and fill it out and submit it...maybe if all of us do this something will be done. im having my mirena removed in 3 weeks and i can not wait!! Good luck to all of u

Just an update- getting it taken out was easy. I didn't feel it at all, and she said, "Ok it's out." Good luck!

I've had the Mirena for 4 and a half years with no period. Reading here I realize a lot of my issues are related to the Mirena. Now ironically I am cramping, spotting/bleeding, and breaking out like never in my life. My stomach is always swollen and everything I eat creates pain. I do plan to have it removed ASAP but wondering if that will open the flood gates after so long without a period. I should mention I am in Menopause and some of my friends don't have a period anymore. Could I be that lucky!
It was a struggle to insert the Mirena and wondering if it generally isn't horrific to remove. I'm coming back as a Man!

I had the Mirena put in 2 yrs 9 months ago. I had continual spotting for about 6 weeks after insertion, which was really annoying but they did tell me to expect that. For 2 years I noticed a couple of side effects...some cramping and the belly flutters (which is so weird to hear of other people having them because I thought I was just crazy!!!) And the acne..oh, the acne! Also I haven't been able to lose weight very easily, even with dieting. All these things were ok side effects to me. But now after 2 and a half years the side effects have gotten a lot worse. I kept telling my husband that I was sorry, I just couldn't' understand why I can't get motivated to do anything besides sit around. I am bloated all the time and crampy. Not just cramps but I'll have sharp pains in my uterine area. I went in for my annual exam and they said the strings were where they belonged. Prior to that exam, I was having light 2 day periods regularly. Since then, I have been bleeding (some heavily, some light) for SIX WEEKS straight along with having cramps and fatigue and the missing motivation has gotten even worse. It is coming out tomorrow morning. This is not worth it at ALL!

I've had Mirena since Jan. 2006. This is what's going on with me.

EXTREMELY bloated all the time, diagnosed as IBS. I’ve tried everything: herbs, teas, diet changes, prescription meds (currently on anti-depressant (for the IBS, not depression) and an anti-spasmatic pill), and non-prescription meds (currently taking beano before every meal and gas-x after the beano has not worked!)

Irritability

Tired all the time

Not motivated to do anything

Forgetful

Loss of concentration, I have the attention span of a 3 year old it seems!

Heart fluttering and dizziness like a panic attack. The doctor actually said it was panic attacks but I honestly don’t feel “panicked” when they happen.

Fluttering in abdomen as if there were a baby in there

Sometimes feel a pulling or stinging sensation in my uterus

Hubby can feel the strings and we think they are irritating his manhood

A lot of these symptoms seem like depression but all praise be to God, I have a wonderful life. I have the greatest husband and kids I could ever ask for. I love our life. I’m not unhappy at all. I didn’t consider that it may be the Mirena until my husband mentioned that he thought the strings were causing the irritation on his penis. I started googling Mirena to see if anyone else had this problem and came up with so many “other” symptoms of Mirena. I thought “WOW!! Maybe THAT’S my problem!” Maybe it’s time to make that appointment to get it out.

I just had a mirena put in on Thursday, after the recommendation of the obgyn (she said she had one).
When I was asking my questions I was concerned about the acne, since I never really had it in my life and the possible headaches. BUT reading the above postings is not very encouraging: low libido, weight gain, mood swings. I will surely be back to post the results after a month.
Note: I have not had children, but since I was prone to severe pain/length of periods that is how mirena was suggested.
INSERTION was excruciating! "3 small cramps" was in fact pain that left me quivering and in shock. Doctor's need to be more transparent about the insertion process (especially if you have not had kids).
I will be back after my 4 week check up with the latest report. (and if need be, I will be assertive in the removal demand.)
Thank you so much, ladies.

I had mine removed this week - thank the lord above!!! However, it has been rough and be forewarned that I experienced horrific cramping and HEAVY bleeding for nearly five days. I also had terrible back pains and some pain down my legs as well as some mental fogginess. I only had it in about one month and had gained 3 pounds and outgrown my bras! So now, two boxes of tampons later, I finally stopped bleeding altogether about 24 hours ago and the cramping has subsided. I feel mentally clearer and, believe it or not, have some semblance of libido - my husband is thrilled!

I am exploring other options for managing hormonal changes in perimenopause - including evening primrose oil and am still doing lots of yoga (even during the pain periods I did lots of yoga to help me manage)...Mainly, I feel so betrayed by the doctors (two women half my age) who insisted my symptoms were "all in my head" - to those of you planning for removal I encourage you to tell the medical professionals you work with that you are NOT crazy and NOT the only one experiencing these side effects. I personally believe that many women get too much progestin in the Mirena (which is not Progesterone, either) and this, in addition to overloading our estrogen, is enough to make us completely insane and miserable. I say let nature work its course as regards my own perimenopause and to those out there using Mirena for birth control I managed to avoid pregnancy with little concern using natural/rhythm methods and condoms as well as a diaphragm, conceiving my two beautiful (now teenage) sons without any intervention from hormones except my own. I am going to do peri and menopause the same way here on out. !!!!

Would love to hear how long it took for weight and stomach fat to go away after the removal from anyone who has been there - I eat very healthfully and exercise daily so I knew the pregnant look I got after that month with the Mirena was not due to one too many cookies )as my doctor seemed to infer !

I am 25 years old. I had my Mirena put in in February of 2008 after my daughter was born. This was my third child and I chose this birth control because I was told it was the best choice aside from having my tubes tied which I wasn't ready to do. I have had it a little over a year and half now and had quit having a period. About 2 1/2 months ago I had a very heavy period that lasted about 3 weeks. When it quit I thought it was just my body trying to tell me it needed flushed out. Well a week later I had another 2 week long period. I made an appointment with my doctor and they couldn't find the IUD. They said it had shifted so they ordered an ultrasound to locate it. I am still waiting on those results but am most likely going to have it taken out regardless. I didn't have a single problem with it until recently. My husband and I are thinking about having another baby and I am not going back on this medicine after we do. I will get my tubes tied because I am not dealing with this again. My dr said that if the IUD isn't the cause of the bleeding it is something else and most likely the IUD caused that problem as well. Thank goodness I found this site because I thought I was the only one having this problem as well. Good luck to all and I will update as soon as I hear about the location and results of the ultrasound.

I am so glad I am not crazy and all alone. I've had my Mirena since January for perimenopause and was still getting my period every month until this month. No I have such cramping, joint pain I can barely walk and my lower back is killing me. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy this Wednesday, I CAN'T WAIT, I'll be done forever.

Mirena has helped my sex drive, I know women are different, but I seem to just get turned on for no apparent reason since about 2 weeks into the Mirena. My cramping is different than without the Mirena but definitely manageable. My periods lasted 10 days before the Mirena, with the first 5 days being extremely heavy and after having 1 period with the Mirena, I've noticed positive changes. My period was still 10 days but it was much more even, and I only used Light flow tampons the WHOLE period.
My breasts were barely an A cup before Mirena, and i had significant swelling and tenderness before my period, and after my period the swelling went down almost all the way and the tenderness was gone, but I've got a definite A cup now, plus this month's swelling is closer to a B cup. I'm hoping each month's swelling will bring me back to my before having children B cup.
I'm doing great with the Mirena. I'm sorry to see so many who it isn't working for.

Well, I just had my mirena IUD taken out last week. I had wanted to take it out pretty much since I got it in a year and a half ago. It was the second one that I had. The first I got put in when I was 17 due to a heavy period, and I could not use birth control because I suffered with depression on it. At that time I did not associate changes in myself with the IUD because they happened gradually. I lost all sexual appetite which I had believed was because I was ending a relationship at the time and I was uninterested. I began getting acne, which worsened in the colder months, so I did not associate it with the IUD. I had mood swings and was tired a lot. I associated this with stress from being a teenager and in being in school. Two and half years into having my first IUD I met my husband. My sex drive had come back, my my acne continued, and the pimple would get really inflamed and tender. My psoriasis never seemed to fully clear up either. My tiredness and moods continued, and I also became extremely emotional often. I just thought that this is who I was because I had got the IUD so young!
SO when the 5 years on the old IUD was up I thought I should get another one. With the new one my acne persisted, I lost my sex drive again and I now would be dry all the time, whether I was turned on or not. I just couldn't stop but thinking that it was the IUD. So i got in taken out finally after we got married. I didn't want to be a pregnant bride. It has been a few weeks, and my acne has pretty much cleared up, I am wet all the time, and I want to have sex. My psoriasis is also much much much better. I still feel tired sometimes, but I hope that will ease as well.
If it doesn't feel right to you, get it taken out. What is the point of being in a birth control if you don't want to have sex anyways!!! good luck everyone.

I hated the thought of putting a hormone in my body but my husband and I really do not want more children (right now). I was having HEAVY periods and thought the mirena would be helpful.
Honestly it was helpful for the periods, but I was having more herpes breakouts and in areas I have never had, (I have had herpes for 21 years yuck), i was willing to deal with the mirena until I found this link and related my heart palpitations (sometime 8 in an hour) to the mirena. I started the heart palpitations about 3 months after it was put in. I have called to schedule to take the IUD out. I will post my outcome. Thank you ladies for all the posts. We may be saving lives from torment here.
Be Well.

I was wondering if anyone has been having a problem with acne? I had the mirena inserted in May of this year, within two weeks I was having terrible mood swings, I was flying off the handle at the drop of a hat! Crazy! I went to my doctor to have it removed, he talked me into keeping it in a few months see if it changes. My moods are better but my face has become insanely greasy! I wash it twice a day, use face-wipes throughout the day to try to control it, I blot my oil away with the oil absorbing sheets. The problem is I am doing it all the time! I have even resorted to using the tissue paper toilet seat covers to blot my face, they work great in a pinch...but they are becoming part of my daily oil control routine! As an added bonus I now have acne! Never in my life have I had acne, nothing I do helps, I have all the creams and acne treatments, nothing has worked. I am just wondering if anyone else is having the same problem?

Girls! I am so glad I am not the only one!!!!
I had Mirena right after I had my second baby (around March 2007) and I had it for 2 1/2 years. I think I was alright for the first few month (but it is hard to tell as I was quite overwhelmed with baby and toddler care). But the past year 1/2 or so It was clear to me that something was not right. I was feeling really intense mood swings, had no patience, felt angry at times, loosing interest in my job and feeling at lost with my life at times and... NO libido whatsoever!
My OB told me over and over that Mirena was not the problem! But it seemed to me that this had to be the answer. My husband did not encourage me to take any other drug to fight my mood swings and he suggested I just take this off. So, I did it... exactly 5 weeks ago! And I am so much better. My libido is back. I have not felt down. I am enjoying my work. I am loving my children and my husband!!! I am so sorry I did not take it out sooner!
Alright now... the hormones are not crossing to the blood stream... But I had NO periods and of course No ovulation! So why is this so surprising to all of those guys that there may indeed be such side effects!!!
So girls! You are not crazy! Give yourself a chance and take this IUD out!
Good luck.

Okay, I had my first Mirena inserted in 2002. I had ZERO issues. Slight cramping and then, miraculously, NO PERIODS until it was removed in 2007! The 5 years was up. I was pregnant in less than a year without it and then after the birth of my son in February 2009, I had another Mirena inserted at the 6 week check up after birth. Since then, ALL of the above relates to me! I found a new OB and she found that the Mirena had been inserted into the wrong spot! Imagine my surprise, now the understanding of the cramping and constant heavy periods. She removed it and put in another ... safest form for me as I am 37 and a smoker. It's been 4 weeks since the new one and now I have that funky brown discharge...its nasty and I will keep you posted once I tt the Dr.

Good luck all and thanks for sharing, at least I know its not just me!

Looking back at a post, it was 8 months ago when i first posted re long periods. and I'd had 3 two week ones then. So 11 months of bleeding...I've been to the docs, taken more hormones, different hormones, tried not having sex, tried having lots, but still bleeding and bleeding. Mirena used to be great. Have had it for over 3 years..... but it just stopped working. The acne has got worse.. the mood swings are worse, the dizzy spells before the "period" pain.....

I feel so guilty for recommending it to so many people as the answer... but it just isn't right for me anymore. Got an appointment to have it removed - scared of the removal pain and possible Crash... always struggled to keep hormones in check!

Thanks to all for their posts ... nice to know we are not alone. Would be nice to hear from anyone who has used Mirena to control Endometriosis.... or is thinking of it.... think it's pretty good... but hard to tell as it was inserted when I had my lapaoscapy and removed the adhesions. All Mirena side affects confused with endo.... but still think Mirena is the big cause.... enough is enough. Three years is a long time. (and a period constantly for nearly a year is insane!!) Good luck.....xx

I hate this thing and can not wait to have it removed!!! I'm 45 and thought this was a great choice for me with menopause on the horizon. NOT! I had the very painful insert on Aug 4th 09 and have been bleeding ever since. 2 weeks of bleeding straight, I'd rather give birth to a razor blade! Then spotted for two weeks. Went back to have a recheck on Sept. 3rd and have had a tampon in all day and night for a month! I 'm now worried about TSS and I'm now also 10 pounds heavier, have experienced tingling in my arms, pain across my shoulder blades and I cry, a lot! I called my Dr. and she said this was normal and would subside! WHAT? Sex is not even an issue because who wants to be down in the red zone! I'm having it expelled on Tues. the 6th and can't wait to lose the symptoms and be back to normal. I look forward to having sex again without towels down like I'm house training a puppy. Good Luck to all of us and yes I think we should sue!

I've got to say that Mirena makes my hair very thick, and I have lost weight, not gained it...and I LOVE not having periods.

I have had mood swings, irritability, and stomach issues since having it installed in July'07 but no other problems what so ever, until a few months ago...ever since May'09 I have had nausea, extreme loss of appetite, and breakouts(very out of character for me). My husband had a vasectomy in May, and I plan on getting the Mirena removed next month. The ongoing irritability is definitely the biggest problem for me...it makes me very short tempered with my children.

I don't know why the new symptoms started a few months ago...maybe some kind of hormonal buildup...I am very sensitive to birth control usually, and Mirena has served its purpose well, but now I am ready to move on.

I think Mirena is like any birth control, it works well for some people and not at all well for others. I do not think it is awful, or terrible or anything like that...it just has to be the right fit, and all drugs have side effects. Good luck ladies!!

I am 22 years old and had a baby last feb in 2008, shortly after that i had a mirena inserted with minor side effects...well now a year later i decided to remove that darn thing after noticing the side effects! i lost most of my pregnancy weight all but around 10 pounds so that was (150) then several months later i noticed my weight shooting up...now i'm almost 170 poun\nds! i dont eat all crazy either and did my fair share of exercising...not too mention the constant bloating and stomach aches...i have also been suffering from acne for the past year which is way out of the ordinary! my vision has worsened in the past year, im very moody, and i'm taking wellbutrin for my depression. i just removed this darn thing last week and have not stopped bleeding, it is very heavy with huge clots! i hope this ends soon, i'm ticked off because i was not told about any of these side effects, and this darn company should be sued! ugh, well i'm glad i did my research because never again will i get this mirena iud! there was also some info on infertility so everyone should read up on that. glad to know i'm not the only one with these problems! good luck everyone!

I want to thank all of your ladies posting your Mirena side affects. I am 15 and just had my daughter August 3rd, after her c-section i contracted staph in my uterus, which gave me sepsis and pneumonia, which they said they have never seem before and recommended i get an IUD to prevent having any more children for at least 2 years. After reading about the risk of uterine perforation, i found this site, I cannot believe the number of side effects you can have from the IUD!! I am just shocked.
I want to thank all your ladies, I am calling the OB and canceling the Mirena order and just sticking with good, old birth control.

I really wish I would have found this site before making the decision to have Mirena inserted. I had it put in yesterday, September 24,2009. It was the most painful things I have experienced. My Gyn had told me that I would have "period type camps" for a couple of hours after insertion. Well I spent my entire day on the couch with a heating pad on high and 800MG of Motrin. None of this touched the pain. I ended up having to take a sleeping aid so that I could go to sleep and hoped I would wake up the next morning feeling much better. Well I woke up this morning and the cramping was not as bad, but still more than "period type cramps". I also noticed that I was having very bad lower back pain. I was cleaning my house and every time I moved the pain would be stabbing. I have not spotted at all yet, but I know it has only been a day. Today I was working and noticed that my right arm went numb from the elbow to my finger tips and my eyes seem very tired.
I am a little upset because the Mirena booklet did not discuss any of these side effects. And also my Gyn had made it sound really promising because I cannot take regular birth control pills. I think I will be calling them on Monday and asking to have it removed. I really wish I would have done more research before having this done.

I've had my Mirena for almost 3 years now, and I'm contemplating having it out. I didn't know that some of my symptoms could be linked to it, but after reading this, I have the same story as many of you.
It's been awesome having no periods, and it's nice not to worry about birth control, but I'm not sure if it's worth the side effects.
I've recently had such bad anxiety and depression that I've been seeing a therapist and have been prescribed antidepressants (I am not taking any right now because I did not like the side effects of Lexapro). There is really nothing in my life right now that should be depressing me (just got married, doing my "dream job"), so perhaps the Mirena is to blame.
I've also had a terrible time sleeping lately (for the past several months). I used to sleep like a baby. Now, I'm beginning to have to rely on sleeping drugs, and I hate that.
I've always suffered from lower back pain, but you'd think my new memory foam mattress would be helping. It's not.
I've also been super tired lately, and have had bouts of random nausea. Strangely, I also cannot handle my caffeine anymore. I used to drink tea all day, but now one cup is my limit before my head feels like it's going to explode.
Besides all that, probably the worst part is my dead sex drive. I KNOW there used to be a time when I wanted to have sex, but I can barely remember it. Being 26 and newly married is a shitty time to have no sex drive. Besides my not being thrilled about sex in the first place, it sometimes hurts! It's like the Mirena is stabbing me!

All of my symptoms have been around for approximately the past year. When I first had the Mirena put in, it hurt like HELL! I have never had a baby, so I'm sure it hurt extra for me to have it put in, but I swore right then and there that I'd never get another one put in, no matter how well it worked. A few weeks later, during one of my last periods, I passed a HUGE blood clot. Like, the size of a walnut. I mentioned this to my doctor several times, but it never seemed to concern her. The periods eventually went away (yes!!), and everything seemed to be good for several months before my current symptoms began showing up. I'm wondering why I would just be seeing the symptoms now (they started about a year after I had it put in), and not right after insertion.
Luckilly, I have not had any problems with weight gain. I've always lost a lot of hair around the house, so I'm not sure I can blame that on the Mirena. I did have some weird acne, though, in places I've never had it before (back, chest).

This thing hurt soooo much to have it put in; I'm wary of having it taken out now. I hear that it doesn't hurt nearly as much to have it taken out. Can anyone confirm this?

Also, a side note: my friend had one for a couple of years before it became lodged in her uterus and she had to have it surgically removed.

I wish I would have read these blogs before I decided to get the Mirena! I usually research everything but for some reason thought I didn't have to since my male obgyn said it was so great. I had it put in two weeks ago and am having it out this Thursday. Since it went in I have been bleeding, cramping severely enough to go to the ER, extreme faintness and dizziness, can't sit in any position without pain in pelvic area and it is not getting any better. I can't focus, work, sleep, nothing. I just want to feel normal again! I wish I would have researched before agreeing to do this! Not to mention the $250 I paid before seeing what insurance will cover and about 4 doctor visits and 1 er visit so far related to this! I'm not willing to ride it out any longer after reading other comments. I just hope it comes out easily!

so about one month ago i had my mirena put in but every since then i have noticed the changes in my mood i am emotional i am angry like sometimes i honestly feel like the excercise sorry if i spelled that wrong you all know what i mean, but my fiance tells me your crazy i think your should see a therapist but after reading other side effects i finally have convinced myself maybe its the mirena,but however my obgyn told me that the mirena did not contain any hormones but the iud did so i went with the mirena and im like what would have been the difference ive gained wait in the last week because i been so emotional i feel sick all the time and fatigue so i hope this is whats causing my crazy episodes and sick feeling i see my doc next Monday and i will half to talk to her something is just not write if any one can reply to my story and let me know if im crazy or is it my mirena thanks ladies .....

Wow! So glad I am reading this. I had the Mirena inserted Feb 2006. I never put all these things together before today. I did a search to see if Mirena makes PMS worse, because for the first time I actually noted dates on my calendar for the last three months, of when I am a fight picking, agitated, quick to yell, mean, miserable, sooo easily pissed off psycho. ...I don't bleed at all anymore, and haven't in over a year now, so I just don't pay attention to "that time" anymore. So I'm reading the side effects I have attributed to turning 30 almost 3 years ago. (now 32) So the chin hair and fat tummy may NOT be my age...huh...who would think!? Not to mention sore breasts and wicked nipple soreness, and zits like a 15 year old at times. Oh, did I mention PMS like a crazed woman? I can't stand myself today! I was so mean to my kids and hubby today! And the scary thing, when I do it, I don NOT care at all! I actually want to be mean when I feel that rage, and it comes EASILY! I don't look for it, or pick fights...but cross me?....ohhh...NOT a good idea! And it's always within the first week of the month. I am calling my Doctor tomorrow morning...Game on baby! Get'er OUT! Good luck to you all!

Hello everyone,
Can I ask if anyone with type 1 diabetes has had any adverse effects wtih the Mirena in regards to blood sugar/ insulin?
Have just had one inserted a week ago and it is still painful and from reading these posts it is worrying that this pain won't go away.. but am wondering about the effect it has on me as a diabetic - doctors say next to no effect as it is a LOCAL hormone and so not circulating... but from these posts listing nausea, depression and weight gain, these are all side effects of hormones circulating the body.... Any one have any answers in regards to this?
Thanks

I had the mirena put in 4 days ago. Unlike most people, I have not had a baby before. My doctor told me that I was still able to get it. I had been on birth control for 12 years and felt like my body needed a break from the extra hormones in birth control pills. I was off birth control pills for 6 weeks and have never felt better up until I had Mirena inserted.. Getting the IUD put in was one of the most painful experiences I have ever had. Since I had not had a baby before, she actually had to dilate me to get it in. My cervix had not been stretched by a baby, so it was hard to get in! To top it off, I have been sick ever since.

For the first 2 days, I had horrible cramping, nausea and back pain. To top it off, when my husband and I had sex for the first time my husband could feel the threads from the mirena and he said it hurt like hell. The pain from the threads he described as fishing line hitting his penis. We tried different positions and it didn't work. Has anyone else had this same problem? I have also been sick to my stomach ever since I got it. I am also having trouble sleeping. I am truly considering calling my doctor to already have it removed already. I cannot live my life like this and it is greatly affecting our sex life!

So I went to see a CNM today about getting my mirena removed, and she couldn't do it! The strings are hidden inside of my cervix and she couldn't get them swabbed down enough to bring them out so she could grab them. She poked and prodded me down there for almost an hour before giving up. I had to go have an u/s to see if the mirena is still where it should be, because she is worried about the possibility of it being embedded into my uterus. I haven't heard back from her yet on the results. If it's still in place, then I have to make another appointment for a week or two from now to see if within my cycle things will shift enough for her to be able to get the strings to come out.
I am very upset about all this. I just wanted to have it out today and be done with it. Now it's an issue. My husband is a soldier and can't just take a day off when need be. I scheduled the appointment today specifically around his schedule. Now we have to try and schedule another one and it's an hour drive both ways. I'm crampy and sore from all the poking around in my cervix and I'm still stuck with this damn MIRENA! "Easily reversible birth control" my butt!

I am getting mine removed today and am nervous about if it will hurt or be any pain afterwards .... any input would be great. I have had the horrible discharge, cramps, fatigue, depression .. etc and am sooo excited to get it out ... just nervous about the pain. I guess I gave birth right !! LOL

Hi everyone! I just went to the doctor and had my Mirena removed.... My symptoms include NO sex drive, severe acne, sever bacne, terrible mood swings, hurts so bad during sex, gained a lot of weight that is impossible to get rid of, etc etc etc. Anyway, can some please tell me when to expect my period? I have been reading like two days after removal? And also, please let me know what to expect.... I guess it is an extremely long heavy period.... Im scared! Let me know! Thanks everyone!

I've had my Mirena in for a year now, and slowly over the past 6 months or so I've developed the same symptoms as everyone else on this site, except that my hair hasn't started falling out yet. My strings vanished last week which is why I started researching to see if it could "fall inside" me, since I'm positive it hasn't fallen out. Now that I see the list of symptoms, I'm ***SO*** grateful to all of you for sharing your stories, like everyone else I just thought I was slowly going crazy and turning into a whiny, hypochondriac b**ch! My husband is so relieved as well, to think that he might possibly get his wife back some day.

So the question I have is: how long does it take for all this craziness to end and for your body to get back to normal after you have it removed?

I expect I'll probably have to have surgery because it'd likely floating around in my uterus (or worse, but hopefully not) -- I have quite a bit of discomfort when I bend over or pick up my kids so I'm pretty sure it's still in there somewhere! My appointment is tomorrow, so I'm confident it'll get taken care of pretty quickly. And I'm thrilled to know that it will be out of me soon and I can start getting my hormones back in balance. But I'd love it if some of you can share your stories about recovery, just so I'll know what to expect.

Thanks, and good luck to all of us!

OK..... looks like this site deleted my links on my previous post on where you can go to view the video on IUD self removal. Actually, you really don't need to watch it... it's so easy. If you can feel your strings, grip them tightly and firmly with your fingers, and just pull gently for a few seconds. I didn't feel any pain at all, just slight pressure. Mine came out in about 10 seconds.
It's been 24 hours since I've removed mine. I cannot tell you how much better I feel. Normally, every morning when I first wake up I start feeling really irritable, I start bawling in the shower and can't stop... I even run late to work because I can't stop crying long enough to put my makeup on. Throughout the day my moods will fluctuate depending on what's going on and how other people around me influence them. Today has been totally different. This was the first morning in months where I woke up and showered without crying. I feel like I've been "cleansed," I don't feel my blood pressure boiling over from the slightest family disturbance... in fact my kids were screaming and chasing each other this morning and this was the first time I didn't jump up and scream at them and send them off to their rooms for an hour! I'm going to call my GP tomorrow and see what he says about coming off of my antidepressant, because I clearly don't need it now that the cause of my depression is gone.
Good luck to everyone out there.... maybe we can all get together and turn this bad into good and file a class action suit against this company. I'm really scared about what it could do to some of these women who have depression before they even get this product.... this is a pretty serious situation here.

WOW i can't believe what I am reading on here! this is exactly what's been going on with me for years (i've had two mirenas; one for five years and then a new one was put in last may):
acne
VERY stubborn weight gain
anxiety
mood swings
abdominal pain
digestive issues
pain with sex
thyroid issues
...i just made an appt to get my mirena out on Wednesday! thank you ladies!