Mirena and headaches

I have had the mirena about 6 months and it is the worst type of birth control that you could go on. It will cramp you to death, sometimes it cramps me worse that I ever cramped while on my period. I would not advise anyone to have it inserted. It affects people in different ways but it is very painful. I have had some really serious depression and headaches since this has been done.

I gor the Mirena in February this year. About 3 wks after I noticed that my face was starting to break out really bad. I made an appt with my derm and he told me it was a onset of adult acne and gave me Retin A to use. I used it for about 6 wks and it never helped, the acne just continued to get worse and worse. He had switched my meds several times and nothing has seemed to help. I also started having lower abdominal pain went in to see my doctor said that I was just ovulating that it was nothing for me to be concerned with. The past 6 mths since my mirena I have had severe acne, lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, headaches really bad, weight gain and sometimes nausea. I have went to the doctor and nothing ever seem to help. I started researching the mirena because I realized all of this started happening since my Mirena was inserted. All of this side effects are side effects from the Mirena. I made appt for tomorrow at 1:30 to get the Mirena removed. I am 100% the Mirena is causing all of this. Has anyone else had the Acne and got the Mirena removed. How long did it take before your face started clearing up.. I am fed up with it, it has gotten to the point where I will not go anywhere because I am ashamed of my face....I will post in a couple of weeks after I get the Mirena taken out..Thanks
:

I am 28, have a 15 month old son and had Mirena put in at my 6 week check up, a little over a year ago. My periods are light and manageable, some what regular. I do have a little spotting here and there throughout the month. All my symptoms are manageable, but all together they do suck.

I have gained weight since stopping breastfeeding about 4 months ago. I am bloated ALL the time, which is not normal. I hate having a balloon belly! I eat well, exercise and have never had a weight problem. I have sporadic cramps, constant lower back pain, some joint pain, pain during sex and no sex drive.

As for the headaches, mood swings, depression and anxiety, I struggled with all of these before Mirena, while on the pill, but still have them now. I dont know if they are worse or better. Mainly the weight gain, bloating, back pain and weird cramping (which makes me worry that I have a cyst or something else freaky) are my concerns.

Probably Mirena is still on the market because these symptoms are not lethal...and when they are, they must be within acceptable ratios. Pharmaceutical companies dont care...they just want money.

I do think its really weird how so few OBs will admit that these symptoms can be caused by Mirena. Also, they must have to fill out a brief question are why women have it removed...maybe they get "docked' if there are symptoms attached as the reason.

I've had my Mirena since April of 2009. Since, I've gotten severe cramps, irregular bleeding, loss of sex drive and motivation, lack of energy, severe mood swings, and MAJOR hair loss. My hair loss probably started around August. When I went to 2 doctors neither one of them thought it was from that. They are still testing me for possibilities. I'm thinking that maybe it's time to have it removed.

hello, i got the mirena in 2007 and after i got it put in a few months went by and everything was fine. then i started getting sick in the mornings and i thought great this birth control sucks i am pregnant again. but that wasn't the case because i took test and it said no and then the docs told me that nausea was a side effect so i figured i would just leave it at that. but it only got worse i started getting really bad headaches, pain in my stomach, sick all day long, and for some reason i couldn't eat more then once a day but i would gain weight i was depressed and i felt like a complete piece of crap. it also made me gain weight i am 22 yrs old and i have never weighed over 130lbs even when i was pregnant during the 2 yrs i had the mirena i gained 15lbs my experience with the mirena was absolutely terrible if you ever got morning sickness that turned into all day sickness while you were pregnant this is exactly how the mirena made me feel bloated, painful and sick to my stomach i finally got the mirena removed because i just couldn't take it any more i have been off the mirena for 3 months now and i still can't eat much and it really bothers me i am hoping it gets better because i can't take much more of this. please let me know if anyone else experienced this!

32, mother of twins, had Mirena inserted first week of January 2009. Bad acne first 6 months on face, neck, and back. Good news was I hadn't had a period since February 2009 outside of spotting for 3 days as I used to bleed so heavily I'd get anemic. Outside of that I felt things were fine until 2-3 weeks ago. I got my first full-blown sinus infection. With it a headache that never went away even though I went completely through my antibiotics and cleared up the sinusitis. Then came the backache. I had to stop exercising thinking that was the cause. It would get so bad I would not be able to sit. Then came the nausea. I started googling up my symptoms, and made sure to list everything I was taking - even internally. Ta-da. Loads of people with similar problems, and some of them a lot worse. I really wanted Mirena to work, but I immediately called the doctor to get it out ASAP. That was yesterday, and the backache is being caused by a 2cm cyst on my right ovary - I've never had one to my knowledge, and if I have, it's never bothered me before this. After the Mirena came out, I didn't realize how bloated I was feeling! The headaches have stopped. The cyst should go away in about 8 weeks! DEFINITELY not right for everyone!

ive been on mirena since march 2008. at first i thought this was the best birth control product out there. however for over two years i have been riddled with allergies, sinus infections, upper respiratory tract infections, tiredness, headaches, joint pains, muscle aches, gastric and bowel problems, cyst like acne, mood swings tachycardia (rapid heart rate), anxiety. at first i thought all these were related to getting older (im 29) and work related stress so i wrote it off. but being a person who has never been sick in my life to all of a sudden being sick once a month is crazy. this has been the only thing i could think of that i could think the problem is. i hate to remove the iud because it is so convenient but i am sick of being sick. the doctors dont tell you of the not so obvious side effects like these. i just hope that no permanent damage has occurred.

I had Mirena put in 5 mos after I had my 1st and only child. It hurt A LOT going in. It provided excellent birth control. However it also gave me chronic yeast infections, headaches, cysts in groin area (Hidradenitis suppurativa), and exacerbated acne. I was so upset when I realized all these conditions were caused by Mirena, I had it removed immediately. I can't believe it took me almost 4 years to link these side effects to Mirena. Removal was painless and uncomplicated. My husband has undergone a vasectomy. I would not recommend Mirena to any woman who has acne, unless being unattractive is part of her birth control efforts. Any woman who gets Mirena should be aware of the side effects.

I have had Mirena in since May of 2008 and have not felt the same since. In the beginning the headaches and fatigue that occurred was constant. I decided to give it time to see if my body got used to the progesterone and to also figure out whether or not it's having three small kids. Over the last year I've noticed when I have spotting, which usually occurs once or twice a month, I feel downright awful. One day I'll be on top of the world and energized...my normal self. The next day I'm spotting and the extreme body fatigue, leg an hip pain, foggy head, and depression occurs. EVERY time it is linked to the spotting. Which makes me believe that it has something to do with the IUD. I am scheduling an appointment to get it removed asap. I'd rather have my body go through it's natural processes and rely on that process than to feel this bad unexpectedly. Can't wait to remove the IUD!

Ive been sitting here reading all of your post and experiences pertaining to the Mirena..I'm 29 gave birth to my 1st child in Nov 03....I got the Mirena(5yr) inserted in Jan. 04. Just like some of your stories...I had minor cramping and heavy bleeding for a few days...after that things were fine...It has since been 5 yrs and I just got my second one inserted the same day I got the old one removed in Jan 09...Wouldn't do that again....cramps were a lot worse and lasted a good while..I had to get pain pills and everything....Few hours of that and things were back to normal. I haven't experienced Weight Gain....Loss yes!!! I don't have any major problems with mine. No headaches, stomach pains etc....
Periods are long gone...I may spot when I'm stressing about something but that usually last about couple hours or depending on my mood. Sex is great!!! One side effect though is that my partner can feel the string and SOMETIMES causes minor bleeding..Not enough to be like OMG I'm having my period...Right now I have the string cut as short as possible...
All in all the side effects for everyone is different...Based on my experience i would and have recommend this to my friends. I love it..
The first one did me good for 5yrs and I'm banking on this one to work wonders as well....Like I said I'm 29 with 1 child and second Mirena and no major problems or bothersome side effects.

I had Mirena since Sept 2008. All I felt was a slight cramp when it was put in and a minor ache for a few hours afterward. I had some spotting for about 4 days after it and then nothing. Periods got lighter each month but the spotting got longer and longer.

I stumbled across this sight a few days ago when I was wondering if the Mirena could cause weight gain. After reading everyone's experience with it, everything started to come together. I got it 3 months after my daughter was born. I had gained 80 pounds while pregnant and lost 40 within 3 months. I then had that damn IUD put in. I gained it all back. I haven't been able to lose anything after gaining it all back. I have trouble just trying to maintain my weight. This is what I've experienced so far: weight gain, facial hair, cramping, sharp abdominal pains, joint pain, constant exhaustion, mood swings, bloating, tingling sensations, headaches/migraines, 15 days of spotting each month, constant hunger, no sex drive... I've had blood work, tests on my stomach and abdomen, iron infusions... All my doctor was telling me to do is change my diet and exercise when I went about the exhaustion. I've done that and gained 3 more pounds!

It's scheduled to come out December 4th. That day can't come fast enough for me!

I am SO glad I found this site. I have had Mirena for 7.5 years and have had these side effects mentioned here by everyone. At first the Mirena was the wonder birth control method, no periods, no cramping- I thought it was the greatest, but then I had strange things happening. I asked my doctor about these on numerous occasions,and he kept saying "the hormone level in Mirena is so low it is not detectable by a blood test" and therefore could not be causing symptoms.

I've experienced a lack of libido, headaches, weight gain, hair thinning, sadness, fatigue, sleeplessness....an overall change I was attributing to getting older and going through my 30's.

OK- so why is my story like every woman's on here if there an no side effects as explained by my doctor?

After finding this site and countless others, I made an appt to have Mirena removed.

I cannot wait to feel like myself again.
.

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 had the Mirena Coil fitted 4 months ago and since then I have suffered 2 infections. I suffer with severe endometriosis and had a liter of blood removed from my last ovarian cyst, which, I've been told is growing back again. I thought this coil was supposed to improve things, but alas, sadly, that's not the case...It feels like I can actually physically feel it inside of my uterus. I am 36 and don't have kids, therefore had to be put under general anesthetic when the damn thing was inserted, had horrific headaches and abdominal pain since and I'm told this is the best protection I have for my condition!?! I don't know what it is that's making my system dislike it so much, scans show it's not displaced, it's just, for some reason, not agreeing with me, maybe I need a little more time to adjust, but it feels like I have an alien device sitting inside of me and it's hurting instead of helping...any advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated!!!

i just stumbled on this site, SO i like to share my experience. I had the Mirena placed in Oct 08 and took it out recently Oct 09 so exactly a year within, that year: I was having the ose Headaches ever (i expressed this to my doctor but almost immediately he was dismissive on the idea that it was related to the IUD. I insisted it was because of it.. I also wasn't able to lose any weight, and had moody side effect. I now realized it wasn;t just me. There should be a more testing when producing a product such as this. I am just wondering is there going to be a time (soon) where there will be a recall on this product or are they going to keep this on the market until someone gets really ill or are they waiting for someone to die?.. Geez I am now going to do this the natural way. (calculate my periods and be vigilant as to when i am ovulating) these birth control assist with one thing and mess up 10

I had the Mirena put in October of 06 and had it removed in October of 08. During the time that I had it, I didn't get a period, which I expected but I was really hormonal. It was like I would get angry or upset for no apparent reason. It was ruining my relationship, and I would also get terrible headaches, no sex drive, and I started getting cysts in the groin area. The doctor told me it had nothing to do with the Mirena, but I believe it did. Since I had it removed I don't get so bent out of shape so easily, no more headaches, but I do still get the cysts, but just prior to my period every month. Also, we have been trying to get pregnant again and it just isn't happening. I never had a problem with my first two kids, and now I just cant seem to make it happen. I would not recommend that horrible IUD for anyone. It caused nothing but problems for me.

Hey ladies its so great to hear others going through same issues. Does anyone have ache between there legs like boils? I called my doctor today and she said ache shouldn't be happening with Mirena what? really! She told me hang in there and Mirena is the best option for me I thinking its not anymore I had mine put in Aug and since then I the ache is out of control and headaches and I am sad for no reason, My bf is not supportive because he doesn't understand so glad to hear others are having the same issues. Thank everyone for sharing I feel like I am going crazy!

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!

I am getting my mirena taken out on the 16th. I can't wait! Everyday I am nauseous and I get migraines and I never got headaches before. I exercise and never lose weight. Before I never exercised but weighed 15 lbs less than I do now. My hair fell out and is now starting to grow back. It looks like I have really short bangs. I can't say for sure if these are all because of Mirena but I never felt like this before except when I was pregnant. Oh I also gain and lose 5 lbs every day. It's like water retention or something. Really weird. I'll let u know if anything changes in two weeks.

Mirena the BANE of our existence! I had mine put in January 2009 and then taken out this week. I thought maybe I should ride it out for awhile, see if some of the problems went away with time... and to be honest some of them did. The acne subsided, the cramps lessened and the periods became virtually non-existent. However, the headaches, the mood swings, the tiredness and depression and not to mention 20lbs along with boobs that went from C to DD, I couldn't handle them anymore. Removal was uncomfortable but 1/8 of the pain of insertion. I had some clotting but it only lasted a couple hours. I have been experiencing a crash in emotions but nothing worse than a "bad" day with Mirena. The only real problem I have run into was the PA that removed it. Please learn from this experience and don't become discouraged by ignorant and book smart doctors...
My doctor had the audacity to tell me that all of these "symptoms" were probably my body returning to it's natural state, that is to the way it was before I ever went on birth control. I was on Ortho for 8 years before I decided to give myself a break and insert. So what this woman was telling me was that there were no documented side effects to legitimize my issues. She was saying in no certain terms that from the ages of 13-18 before BC, I was fat, moody, irrational, with acne, craps and gigantic breasts. I was offended to say the least and tensely asked her to take it out and put me back on the pill. Now I am just praying I don't experience another catastrophe with whatever this "woman" has decided to prescribe me. You can be sure I will be doing my research before putting anything else into my system. Thank you ladies for your honesty and thank you medications.com.

ive had the marina in for 5 years now and ive suffered mood swings joint pains headaches spots i itch all over like something is crawling all over me sweating crying my hair don't grow any more but ive got this huge belly on me i look pregnant but my boobs have shrunk i wont it out ive heard its very painful to get out and my doctor has refused to take it out ive had 4 mini strokes since having the dam thing in panic attacks sacred to even go out my house plz tell me im not going nuts

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.

I haven't gone through to read all of everyone elses side effects yet but is there anyone who is getting migraines because of this thing? i feel like my head is going to explode and the come so frequently i have never had this problem before getting the mirena i have no clue on whether or not this is what is causing them but i am hoping so, that way i can get it taken out! i go through spurts of depression too but im sure that it is because of the mirena but i will admit i do love the no periods and that it has done its job in preventing another unexpected pregnancy i just do not think i will make it through another headache!

cramps, tired ALL the time, no energy, sinus type headaches, sever bleeding, periods lasting 2-3 weeks with only a week in between, no sex drive, moody, on edge, gained 20lbs in last few months despite diet and exercise. can't wait to get it taken out!!

I am soo glad I am not crazy. I am almost in tears, because I can not believe that so may women are experiencing this. I have had it for almost two years now and in the beginning I just had heavy cramps and a lot of bleeding. I was told every woman's body is different and this will take some time. I went back within 4 weeks to get it out and my doctor encouraged me it would get better. It did and I loved it. Never had a problem. Until recently, I went to the doctor thinking I was pregnant, I had ever symptom that a pregnant woman experiences and I they told me it was in my head. I am constantly tired, bloating, sick, dizziness, headaches (which they told me contributed to my sinus - then I started seeing an Allergist who kept me on Antibiotics. It got really bad they did an CAT scan on me and still nothing). I thought I was going to lose it, I had mood swings, memory loss, attention span, worst than my 5 year old and the list goes on. I am so hurt now, because I am no good with the pill (2 pregnancies from the missed pill) and loved the convenience of the Mirena, but my life is worth more than convenience.
Thank you ladies for sharing your story! But remember please go with your gut feeling. Now that I recall I went twice to get this removed, the doctors will tell you anything. They are new to this product also!!!

I'm 48 and got a Mirena put in last January at the suggestion of my doctor. I'd been having menstrual migraines and we thought that a steady dose of hormones might help with the dips and prevent my headaches. Well, it has helped some, as the headaches don't come every month anymore, however, I do still get them, so it hasn't really done what we hoped. Add to that my (growing!) list of symptoms and something has to be done. I am very active. I do Taekwondo 4x a week and was working out 5x a week this summer in preparation for my black belt test. You would think that I'd lose weight with the workouts I've done for the past 10 months, but no, my weight has increased over 10lbs! And it's not muscle, either: My breasts, waist, hips and thighs have all increased. I feel bloated, tired to the point of exhaustion even after 8 hours of sleep, and all of my joints are achy. The brain-fog has gotten so bad that I've had to go back on ADD meds to try to maintain my focus at work. I'd been doing my workouts for 3 years prior to getting the Mirena, and I never felt tired the way I feel it now! I'm seeing my doctor next month and this thing is out of here!

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 think that I finally figured out why I am so physically and mentally sick. I received the mirena almost 2 years ago and I was a true advocate of the product...I love it!! About 6 months ago I started to have panic attacks and anxiety (i have never experienced this before) it was so bad that I barely made it to work everyday and could no longer handle being out in public. My PCP placed me on different types of anti-depressants (which made me depressed). Currently I take Budeprion which has decreased my anxiety but I do not feel like myself. The past month and a half I wake up with the feeling of morning sickness (the numerous pregnancy test say that I am not), have headaches, low energy levels and little motivation. I was pretty sure that my hormones levels must be "off" but my PCP and OB insisted that there is no way that my symptoms have anything to do with my hormones because my child is almost 2 and I am 29 years old. I have gone through numerous tests, scans etc.to find the cause of why I feel so awful and all tests came back Fine. After reading the stories on this website I now know that I do not need anti-depressants and I am not going crazy...I just need to get the Mirena removed.

I think that I finally figured out why I am so physically and mentally sick. I received the mirena almost 2 years ago and I was a true advocate of the product...I love it!! About 6 months ago I started to have panic attacks and anxiety (i have never experienced this before) it was so bad that I barely made it to work everyday and could no longer handle being out in public. My PCP placed me on different types of anti-depressants (which made me depressed). Currently I take Budeprion which has decreased my anxiety but I do not feel like myself. The past month and a half I wake up with the feeling of morning sickness (the numerous pregnancy test say that I am not), have headaches, low energy levels and little motivation. I was pretty sure that my hormones levels must be "off" but my PCP and OB insisted that there is no way that my symptoms have anything to do with my hormones because my child is almost 2 years old and I am 29 years old. I have gone through numerous tests on my gallbladder and other organs to find the cause of these symptoms that I have and Everything is Fine. After reading the stories on this website I now know that I do not need anti-depressants and I am not going crazy...I just need to get the Mirena removed.

Thank the Lord that I found this site.
I was up until 2 AM last night searching for answers.
My doctors insist that there is nothing wrong with me. I was starting to think that I was crazy.
I am 33 and had my Mirena put in in May 2008 after having my fourth child. I did a lot of research and talked to a lot of doctors before deciding that this was the right birth control for me. Not once did I run across any of the side effects that I have in all of my previous research.
Since then I have had headaches, nausea, bloating, gas, back pain, fatigue (severe now), moodiness, tingling in my arms, hands, legs and feet, weight gain, and now this strange sensation of fluttering in my belly.
I have taken a dozen pregnancy tests over the last few months. I could swear that I am pregnant. Of course they have all come out negative.
I want to get this out of me NOW. I wish that I could do it myself. The doctor that does the IUD's at my clinic only comes in a few days a month. I wonder how long I am going to have to wait until I can get it removed ? !!!
To be honest I would rather have baby number 5 instead of dealing with all of these side effects any longer. Even my husband agrees.
Thank you all so much for being honest and getting your stories out in the open.
If I hadn't of found this site, I would have kept on trudging along with this dang IUD in and being miserable.
I am all for a lawsuit against Mirena. Women need to be aware of these possible side effects.
I am going to call the clinic first thing Monday morning to setup an appointment for removal. I will try to post as things move forward.
Once again thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being so honest. I wish you all the best of the luck.

23th
2009
10:36 PM
MIRENA is the worst thing EVER!!!!!!
I got Mirena as my husband and I were lacking in the sexual side of our relationship because we both HATE using condoms.I have a 31/2 year old son and we have decided that for now we are happy and would like if we didn't have anymore children right now so I talked to my doctor about Mirena.
Let me start by saying that my labor 6 hours with NO pain meds was nothing compared to the pain I had when they put it in. Then the bleeding started right away I was bleeding for 8 weeks then had 1 week free and now have been bleeding for about 8 weeks. I had 2 ultrasounds to make sure it was in proper and everything was "fine" my doctor says everyone's body reacts different.
The symptoms I have are Occasional Cramping,
Sever bleeding,
headaches,
irritation in my legs (same symptoms as RLS),
Depression,
no sex drive,
back pain
Weight Gain (17lbs in 2 weeks)
and the weirdest symptom is hard to explain but its the same feeling in my body as if you were to touch a 9volt battery to your tongue! Every now and then I have little shocks and its so annoying. I have had mine in for 17 weeks and I have an appointment in 8 days to have it removed...Back to condoms it is

I've had my Mirena out for nearly 2 weeks now, after 15 months of living with the side effects. I've posted before about fatigue, crankiness & irritability, low-grade depression, weight gain, poor sleep, headaches, etc -- same old story as everyone else -- that came on gradually over the months. I'm still SO grateful to this website for making it clear to me that this wasn't just typical exhaustion due to having 2 little kids (now 3yrs & 16mos) or post-natal depression. Anyway, getting the Mirena removed turned out to be an ordeal in itself -- the strings disappeared and the doctor couldn't see anything with a speculum, so I had to wait 3 weeks to get an ultrasound and it turned out to be in the right place (phew!). Then I had to wait nearly 2 months to have a hysteroscopy -- they dilate your cervix and poke a camera up inside your uterus so they can see where the coil is, then they can pull it out. The poking and prodding was a huge drag, uncomfortable but not excruciating. When they actually pulled it out it barely hurt at all. I was a bit sore for a day or two, like mild period pains but nothing serious.

So, here's the update so far: My sex drive came back the very next day after being completely gone for ages! That was such a nice feeling again, to actually want to be with my husband instead of just going along for the sake of the marriage! I haven't felt sick or achey in my joints since it came out either, and the headaches are pretty much gone after being a constant in my life. I'm sleeping easier, and generally feel healthy again -- such a relief! My energy levels are still really really low though; I sure hope they start to come back soon. I think it's going to take awhile since I'd pretty much stopped exercising due to feeling so ill and tired all the time. I'll have to build myself back up through eating better and getting back to the gym, so unfortunately I think the weight-gain and fatigue are going to take longer to 'cure'. But still, I'm so glad to have it out and know that whatever happens to my health now, at least it's not being caused by hormones that just don't belong there.

Hang in there everyone; and don't be afraid of the pain in having it removed.

I have had the Mirena in since I was 12 weeks postpartum. My daughter is now five months old. I have had so many side effects that I also thought were due to just having a baby and the life changes that follow (plus my kids are 12 months and 1 day apart so who knows what's out of wack once you've been pregnant for two years straight!). I've had some headaches, sleeplessness, so many pregnancy symptoms I took a pregnancy test and had the doctor do one, incredible moodiness, I hate being touched (I felt this way with both pregnancies), no libido...all of these have made in incredible strain on my marriage. If things don't improve between us a few months after I get this hell-stick IUD removed we're going to couples therapy! I was diagnosed with depression at 14, but it has been under control since then. However, since Mirena I have been incredibly depressed. I have been on birth control since 14 due to terrible periods/cramping etc and never had an issue. I am going to switch to the copper/hormone free IUD and just pray my periods have changed now that I've had two children. Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!

I have had my Mirena for 3 yrs. (Oct 2006) For a long time my doctor, nurse and I joked about how I was the poster girl for this product. I didn't have much cramping with insertion, had one slight period a month later, and have been period free since December '06.

A few months later I broke out with the cystic acne and they put me on Yaz. It seemed to help for about 6mths. I then went off the Yaz and was fine for a few months, until I broke out again. This time Yaz didn't work. I've delt with them ever since. In the mean time I started having troubles falling to sleep. It was very sporadic at first until this past Jan. (09) My doctor put me on 10mg of generic Ambien. In July she cut me off. I had a full blown panic attack! The next day I contacted another dr who doesn't have a problem with me being on them. She put me on several anti-depressants until we found one that seems to be helping.

I have always been a people person, full of life and love for everyone! Now, I dread going to the store, or taking my boys (11,9 & 4) to soccer practice/games!

My husband has mentioned from time to time that I complain of a lot of headaches. Come to think of it now, they happen nearly every day to one extent or another!

I've been researching the Mirena the last couple of days because of the acne and sleeplessness. MOST posts talk about the symptoms beginning right away, making me think I was crazy and just looking for a reason to feel this way!

My husband has been my rock and is very supportive of me. He has no problems with me taking it out, but will NOT get the sweet lil V done! ugh If I can get this out and have the acne clear up. I'd be HAPPY!

First symptoms: Acne
Then: Sleeplessness, Headaches, back pain especially lower, mood swings, anxiety/depression, oily hair, uncontrollable crying... I'm sure I could go on. The symptoms don't have to be instant. In my case they came slowly...

GOD BLESS!

Had my Mirena put in about 4 weeks ago. I feel like I am sick ALL the time. I have had every symptom mentioned and then some. Severe nausea, indigestion, headaches, fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, depression, lack of sex drive, achiness, dizziness, anxiety, loss of appetite, and excessive sweating and hot flashes. My husband also says it irritates him when we have sex. I did a good bit of research before getting the Mirena, and never realized any of these side effects could happen. The Mirena website doesn't mention any of these other than headache. The doctor made it sound wonderful, and I just never thought I would feel like this. I almost feel like I am pregnant again, but I know I am not. It is horrible! I have an appointment in 4 days for my Mirena check up, and I am going to have it removed then. Please do your research before getting the Mirena! I am glad I found this site. Now I realize I am not the only one.

Hi I am dumb struck by coming across this site i never dream it could be my mirena causing my unexplained symptoms but the more an more i read it i am fighting with my hospital to get it removed A.S.A.P. i have suffered severe dizzy spells,heavy legs,fatigue,sweats,headaches,loss of concentration,mood swings,bloating,thinning of hair,weight gain, depression,dont want to communicate,just fallen apart in the last 17 months,had number of tests all come back normal,i been back to hospital today to fight this corner an they need to see how many women this really affects as every doctor i have seen says no way can it be the mirena but reading all these this needs looking into.i am worried about the dizzy spells they are my most concern along with panic attacks that come out of the blue..makes me think it may be my mirena after all :( just want to be back to my old self again..i have been to A& E at least 9 times with same symptoms only to be put on diazepam which i don't like to take,i am so upset that i still got to wait 6 weeks+ to have it removed as i got to go under to have it done as they cant reach the threads they are up instead of down...i am hoping after my long wait that i have now found an answer to all my symptoms an the mirena needs to be looked into more.an after it is removed i hope i get better as i have also read it can have after affects.nightmare wish i never had it put in.....

My name is Amanda, I'm 21 yrs old, engaged and having some problems:
I had mirena put in December, 2008 and had a horrible first night. My cramps were terrible for at least 5 hrs. After that I had no problems other than really odd cycles (on for 10 days, off for 3 months, on for 4 days, etc)
I hadn't thought my other problems were due to this iud but now think otherwise and am seriously wanting it removed. I've been very irritable, bloated, exhausted, can't sleep at all at night until 6 am then finally sleep till 1 pm... I have absolutely NO SEX DRIVE (odd because my fiancé were very happy with our sex lives , now it's maybe once if that).
My fiancé says this is a very good form of B.C. Because we never have sex... Hahaha. I don't have any cramps but do get unusual headaches (right temple, extremely sharp pain) ...
If i knew for sure that these symptoms weren't from mirena, I'd keep it... But now am going to get it removed and get back on the shot...
Let me know if anyone has anything to help me out with the sex drive thing!!!

Does it hurt to get mirena removed?

Will my sex drive return?????
I'm only 21 and am getting married in sept 2010 (hopefully ... Haha) ...
Thanks, A.

Horrible device in my opinion! I'm on day 17 with Mirena and the cramping, bloating, pancreas pain, sharp pain all over my body, diarrhea on and off, mood swings, headaches, flu like symptoms, major hair loss, extremely tired all the time, sleepy, can't sit in a certain position, can't walk without pain on my sides (stomach) or shooting pain through my legs and the list goes on!

I am going in ASAP this week to have it removed. I am aware of the possible side effects warnings, but many side effects I am experiencing are not in my brochure given to me by my doctor. I believe my body is rejecting the device and anyone experiencing similar or same symptoms as me should run to the doctor and have it removed. Unless of course you like torture and are willing to torture your family members along with you. :(

I am 30 and had the Mirena put in after my 3rd child. It was fine at first but then a few weeks after I had it put in my period started and it continued for about 7 weeks and they are still abnormal. Years ago I was on the Depo shot, and I am noticing many of the same symptoms with this IUD that I had with the shot. I am so bloated and uncomfortable. I have gained about 15 pounds in a matter of a few weeks and exercising doesn't seem to be helping at all. I have also been having more headaches and migraines than normal. I am definitely going to get mine taken out!

Hello, I can't help but get into the Mirena conversation. Three months after my son was born, I was put on the Mirena IUD. I had a ton of symptoms. My hair was falling out, tired, weak, headaches, stomach cramps, and just all around felt like crap. I went back to the doctors to have the Mirena removed positive that it was the Mirena that was making me feel like crud. The doctor persuaded me to keep it in longer and after much debate and feeling flustered with the doc I agreed for a couple more months. Well symptoms got ten times worse to the point I called and demanded to be seen right away to have it removed. Well after it was removed, I felt better but not completely. I started losing weight, I had periodic migraines which mind you I never had a migraine in my entire life, and felt like a truck ran over my body every morning when I got out of bed. I went to the doctors and they ran a slew of tests and NOTHING! Well about a month after a car ran a stop sign and crashed into me. I hit my head. IT was the best damn thing ever, I got a cat scan and it showed something on my brain. A MRI picked up a right cerebellum hemangioblastoma about 3cms. I had to have brain surgery to have it removed. They decided to do a full scan and I now currently have a kidney hemangioblastoma. Moral of this story. I am 31 years old, I have always been healthy with no migraines, no ailments, nothing. I have the Mirena put in and I feel like shit and they found a brain and kidney tumor. The estimated both my brain and kidney tumor to be about 2 yrs old. THE EXACT TIME I GOT THE MIRENA IN. Hemangioblastomas are either sporadic of VHL. With sporadic, usually you only get 1 and if you get another its later on down the road and my two tumors would not be the same age so it rules that one out. VHL, I had a genetic test done and it came up negative. So anyone of answers for my mishap. I know the Mirena caused this for me. Im just looking for someone with a similar story

Hello Ladies,
I have had my Mirena in for about three weeks now and have had severe migraines since it was place. My doctor prescribed Migraine medication to resolve the issue and as soon as the medication wears off BAM it’s back again not to mention the heart palpitations I been having as well. I never have had any of these issues before in my life. I called the Dr to have it removed and his nurse went on about how wonderful this IUD is and the expense in which mu insurance company paid for. I explained, that I don’t care what the cost is or was and I cannot function with this headaches and taking medication to mask the problem is not the solution either… This morning I couldn’t even get out of bed because of the pain my husband picked up the phone and called the Dr Office he said either remove the IUD or I’m taking her to the emergency room… Hmmmmmmm….. Low and behold it came out this morning and I’m feeling better already.. Ladies, listen to your bodies and if something doesn’t sit well with you on this IUD then I suggest having it removed. For the bloggers on here that say it’s a God send that’s wonderful and I hope you continue to well with it for those of suffering each and every day it has not been a God send for us. I have to also say I wonder if these bloggers saying it wonderful are from Dr’s offices or the pharmaceutical company itself. Just a thought!!!!!

I am 29 and had the Mirena put in 6 weeks after having baby #2. I thought it was a great idea and my OB said "NO SIDE EFFECTS". I have been bleeding heavily since it was inserted, cramps, sharp pains in my uterus area, bloating and headaches at night. I don't know if this is their form of birth control, but if your bleeding everyday you can't have sex! I run 3 miles five times a week and was losing weight steadily, until I had the Mirena put in. I watch what I eat obsessively and I am gaining weight! I am emotional all the time and find myself losing my patience with my kids and my husband all the time. I am getting it taken out today! I'll update how it went and the side effects going away. I would rather deal with another pregnancy than go through this. Follow your gut feelings - the Mirena won't work for everyone and obviously there are quite a few of us!

Ok, I have PCOS and had the Mirena put in 3 months after the birth of my last child in 2004 and thought it was great. No more fluctuations never knowing when or if I was getting a period...I just never had one, have not had one in 5 years years. The strings disappeared several years ago, had an U/S and they said it was still in place. I have had zero libido in that time, terrible mood swings, fluctuating weight and depression, thyroid problems, etc etc, all put down to depression. Well 6 months ago the headaches started, the vertigo... the ensuing DR trips have turned up an abnormal brain MRI and not much else no one has thought to think of the IUD. The MRI shows possible demyelination, vasculitis or sequelae to migraines...these are little white spots in my brain. If I find out these things are caused by this IUD there will be hell to pay. I am due to have it removed at the 5 yr mark in November..... I guess dig it out if they can find the strings. Will be interested to hear comments on this.

My experience with Mirena has been great! I previously had extremely heavy periods (we're talking soaking an overnight pad in an hour) and Mirena solved that problem--I have almost no period at all anymore. My five years just came up, and I had it replaced. Any "side effects" I've experienced I have attributed to perimenopause. I'm 42 years old, and early menopause runs in my family, so any minor weight gain around the middle, low libido, headaches, I attribute to that, since my doctor's office has confirmed low estrogen through blood work. I love Mirena and plan on continuing with it!

I CAN'T WAIT TILL NEXT WEEK TO HAVE THIS HORRIBLE THING REMOVED!!! I had MIRENA inserted on August of 2009, during A DNC procedure. I have since felt severe cramping with horrible nausea and vomiting. Some mornings it was impossible to get out of bed. I also have bad headaches, and am tired ALL THE TIME!!! I thought I was going crazy but now I know I am making the right decision. I have been to the ER 4 times since, every time they say have it removed. I also have had extreme hair loss, would pull 2 hand fulls of hair out everyday. My bath tub has clogged up so much, and now I know why. The pain is horrible the mood swings are horrible and my family deserve to have me back, being like this and raising 3 small kids has been a nightmare, and my poor husband!!! I want my life back and they should stop pushing this horrible thing on unsuspecting woman who just want some help.....

I got mirena inserted in feb 2009, I bled off and on every month up until this last month. I have had drastic mood swings with my deployed fiance. One minute we are okay and for some weird reason I would just get so angry for something very minute. I have been experiencing discharge with a foul odor.
I have had increase episodes of migraines, insomnia, cramps, and throbbing pain in my vaginal walls. I have experience vaginal dryness and having to use lubrication more than often.
I have no desire for sex. My fiance is 24 and I am 28. He is always ready to go like 5 times a day sometimes if we don't have the kids at home with us. I feel really awful putting him through this, especially being he in Kuwait, he doesn't deserve my attitude. The problem is I can never remember to take the pill. The MIRENA is more convenient and a safer method to prevent pregnancy, My fiance does not want us to have any kids right now. I am nervous if I take out the MIRENA we will slip somewhere and get pregnant again. Pregnancy right now with really cause a strain in our relationship related to him not wanting us to get pregnant right now.
I feel so trapped because I don't know what to do at this time.
By C. W.

I am not sure if anyone has experienced severe pains specifically after exercising. I seem to have many of the symptoms expressed on this site from mood swings, depression, extremely tired, headaches (which I never had a problem in the past) and cramps that come sporadically. I have been lucky to not get my period but I do get periodic discharges that are not consistent in the least. However, my biggest concern are the pains I get when I exercise. They have gotten bad enough that I feel that I may pass out and/or throw up. They don't occur when I am actually exercising, just immediately following and it lasts to various degrees for many hours.

HELLO EVERYONE!
I HAVE HAD MIRENA FOR A YEAR NOW. I HAVE NOT HAD A PERIOD SINCE MAY AND I HAVE BEEN GETTING THE WORST MIGRAINES EVER FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS. I THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH ME UNTIL I SAW THESE STORES AND IT EXPLAINS SO MUCH!! MY HAIR IS FALLING OUT LEFT AND RIGHT! I CRY SOMETIMES BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHATS WORSE, THE HEADACHES OR MY HAIR LOSS I GAINED TONS OF WEIGHT OUT OF THE BLUE AND I DON'T EAT MUCH. I GUESS I NEED TO TAKE IT OUT ASAP!!! THANK YOU LADIES FOR YOUR STORIES!!

well i had the mirena inserted 8 weeks after i had my 2nd baby,which was was may 14th 2009,i felt fine tell about 6 weeks ago,i started having pain in the center of my chest rite below my breasts,went to the doctor he said it was inflammation,he gave me naproxen,which didn't help at all,went back to the doctor,still couldn't find anything wrong,the pain has spread to the left side rite below my breasts,now im having anxiety attacks every day,tired all the time,headaches,backaches,nausea,weight gain,hair loss,the doctor said i have bacteria vagionous,gave me flagyl ive been taking for 5 days now,i told my doctor at my last doctors visit i thought all this was from mirena and i wanted it removed,he told me to wait a few days to see if the flagyl worked,it hasn't so far,i have a doctors appt. tomorrow and im gona tell him to remove the mirena.i feel the mirena is causing all of this,i guess i will see.i just want to be myself again!

hello ladies. my wife has mirena and we're going thru hell. we've been married only 14 months. she had it put in a few months before we got married. shortly after that we began disagreeing on almost everything. i am a victim of the crazy mood swings. and my biggest issue is the lack of desire to have sex. in addition, my wife has been experiencing severe headaches, back and neck pains, and blurred vision. some may think, "oh you guys are just typical newly weds," but i know deep down its the mirena. however, i can't convince her to get it removed. in the meantime she's accepting to deal with the side effects.