Mirena and libido

I have had Mirena in for a year now. I am 31 years old, have two kids. At first there were no complaints from me, but now that my period has gone away I have side effects that I am now coming to believe are from the Mirena. I have terrible pain in my joints, It feels like arthritis but more severe. my joints ache when it's cold, I have severe cramping but no period follows. Dryness vaginally, frequent urine trips, I have back aches all the time, severe decrease of libido. I can barely have an orgasm, but it feels like they come to soon and with no pleasure at all...as if it is numb in my uterus. I cannot get rid of my excess weight. I have seen my first grey hair lately and it freaked me out. I am sure it has to do with the Mirena and/or the loss of my period. I cannot wait to get this out of me. I would rather risk getting pregnant or use condoms than have to deal with these side effects!!!

I have had Mirena in for a year now. I am 31 years old, have two kids. At first there were no complaints from me, but now that my period has gone away I have side effects that I am now coming to believe are from the Mirena. I have terrible pain in my joints, It feels like arthritis but more severe. my joints ache when it's cold, I have severe cramping but no period follows. I have back aches all the time, severe decrease of libido. I can have an orgasm, but it feels like they come to soon and with no pleasure at all...as if it is numb in my uterus. I cannot get rid of my excess weight. I have seen my first grey hair lately and it freaked me out. I am sure it has to do with the Mirena and/or the loss of my period. I cannot wait to get this out of me. I would rather risk getting pregnant or use condoms than have to deal with these side effects!!!

Hey there,
I had my Mirena inserted a little over 2 months ago. The inserstion was pretty pain-free as the sister used local anesthetic.
Other than the severe cramps I felt that night, I must be honest that I have not experienced any of the painful side effects I've read about on all the forums I've found.
I spot here and there, but my periods are definitely lighter.
My sex-drive is through the roof! I had a high libido to begin with, so I'm not complaining.
The ONLY 2 negative side-effects I've experienced, are a little bit of acne on my chin, and hair loss. I'm hoping these will calm down though (as it states on the official Mirena website), but if not, I will most likely have it removed.
I had terminated a pregnancy one month before insertion, so I'm really just wanting to give my cervix a break which is why I don't want to have it removed unless I absolutely have to!
Is it possible to only experience these rare symptoms and none of the more common ones?
In Mirena's defence: has anyone ever read the side-effects of the birth control pills so many of us have used? It's become common to just accept the fact that we will most likely gain weight, get varicose veins, have headaches etc...
I suppose, nobody can feel what you're feeling, so if it doesn't work, change it.
I'm really hoping that mirena works for me, so if anyone has a positive experience, please share it!
All the best...

Irregular menstrual periods, muscle cramps in pelvic region, lower abdominal pain, vaginal dryness, vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, frequent urination, pain with sexual intercourse, breast tenderness, no libido, weight gain, fatigue, acne, skin bumps, dry skin, change in skin texture, headache, migraine, depressed mood, anxiety, and mood swings.

I had my Mirena IDU inserted in October of 2007. It was "the best thing ever", at the time. I initially bled for 5 months, just a light bleeding, but bleeding non the less. The discharge has never went away. During and even after the bleeding stopped- I started having an odor. I had NEVER had an odor of any kind down there before. I failed to realize that my skin issues that started a month after insertion were related, as well as the headaches. My husband was in Korea when I got the Mirena, so it wasn't until he came home on leave that I realized the pain with intercourse, vaginal dryness, and breast tenderness. The acne, no libido, depression, anxiety, mood swings, weight gain, and fatigue started about 4 months ago. Today I woke up with horrible cramping. I will have a mild cramp about once a month for a second, but none so sever as today. In doing my research I have found that all of the problems that I have been having are linked to the IUD. Granted, it could just be a big coincidence. I'm still calling the hospital on Monday morning and making an appointment to get it removed. That's if my pain doesn't go away and I make it to the ER first. I'll keep you ladies updated on my "recovery". Good luck!

Had my son in May 2006. Had mirena inserted in Nov 2006. Insertion was quite uncomfortable. I have a very high tolerance for pain. I bleed for maybe a week. Stopped having regular periods, which was great. Spotted a minor amount for the first 1.5 yrs. I've had mood swings and depression on and off for the entire time. Lately, within the past 6-9 months, I've had anxiety issues, dizziness (which I went to the dr for), hot flashes, cold flashes and the mood swings are worse. Spotting has increased. Abdominal pain in lower abdomen is almost unbareable. Like many of the women have posted, I am about ready to go the ER from time to time because of the pain. I've had 2 back to back vaginal infections which my dr says can cause cramping associated with the IUD (but she says its not because of the IUD). My skin is dryer and my libido is decreased.

I am having it removed; after 2 years. I don't know what I am going to do for BC but I honestly do not think that the mirena is worth it for me. Not to mention the more serious KNOWN possible side effects like cancer, blood clots, hypertension (which already runs in my family). I don't have these, but I don't want to take the chance of getting them. The mood swings, depression and anxiety alone not only harm me but my family as well. I'm thankful that my husband has put up with it, but frankly, I'm starting to get on my own nerves now!

And, to top it all off, for the past 2 months, at times I have a very hormonal smell. Now, I am the type to shower every day and some days (hot summer days) maybe even twice a day and so I know its completely internal. My freakin' Degree deodorant doesn't work sometimes and the smell seems to be emitting from my pores. Its not a terrible smell or constant. But when I have it, I smell like I'm in heat or something! LOL

Its coming out this week!

i had Mirena inserted on the 28th of September, i usually check my waist measurement every week since i had my baby- i lost 4 inches after delivery and exercise, i was so shocked this evening to find out i gained 2 inches on my waist in two weeks! i have been asking myself why i am so gassy these days, am always sweating, sleepless nights and i noticed my stomach looks like am pregnant. am so shocked! and the most scary part is that my baby developed skin rashes all over her body, right about the time i had mine inserted. i have tried all kinds of cream, changed her laundry detergent (mine as well), skin care products, but the rashes wont dry up. my baby`s skin was flawless before i had this mirena. i always dress her appropriately, moreover the weather is not hot for her to develop rashes. i feel so guilty that i put her through the discomfort,am getting the mirena removed to confirm my suspicion but i know already that mirena is the cause as there is no other possible reason. its unfortunate that the professionals won`t tell you the truth and i specifically asked if it will affect the baby because i am breast feeding. i am so glad i did this research to validate my sanity, even though the harm has already been done. thank you all for sharing your experience.

I had Mirena placed in Sept 2007. I have 2 girls, wasn't ready for more at the time, was horrible with taking the pill (both in remembering to do so and with the side effects). Since Mirena is only a "local" hormone, I thought it would be a great choice for me. This past summer I got online to find out why my periods were so odd... brown, clumpy, really short but frequent... and came across this site as well as a few others. I couldn't believe the stories everyone was sharing! I could easily dismiss all of my symptoms away to something else... constant exhaustion (I have 2 kids under 5 and work full time, maybe my thyroid), anxiety and even a few panic attacks (started a new job), no libido (tired and stressed… How funny to spend so much money on birth control and have no desire for sex!!!), irritable (2 kids), hair loss (didn't even think of that one, but it is true), night sweats (maybe I am just dressed to warmly to go to bed?), unable to lose some weight (gained 5 pounds post insertion now that I think about it) even though I had joined a gym, was working out with a personal trainer and really watching my eating (maybe this is my new weight... I am 35 and my metabolism is supposed to slow down), weird pain/bloating in my lower abdomen (gas??? maybe something I am eating???), the described ‘Fog’… how true! I saw my doctor about 1 ½ months ago and we discussed taking it out. I had my thyroid checked first just to see if that may be the problem. It was, but after putting all of these pieces together I just needed to get this thing out!!! I had it removed one week ago. I felt better immediately. I am sure that was psychological, but who cares! Bled for a week and now it has stopped. Feeling some cramps still, but overall really good, especially emotionally. I asked my doctor about the ‘CRASH’ and she hadn’t heard of such a thing. I am kind of on the fence with this one… just waiting… hoping it won’t happen. If anyone is about 1 week out like me, I would love to hear more from you! I am sure Mirena is good for some, but I am sure it is not good for me. I am happy to be out of the fog.

I have had the Mirena for five months, I have gained weight and seems like I keep gaining and I have tried everything to loose this pouch. I am always tired and moody. I feel sick to my stomach all the time, especially after I eat something. I feel like I am having another baby. I told my doctor and all she did was prescribe me anti depressants and anti anxiety pills( like I need anything else messing with my system ), and she told me to give it time to work, the symptoms that I am having are normal. I feel like crap everyday and didn't feel like this until I got this thing put in me. Don't get me wrong my life was not peaches and cream before the placement but I was able to deal with my days. Now I just feel like i am about to have a nervous breakdown or panic attack. I literally feel crazy. My husband feels neglected and I am going to get a second opinion from a different doctor because I don't know if I can take it any longer.

Okay WOW! So interestingly enough, I was out w/ a friend last night and when I mentoned to him that I have Mirena-he pleaded with me to google it and find out the troubles that ppl were having. He said He almost lost his wife because of it(and by lost- I mean death) That got my attention. I told him, I thought I didn't have any problems with my Mirena... I don't even have a period ever-its great! I am truly glad he told me to look, and I am glad I read the other problems women were having. I had symptoms, that I didn't even realize I had; basically blaming it on stress or other things. I have Narcolepsy which is a sleeping disorder, and recently I was diagnosed with Fibromaylgia (s/p?) Anyways I have had my Mirena for a lil over a year; I chose it because I absolutely suck at remembering to take the "pill" everyday and I am a single mom, and I told myself I will not be in this position again with another child. (I know- a lot of "ands"...lol) Well Here is my symptoms that I didn't realize could be related. I had a nervous breakdown at Christmas last year.... I called my dad and told him he needed to go get my daughter because I didn't think she was 'safe' with me, I was balling my eyes out... I was so stressed and full of anxiety and the littlest thing would set me off-AND I knew it wasn't my babys fault, I didn't want her anywhere near me! I went to the doctor and got treated for - you guessed it manic depression/anxiety ( I have had a history of it- but NEVER this bad) She came home after a few days. However, I still get easily irritated, more easily then I should- normally I am a very patient person. I sleep all the time....ALL THE TIME, I suffer from eccessive Fatigue, and nothing I take seems to help. weight gain-yep I got that too... I am the heaviest I have ever been in my life! I weigh more now then I did when I was nine months preg. with my daughter. Bloating.... yep I got Bloating, I don't feel comfortable in any of my clothes- I absolutely hate to wear Jeans anymore, and Yes I do suffer the 'gas' problem too. I was completely embarrassed and thought I was all alone on the fear of making it to the bathroom on time... I am a grown woman of 30 (so I am still kinda young to have any problems like that!) Oh yeah...I do have the Hot flashes, people would tease me and tell me I was too young for that-DUH! I want to enjoy my daughter, she will be 4 years old in march, I want energy to do the simple things, to enjoy life again, I want to feel attractive again.... honestly right now I feel kinda hideous.... So I have two major positive I am facing... no pill to take everyday, and no period!!!! If I go have it removed; what will my cycle be like? will I bleed all the time, will it just last a long time at first and then regulate, I guess I would like to have a heads up on what to expect. then there is one more question... If I remove the Mirena and choose a different IUD; will it have the same side effects? I need a B.C. option that doesn't require me taking a pill everyday, and I already tried the depo-shot that was a bad one for me.... that was like one long, on-going period that never stopped(don't want that-lol) So if Anyone out there has any advice, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you so much!

FINALLY I FEEL LIKE I AM NOT INSANE!!!!!!!!!
I am 27 years and had my Mirena inserted 2 months after my son was born. It has been over a year and I feel so crappy at times I don't know how i get through the day. I have been feeling apprehensive about removing it and thought maybe all of these symptoms have nothing to do with Mirena. I feel dizzy at times like I am drunk, mood swings, my hair is thinning out, i look like I am 9mon pregnant especially when i am PMSing, and have gained weight around the middle section, I don't feel attractive anymore, i don't feel good wearing clothes I once looked good in and always have to wear girdles which do not always work. I have always had acne but now it is ten times worst. I was a very sexual person but now it sucks. It hurts sometimes and I am very dry down there and that is not like me. I have leg cramps every now and then. I am gassy constantly and bloated, which I thought was because of my acid reflux (which existed before mirena). My breast hurt and gets swollen, sometimes one even looks bigger than the next. I just basically feel like I am having an out of body experience and not in a good way. My boyfriend has been nagging me to remove it if I feel so bad, but I am sacred that if I do and the symptoms still persist then what. I have spoken to my gyn so many times about this and he keeps insisting it is not the mirena. He has recently sent me for some lab work related to my breast pain and prescribed some medication to dry out my breast milk, but I have decided against it. Now after reading this site, I definitely am not going to waste money doing this, I am just going to be adamant about it and go get it removed. To think I am a nurse I should know better but I guess I am a woman first. I AM HAPPY I DO NOT FEEL ALONE ANYMORE. CAN ANYONE OUT THERE WHO HAS THIS REMOVED AFTER ALL THOSE SYMPTOMS TELL ME HOW THINGS HAS CHANGED FOR YOU. PLEASE SEND ME A PRIVATE MESSAGE.

SINCERELY,
WANNA GET RID OF MIRENA IN THE VI

I wish i would have found this web site 2 weeks ago. I have to kids and married.Husband didn't want any more kids but i wasn't ready to get my tubes tied. I'm only 24 years old. So my doctor suggested I get Mirena. I thought it was a great alternative. So 2 weeks ago i got it. Haven't stopped my period since. I even am breaking out under my armpits. VERY PAINFUL too. There swollen so bad that it hurts to swing my arms. Not only that deodorants makes it worse. Has anyone else had this problem!!
As far as the tiredness goes, yes i also have noticed that also. I hope I don't loss any more libido. Thats already a big issue in my marriage. I am already thinking about taking it out. OH does anyone know if it is safe so do ab exercises while having mirena. Thanks everyone.

Well, I have had my Mirena since June/08. I had my son in May/08. I was 7 weeks pp when I had it put in. After my son was born I felt ok, no pains besides my c section scar
NOW...since insertion I have had a mess of problems. I have been a healthy woman for a long time and never had issues like this until July-ish. I am 27.

1. I had horrible back pain and my legs felt like I walked in 7" heels the night before (the tight muscle cramps, etc). My PCP told me I could possibly have a slipped disc and wanted me to go to PT. I had all my blood work come back fine btw. Since I knew in my heart I didn't have a slipped disc I did not waste my money on PT.
2. I have NO sex drive. The thought of sex makes me gag. No joke. I had sex 6 weeks pp and had a libido with no sleep. My son sleeps 11 hrs a night and I still don't want sex. As I type, I could go the rest of my life with no sex. THAT IS NOT ME AT ALL!
3. Extreme tiredness. Like I said my son sleeps 11 hrs a night and I sleep 8 hrs a night.
4. Light-headedness- I do have a BP of 110/70 so if I get up fast I get dizzy, but more now than before.
5. Started to have SEVERE pelvic pain right above my c section scar. It hurt so bad I was about to go to the ER. I was home alone with my 6 mo old so I tried to wait it out. I called my OB and they got me in. In his exam he felt a huge knot in my pelvis and it hurt like a MF! He suspected a hernia so he sent me for a CT scan.
Got the results yesterday and they came back normal. He said maybe I bruised something. But why do I have a big knot in my pelvis?
I feel like I am crazy. My bf takes my pain issues with a grain of salt now days. My OB did say since there is progesterone in the Mirena that my leg issues could be from Mirena and he was more than happy to remove if I wanted.
I still have it in and more and more I am thinking of getting it removed. My issue is I am so bad at taking pills and didn't like the Depo.
Anyways ladies...please let me know if you have had these issues. My email is arizonaequine@yahoo.com
Hope this can help someone feel less crazy!!

I had the Mirena put in September 07' and have had it for over a year now. I have gained 15lbs so far, and have had constant acne/skins issues. Also I have reoccurring bacterial and yeast infections. Apparently the Mirena is throwing off my ph. I too have no libido. I will be getting it removed asap.

I just had the mirena inserted for the second time. I have had it for five years and have not noticed any side affects. I have barely had a period. Libido has been up and down but I think it is more a result of being a busy tired mom. Had my old one removed and my new one put in today, no more uncomfortable than a pap smear. I feel kinda yucky since, minor cramps, and a little bleeding. I m not at all worried. It is easy birth control, but of course there is a downside too. It cant be good having a foreign object in your body. Good luck to everyone!

I had MIRENA put in OCT 2003 and just got it removed OCT 13th 2008 - the greatest thing ever was no menstrual cycles, although I did have the sore back and breasts every month.....I noticed a decrease in my libido after my son was born but thought it was due to having a child and just getting older, changing. schedules etc...I also noticed a tremendous hair loss within the last year and an unusual skin condition on my chest. Turns out i have psoriasis! ?? anyone else have derm issues with MIRENA? .....anyway after it was removed my libido has increased 100% and now I finally know it wasn't just me!! My husband is soo happy! :)

Sorry the link does seem to work so you can click on the main site and the go to search , then type MIRENA SIDE EFFECTS , if not here is what it says

Adverse effects
Serious side effects
If a pregnancy occurs in the case of method failure, the risk that it may be ectopic (located outside the womb) is increased. This requires immediate medical attention (see symptoms listed in the section "What else you should know"). Pelvic inflammatory disease, which may be serious, can occur during the use of the IUS. Enlarged ovarian follicles may require medical attention. MIRENA may pierce the wall of the womb. In addition, cases of breast cancer have been reported (frequency unknown).

Other possible side effects
It is perfectly normal for you to experience changes in menstrual bleeding patterns during the use of MIRENA. The changes may include spotting, shorter or longer menstrual periods, irregular bleeding, prolonged interval of bleeding or no bleeding at all, heavy flow and menstrual pain.

Ovarian cysts have been detected in 12% of women during the use of MIRENA.

Allergic skin reactions may be due to the IUS.

In addition, the following undesirable effects that may be associated with MIRENA have been reported. These side effects have been listed by the parts of the body that they may affect and how common they are.

The following definitions apply when the words "common", "uncommon" and "rare" appear in this leaflet relating to adverse effects:

"very common" means more than 1 in every 10 patients may experience these.
"common" means between 1 and 10 in every 100 patients may experience these.
"uncommon" means between 1 and 10 in every 1,000 patients may experience these.
"rare" means between 1 and 10 in every 10,000 patients may experience these.

Nervous System and Psychiatric Disorders
Common - headache
- depression
- nervousness
- decreased libido
Uncommon - migraine
- altered mood
Digestive System
Common -abdominal pain
- nausea (feeling sick)
Uncommon - abdominal bloating
Skin and Subcutaneous Disorders
Common - acne
Uncommon - excessive body hair (hirsuitism)
- hair loss
- severe itching (pruritis)
- inflammation of the skin (eczema)
Rare - rash
- hives (urticaria)
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders
Common - back pain
Reproductive System Disorders
Very Common - uterine or vaginal bleeding including spotting, infrequent periods
(oligomenorrhea), and absence of bleeding (amenorrhea)
- benign ovarian cysts (see the section called "Enlarged ovarian follicles")
Common - pelvic pain
- painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
- vaginal discharge
- inflammation of the external genital organs or vagina (vulvovaginitis)
- breast tenderness
- breast pain
- expulsion of MIRENA
Uncommon - pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the female upper genital tract, the female structures above the neck of the womb)
- inflammation of the lining of the womb (endometritis)
- inflammation of the neck of the womb (cervicitis/Papanicalaou smear normal, class II)
Rare - perforation of the womb
Investigations
Common - weight gain
General Disorders
Uncommon - swelling (edema)

Similar side effects have been reported when MIRENA has been used for hormone replacement therapy in combination with estrogen preparations.

These side effects are more common during the first months after insertion, and subside during prolonged use.

If you are concerned about any of these side effects or notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage
Do not use after the expiry date stated on the package.

Store all medicines properly and keep them out of reach of children.

Further information
MIRENA contains:
active substances (per implant)
levonorgestrel (52 mg)

other substances
polydimethylsiloxane elastomer, silica (colloidal anhydrous), polyethylene, barium sulphate, iron oxide

If you have any further questions please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Sponsor
*******

This leaflet was last revised on 29th May 2007

I'm 45 I had the mirena inserted 5 1/2 years ago for heavy and painful periods that made me acutely anemic. I had the second Mirena 10 months ago. Until i read this site and others like it I thought I was going mad. Only advantage for me has been super light periods. Have had weight gain round stomach, thighs and butt and cannot shift it despite doubling exercise and halving food intake. Have constant headaches and reccurrant sinus infections and memory/concentration problems, water retention nearly all month long and feel depressed most of the time. also oily skin libido is non existent! also joint pains and insomnia. Doctor said it was menopause but tests came back negative. Have an appointment next week to have it removed. A bit anxious about how heavy periods will be as they were pretty awful before but can't handle these side effects. Any one else my age whose had mirena removed how long before periods back to normal?

I had my Mirena removed in May of 2008. I, too, was thrilled to find a seemingly perfect form of birth control after having 4 children. It has turned out to be a nightmare. I had horrible mood swings, intense anger, cramps, no libido, body aches and the worst part for me, hair loss. I have lost at least 50% of the hair on the top of my head. I went through countless doctor appointments - general physician, o.b., dermatologist. Back and forth with tests for thyroid, diabetes, lupus (biopsy on my scalp and blood tests) all of which have come up negative. I am still seeing the dermo and am on a steroid scalp treatment. The hair loss seems to have stopped but I have yet to see new growth. I am hopeful one day I will find new growth on my scalp. Everyone hang in there - it has to get better, right???

okay ladies, I'm not sure what you all are experiencing since I'm not a doctor. But I will tell you that a huge amount of your symptoms can either be age related or post baby related. I have four children ages 15, 6, 5, 3.
The beginning stages of the Mirena granted are not pretty and can last for months. I was having a terrible time with my periods and was out of commission for the first three days of every cycle each month. I have had my Mirena for almost 2 years now and am going on 41. I had to wait it out for about 6 months before seeing any huge improvements. I will tell you this, over eating and NOT eating a healthy diet of fruits and veggies will aggravate bloating and mood swings. You could have these with or without the IUD. I never lost my hair unless I was 3-6 months post partum.
A diet rich in potato chips, bread, meats and cheesy pizza will show on your hair skin and nails. The typical American diet will leave even your special guy moody. As we age the expectation is that we will always feel 18 and I have had to come to grips with how my body ages and how I take care of it. A new baby whether it is your 1st or 4th will cause unwanted fatigue. I still struggle with fatigue because not everyone sleeps thru the night including my hubby so my sleep gets disrupted a lot. There are several things you can do to help your Mirena work for you and not scare you. I NEVER lose my sex drive unless I fail to exercise even a little each week and have fought back with a super charged diet. I'm not perfect at it but boy does it ever help. Sugar has a HUGE impact on your hormones and fatigue level. Limit it. Got to bed as early as you can and avoid late night TV. Don't give your precious zzz's to some silly show that won't help you be a better person any way. Get moving and add a little (or a lot) of weight training to your days- your sex drive will soar and your body will thank you. Pray for wisdom. God will help. Sometimes he uses fatigue to slow me down and focus on what is really important. Granted not everyone can handle an IUD. But if you try a little self care and be patient you might find that it works for you. I had heavy bleeding and at my age the doc said I got it just in time because from 40-50 I could expect more of the same. I am grateful for it because I felt like I was dying every time I had a period. A little fatigue is worth the benefits. Keep in mind that even your little ones get tired. They need naps and they are kids. We need rest in the afternoons too. It's okay to stay off the phone and rest a little if you can. My energy drainers are TV, negative people, talking on the phone too much, eating too much especially when I'm not really hungry, the wrong foods when I do eat, and not getting sleep or exercise. Start small and see if over time it doesn't make a big difference before you throw in the towel. Blessings to all and especially the new mommies.

I had my mirena inserted in Dec. 2007 (shortly after I delivered my daughter via c-section). My libido took a nose dive right away, I became really irritable, bloated, and I would get sharp pains just above my pubic bone. Not long after all that, my face started developing these little bumps, that short of resemble a zit, only they don't go away, and you can try to "pop" them like a zit. They started slowly, a few near my chin, and now they have traveled up to my cheeks, and under my eyes, and a few on my forehead. I had the mirena removed Sept 2008, and now a month. and an antibiotic lotion later, they are still there. I wouldn't have jumped the gun in thinking that the mirena had caused the bumps, until I started talking to a few of my friends. One who had hers inserted in Dec. as well, has even worse bumps on her face, and has an appt to have hers removed in 2 weeks., another who loves the mirena, but can't figure out why her face it getting these bumps!
They feel like zits, and kind of hurt, but when you mess with them nothing comes out, and they get more red, and spread. My fam doctor, prescribed Clindamycin, and it has done nothing but dry my skin out. Going to a derm today...wish me luck :)

I've had Mirena for nearly two and a half years now. About 6 weeks after I got it in I had to take a pregnancy test because I was dizzy, nauseous, bloated, and had sore breasts. I was not pregnant. But I've had a repeat experience every few months since then. Sometimes I feel so sick and tired that I can't do anything but lie on the sofa. After I stopped nursing I got bad pregnancy symptoms and cramps so horrible I thought my IUD had punctured something. Currently I feel sick to my stomach, and I've been getting headaches, and I'm tired and terribly thirsty all the time. I've read about others who had the same problem. I've also had nearly continuous yeast infections and vaginal irritation since I got it in. My libido has dropped incredibly and I'm always kind of dry during sex. I had problems with depression before getting the Mirena, but now I have anxiety on top of that. At the two-year mark I started getting nasty under-the-skin acne under my chin, and I've gained ten pounds since then. Some of that might have been my own fault, but I currently eat healthily and exercise 1 to 1 1/2 hours most days, and it's taken weeks for me to stop gaining, and I know I'm losing way slower than is natural. I put up with it this long because I haven't gained huge amounts of weight or had really bad mood swings, and I'm afraid of what might happen with other types of birth control, but I am sick of being sick all the time. I'm getting this thing out!

I had Mirena inserted 2 years ago. When I first had it fitted, I bled heavy, straight for 7 months. The cramps were almost unbearable. I went to my doctor several times during this 7 month period, which he told me that all of my symptoms were normal. I decided to wait it out.
The bleeding stopped but the cramping never really eased.
I got used to being in constant pain.
I also had severe migraines that would keep me from doing anything until the pain subsided.
My libido was non-existent (which in my opinion, is probably why this form of birth control is so effective). My relationship with my husband deteriorated partially because of this.
Fatigue is an understatement. I could never get enough sleep.
I also felt depressed most of the time and became VERY moody.

After coming to this site a few days ago, I decided to get this thing out of me. It was removed yesterday. It kind of hurt but not as bad as putting it in.
Cramps are gone. I feel energized and HAPPY today!!! I'm SO ready to get romantic with my husband again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Major suicidal thoughts and no libido. I need some help and I plan on calling my doctor tomorrow.

http://www.drugs.com/pro/mirena.html
I would recommend that everyone read about Mirena at the link above. I had mine removed today and I will post in a few weeks about my experience with it and how I felt after having it removed.

I had mine inserted the first week of July. Yes, it was freaking uncomfortable getting it done and I had cramping the rest of the day, but my OB warned me of that and I made the decision to go ahead. I'm not in a position to complain about it now.
I bled/spot for 2-3 weeks after insertion. Only heavy enough to require a tampon for the first week, but I had it inserted when I was supposed to be starting my period anyway. Again my OB suggested this and warned me about the possibility of bleeding for up to 6 months. Again my decision to go forward!
Since then I have had cramping once a month like I'm going to start my period and never do. Within the last few weeks I've started getting the acne and an oily scalp. It's all over my back and not poppable. I'm hoping it will eventually subside when my body gets used to the new hormone level I'm giving it. If you think about it, it's the same thing in puberty (ie change in hormones) that kicks off the acne so it doesn't surprise me that this is a side effect. If it doesn't subside I'll make a decision then whether or not to have it out.
I have not had any of the other side effects. In fact I had terrible headaches and neck pain before I got this and those have gotten much better.

I was on the pill for 15 years before getting mirena and I had much worse side effects with that (extreme moodiness, loss of sexual desire, bad cramps, long periods, etc). I tried multiple brands of pills and never found one I was 100% happy with. But I dealt with it because I made the decision to go on B/C.
I'll take the acne over those any day! (not to mention I got pregnant on the pill!!!)

I understand that these side effects suck, but you act like it's the company's fault. They specifically list the common side effects and the majority of the ones you're complaining about are listed in plain site Taken directly from their website:
Menstrual changes
Lower abdominal pain (cramps)
Acne or other skin problems
Back pain
Breast tenderness
Headache
Mood changes
Nausea
Ovarian cysts have been diagnosed in about 12% of Mirena® users. In most cases, the enlarged follicles disappeared spontaneously during two to three months of observation.

Did you think that's just for show? Did you ever stop to consider (before getting the product) you might actually get those side effects and what you would do if you did? It is your body... YOU are the only one responsible for what goes inside it. No one held you down and forced you to do this. Mirena didn't hide anything from you or trick you into it. Take some responsibility for your actions! Quit blaming others. This is a great example of what is wrong with our society today!

Take responsibility! Do your research! Make your own decisions and deal with the consequences of them without blaming others!

If you look at the mirena website it gives you the FDA number to call to report side effects. If you're having major ones call the FDA and report it so that more than just people that stumble upon this forum know about it!

I have had the mirena coil for a year and a half now the insertion was incredibly painful and much worse than I was led to believe. I felt ill and for several days with feelings of being pregnant. I am 46 with 2 children age 9 and 11 so just wanted a change from the pill. I am really interested to read all the comments as I thought I was doing alright - no periods great, no particular weight gain even better but have had a backache that has just got worse and worse. I always did have a lower back problem but that had got better over time and also I do horse ride so put it down to that sometimes. However it has got a lot worse over the last year - constantly aching and over a greater area and at night I can hardly move sometimes I am so stiff. Is this anything to do with the coil? The osteopath I see suggests I check this out with the doctor but I can see from all the comments that it is a common problem. Anyway decided I can't stand it any more so about to make an appt to see doctor. And yes no libido - poor husband! and feeling irritated all the time and very tired. Difficult to know whether this part is an age thing though - gets confusing when there could be a menopause issue lurking as well - don't now how you would know!. will be eager to find out if the backache is linked or not!.

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

I have had mine for over a year now. I initially never thought any of these side effects were related to this device. After gaining weight when I have been exercising and eating the same (sometimes one pound per day), bloating, decreased libido, swollen legs (like when I was pregnant), nausea, and having this horrible neck/shoulder muscle ache (to name the biggest ones), I talked with my OB about this being the cause. She pretty much dismissed it as having anything to do with this. Then, after becoming so frustrated about the weight gain, I decide to research this little thing and I find this!! Oh my goodness. I have scheduled an appointment to remove this tomorrow. It also bothers me not to have a period. I feel like it has been building up for over a year and that is why my stomach is so pregnant like!! I think it works great for some women, and I had a fabulous experience for the first 8 months about. I just think it is important for women to pay attention to their bodies and just because a professional disagrees, does not mean they are correct.

Well ladies, I seem to be at the opposite end of the spectrum. I have had but one period in 17 months (my daughter is 18 months) and have experienced lowered libido. I have lower back pain, abdominal pain on occasion and feel moody all the time, similar to the way I felt pregnant. I am planning on having Mirena removed asap. I am sure this makes me unpopular, but I like to bleed. It reminds me I am a woman!

I've posted several times before, but it ahs been a while since I've updated on here. So a recap: Almost 33, have 3 kids(ages 13,11,and 7) Had insert on 12/27/07 after having used depo for many years with no major side effects...issues continually worsened over next few months. Had removal early May, 2008. Several issues cleared up within the first few weeks after removal, such as the joint pain, swelling, heartburn. Brain fog and moodiness became much better. Libido returned gradually as well. But I still have had no success in losing the weight gained over the last 6 months. Still 30 pounds heavier thatn was at insertion...increased workouts, decreased caloric intake, only lost 4 pounds in almost 3 months. Family doc even put me on meds to help with the weight loss, and they had opposite effect...I actually was hungry all the time and felt completely stoned! Acne still unrelieved to the point that I know have an appointment for a 2nd dermatologist as my first one ran out of options for me! Completely unable to clear up my face. Family doc wants to put me on antidepressants, but I don't' think that's the answer. Plus after all the problems I've had...don't trust a whole lot of meds anymore...especially ones that are known for reducing your libido! (Plus after all this and to STILL be overweight with acne...he'd be pretty depressed too!) Bloodwork all came back fine...actually a "Picture of perfect health!" The only thing he did say was that my testosterone level, although in normal range, was at the high end of normal. However, as I'm still young 30's, no one tested my hormone levels before...so I don't know what is normal for me. Will be talking to him about using an anti-androgen, like aldactone, to see if that will help. Not using any form of hormonal birth control any longer. As old-fashioned as it is...I now use a diaphragm and spermicide...and I'm actually pretty happy with it. I'm happy for all those ladies who had a flat belly again within a few weeks, and their faces cleared up almost instantly...but I must admit I'm jealous. I wish it was that easy for me. Good luck to all of you. Will post again in the future.

oh and here is the birth control pill side effect list...

Common side effects of oral contraceptives include loss of sex drive (libido), headaches, acne, weight gain, vaginal infections, and depression. Current research indicates that oral contraceptives increase your risk of acquiring HIV if your partner is infected. Oral contraceptives also have some uncommon but serious health risks associated with their use, especially among smokers; these include abnormal blood clotting and heart attacks, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease.

I just wanted to be sure you all read the directions in the pamphlet that they give you when you get the IUD....here they are in case you forgot to read the fine print.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most serious adverse reactions associated with the use of
MIRENA are discussed above in the Warnings section. Others are
presented in the Precautions section. Other adverse events reported
by 5% or more subjects include:
Abdominal pain Upper respiratory infection
Leukorrhea Nausea
Headache Nervousness
Vaginitis Dysmenorrhea
Back pain Weight increase
Breast pain Skin disorder
Acne Decreased libido
Depression Abnormal Pap smear
Hypertension Sinusitis
Other reported adverse reactions occurring in less than 3% of
patients include: failed insertion, migraine, vomiting, anemia,
cervicitis, dyspareunia, hair loss, eczema.

This has been a real eye opener for me. I had my IUD inserted in March or April of 08. My husband is the one who approached me tonight to tell me to get the Mirena IUD taken out. He's been complaining that I've not been the same for awhile now. Mostly due to the fact that I have no libido at all. I honestly did notice that there was a problem. I guess it's because I'm not missing it at all! I just assumed it was due to the fact that I've got two kids and a highly stressful job. But now that I'm reading all these posts I'm beginning to wonder. I notice some things I'm having in common with other women: hair loss, irritability, moodiness, pelvic pains, spotting, etc. Again, most of these I thought would just improve with time or were caused by other things, but now I'm thinking maybe my husband might be right and that it's related to the IUD. Darn! I hate admitting when my husbands right! =)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My wife had Mirena inserted last year around May. Side effects were similar to those detailed here. Non-existent libido. Acne. Consistent with other's reports of joint pain, my wife experienced symptoms that were diagnosed and treated as Lyme disease. At the time we wondered how it could be Lyme disease when the doctor reported that several tests for Lyme disease came back negative. Now we wonder if the joint pain was actually the Mirena.

After reading the comments on this site, we had the Mirena removed in late May, despite a skeptical doctor. A week of uncomfortable heavy period, but not to bad. My wife's libido has returned, her face has cleared up, and I've gotten a vasectomy.

best wishes, Jim in VA

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

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

hi all

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

Wow! Mirena hasn't been good to 90% of the people who posted. I am 21 yrs old. I have a 10 months old, and I had Mirena placed in November 2007. It wasn't a painful procedure. I did cramp and had spotting in the beginning. Long periods seem to come in spells for me though. At first I went 3 months without a period. By the third month, I was either bleeding too much, or wanted sex really bad. The bleeding stopped, so I was ok. Then it started again and was consistent for about a month. Whenever it stops I have sex, and within two says spotting starts. I also experience unpredictable bleeding. I think it's going to end, but it gets heavier. Buying tampons all the time is getting expensive. Not knowing what absorbency to buy is very frustrating. I can't go to the doctor much because MEDICAID will only pay to have it removed. I talked to a nurse and she said the spotting may be caused by a low grade infection. I can't wait till my benefits kick in at work, so I can see my doctor! The nurse did suggest taking a round of antibiotics. Since doing so, the bleeding stopped. I honestly think it's the hormones. I'm taking antibiotics my dermatologist prescribed to balance my hormones. I'm thinking about having it removed. I know I'm not good at taking pills, that shot made me gain 30 lbs when I tried it, and I won't go near the patch. Maybe an older mom who has experienced Mirena can give me a little advice. I'll be waiting for your response.

Thanks in advance :)

I am so excited to hear that other women are having issues with Mirena. I thought I was the only one. I had it inserted in Sept 07 and have not stopped bleeding since. My acne has become horrible and unmanageable. I feel extremely depressed for no reason. The only benefit is that I have an increased libido, and it feels great, but all the spotting has discouraged me from participating.

I noticed instant weight gain, despite working out at high intensity (700+calories burned per workout) 5 days a week.

I had hoped that with time these side effects would subside. The side effects have decreased slightly, but not disappeared completely.

Having now had the mirena out for almost a year I feel like a different person. I think that generally, hormonal contraceptives do not work for some people, causing mood swings and even suicidal thoughts, acne and painful menstruation. Personally I cannot. I don't see why women should be prepared to put up with such side-effects. If it is causing you problems, get it removed! I had mine for about a year and a half and I can't BELIEVE I waited so long to have it taken out. Only thing is, I still suffer from acne. It is not really bad or even very noticeable, but I had never had acne before(I'm 24) and now I have a kind of roughness on my back and chest and a bit on my face. HOWEVER, I do not suffer from depression, mood swings and cramps in the way I did before. My boyfriend just uses condoms now and although at first it was a bit of a pain, its fine now!

Hi again all! Well, just to refresh...had my mirena in for just over 10 months and out now for 6 weeks...This past Tuesday I started my period, on time, and it was normal, I had NO cramps (which I usually do) and I finished yesterday!!! I did have a break out of acne (which is normal), I haven't lost any weight yet (although I think at 35 it is just harder to lose, I wish it was as easy as it was to put on with this darn thing!) My moods are much better, I am not as exhausted (I am a single Mom, with a house and a job) I can actually go a whole day without a nap!!!! I guess what I want to let you all know is it seems that at some point, at our own personal rate, we will become our "normal" selves again. Now, if I could just lose these 10 lbs!!!! Keep thinking positive!!!

I got Mirena 10 weeks after having my second Child. That was in December 2007. Since then I have absolutely NO sex drive at all!! I get irritable about sex and angry at even the thought of it. I have had low abdominal pain for the last 3 months and feel like I have put on weight around my belly and Butt and hips that I don't remember having even after my last child was born hmmm. I was told to get this because it is a low dose hormone that is localized to your uterus and not your whole body but now I am having major thoughts of getting it OUT! My hands have been sore and feel swollen in the morning and my joints have all been hurting for the past 4 months or so. I am young but feel as if I am aging very rapidly because of my health issues. I feel the same way as some though that if I get it out I don't have any options of birth control because I am nursing and I got pregnant last time while taking the mini pill and breastfeeding. I don't want to do anything permanent either because we may want to have another child in the distant future. After reading all the complaints from others though I am going to call my Doctor today and see what she says.

Like most of you state in your posts.........I cannot begin to describe how relieved I am to have found this site. I honestly thought I was losing my mind. I had Mirena placed in December '06. It was uncomfortable during the actual procedure, but not too bad. Then within a day or two I was in severe pain and bleeding like crazy with severe lower back pain. I was told to take ibuprofen and allow my body to "adjust". I went for my follow-up ultrasound and the placement looked fine although I was still bleeding like crazy and very uncomfortable. After several more calls they brought be back in for another ultrasound, told me that my uterus must have gotten bacteria in it during placement and that I had an infection. They sent me home on antibiotics and pain medicine. I bled pretty regularly for 6 months straight accompanied by lower back pain, fatigue, and headaches. Finally the bleeding let up only to be followed by a multitude of other nasty side effects. Depression, anxiety, fogginess, forgetfulness (severe), waking up with headaches every morning, nausea (to the point that I can't tell you how many pregnancy tests I've taken), weight change (redistribution, thicker waist, tummy, and hips even though actual number only changed by about 5 pounds), feeling swollen and bloated when I wake up in the morning, NO libido whatsoever and feel like crying during sex because it's nearly impossible to reach orgasm (this has never been a problem previously), hair loss (becoming more noticeable over time), dandruff, boil-like acne on my face and back, dry eyes and blurred/double vision, chronic yeast infections and dryness in that area too. The list goes on and on. I went to three different doctors and had tons of bloodwork done, all came back normal (thyroid, hormones etc....) I was told over and over that it couldn't be the Mirena. HA! How can this many women be delusional? I called last week and got an appointment for May 20 to get it removed. After reading this forum my husband called the doctor himself and I don't know what he said, or how he managed to do it.........but I'm going in tomorrow morning at 10:20 am to get it removed and you better believe I'm going in armed with this website and others I've found. Physicians need to be more aware of this! Even if it's not common, it's miserable for the 1 in 1,000 woman who gets the worst of the side effects. It's literally ruining my life and my marriage. It's impossible to be a good wife and mother when you feel terrible everyday.

-Amanda

I had my first Mirena coil fitted about 10 years ago and though it had been fantastic. No worries about getting pregnant and no periods. I had take the pill before and had ovarian cysts removed so I couldn't use the pill. However, my second Mirena only lasted 31/2 years before I notice problems. I had a new one fitted and it had been ok for 3 years. Or so I thought. 18 months ago I became very ill with chronic fatigue, sickness, severe depression for which I was prescribed Prozac and then I developed Irritable bowel syndrome. I felt like I was going nuts. Nobdy believed how I felt. My job is at risk. I had a new mirena fitted a few months ago and the problems had eased although I feel that they are now getting worse again. I am considering having it removed. I hadn't made the link between the Mirena coil and my illness until recently. I have also gained a considerable amount of weight but I also had this when I was on the pill. Has any one had problems after using the Mirena for a number of years? as most people seem to have trouble straight away.

SO HAPPY to have found this forum. I had been having ALL of the symptoms already mentioned here, except that I actually lost weight(maybe from the stress the damned little demon was putting me through). Anyway I had been searching various health sites about all this stuff, and just on a whim decided to google mirena side effects because I did not remember there being very much listed in the brochure or much mentioned by my obgyn, but because I was so foggy headed all the time, thought I may have forgotten something....well as you all know, none of this was brought to our attention prior to insertion and I actually googled Mirena b4 having it put in, and never found any info like this. That was in May 07...so I got mine out April 9th, 08 started my period 4 days later, and still fluctuating between heavy down pours and spotting after 6 days. ?'s for anyone who had theres out....how long b4 you saw improvements on problems....especially acne, moodiness and my worst thing has been excruciating joint and back pain every day....but I want to know about any of the symptoms and how long b4 they got better. Hang in there girls and give yourselves a big pat on the back for dealing with this mess and having the courage to make your voices heard. Thank-you for listening.

I am a 45 year old woman. I have had the Mirena IUD twice. The first time for 2 years, and this past time for 1 1/2 years. After about 6 months on it, each time, I started developing low progesterone symptoms - scalp hair falling out, skin that is dry that looks like it is aging prematurely, drastic drop in libido, mood swings, night sweats, and other. Without any scientific evidence, I feel that my body shut down progesterone production, each time, because of the synthetic progesterone the Mirena dispersed. When I had it taken out the first time, I immediately gained 4 pounds because I had even lower progesterone. I now take Vitex which is supposed to help the body boost progesterone production if it is low. That helped for about 9 months after insertion of the last Mirena. But then the side effects began again. So I started taking wild yam root, sarsaparilla, and yarrow flowers. This has temporarily stopped the hair loss and night sweats, but my libido, mood swings, and the dry/aging skin is still there. I can't get pregnant again, because I have an extreme bleeding problem when I miscarriage. So I am having it removed in May and going for a tubal ligation. I know I will have to supplement myself for a time after the Mirena is removed, because my body will need a gradual shift from the synthetic progesterone to producing on it's own.