Mirena and losing weight

(continuation ) very frustrating for me, to feel that ur bleeding like all the time, i thought its not gonna stop. My hair was falling so much,(that i can make noodles out of it!!!)

I also have joints pain. I only gained 7-8 kg. during my entire pregnancy. I was 58 kg. losing weight isn't problem for me, one week after my delivery i lost almost all of it, without doing any effort. Yeah of course i cant eat and sleep much, i have to feed my baby,etc.. -that's why i lost right away.

After the mirena--wow! feel like im pregnant again, craving for something..like i wanna eat something salty, something this and that.boom!!! 55 kg!!

Im mirena free for 2 days now , and i feel much better!!! Im having light bleeding after the removal, but its ok, at least i know for sure that im not gonna bleed more that 1 month.

Im back to normal, hehe normal me, happy, and stress free!! I feel great!
Huh so difficult to be a women hehehe- right now i wanna be free from any contraceptives, and let my body rest for a while. Im thinking Implanon, i have few friends using implanon and it works good on them.

But anyway, im happy for those of you who found the right one.
.

Good luck everyone!

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

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

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

This is an update to my experience. I got my Mirena IUD removed mid-May, and it has been amazing to see the difference in my body and health. My cycle has always been very predictable. I'm one of those every 28 or 29 days ladies. About every 2 weeks - coinciding with either ovulation or the onset of my period - my body heals a little more. For example, just this last ovulation a few days ago my joints quit hurting. I have seen my energy level, concentration/focus, and mood improve at about every 2 weeks. So for me, my body is getting back to normal by doing what it's supposed to do - Ovulate! Menstrate! No more hormone contraception for me!!! I'm still slowly losing weight (at first it was immediate weight loss of about 7 lbs). The last couple of weeks, since my joints aren't hurting anymore and my energy level has risen dramatically, I'm able to exercise like I used to prior to all my problems with the Mirena IUD. So at every event in my cycle my body is a purging of more and more of the artificial progesterone. My husband and I have grown closer through this too. We have decided to work together and respect my body's natural cycles. I'm aware now of when I ovulate by looking at the signs - mainly the time of the month, a twinge of pain (not uncomfortable at all) telling me I'm ovulating, and cervical music - when it's stretchy and looks like egg whites. By paying attention, I know. I can't believe I didn't trust myself before. We use condoms when I am ovulating (a few days before I predict it to happen and a few days after). I'm fortunate to be so regular, but even if I wasn't nothing could convince me to ever use hormone contraception again!!!

Hi,

I have two boys and my second son is now 2 months old. I had Mirena inserted at the end of May (it is now June 21) and I have had terrible cramps, non-stop bleeding and things that I have never experienced before like terrible mood swings, I am extremely emotional, feel depressive and dizzy whilst driving up the mountains, etc. AGAIN, I HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED ALL THESE BEFORE MIRENA. Additionally, I had no problems losing weight in my first pregnancy and I am naturally active and slim. This time around, since inserting Mirena, I have not lost any weight in spite of watching what I eat and exercising regularly.

It is Saturday today, just got back from a trip, and I am having Mirena removed next week.

Wow. For the past couple of days I have experience a dull pain in my knees and ankles; I assumed it was the onset of arthritis. Also I have experienced cramps recently that are reminiscent of the horrible cramps I had as a teenager. Finally this morning I noticed my period which has pretty much been light spotting since the insertion of Mirena. I decided to google mirena on a whim and am really glad I stumbled upon this thread. I decided to go along with my doctor's suggestion for this IUC 6 weeks after my son was born, October of 06. I have had absolutely no desire for sex since then and my husband has had various issues with that. I never considered mirena could be the culprit for my strange symptoms. I also have experienced difficulty losing weight; before pregnancy I had a speedy metabolism, ate heartily and had no problems maintaining a healthy weight. I was prescribed zoloft about 3 months after getting mirena. I too have noticed that my hair is still falling out, my skin is splotchy and the skin on my upper lip has darkened slightly, it looks like I have a mustache. I've been convincing myself that the way I feel is just due to getting older and that my body is always going to be out of whack after childbirth. I was just trying to get used to it. After identifying with so many posts, I want that junk removed next week.

Insertion was kind of painful... is there any discomfort during or after removal?

I posted awhile ago with my symptoms much like other women. I went to my OB today and had it removed. She was totally supportive; I had complained of extreme fatigue and trouble losing weight last month and she checked my thyroid, which of course came back normal. Today I told her more of my symptoms, gave her a printout of this website, and said that while I know I can't prove all of my symptoms are related to Mirena, I have not suffered from them before it was inserted. She nodded and said that she has had other patients with similar reactions! Part of me wanted to hug her (just for reaffirming that I am not crazy) and another part of me wanted to slap her for not even warning me of the potential for these bad side effects.

I had Mirena inserted in August 07, so it has been over 9 months. I gained about 5 pounds in the last month, despite good nutrition & exercise. So frustrating.

Will try to update in a couple of weeks. Am thinking of doing a body detox program to help escalate the removal of toxins from my body!

i had my mirena for a year and i got it removed 3 days ago. the first 8 months was fine and i had no periods and no side effects apart from about a 10 pound weight gain. in the last 4 months i have been losing weight successfully and ive lost about 22 pounds so i couldn't really complain!! but about 5 months ago my hair started falling out and i had really bad acne. the worst thing was the pain in my abdomen. it was like the worst period pain you could imagine.
i had to get up in the middle of the night to take painkillers and sex was too painful. i was tested for infection and given 2 lots of antibiotics. this gave me approx 5 pain free days before it all started up worse than before. i had an ultrasound scan and they discovered a rotting lump attached to either my uterus or my ovary. this they attributed to the hormones from the coil but what was more worrying was the fact it was in the wrong place!!!
3 days ago i was very ill with severe pain, fever, going hot and cold and shaking and vomiting. my doctor removed the coil straight away and it was rotten with infection. i am again on 2 lots of antibiotics.
i feel a lot better, my acne already clearing up and my stomach is flatter. ive lost 4 pounds already but my abdominal pain is still there. i have started bleeding but it is quite light and i hope it doesn't last too long.
even though im not out of the woods yet i feel like a weight has been lifted from me and i hope im back to normal soon.
im thinking of making a complaint to someone as i think a lot of my problems stem from the fact it was fitted in the wrong place.
good luck to you all. many of my friends have a mirena coil and have no problems! i think they are the minority though!!

My story:
First of all, thank you all so much for your postings. I, as well, am sitting here in tears finally realizing that I'm not the only one going through this. I am 32 with 3 kids (13, 11, 7) and with the exception of my pregnancies always used Depo-provera for my bc method. I was lucky in that I never experienced the terrible weight gain and side effects that many women using Depo often did. After my divorce 5 years ago, I finally decided to stop the birth control. I was not sexually active and it seemed like more of a hassle just to not have a period any longer. The two years I had no bc in me...I felt fantastic. Normal, balanced, happy. Then I met Matt. I decided to try bc pills again, but as historically is normal for me...had severe breakthrough bleeding. (14 day periods..even on Yaz)

So I went back to the depo this past September. I had a little weight gain, and some mild acne. Not severe, but enough to make me talk to the doctor about it at my three month check. So he tells me about Mirena! The same hormone base as depo, but since it sits intra-uterine, the hormones are not quite as systemic, and my symptoms should decrease significantly.

SHOULD! but DIDN"T!

Periods: Since I had already been on depo, I simply did not have periods. I did have some mild spotting right after insertion...and did notice a slight brownish tinge occasionally, especially after intercourse, but nothing significant. It wasn't until the end of February (2 months after insertion) that I noticed a "period." It was nothing more than spotting and only lasted 3 days. But then I had another one 2 weeks later, and again 2 weeks after that.

Weight: My starting weight, late August 2007, was 145 pounds. My last doctor visit on April 7 weighed me in at 175. From September to December on depo...I gained about 10 pounds. From December through now...I'm up another 25 pounds. Please keep in mind that I used to work out anywhere form 2-4 times per week. Around mid-February, I increased to 4-5 times per week...and for the last month have been working out 5-7 times per week. (I'm not any kind of health freak...and am irritated because I don't feel like I have a life anymore. My life consists of working, kids, and my flipping treadmill!) Over the last month, I have also decreased my caloric intake to 1200-1500 calories per day. I'm still gaining.

Acne: Plus the acne went from mild to severe. To the point that I ended up going to a dermatologist in early March and am now on my second course of treatment with no luck. The next course is Accutane...which if you don't know about...simply google it. I have no intention of putting that in my body!

Depression: So I call my doctor and of course they say it couldn't be the Mirena. Now I'm feeling really crazy and Matt's wondering what he's gotten himself into being with this girl who cries at Hallmark commercials, and is moody, and always in a bad mood, and now is getting worse because she can't fit into anything in her closet, and is dreading summer not only for the fear of getting into a bathing suit...but if I go swimming I'm absolutely dreadful of people seeing what my face and skin looks like with no make-up due to the acne.

Pain: Shortly after the first of the year, I noticed pain in my lower back...I figured it was due to shoveling the drive and whatnot...just everyday things. Then the pain in my shoulders started; the right one especially. (I'm a healthy 32 year old. I cut down a tree in my yard by myself two summers ago.) Joint pain is not an option and rather new territory for me. So I go to the doc who wants me in PT 3 times a week...anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections...the works. (I settled with anti-inflammatories.) I had never even heard of this as a possible side effect until I read it on these postings.

I looked at my medicine cabinet this weekend. I feel like I could run a pharmacy out of my home. Medications for acne, joint pain, depression, anxiety. Plus the cost of co-pays and deductibles. And it hit me. With the exception of my Claritin for seasonal allergies...every medication I am now taking is simply to combat the side effects of this T-shaped hormonal vehicle snuggled in my womb! The I saw the Special K commercial: "Who's going to win? The bathing suit? or you?"

Well guess what! I decided it's going to be ME!

I finally decided I've had it and have an appointment on May 6th to have it removed. Matt can wrap it or snip it...but I can't keep doing this to myself. I've made a decision to use no form of hormonal birth control. I'm thinking about trying the FemCap which is basically a silicone cervical cap. It needs to be used with spermicide, but no hormones!

The idea of feeling like I did last year again is the only thing keeping me going right now. To be happy, and confident, and just feel balanced and whole again...I'll post more later after it's removed. In the meantime...if anyone has heard of any class action lawsuits with Mirena, I'd be interested to know about it.

Good luck to all of us!

Wow ladies!! First off, thank you, all of you, for taking the time to share your stories.

I had my Mirena inserted mid March 2008. It is April 3rd today, and so far I'm not a fan.

Insertion was easy. I barely felt anything. Minor cramping afterwards, some spotting. The worst part was the black gritty sand like discharge. (previous poster compared it to coffee grounds) Every time I sat down or stood up I could feel the grit rubbing inside me. It was the most AWFUL feeling in the world.

I have been spotting every single day since insertion. I did have a full period (started a few days before Easter) and it lasted about a week and a half. It was moderate to heavy. I did have more than usual cramping for me. And with every cramp I felt a sharp stab in my uterus. I imagined it was my uterus pressing down on the IUD. It was very uncomfortable. Now my "period" is over and I am still spotting! Its strange though. My discharge is clear, but with streaks of purpleish/brown blood. Its not typical spotting. But i've ruined one too many pairs of good underwear so its starting to get on my nerves!!!! I thought this was supposed to STOP bleeding. I've bleed every day in some shape or form.

My one month checkup is on the 10th. I am going to express my concerns with my doctor, but I know she'll blow me off like everyone else. I am getting a lot of pressure from my husband to keep it, despite the side effects. We already have 4 children, and dont want any more for a few more years.

Other side effects I am experiencing that I can only assume are from the Mirena (they might not be, but I cant explain them any other way):

- I feel stupid! Im spacey, i cant think straight. Very forgetful. Simple jokes go over my head.
- my vision is wacky. I feel like im staring through a haze. I have a hard time focusing on objects or fine print. I have never had a vision problem before!
- i feel weak and woozy occasionally.
- extra crampy. and often feel pings and pangs in my uterus.
- increased thirst
- slight paranoia. I actually feel like all my friends are mad at me, when i know they arent.
- I sweat at night.
- moody.
- my nails are all dry and splitting. I normally have very healthy nails
- a general feeling of laziness. It takes a ton of motivation to get up sometimes. I have 4 kids and I work full time...I'm not a lazy person! I cant be! So this feeling is very frustrating!
- I'd rather sleep than have sex. which for me is abnormal. I am more of a hornball than my husband usually. hahaha

wow this list is longer than I thought!!

I'm going to give this thing more time. But so far I am not a fan. I know it works for some women....but these things were not in the little pamphlet they pass out! I guess if they were no one would get this thing!

Thanks for listening!

I've had mirena for almost 2 months now- really have no problems. Have been dieting and still losing weight and am only dealing with lack of sleep due to a 3rd shift job and 2 children- 3 months and almost 3year old. So I can't blame anything on mirena and choose not to at this time... but this site states every thing that most of you women have been experiencing and says to stop use if those symptoms occur. Good Luck to you all!

its been 4 months since i got the mirena,from day 1, i have been bleeding no-stop,and when i do. its for a few HOURS not days,I been feeling like im in labor all over again it hurts,,the 3rd month into it i drop so much weight.thats not good for me im only 107 right now..i getting so worried i normal weight is 117-125 does any one else experience weight loss?

I posted last weekend about my side effects with Mirena. To refresh everyone on the facts, I've had it since Sept 2006. I tried to have it removed in December but my doc wouldnt do it. She said it was extremely rare to suffer from depression due to Mirena. She put me on Prozac which has helped immensely. I have changed my diet and exercise and I can't lose weight and its all belly fat, I look 6 mo. pregnant if I dont hold my tummy in. I've never had a problem losing weight when I try. I had a feeling it was hormonal so I googled Mirena Side Effects and it brought me here. After reading all of your posts I decided it definately wasn't "rare" like my doc said and it wasn't just ME being crazy.
I went in today (to a different doc) to have my Mirena removed. The doctor flat out told me she would not remove my Mirena unless I wanted to get pregnant.
She said there was 100% no possible way that the Mirena would cause any of these side effects (sweat, fat, depression are the big ones). She drilled me on my diet, exercise and personal life to try and shoot down my symptoms. I told her my life is GREAT, and my diet/exercise is GREAT. She told me "You need 5-7 servings of produce, not 4" I said "I doubt 1 more serving of produce is going to magically make this GUT go away".
I also told her I have NEVER suffered from depression, and the Prozac helps but I shouldn't have to be on medication.
In any case, she still insisted that there was no possible way the Mirena was responsible for these things, because it doesn't go into your blood stream, yadda yadda.
She finally took it out anyway, I wasn't leaving with that demon still inside me!

I'll update everyone in a few weeks as to how I am feeling. I'm wondering how to ween off these meds... I don't really want to have to go into the doc and have her tell me I'm not allowed to. So frustrating!

I can't figure out how come I can't lose any weight when I am exercising like a madwoman and making a huge effort to eat properly. My stomach seems to get BIGGER and BIGGER.. no matter what I do. I look pregnant!!! Nothing is comfortable except sweat pants. I've never had a problem losing weight in the past and I'm only 27 so I don't think its metabolism yet. I finally wondered if it was from my Mirena but I don't remember that being a side effect, so I googled 'side effects' and it brought me here. Now I definitely think it's from Mirena.

I also have had HORRIBLE depression and no energy, as if 24/7 PMS (except worse than PMS) and when I AM having real PMS it is absolutely crippling. I spoke with my doctor and she just put me on Prozac. The Prozac makes it go away... but I always thought it was strange to go on another medication instead of fixing the problem.

I've had the Mirena since September 2006 which is strangely enough right when I started gaining weight. I always thought it was because I also lost my job and was sitting around at home more often...

I didn't notice the depression being really bad until about a year into it... But looking back I do recognize some more than usual moodiness all along.
I was broken out a lot more on my face and back.. but I control that by using expensive skincare products. Luckily I live in a dry climate and I have dry skin so it is fairly easy to control.
I HAVE NO SEX DRIVE and I haven't in a long time. Sometimes being touched makes my skin actually crawl.
I sweat a lot more, I can't seem to keep from having B.O no matter how much deodorant I slather on. I took a shower last night at 5pm and woke up with B.O already. I've never had that problem before going on Mirena.

I have experienced nausea lately but it comes and goes.. and I figured it was the Prozac as that is listed as a side effect and it started right after I began that medication. So I'm not sure if that's from the Mirena or the Prozac.
I don't have stomach pains or dizziness or weird vision.

After reading this site I am definitely scheduling to have my IUD removed.

Hello-I had Mirena inserted March 07, six weeks after giving birth. I experienced non-stop bleeding until August 07. I have had severe mood swings, increased blood pressure, difficulty losing weight, and fatigue. I have honestly tried to give Mirena a chance, but will be having it removed in a few weeks.

I had mirena inserted 7 weeks after my daughter was born. The first 6 months were great. I have endometriosis, so I enjoyed the little to no period and no pain aspect of this contraception very much. But as of the last 6 months, I'm now having 2 periods a month, EXTREME abdominal pain, bloating so bad you can literally watch my low belly expand before your eyes, horrible headaches 3-5 days before each period, decreased sex drive, and I can't prove it, but I think it's making it hard for me to lose the rest of my baby weight. I work out 4-5 days a week, eat right and still...I'm about 14lbs heavier than I was pre-baby. My gyn acted surprised to hear any of this, saying it couldn't be the mirena. Am I just crazy?

I am having my Mirena removed in 12 days! (and counting every one). I have a question for those that already had theirs removed and were troubled by weight gain while they had it: What has been your experience since its been out? Losing weight now? Staying the same? Are the weird cravings gone? Do you feel less lethargic and more motivated to exercise? I would love to hear some success stories, as my daughter is almost 16 mos. old and thanks to my Mirena, I'm now weigh about as much as I did at 7 mos. pregnant! No matter what I do, I keep gaining. I'm about 50 pounds over my (realistic, healthy) goal weight, about 25 over my pre-pregnancy weight. Anyone with some encouragement?