Mirena and natural progesterone

Thanks for the update Davenport 4! Today is day 3 following removal for me, and I have a few things to report. First, the morning after removal, I swear it felt like my back "unlocked." Felt good to be able to stretch again. I still have back pain, but have begun to stretch my back to help strengthen the muscles, and today, the pain is almost gone. I'm also still experiencing swelling, but it seems to be improving little by little. I continued spotting, but I would likely have had more spotting anyway since I was at day five of my period when it was removed. And I also have flu-like (well, more like hay fever) symptoms and constant headaches, still a bit fuzzy and lethargic, but definitely more energy. I've begun running up the hill with my dog every day. Still need the occasional nap, but have slept soundly throughout the nights. I've continued to do more research, and was frustrated when I kept reading about the benefits of progestin treatment...I hate being one of those who it doesn't seem to help. The synthetic progestin used in the Mirena is Levonorgestrel. All synthetic progestins produce side effects, including weight gain, headaches, and there's some concern about it's effect on bone density loss. Even Mirena acknowledges that they're not sure how or why it works. I feel like a lab rat. There are natural progesterone treatments available, and micronization (crystalizing progesterone) appears to help absorption; however, even natural progesterone has side effects. These are hormones...not nutritional supplements. From what I understand, some of us are more sensitive to hormonal imbalances by introduction of external hormones, and it's just a matter of finding a doctor who's willing to work through natural options. Think I'm going to try a diet high in natural progesterone (broccholi, for example) and exercise to combat this crazy time of life. Will keep checking back.

Thank God for the internet or I would have thought I was as crazy everyone else. I too have experienced the horrid hair loss and no one can tell me it is due to pregnancies as I have had thick hair following both my children's births and now 4 years after my last child was born I have had major hair loss (have had iud for 2 years), and all this time I have been having nightmares of waking up completely bald, and it's the Mirena. Have had terrible headaches and depression, mood swings too. I would rather be pregnant til I croak than keep this thing in one more day.

I agree with goodyearchic I too have had my Mirena out for 3 weeks now and I would like to say to anyone doubting whether they should get theirs removed- go for it. I feel much much better, my spots have gone, my mood swings and craziness have disappeared and I feel fantastic. Whether it is psychological or not I don't know all I do know is that having the Mirena was one of the worst decisions of my life.