Well - THAT I was not expecting. Off on my holiday - sun, sand and fun and WAMO.
Silly me, I had the Mirena IUD removed a couple of weeks prior to leaving for our vacation. I have had a rough ride with Mirena from the get go and was nothing but thrilled to move on from my 5 year old friend, Mirena. (Yes, I kept it for the entire 5 years.)
It came out of nowhere. I went to bed feeling relaxed and happy to be on holidays, woke up with a crushing, heavy, almost suffocating feeling of blah. Not just any blah, but I need to go home now because I cannot stand this feeling anymore blah.
That was day one.
After a 12 hour journey home, I hid from pretty much everything for 4 days. I had no idea where this anxiety, this weight, this hell was coming from. Then it hit me.
Mirena, you got me.
Sure enough, I searched her out on Google and it happens. They even have a name for it: The Mirena Crash.
Apparently, after having the Mirena IUD removed, some women experience “The Mirena Crash”. Some women. This woman.
I won’t lie. It sucked. But 4 days later, back to normal. Thank you very much.
Would love to hear from you if you experienced “The Mirean Crash”. How long did it last, what helped? For me, just letting it be, giving myself some space and waiting it out was what I needed.
Photo Credit: GrootAttie
Tags: mirena, mirena crash, mirena IUD, mirena side effects
I had Mirena removed 10/15/09, and I have not stopped bleeding and get heavy gushes and clotting daily and I’ve contemplated on going to the hospital several times. I’m relieved to hear that there are others experiencing this but can someone tell me how long this will last? I can’t take it anymore, I’m scared to leave my house knowing that I could gush at any moment. Luckily the cramping has stopped, it was really bad the first week but the bleeding is INSANE!!!
Three month later, I almost recovered from my Mirena removal.After the removal, I bled 13 days straight, with clots like the baseball ball, used night pads, adults diaper and mostly stayed home. Three weeks later , I ended up in an emergency room .I told doctor there ,that I must going crazy. I was very cold, shaky (no fever), had migraine for five days after bleeding stopped, at night suffered from leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. Also, I was awakened many times from numb hands and like I was shocked in my chest area. It was scary! My anemia was near the point that required a blood transfusion. After three days of iron pills and multivitamins, my migraine was gone. Since, I could not tolerate iron pills, and refused having an ablasia or hysterectomy, I found a holistic medicine doctor, who takes care of body as a whole (not just symptoms) and monitors me closely. My hemoglobin lever is almost normal, three month later. Heaving IUD and post- removal time was most frustrating and terrifying time of my life. I will be very caution with everything what goes into my body. Ladies, be your own health advocate and do as much research about medicine or devices as you have access on !!!!
WOW IM GETTING SCARED I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THIS DUMB IUD OUT IT HAS CAUSED ME TO LOOSE SO MUCH HAIR, EVERYDAY IM FINDING NEW WAYS TO HIDE MY THINNING HAIR,WITH HAIRSTYLES, HATS HATS HATS… THE MORE I READ ABOUT THE CRASH!!!!!!!!, IM PRAYING THAT MINE TAKING IT OUT GOES WELL, MY BAD EFFECTS WERE HAIR LOSS , I DIDN’T FIGURE IT WAS THE IUD AS I WAS GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE AND LOOSING MY JOB, BUT SINCE ALL THE BAD STUFF, IM HAPPY REMARRIED AND STILL LOOSING HAIR, I STARTED TO THINK BACK WHEN I STARTED TO LOOSE HAIR BINGO….
3 YRS AGO WHEN I GOT THIS MIRENA IN ME, I WISH I WOULD OF FIGURED IT OUT SOONER , I WOULD OF SAVED A LOT OF MY HAIR, LETS HOPE I HAVE SMOOTH SAILINGS WITH THE PROCESS AFTER GETTING THIS UMB IUD OUT…
did your hair ever grow back since the removal? im having similar hairloss problems!
I’m also wondering if your hair grew back after removal. I’m 26 and have also pinpointed the IUD after 3 1-2 years as hopefully the cause! I’m getting it removed tomorrow! Little nervous! Hope the side effects aren’t too awful and that my hair will grow back where it’s so thin!
also wondering if there was re growth in hair, as mine went threw major thining while on the mirena my prime doc sad take it out but obgyn claimed hair loss had nothing to do with iud - o i kept t in for 2 years– mine was removed last thursday major bleeding and clots,no pain — i really pray my hair will start to grow back as I am 27 and not having hair is so deprssing
I’m getting mine out this afternoon. I have had so many issues. First 6 months was hell, then I was fine. About 5 months ago I started having major issues. I’ve been spotting/bleeding constantly since March. I got it originally for problems with ovarian cysts which it helped for the first year, then I started getting them again. I have had mine in right at 2 years this week. After reading this I’m really nervous about getting it taken out.
How did it go? i am getting it removed next week, ouch!
hi ladies!! I am a little nervous now after eaqding all these comments, I been having mirena now for over 2 years, It was hell the first six months but the only symptoms I get is the out of the nowhere strong cramps, they surprise me everytime. Should I remove it? I need an advice!!
Ok Im supposed to get mine out Dec 14 to start trying to have a baby with my hubby… Im seriously getting freaked out by all of these stories! I did have alot of bleeding issues the first 6 months and a couple ovarian cysts, not really anything you can call a period either…. I have had mine for 4 years now and not alot of issues although my hair got wavy/curly in the last couple of years not sure if thats related or not… Im also 36 going on 37 and getting worried if I can even get prego now anyways! Its been 10 years since my last child I have 3 kids altogether none are my hubbys blood kids (he considers them to be though)
If someone can give me some clear insight as well on this I would REALLY appreciate it!!! 
I had mine out Otober 19th and started my period on the 22nd and bled for 10 days straight. My hubby and I are also trying to conceive. Started my period again on the 6th (only had a few days rest in between) adn right now as we speak I feel like I need to go to the hospital. This is the worst pain I have ever experienced in my entire life. I have gushes of blood and it comes on so unexpected and my left ovary feels like its going to burst. Tylenol IB profen, Midol, nothing works. This pain will not go away. I have blood clots the size of quarters every time i go to the restroom. I dont know what to do I can’t take this anymore its so painful!
My hair is falling out and I couldnt understand it, and now I do. I got mine out a week ago and was bleeding that whole week. And I had just have a period right before. So is this another period or just blood from taking it out?
I had mine removed January 10th, I had my period right before so I have bled for 15 days. Of course after it was removed I bled the most. No one told me about a Mirena Crash, but I decided to look it up because i have had a huge overwhelming feeling of blah! I feel nothing and everything. I want to cry but I don’t cry. I want to do things with my family and go places then i just sit in the same spot in my robe and do nothing. I have never felt so lifeless. It sucks! My doctor told me that I should take prenatal pills for 3 months and I should feel better. Level out the hormones. Some moments are better then others. We shall see.
I got my mirena taken out about three months ago.. because i was ready to add to my family and try to have another baby! I have a little girl that is 4 and i consider it is time for another one…well since i have gotten my mirena out i have not had a cycle at all!! has anyone else had a problem like what i am having ??? really need some help with this
Could you maybe be pregnant? I was told if I dont get a period within 6 weeks I needed to come back in! Good luck!
There’s actually a pill your gyno can give you that can make your regular eriod come back. My doctor recommended I come back and see him in his office if I had that problem
Good luck trying to conceive thats so exciting!
Hi, I have been searching online for answers to try and calm my anxiety. I had the Mirena removed last week and feeling very anxious. The reason I had my Mirena removed is because I started losing my hair which has been devastating. Evryone has been telling me it is stress and preminapousal but then I put two and two together and thought it could be the Mirena. Thinking back I started asking the hair dresser about the hair thinning maybe 2 months after I put it in. I know there is know hard evidence this is what the problem is but I’m taking a chance by taking it out. My question is, did you see any hair growth after taking it out?
Wow, this is all so horrifying. I am at that 5 year mark myslef, and getting more scared by the day. All of these stories are helpful, as far as preparation, but it doesn’t help my mental state much. I too have been losing my hair for the last five years, and reading this is what just made me realize it could be Mirena. I have not had a great 5 years with this thing in me, but it did do it’s job, I can say that much. I have had really bad cramps, some times even to the point of incapacitation. I can’t move or do anything, just lay on the couch for 2 hours till the pain goes away. Sometimes my period is really heavy, and goes for a week, and sometimes it’s very light, and only lasts 2-3 days. I even went one month without, that was scary, because I thought I might have an ectopic pregnancy. Turned out to be nothing. I am worried about how my body’s gonna take the removal now. Also can’t help but notice how many of us Mirena users suffer from Anemia… coincidence?
I just had the Mirena remove at the end of October. I am having these bad experiences with headaches now. I am trying to find out if this is normal for removal. I haven’t felt normal in the last week or so. I am so scared and thinking that it’s a brain tumor or something, because of the constant headaches. I also calcualted to see if the next period would be on time and as of yet I haven’t seen one. Can someone let me know if this sounds familiar?
My doctor said it can take up to 3-4 months to get my regular period back, but he also said that within that time frame if I didn’t get it back to normal to go and see him in his office and he would give me a pill that would get it back to normal. He said it was something similiar to birth control. Hope my answer helped
I had my mirena removed two weeks ago. I having experience horrible migraines appetite loss and extreme fatigue. In Sept 2009 out Jan 2012
I had the mirena for a year and four months. I honestly can say I have been unsure if it was a help to me or just a headache because though you all are experiencing similar Things as in hair loss and things I Juss spot from time to time Im very moody. I gain weight but not as much and I want to gain a little of something because I’m very small. I get margines and sever sharp pain in my stomach. However when I spoke to my physician she told me its normal. Im confused of what to do. Leave it in or remove it.
I just had mine removed yesterday. My head aches like nothing i have ever experienced. Tylenol is not working. Did your head ache go away? Also i did not sleep last night.
I got my Mirena IUD removed today. Cost me $70 bucks due to the fact that I do not have insurance. I would have paid $700. Nothing or nobody could persuade me to keep this devils works inside my body. Like you, I got massive headaches. But mines about 6 months into getting the IUD placed. I only had it in for about 8 months after giving birth to my son. Memory loss, blurry vision, HEADACHES or MIGRAINES rather, long periods, acne, weird odor down there, pain during intercourse, hair loss i could go on and on. My headache has subsided since removal earlier today but I feel like this is only the beginning. I feel your pain
Did you all gain any weight off of the mirena?
i had my removed about a week ago and my headaches are like nothing i have ever experience ..nothing helps and it starts at the same time everyday since i had it removed .. can you please let me know when your headaches finally stopped …
I fixed my mirena in June, 2009. Prior to this I always had fantastic skin. Exactly 6 months after insertion, I stopped getting my periods and I started to get one acne a day. I really didn’t take too much notice of this because each of these acne disappeared only to be replaced by another. As of July, I started to realize this was no ordinary acne I was dealing with, this was something way serious. Bottomline, my face is horrific! I finally realized what the problem was and confirmed my worst fear! It was mirena!!! Well, I finally took it out after I started getting yeast infections that never went away (the infection would disappear or 2 days and come back with full force!) This went on for 2 full months. Finally I took it out exactly one month ago October 16, 2010. I am yet to recover from the acne, in fact, it’s gotten much worse! I am unable to find info on the internet about how long it took for peoples’ acne to disappear after acne removal. Can anyone please supply this info. My doctor mentioned that it does take a while for the hormones to be dispelled, but how long are we talking about? 6 months? 1 year? It’s unbearable, and I struggle to put up a bold face like it doesnt affect me, but it does. I have these big pimples all over both cheeks, even my 5 year old son, said “Mum, why do you have all these strange things on your face?” Could I answer him? Not really. Someone please help, I need some kind of time-line to look forward to. Thanks everyone.
My experiences with Mirena have been somewhat similar to a lot of the testimonies I’ve read so far. Unfortunately I too have gone through the hair loss, the unstable emotional roller coaster, weight gain of about 10 to 15 lbs, very low libido and lack of energy. I’ve not had mine removed yet, but I’m scheduled to go this week. I realize it will be a while before my body gets back to normal, but the outcome of removing this IUD has to be better than keeping it at this point. For me I can say the only upside from getting the Mirena was lighter periods and less cramping.
Im not the only one going through this..I got my Mirena two months ago and the last month Ive been having mood swings like nobody’s business, first I was irreatable to just depressed. And Ive also been sooo tired where I don’t even want to get out of bed.But has anybody had any chest pains from it? they’re starting to come on more frequently.(at least once a day to two days apart)Im going to talk to my doctor about it when I go in for my suns nine month vist
I had mine removed Oct 22. And have had severe anxiety and chest pain. Went to the Dr. They said my chest pain is anxiety related. Hope this helps. I’m still crashing!
To: Foluke
I am in the same exact boat. I had the mirena put in exactlt 6 months ago and the last 3 months my acne has gotten much worse. I just went to the dermatologist after realizing it was from the mirena to see if I could still have iut in and take care of the acne. He perscribed me a blood pressure med that makes me feel sick and drowsysoo I talked to a dooc today and they said the male hormone is causing acne and you will never gert better if you dont resolve the problem not just cover it up with another drug. So I called today to get the mirena taken OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never would have done this if they told me it could cause acne one of the most painful ugly acne not just a pimple and PLEASE I am 30 should not be dealing with acne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n @ more days the mirena is gone I pray for my body to go back to normal QUICK!!!!
The acne may also be coming from unstable hormones all together. You need to do a total detox. The best way to do this is to get some Kangen Water. It has a very alkaline 8.0 to 9.5 ph. Drinking it makes your body less acidic. Also get the other waters. 2.5 and 5.5 beauty water. Do a google search and try to find someone near you who has it. Otherwise contact me at cheerio7458@yahoo and I can help. This has helped my skin greatly. I also removed the Mirena because of pain REALLY REALLY bad pain and went to ER and everything. I am hoping not to crash but am also having my hair fall out. Try the water it really helps!!!!
Can anyone tell me if the acne, mood swings, and WEIGHT GAIN went away after removal? I want mine out, I am starting to feel like a complete nut case (a fat bumpy faced nutcase). Please someone post if these things went away.
Crystal
It all goes away almost instantly. Then it will kinda come back but not near as bad. I simply feel lighter and way more normal. However yesterday my breasts got extremely sore, almost like I am pregnant, but that is not likely. I got my IUD removed 1 month ago. The acne is most definitly better
I had my mirena taken out 11/8/11 after 3 1/2 years. These postings made me a bit nervous. Im sorry that so many women have had problems with the mirena. Ths only problem I had with the mirena was low libido and possible weight gain (might be lack of exercise). I decided to take if oug b/c I didnt want to not have a period. The mirena crash is so real for 3 days I was every negative emotion in the book. My libido is up already after the crash and I have light bleeding. It has only been 4 days but so far all is well.
I too was having really bad mirena symptoms. I have bloating. I have acne. My stomach hurts ALL the time. I feel anxious, happy, and pist all in one. I never felt like this until i got this mirena. Its been three years. I am getting in removed just because I cannot handle the stuff anymore. Its very scary. I am scared to get it removed becauseIm scared it will hurt me aftewards.
Hey. I just had my Mirena removed on Wed. It was a quick lil pain.. and then over.. I blinked and it was over.. DOnt be afraid to get it removed- call ur Dr… Do it now.. before it causes more problems… Goodluck!
I only lasted 3 months with Mirena. I had it removed today, Anxiety, unbearable monthly cramps that went on forever and recently Ive been developing wicked bruises all over my body. I feel so relieved to have it gone.
I had the mirena for exactly 5yrs n after reading all these symptom s I realize I had them too.I just got mine removed yesterday n it hurt so bad during the process the doctor had trouble getting it out cause my strings on the iud were cut 2yrs ago then they had to do a sonogram to see where it was I couldn’t wait for it to be over . I dont want to go through that again it really hurt.now.that the iud is not there I feel strange but notice I don’t have alot of discomfort in my stomach like before when it was there.I am wondering if u r able to get pregnant right away after removal?
My doctor said there was no wait time, he said it would take 3-4 months to get my regular period back and then I should have no problem trying to conceieve, I hope this helps
same thing happened to me. i had the iud put in a year ago.acne started getting bad 3 months into it. only getting worse, decided to have it removed a month ago. my face is worse now then ever. how long did it take to get your skin back to normal? or is it even there yet?
same happened to me. I had Mirena removed a month ago, but acne is still there. How long will my body take to get clear of this hormone? I want my baby skin back!
I have had the IUD in place for a little over a year. I am so miserable most days that I could just cry. Not to mention ruining my life. The emotional roller coaster for me is taking a toll on my son and the rest of my family. They wonder if I’m going crazy. I feel bad every day because I treat my son and boyfriend like crap. I’m sorry that all of you have to go through it too, but I;m sure glad I’m not the only one. Sharing your stories has helped me make up my mind to get this stupid IUD out. I hope one day I will feel better and my family will be able to forgive me.
Other symptoms include: Cramping, bad acne, extremely low libido to the point where I don’t want to be touched at all…..but really I want to have the libido back!! I get my IUD taken out 12/17.2010. And I can’t wait.
Last night I had a moment of clarity! I had/have reached the bottom of the psychological barrel. After six months of PURE emotional craziness, I was going to declare that I needed to be admitted into the hospital. My kids have witnessed me having a meltdown, my husband a couple of times, and I had one at work and feel as if my job is now at rish. Six months ago I was hit with a terrible case of depression. I took a week off of work and sought daily help so that I could function. After a day-long test it was determined that I have major depression (bipolar), ADD, and an anxiety disorder that morphs itself into OCD (I am fixated on negative thoughts and cannot control or stop them). Antidepressants don’t help, they just make me feel worse! I’ve never had this happen and I’ve been living a nightmare and could not foresee a way out. That is until I decided to do research on possible side effects of Mirena. HOLY COW!!! I haven’t felt this happy in months! SO MANY WOMEN FEEL THE SAME WAY!! All of the symptoms many describe are exactly the same ones that led the shrinks to believe I have each of the disorders listed above - feelings of pure emptiness, trouble concentrating, anxiety attacks and continuous negative thoughts that I cannot stop or control. It has been just over a year since I got Mirena - and now I am making an appt to get this out of me. I was a fun-loving easy-going woman a year ago and I’ve turned into this lunatic that feels like she’s in a box with no way out! Thank you, ladies, for saving my life! I don’t care about the “crash” - can’t be any worse than what I’ve been going through!
I had my IUD removed yesterday (12.2.10) and it wasn’t as bad as I thought, as far as pain. It took all of 5 minutes. When I first got it place in, it took about 4 months for my period to completely stop, but when I go really stress out it would come on in a heartbeat! Or if it was raining I would have serve pain. I went back to my doctor about my side effects and of course he was no help. So have discuss with my husband we decided to boyfriend we decided to remove it. I just knew getting this remove would be one of the happiness days of my life because I would be pain feel. However my doctor BRADNT WOOD from Fayetteville Women’s Care, PA in Fayetteville, NC was the ruddiest doctor that I have ever come across. He was very rude to my decision on wanting to take my IUD out. Mine you I have been having cramping in the same spot for 2.5 year (the whole time had the IUD), gained 20lbs, body acne, and mood swings. My doctor was so rude that when he removed it. He walked out of the room and didn’t explain any side effects from the removal. You know us as women don’t like going to our ANNUAL doctor anyway, and to have one to make you feel so uncomfortable makes it worst. So if anyone that is reading this from NC and is looking for an OB don’t go there.
Thank you! I can’t say much more than that right now. I’m sitting here, reading all this, and just crying. I’m so happy that I’m not crazy. I AM sorry that it took me so long to make the connection. Since my daughter was born six years ago I’ve been depressed, figured it was postpartum, and have been on just about every antidepressant out there (all of which did a great job at numbing me for a while, but long term never really helped). I never made the connection - I had my IUD put in a few months after my daughter was born, and that’s when the nightmare began. I don’t want to look back, I just want this thing out. My husband has been saying for years how “he wants me back” all the time thinking it was the antidepressants causing the changes in me. I weaned myself off the anti-depressants over the last month and I think I’m finally experiencing the true side effects of the Mirena (I’m ready to have myself committed). I’m calling my doctor this morning and look forward to a happier life without Mirena. Thank you soooooo much for sharing your story!
Holy crap! You just described me in a nutshell in this sentence: I was a fun-loving easy-going woman a year ago and I’ve turned into this lunatic that feels like she’s in a box with no way out! That’s me. I thought I couuld ride this out and honestly don’t have some of the symptoms others do but I have started to get migraine-type headaches, much more emotional but the worst part is how moody I have been. I can’t afford to have another kid and hated to be on the pill but I will go back to that so that I don’t have to deal with these headaches, the mood swings, and the crazy emotional wreck I feel like I have been lately. Thanks everyone. I have an appointment for Friday to, I hope, get it out OR get a referral to an OB to get it out.
WOW!!!…It’s scary how close I can relate to your story!! I’m only sorry that I didnt read these posts sooner!! I’m scheduled to have my IUD removed at 4pm today!! I CANT WAIT!! I have been put on bipolar and depression meds and they are horable!! I Feel as if I am on an emotional rollar coaster ALL THE TIME!!! I NEVER ENDS!! :o( My advice to everyone out there is to PLEASE do the research BEFORE you concider ANY form of birth control!!
Hi Jeanne,
I have been suffering all the same symptoms you listed above. Feelings of anxiety, dread, depression. I have absolutely zero sex drive (my poor husband) and I suffer from headaches quite often. I have everything to be happy and thankful for. A beautiful family of three boys and the most amazing husband a girl could ask for.
Since have the Mirena put in a year and a half ago I’ve become someone else. I used to be such a strong, loving, happy mother and wife and now I feel as though I am the worst kind of person to be around. My 10 year old son told me yesterday that I’m the meanest mom ever and that all I do is yell at him… sadly, he’s probably right. Hearing this from my beautiful boy and reading all the similar symptoms of other women, something inside me just snapped. I removed the Mirena this morning.
Please tell me that all the symptoms you had above disappeared and if so how long did it take. I want my life back.
I have had my mirena for almost five years. I have gained a ton of weight, mostly because I have no energy at all. I have also been put on anti depressants to control my moods and anxiety levels. Getting this thing removed tomorrow. Hoping that all goes well as I have to work eight hours after. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. Did your emotional state settle after you had it removed?
I recently got my iud removed I had it in for over five years.. Was the worst thing ive ever done I had loss of hair weight gain then when I got it taken out.. I blded horrible , feel sooo dizzy , headachs,,my chest hurt maybe cus my boobs not sure??? Butt I hate the mirena will stick with good ol condoms!!!
Thank-you for all of the info…my doctor just mentioned the Mirena to me this past week for heavy menstrual periods, and I have been researching today. What I am going through sounds like a cake-walk compared to what I am reading, so I think I will say no thanks and look for some other alternative. Hair loss, acne, weight gain and depression does not sound worth lighter periods. Thank-you everyone!!
Oh my gosh….I had the mirena in for a 4 yrs. The whole time I did not have a cycle just spotting every once and a while and it was very light. But I had HORRIBLE mood swings. THe dr put me on Anti depressants. I felt like I didn’t need those cause I’m generally not a depressed person. I had the Mirena taken out two weeks ago. I was fine for 2 days I actually felt “kina normal” but then it began, THe cycle came and I felt like a gun shot vicitim. ANd its HEAVY. that lasted for a week well now it has decided to come back to visit. And it hurts like heck. Like over bearing pain I would almost compare it to a contraction. Nothing is really working to dull the pain. I just wanna know how long this is going to last. My dr wrote me a different rx for anti depressants. I decided I’m not gonna take them just wait for my hormones to go back to whatever normal is.
i had my mirena iud for 3 years & 2 months. I do not believe I ever had any side effects from it. No hair loss, wieght gain, acne, mood swings, Nothing. I just had it removed today, wanting to have another baby, and these comments are scaring the crap out of me! I have’nt started bleeding yet, praying I dont get the blood clots, and more than anything hoping I dont get the anxiety,& or depression.!
I had a mirena in 2004, primarily to control my periods which at the time were lasting for up to a month and extremely heavy. I was not happy to control them with the pill as it sent my moods CRAZY. My doctor explained to me that because the mirena is delivering hormones directly to the uterus the hormones would not have to pass through my whole system and would therefore not affect my moods like the pill did. In my case she was right, it was a dream once it was in, with my periods reduced to virtually nothing for 7 years. Looking back I did lose a lot of hair some years ago which confused me at the time but now I see that it was probably mirena. However the hair loss stopped and all grew back whilst the mirena was still in! I had no weight gain or acne problems with it either. I had the mirena taken out 4 weeks ago, and experienced moderate bleeding for about 10 days. No mood problems at all. I am still experiencing mild headaches, which is what brought me to this site, as I now realise its probably a side effect of ‘the crash’. While I had it in I was happy to recommend it to others, and in fact I still would.
My experience was much like yours, I loved the Mirena, didn’t have huge problems with it, my libido was great, etc. However I was on antidepressants before I even had the Mirena in. The only negative side effect I had, which I didn’t realize was due to the Mirena until much later, is FACIAL HAIR. I started getting coarse, dark hairs on and under my chin, on my neck and sideburns…which I’d pluck daily, at least 30 a day. Ugh. I had the mirena out about 2 wks ago and am still plucking, but hoping that it’ll go away once the hormones are completely out of my system.
Today I was a bit freaked out though…I had a leep procedure done the same time I had my mirena removed, and this morn when I woke up I had to run to the toilet because of the gush of blood, and then I passed a large clot. After reading online it could be from either the leep or mirena removal, not sure, but I’m going to monitor closely to make sure I’m ok. Haven’t had any other issues though, no headaches or anything.
Shocked at reading all of these reports & afraid to say i have suffered most of the above too..
I’m sure it may work for some, as yes we are all different, but listen to your body… it does tell you something after all. Cant beleive i’ve had the mirena twice now (having the 1st removed as was having pain in my hip area & wanted to remove all possible causes..) Again the first few months have been pretty good.. but yes have had day after day of feeling somehow just -anyhow- almost hard to put my finger on just what is wrong…. i’ve gone from a gym loving energetic woman to a sluggish heavy mumsy looking middle aged blob.. i could stay in bed almost everyday, cant be bothered with anything, nothing really excites me, it’s terrible. Booking to have mine removed first thing tomo, bring on the crash! As when you hit bottom the good news is… there is only one way left to go! UP!! sick of big sore boil like spots on my face, back & chest.. fed up with severe headaches & no energy.
Thanks to all on here that have left such honest reviews… you may well have just turned my life around.
Will keep you posted. Lisa
This is crazy! I had the iud placed in march of this year after myy 3rd baby….I was never told to come back in for a follow up. When I had it placed it was the worst pain I had ever felt. When I had it placed I had lost all of my baby weight. I noticed a weight gain over the last couple of months but figured it was due to me returing to work eating frozen meals. So get this… I went last Wednesday for my annual and my doctor could not see the strings. So the next day I went to the ob for a vaginal u/s. So the doctor tells me that he sees the iud but it is being rejected by my body it is too low. So hetells me that he going to remove it right now!! When he goes to take it out its not there! What the bleep! So he scraps my uterus to make sure its not imbedded. So painful.
All my symptoms while I had itt was 30 lb weight gain, acne all over my body and even on my scalp! Mood swings like crazy no sex drive, cramps up to the day I went in on wed for my exam.cramps so bad it would stop me in my tracks. Pain after sex. I wiish I found this blog before I had it placed.
Does the weeight come offf as fast as it went on ??? Lol
I have all your symtoms you just explained! Went to have it removed, doc can not find it!! Now I have to go to the hospital to have it removed!!’
How did the procedure go at the hospital? What were the side effects after. I know it was awhile ago but I will be having mine removed also at the hospital and would appreciate any words of advise from someone who went thru it.
Thanks in advance
I have had several of the side effects listed but my main concern is the gain weight.
Did you ever manage to take it down? Will have my mirena removed asap!!!
I have a trip planned in a month and am also afraid of the crash. Will my holiday be safe if I remove it this week?
Thanks
WOW Now I have had the acne like crazy that is why I am having this removed in 2 days but now I know why I’ve had nooooooooooo sex drive and irritability thanks for your post!!!! I really wish I saw this sight before getting it.
I am really hoping that someone can give me some encouragement about post Mirena weight loss. I was on the Mirena for 5 months, and in addition to all of the terrible side effects emotionally/psychologically, I too experienced a very difficult time with my weight. In those 5 months I gained 5 pounds which is a lot for me as I am athletic, eat very well, and run about 20 miles a week. I had the Mirena removed two weeks ago, but I still cannot lose a pound and have even gained another 1.5. I am constantly bloated and with no energy. Not to mention I cannot stand to look at myself in the mirror. I am just wondering how long it has taken to get the weight under control and start losing after the Mirena removal. I feel like I am missing out on my young children’s lives because this is so all consuming and I don’t want it to be anymore. Any encouragement or advice would be truly appreciated- thank you!
I had Mirena for just under two years, and I had absolutly no problems with it. I recently had it removed, had a bit of spotting and feeling bloated. I highly recommend this product, safest method of birth control.
Ok. I have had the product twice. The first time after my first child in 2004 and didn’t have periods for 3 years. I got it taken out and it was uncomfortable and bled a little, but it was fine. Got pregnant with my 2nd child 9 months later in 6/2008. I had the new one put in in May 2010 just before my 2nd child turned 2. The pain was horrific! Not like the first time at all!! I bled for 5 months. Totally defeating the purpose of having it. I got it taken out on 10/12/10 and have been bleeding like CRAZY, blood clots, etc. This is scary. I know everyone reacts differently, but it’s the same drug and I’m the same person and it is light years apart.
I loved Mirena the first time, but will never use it again. Its not worth it!!!
I too had the Mirena for 4-5 months this year, 2010. I had the most awful cramping the day of the insertion and after….so bad I could barely get off the couch with pain meds and an ice pack (I even tried heat, ugh). It was horrid.Throughout the 4-5 months I had the device I had ‘breakthrough bleeding on a more often than not basis accopanied by a high level of abdominal cramps on a daily basis, regardless of the presence of menses.
Also during this time my iron levels were noticed to be in the anemic side. Separately from the mirena I was diagnosed with clinical depression. I do not believe, in my case, that the device was the cause. Although, it could have been a contributing factor.
I decided that the cramping and bleeding were too much in the wrong direction in order to not have to pop a b/c pill daily or to not use condoms so I had it removed. The removal was SIGNIFICANTLY less painful than the insertion. I felt better by the time I had my pants back on. On a side note both the insertion ad removal had to be done during some level of menstruation because the various b/c methods (pills and iud) had disrupted me to the point of almost continuous cycling.
Now it has been one full month since I had the device removed. Only the last week, until two days ago, had I been free of my period. It got heavier after the removal but it finally went away and I had 6 whole days of not even a tiny bit of spotting. Then friday a little hello spotting in the bathroom but only on the toilet tissue. Yesterday seemed normal enough, kind of heavy with some clots but par for course at that point in my (once upon a time) normal cycle. Today, however, I keep considering the ER. I have been up since 7am Central and as if 845pm I have used 10, yes, count them, 10!!! tampons. It got to the ooint where I bleed through the EXTRA-STRENGTH tampons at a pace of slightly more than one per hour. It seems to have begged off a little but I am getting some cramping as well. (Way back before I started trying to control birth without a condom I rarely had cramps, just some discomfort. In fact, my gas cramps were much worse.)
I have decided to wait and see how I am when I get up tomorrow morning. As it is I will have to start taking the iron again after only having been off of it the last 4 days.
I also have come to the conclusion that if there are negative side effects associated with a method of birth control in my body, no matter how unlikely, I WILL have the worst time with it.
I don’t know if it matters or not but I am 38 and have never had a child.
Hey ladies,
Its so subjective to compare the “crash” merina puts onto. A woman because everyone is so different..and I feel for all you ladies who have endured the misery! I am 19 and had merina inserted because I have a severe case of endometreosis. My obgyno suggessted it because no pills worked (irritability and so on) and I was just a. Hormonal wreak at only 13 when my journey of bad periods began. I had the IUD inserted in august after a laproscopy surgery for my ‘endo and I love my merina..remember the bad side effects can last up to 6 months..it doesn’t work overnight and its no magic pill or device. I sympathise towards the ladies who’ve gained weight and so on, but remember its hormonal and you put the food to your mouth-not your iud (mind you I’m not a thin miss speaking out I ca relate) its an expensive method if your wanting purely birth control and I think all these side effectd suck–myself I blead for 5 weeks after and occasionaly I get a yeast infection or bleeding during sex or in my urine (haha and I’m saying its worth it) but let it settle in you before you go hog wild on how its horrible. Our bodies naturally take time to adapt for a forign device in us..we are woman- we’re sensitive!
Remember to those wanting to try it out or who have been suggested by your doc-
You will come across more ranting reviews of how BAD something is before how great it is.
Keep an open mind, and again to all those who’ve had the crash or agony I feel for you sincerly and all the best in whatever form of Birth control you and your doctor decide to use
Alot of women (such as myself) have given it time. I have had Mirena for 13 months and the side effects are only getting worse. I agree that you should wait it out, but in some cases it is just miserable to do so.
I waited 2 years now! I have severe back pain, menstrual cramps all the time! Bloating headaches, I gave it time I didn’t get it for birth control I have 3 kids and I’m done. I have very bad periods, and this was supposed to stop the heavy flow and pain! It did I still bleed for 2 weeks but it’s not heavy! But I don’t like the mood swings the pimples all over the headaches ect. The only good thing is I didn’t gain extra weight! But I hadn’t lost any either!! It’s not for everyone nut I say from my experience if you get it in then at least give it a year
I’ve had mirena for 2 1/2 years and it’s been the worst 2 1/2 years of my life! I’ve had mood swings, severe migraines, 20 lbs. or weight gain, no sex drive and the worst fatigue ever! I thought I was the only one with this problem (my doctor said all of his other patients LOVED mirena). I’m going to schedule an a ppointment immediately to have it removed. I’d rather have a crash than feel like this anymore!
i feel the exact same as the above and the weight gain (even with my exhausting days and only 4-5 hrs of sleep on average a nt., i’ve had it for 1.5 yrs, getting it out with in the next 6 mo. after hubby gets snipped.
Wow I thought I was the only one having these issues. I have had the mirena for 2 yrs now. It hurt like hell getting it put in, I had small issues the first 2 weeks. After that I loved it until about 9 months ago. I gained A LOT of weight, major mood swings, acne and now I have acne on my scalp!! Never in my life have I had it there. I just recently started bleeding painfully after all this time. I’m in pain every day. I have headaches, lower back pain, bleeding that won’t stop, feeling tired ALL the time, I can’t sleep more than 5 hrs and the list goes on. I got this IUD because my periods would bed ride me until it past. I was told this is the best way to go and now all this happens. Yes everyone is different but so many seem to be having the same problems. I am calling the doc this week to schedule the removal. I thought it was just lack of sleep, but after reading so many women with the same problems it’s for the best.
Wow…I came here looking for what would happen to get a mirena removed for baby #2. Everyone has been so negative. I have had NO problems- no period, no cramps, no nothing with my mirena. Why on earth would you ladies rain on this girl’s parade? The girl you’ve commented on had a good experienve- the first I’ve come across on this board. It’s helped her.
You’re wondering why you’ve gained weighted? Try sleeping more than 4r hours at hingt. You’re tired all the time? Did you get your mirena inserted after a child? Welcome to parenthood.
If anyone here is looking for a different opinion:
I got my mirena as soon as possible after my first child. Insertion was uncomfortable, but less uncomfortable than a pap. Little to no bleeding. and no period/bleeding since. No other sypmtoms that I’m aware of. Came here looking for what I could expect with removoal but these are obviously all horror stories, to be taken with a grain of salt.
For those of you that have had good experiences, you are very lucky. I got the mirena almost five years ago. I had terrible cramps in the beginning that had me back at the doctor’s office wanting it removed. He told me the cramping was normal and pretty much mace me feel lime I was being a baby about it. I had constant spotting for entire five years, and again my doctor kept telling me it was normal. Three years into having the iud I had hairloss so severe I had to go thru all kinds of testing. I told my primary doc about hairloss and my gyno and neither mentioned it cld be from iud. I wish I saw this site years ago because it cld have saved me a lot of money, sanity, and damage to my body. In october 2011 I ended up in the er with a ruptured ovarian cyst. During my recovery mygyno still found it unnecessary to remove the iud. Needless to say oi ended up back in the er ten days later with a massive infection and I had to have the iud removed immediately. Once removed the sharp stabbing pains I had been experiencing for weeks suddenly stopped. The hospital fixed me up with antibiotics. Since the mirena was taken out ive developed severe complications. Complications that have led to a ctscan of my brain to check for a brain tumor. Negative thank god. An emergency mri of my brain stem to detect nerve damage, stroke, seizures, or lesions….all negative thank god. Im experiencing migraines each week…unexplained. Ive developed bouts of binocular diplopia….double vision, thirty times a day. At first they thought it was tied to migraines but have sjnce ruled that out. Today they still havent figured out what is going on and ive been scared to death for the last month. I want to thank everyone that posted on this site. I feel there is a good chance my recent problems cld be tied to the removal of my iud, as my symptoms started within a week. I used to reccommend that people get the iud….. But never again…i havent had children yet, but I do want to..i just hope the mirena hasnt created complications that willxmake that impossible.
Jess,
I had a very similar experience with mirena, and am now ready for my second child. Little bit of pain going in, light peroids, that lead to no periods, and a little bit of pain taking it out after 2.5yrs. Now I am 3 weeks post mirena, and I am wondering what happens now? I have cramping (just the last couple of days), and keep waiting for the peroid to start but it hasn’t. How long did it take for your peroids to resume after getting it taken out?
Thanks,
Tori
Hi i am with u also i have had the mirena for 4 years and its been the worst of my life no sex drive no compassion what so ever i feel like i am some one else most of the time no energy just feel rotten most of the time my joints hurt all the time been getting shots but not helping i will be getting this bad thing out wed 15 i cant wait i have almost forgotten what it feels like to be normal
I had mine for 4 years. I can say as far as birth control goes, it worked well. As far as side effects go it sucked. I have gained 40+ pounds and feel like crap.
I’ve had mine for 4 years and I’ve have many of these systems. Is was not until I’ve been noticing hair loss that I started looking up certain causes and ran across the IUD symptoms. I also thought that when I had gained 35+ pounds in the 4 years and started having issues with acne that maybe it was a getting old thing. This birth control method is not worth gaining all the weight, loss of hair and many of the other systems that come with it. Life is too short to go through life fat, filled with acne and hairless because of a certain birth control. I’m having mine removed asap and reserching for a new method of birth control. Thanks to eveyone who has posted and brought the attention to many woman who are having these same problems. Who knew, I would have probably gained another 35 pounds if I didn’t start reading up on this.
Hi Kelly, I just wanted to let you know that I have had the same exact side effect’s.I had my mirena for aprox. 2 years and had it removed yesturday.(which by the way,did not hurt a bit)> I started with the pill for years…Stayed an average to healthy weight.I then went to the depo shot.Thats when all the eight started pouring on me.I stopped that and went to Mirena,where I surprise,surprise picked up another 15 pounds.So from start to finish between depo and iud,I have gained 40lbs and I am disgusted with myself.Heres where I’m at.Oct 13th I am having the novasure prcudure along with a tubular.I’m gonna be done with all this birth control bs once and for all.lol…I want my body back.Good luck to you and go get that evil thing out of you
oops just read what I wrote.I have 3 beautiful children..so the tubular is a great option for me but obviously not if you are still having children.I was just more or less letting you knoow that the symtoms you are experiencing are exactly what I have.I’m overweight,constantly pulling my hairs of my shirt and hairbrushes and I felt like I’m 9 months pregnant all the time.This iud came out yesturday and I already feel less bloated.Dont know bout the whole iud crash thing(hasnt happened yet)so who know’s.I feel great though knowing theres light at the end of the tunnel.
iT WAS THE HAIR LOSS THAT CLUED ME IT WAS THE MIRENA IUD, I ALSO RESEARCHED AND WAS SHOCKED WOMEN ARE TOLD BY THERE DOCTORS ITS STRESSED, THAT WAS TOLD TO ME, IF I WOULDN’T KNOW SOONER , I WOULD HAVE A LOT MORE HAIR, IM PRAYING AFTER ITS OUT, I STOP LOOSING HAIR…WELL GOOD LUCK AND KEEP US POSTED IF YOU GO THROUGH THE CRASH, IM GETTING MINE OUT THIS MONTH
Hey girls,
I have had mine for 3 years and I LOVE IT!!!! No side effects. The best thing I have ever done for myself:) I plan on having a new one in 2 years!!!!!!!
Hi Everyone,
I had mine in for 5 years and I never had any side effects from it. I guess I was one of the lucky ones. I am concerned however about how long it will take to concieve not that I have had it removed. The only thing I did not like was how bad it hurt when it was put in. That was horrible, but in the long run it was worth it to not have my period for the last 4 years. Good luck to everyone out there having problems with it.
I had mine in for the full five years and never had any problems with it. I’m so sad to read about all the horrid issues others have had. But EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. I removed mine in October and my only concern now is that I have not had any bleeding or cramping or even spotting since. I’ve taken two pregnancy tests over a peroid of one month and they have both been negative so that rules out pregnancy. If anyone has any info on this then I’d gladly appreciate it!
Hi, I had mine removed in december and four days later had a light period, then nothing. I’m now a week late for my period and have taken tests and they are all negative. So I don’t think I’m pregant. Have you had your period since removing your IUD!? I’d like to know how long it took for it to come back!
I got mine out 5 months ago exactly and yesterday of all days(valintines day )I started bleeding so badly that my Dr recomend me to go to the er because they thought I was having I misscarrage luckly I didn’t but the bleading was so bad today I spent most of the time in the bathroom passing golf ball size clots around my super plus tampon I had my iud in for almost 3 years no period and only 30 lb weight gain but won’t ever do it again just because the crash sucks and hurts
I have had the Mirena for 18 months. I am 34 years old and I compete in runs including marathons and I run at least 20 miles/week. I eat healthy and am constantly running after my 2 girls under 5 years old. I lost all of my baby weight plus more after my first child. However, 8 weeks after my second daughter, I had the iud inserted 18 months ago and I have been on this terrible weight loss/gain roller coaster. I feel and look bloated much of the time and my thighs are still considerably larger than they should be at this point in my athletic stability. I am tired of the feelings of being pregnant and looking pregnant. I am having mine removed tomorrow. Hopefully my energy level will increase and I will begin to loose the weight. I am hoping to quality for the Baker to Vegas Law Enforcement relay 2011 since I did not qualify last year due to a sluggish time. Wish me luck ladies.
Theresa-
Did you notice a difference after you had it removed? I am experiencing the same thing. I run, compete in half marathons, exercise at least 5 days a week and seem to stay at the same weight or even gain! I’ve had the Mirena for 3 years and since then have experienced constant bloating, low sex drive, feeling irritated and angry, and unable to lose weight. I’m having mine taken out next week.
Can you give an update? I am in the same boat as you now and would like to know if removal helped.
i’d love to have an update too - i’m so glad it’s worked for other people, we’re all different - but the mirena threw me into something of an early menopause. continual spotting, discharge, weight gain, fatigue, cramps etc. i was put on it to curb heavy periods that were messing with my iron levels - and for the record to a previous poster pointing at obvious causes such as parenthood and lack of sleep - i DO take care of myself, dance 4 times a week, cardio train at least 6, weight train for 4, and am a full time soccer-mom… who ensures 7-8hrs of rest a night. i don’t drink to any excess, happily eat healthily, and all that sort of stuff.
i’ve gained 15lbs in 3 months, all from the waist down. theighs and cankles, swollen extremities and face. and the acne… omigeeeee… unbelievable.
i’d like to know how long it takes to rebalance ourselves after this from other people who’ve had the same problems? i had the mirena taken out today. the cramps have started… but i’ll take manky horrible periods compared to feeling awful physically and emotionally.
I’m not trying to be rude, and I’m glad you had a good experience, but I would not recommend this product to my worst enemy. I have never felt so horrible in my life, and at times, i thought I was dying. A few good reviews are not worth trying something that was so horrible to so many.
I have had mirena in for a little over 3 years and have had a very positive experience with it…but my Dr. Did suggest that I come in if I was not liking it or if it was uncomfortable. I am getting it removed…I have gained nearly 20 lbs. With no change in eating habits exercise. And we will be trying for baby #2 soon!
I had my mirena taken out surgically last month due to the strings being retracted, one that perforated my cervix and the other that was entangled with a polup (sp?). While I enjoyed not having a period for the five years it was in, my husband noted that I was constantly moody and crabby. I also had no sex drive during the time it was in. Outside of that, not too bad. When they removed the mirena, I had them insert another IUD that lasts 10 years and doesn’t have hormones (I can’t think of the name but it starts with the letter P) since the pill brought me two babies. The only complaint I have about post removal is the sudden and severe breakouts on my face, chest, and back. I can only hope that this is caused by my hormones getting back into check and praying it won’t last…
Can you explain what the removal was like?, I have the iud now for 3 years and All I feel is pain . I want it out but the string is too short. Help..
how do they take it out surgically? do they put you to sleep? i cant handle crotch pain…
i had my mirena inserted 6 months after i had my twin boys (c-section of course). the insertion hurt like hell and nearly fainted when i tried to get up after it was in place. that was my only downside.
i spotted for about 2 weeks then after that i have only spotted for a few hours up to 2 days, here and there, maybe 2 or 3 times a year. i’ve had it for 2 and a half years now and loved it. no major side effects except for these migraines that i get every day if i dont take this muscle relaxant pill. the migraines started about 8 months ago and we arent sure why. im curious to see if the mirena was actually the cause.
anyways, im getting it taken out next week because we would like to try and have another (hopefully ONE) baby. lol since my body likes to make lots of eggs. i always get cysts on my ovaries (before mirena and during) so thats not a big deal.
haha about 2 months after my mirena was inserted i had to have an ultrasound to see about these cysts. the ultrasound tech thought i was pregnant (didnt tell me) then she did an internal u/s then explained to me i have a cluster of like 5 or 6 eggs sitting there. O.O thank heaven for mirena! lol
in short, my mirena experience thus far has been positive. i will try and remember to post how my removal went and if i go through a “crash”. *crosses fingers*
I just had my mine removed on Monday after 5 years. The actual removal was done at my annual exam. I was sooo nervous and had mini attacks all a.m.about the removal. I can honestly say “IT WAS NOTHING” I felt a little tug and that was it. It took less then 30 seconds.
It is sad to hear about all the BAD things that come with the Mirena. I was a happy lady with it. I did have spotting for 3 months upon insertion but I had 5 years of no bleeding. 2 days after the removal I have started to bleed. I am happy to hear that this is common and will take on what ever crash comes. We all have our reasons for putting it in and we have to all weigh the side effects for ourselves.
i HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH THE 10 YR IUD, NEVER LOST HAIR NEVER GAIN WEIGHT, ALL WAS GOOD THEN AFTER 10YRS ,THEY INTRODUCE ME TO THE NEW IUD CALLED MIRENA I GOT IT, AND IN RETURN RECEIVED HAIR LOSS AND 15LBS I HAVE GAINED AND STILL GROWING, GETTING THIS DANG IUD NOW AND WILL NOT CHOOSE ANY BIRTH CONTROL UNTIL I KNOW IM BACK TO MY WEIGHT AND HAVE HAIR GROW AGAIN AND I FEEL HEALTHY AGAIN
Had my Mirena removed yesterday,nov.13,2009,had it in for 7 months..didn’t like it,to many side-effects,and I’m definatel experiencing Mirena crash today…feel very blah,whole body aches,headache and tired…but it’s gone that’s all that matters,i’m sure things will get better..thanks for this website,didn’t know about the mirena crash…
I had the Mirena for 2 1/2 years….after all of the above side effects only increased, I decided to get it removed. I had the evil thing removed on 10/19/09. I have since had 5 migrianes with aura, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, period, mood swings….AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH. I am hoping that once this is out of my system, and I am sure it will take a few cycles, life will be back to normal.
Glad to know that I am not the only one, but I hate it for all of us!
I must be having the Mirena crash. Had it removed a month ago. Put on 8 lbs. Mood swings. Some anxiety. I am up and down like a roller coaster. I feel like I am going nuts and everyone around me annoys me to no end! WTF? I had a wonderful period-free 5 years with Mirena. Only took it out to have a “natural” system after a breast lump scare this past summer. I am done having kids anyways, the hubby is getting ‘fixed’ soon. But I am now heading into month 2 and my moods are not yet stable. Anyone else have the crash go on this long?
I had mine out 2 months ago and am still trying to get back to normal. My periods are like flood gates opening up and my mood swings and anxiety still hive me problems. You’re nit alone.
I had mine removed four days ago and instantly no back pain )which I have had for the past four and a half years since mirena was put in), which I am grateful for. However I woke up today and its like I am bleeding just like iI did after my daughter was born almost five years ago.Tthe doctor said there would be spotting but its like my period says hey Im back did ya miss me! I really miss the almost non-existent periods I had with mirena just wondering how long this bleeding crap lasts for.??!!
yes i myself have had bad mood swings and weight loss im almost never depressed ive had my mireana out for 3 months already
someone told me it could take up to one year for a body to get back to normal, i am 3 months without mirena and my weight didn’t drop yet. still waiting……
I got the mirena about 1 and a half years ago. I new that after my second son was born that I would experience deprression because I did with my first son. I was given an antidepresent by my dr. and after that I decided to go ahead and get the mirena inserted. I experienced lots of irritability but I have a history of depression so it was something that I have learned to deal with. I have gained about 20 pounds since I had the mirena inserted and I feel so fat and unhappy. We just moved recently and with the move and getting settled in money is very tight. I have been without my antidepressant for a little over a weak now. I am now seeing, clear as day the many negative full blown side of the mirena. I am a big fat zitty emotional wreck. If you experience any emotional side effects with regular birth control then I would not try the mirena. I am going to the dr. soon to talk about having this removed, well demanding that it be removed. I want to get the pargard put in. The iud with no hormones if there is anyone who has paragard and can inform me of there experience with it it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who posted their mirena experiences. I guess I am not insane after all.
I just wanted to let you know that I have had the paragard and I now have the mirena. The paragard is a very painful IUD. You can feel it inside you and my periods were heavy and long and filled with horrible cramps. I am also in the process of getting the mirena removed. (Have to wait til my doctor comes back from vacation!) I have gained 10 pounds, headaches, bloating, emotional, and I have been bleeding for the past 6 months with a couple of sparatic weeks off. I don’t know what Iam going to do for birth control after this because the pill makes me crazy, but I can’t have this anymore. Not looking forward to the crash though! I’ve never heard of that!!
My doctor recently recommended I consider Mirena, one due to my age (46) and secondly due to my heavy/lengthy periods (two weeks).The concern is the high blood lose and low iron levels as a result. Her only comment about the product was ‘and your periods will likely stop’. As appealing as that is at this point in my life……after reading one horror story after another I see no benefit to having this torture device inserted! Afterall, who would willingly sign up for weight gain, zits, depression, pain, mood swings etc etc
I will continue taking iron supplements to keep that issue under control, as far as long sessions………geez Aunt Flo has visited for 36 years………whats 2 weeks :o)
I have had mirena for almost 6 years. My obgyn said that it would continue to be effective birth control even if the hormone in the device runs out. Has anyone heard this? I’m begining to get concerned if this is true? Hope so! It has worked well for me, with little to no period. But not sure if I would get it again. Don’t remember how I felt without it.
Totally had the same experience. Worked great for me too with no periods for over 5 years. I’m well into year six. My OBGYN said I’ll know when it’s time to change it when I start having heavier periods. That’s just now starting. I’m 44 yes old.
you have to remember that when IUDs were 1st made they did contain a hormone. The hormone just ups the effectiveness of the device.
I too have the Mirena. I have had it for nearly 3 years. I have not experienced symptoms quite as bad as the ones that I have found through out this site, however, I have experienced some. I just wanted to reply to Michelle that before I had the Mirena inserted, I read that in Europe they are used for upto 7 years. However, the reason that they tell you 5 years in the US is because around 5 years, your body adjusts to the levels of hormones that the Mirena carries and the levels slowly but gradually begin to drop. Your end result…a baby you weren’t expecting. While taking your Dr.s recommendation into consideration, I would suggest that you do a little bit of recreational research, just to be sure that you are getting all of the information that might be out there. I hope this helped!
I have the IUD 5 years now, never had a heavy cycle, nor cramps. Have been extremely moody and low sex drive. Now that I am at the end of the 5th year I am breaking out severely, nothing helps. Went to get it taken out but my obgyn couldn’t find the string and I had to do an ultrasound, I am awaiting the results so I can have the IUD taken out. All in all, I would replace it after I have this baby I am trying to have.
I am in my fifth year with Mirena .. Supposed to be removed in 8 eight months. Have had horrible facial acne and low sex drive. Have spent $$$ on facials and dermatologist visits trying to figure this out. Because I have just reached 40, everyone says it is just hormones, but I am not convinced it is not because of this IUD … Loved having little or no periods, but I am feeling like my body is ready to have this thing out. Three other ladies on my street had the mirena put in approximately same time… and I am seeing the same problems with them going into this final year.
I fixed my mirena in June, 2009. Prior to this I always had fantastic skin. Exactly 6 months after insertion, I stopped getting my periods and I started to get one acne a day. I really didn’t take too much notice of this because each of these acne disappeared only to be replaced by another. As of July, I started to realize this was no ordinary acne I was dealing with, this was something way serious. Bottomline, my face is horrific! I finally realized what the problem was and confirmed my worst fear! It was mirena!!! Well, I finally took it out after I started getting yeast infections that never went away (the infection would disappear or 2 days and come back with full force!) This went on for 2 full months. Finally I took it out exactly one month ago October 16, 2010. I am yet to recover from the acne, in fact, it’s gotten much worse! I am unable to find info on the internet about how long it took for peoples’ acne to disappear after acne removal. Can anyone please supply this info. My doctor mentioned that it does take a while for the hormones to be dispelled, but how long are we talking about? 6 months? 1 year? It’s unbearable, and I struggle to put up a bold face like it doesnt affect me, but it does. I have these big pimples all over both cheeks, even my 5 year old son, said “Mum, why do you have all these strange things on your face?” Could I answer him? Not really. Someone please help, I need some kind of time-line to look forward to. Thanks everyone.
Having the same breaking out problem which started about 6 months ago. I am now convinced that its caused by the Mirena.
Hi There aal, Yes i had mirena in for the full 5 years , i have put on about 35 pounds, not all to due with mirena but mostly. Had it removed December 2nd, 2009
I had no weight issues at all. gained a few pounds since I had it removed
Hi There all, Yes i had mirena in for the full 5 years ,i have put on about 35 pounds, not all to due with mirena but mostly. Had it removed December 2nd, 2009, Bleed a little the next day and then 2 days, later, can’t remember if i did more after that, but was mild, sorry to hear you guys went through so much pain, my pain now over 1 month later is that i have not had a period yet, I am tired all the time, Unsure when my cycle is now, But my last one was Novemeber 12th, yes November, but i ttok pregancy test on December 31 and January 7th, with a negetive results on both, so not sure whats going on, has anyone else had this problem, with not getting a period after Mirena removed, let me kno, please Thanks
Hi there,
I had my mirena removed on Dec. 15, 2009 because it was slipping and not staying in place. On Jan. 3, 2010 the crash began but at the time I didn’t know it was the crash I just thought it was awful PMS now that the Mirena is gone. It was so bad I figured I must have gotten pregnant. Then the bleeding started 3 days ago so clearly I’m not pregnant. The depression I’m feeling is so disabling. I just want to know how long this lasts. I have no interest in anything I love doing. m Please help me understand how long the crash lasted for the rest of you.
Hi there,
I have had Mirena almost three years and had no prior complaints. My husband and I decided we want to try to have another child so I proceeded to the GYN office for removal. It has been a long removal journey, my strings were not visible, had an ultrasound done and two failed attempts for removal. I had to be admitted for removal of Mirena by a video scope. Rare, but at least it was out.
Now a week after its removal I have had heavy bleeding nonstop. It is awful, can’t sleep, and emotions are all over the place. TODAY, I am seeing the GYN to review if this heavy bleeding is normal.
Don’t let them tell you that the removal by video scope is rare. I have had the same experience: 2 failed attempts — very painful and humbling. I am scheduled Tuesday for the video scope removal.
There are way too many stories about this device. I think Bayer (maker) should seriously look at the product. At least, own up to the side effects and reduce the number of years recommended.
I had the mirena in for a year and started feeling pregnancy symptoms when i was not pregnant. I had it removed last week and feel kind of worse. I have added joint aches, headaches and vision problems to the mix. Can anyone please tell me if their symptoms remained the same or got worse or changed after mirena removal? Thanks so much.
I also had pregnancy feelings while using mirena but that is because your body is making itself think you’re pregnant which is why you stop getting a period
I Had the mirena in for 3 years and had it removed October 7th 2009 and i had bleeding 2 days later and then nothing except brownish discharge and some bleeding every few days…idk but i do know i gained 35 pounds having the mirena in and i kept getting yeast infections and and facial hair it’s all crazy but i can relate i thought the mirena was better but it’s not none of these birth control methods are any good our bodies don’t like them…so hopefully i can get back to normal because i feel moody and tired and i want to sleep alot i didnt even sleep like this when i was pregnant lol…so good luck ladies..
I got the mirena Dec.2008 and It was fine but after the first year I started to get side effects like acne on my back and pain in my left shoulder that I didnt know was linked with the mirena until I read other girls have had the side effect. I didn’t like all the side effects I was reading on the internet about menopause in 20 year olds and a lot more! So I went to the ob/gyn and had it removed March 14th, 2011. that was a couple days ago and I just started bleeding really bad today and I feel like crap! I never had heavy periods any way I just want myself to go beck to normal! And my Doc. doesn’t seem to think that any of my side effects are from the Mirena I hope hes wrong and all my symptoms go way! I Iam running a marathon in Oct. and I hope none of this silly Mirena crap slows me down!
My moods have been crazy since mine was removed on Dec. 15. I thought it was lifting but it seems to come and go and I think my hormones are just a mess. I considered antidepressants but that is just onemore thing for me to have to deal with later when I want to stop taking it. I started looking for holistic approaches to rebalancing my hormones. I found that Pulsatilla in really good for depression related to hormones or PMS. Hylands makes a Pulsatilla tablet. the directions are to take a 30X or 30C dose every 6 to 12 hours for up to four doses. I’m going to try it and see if it works so I thought I would share. You can find it online or at a vitamin shop. I also found that it has helped my moods somewhat by taking a low dose birth control pill. I was reluctant to do anything hormonal again after the Mirena crash but I need to have some form of birth control until my hubby has the surgery. Good luck to you all.
Hi, I have had the Mirena for 3 years now. I have loved evry minute of it until recently. i havent had a perod for a good couple of years. How good is that. In the last 12 months I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and need to use a cpap machine at night to sleep. this is due to the absolute exhaustion I have had over the last few years. It initially work but have become ic=ncreasingly more tired again. To the point that I cant sit and watch tv , read book or play games with the kids because I will fall asleep. After a friend commenting on feeling as lethargis as me she pointed out her s started after having the Mirena inserted. I am devasted by this as I thought it was brillant. After reading many comments by women on a few pages I have realised I have had a lot of side affests. I have had painful,itchy blister type pimples on my face that no matter what I use , they wont go away. I have been on antidepressants for years but it has gotten worse in the last couple with me having to increase medication. Looks like my dream contaception is my devil in disguise. my problem is , i am about to go on a holiday to Fiji. Do I have it taken out now so I dont fall asleep every 5 mins and risk the possible mirena crash. I think I might wait. better the devil you know. Would I reccommend it. definatly worth trying. i found the first 3 months hard but seemed to be smooth sailing after that. Just give it 3-4 months and be awar of what may happen. Good luck
I had the Mirena in for the full 5 years! I thought turning 50 sucks! Turns out it was the hormones and the Mirena. Mine was removed in October. Few days later WHAM! bleeding that was like a scene out of the horror movie Carrie! Next month, 30 days later , more of the same. Here it is the 3rd month post removal and finally @ 38 days a somewhat normal cycle.
Weight Gain, Mood Swings, Hair Loss, Hair Growth, Cramps,Lethargic, NO SEX DRIVE, did I mention the Mood SWINGS?
Why as a nation of educated woman are we doing this to ourself’s?
I am on the path of hormonal balance. Nothing added but mother nature. Sure it’s going to be a bumpy ride into the 50’s, (it’s the sahara desert down there!) but my sex drive is back, just in time for my husband to find his liking for the little blue pill!
If my OBGYN had been honest with me 5 years ago about the Mirena Crash….I would never have given up my late 40’s in the trade.
Good Luck Ladies and find comfort in you are NOT alone! We need to start talking in the lunch rooms about this topic and not American Idol…Oprah when will this topic be on the show?
Thanks everyone. Lisa, it sounds like it took you awhile physically to feel better? I am so frustrated because I don’t feel better and it seems like an eternity although it has only been one month. My added symptoms of vision problems post removal is depressing also but I was pregnant and then went immediately on the IUD so maybe it is just taking awhile for my body to figure things out. Today I started getting a stiff neck/back at around 6 pm and I can’t believe I have one more symptom to complain about…I can’t believe this is hormones but I am thinking the odds are it is..especially since I have been to my doctor twice and she told me this was all allergies and I am going to try another doctor tomorrow and if she doesn’t take me seriously I am going to go to a homeopathic doctor.
WOW I’M NOT CRAZY!!!
I had my Mirena put in 2 weeks after my daughter was born in June 2007 and blamed every single symptom on being a new mom.
I didn’t get the severe headaches or migraines but I did get;
-sores on my face, back and chest (i’ve never had skin problems and these weren’t pimples they were like sores)
- extremely tired, (my daughter never woke me up in the middle of the night, i breastfed and coslept so I always had at least 8 hours sleep if not more)
i was not motivated to do anything!!
-foggy head, which sounds weird and is extremely hard to explain but it’s like i was slow…slow to process things people said to me such as an implied joke…i felt like i was suddenly stupid.
-poor memory
-no sex drive..my whole life i was the one who wanted sex every other day, if not every day…this turned into once every 2 weeks and i didnt even care if it was longer than that…
-weight issues..from cravings and lack of energy..im only 15 pounds more than my prepreg weight but i couldnt loose the weight for anything!
-not depression, but i havent been as happy or fun as i used to be, ive just been so tired and blah! for the past 2 years!
-some pain during sex (part of the reason i didnt want to do it as much)
-cyst on my cervix
I had Mirena removed 2 weeks ago and within days I was taking my daughter out sliding (twice) and felt happy and clear headed. I had energy and wanted to do things again. My sex drive is recovering and my cyst has shrunk a bit.
BUT now the past 3 days I’ve had severe headaches, crying for no reason, and I’m extremely tired and irritable. How long does the crash last?
I can’t wait until the crash is over but at least now I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m so relieved that my symptoms can all be attributed to this little foreign object and I look forward to getting better and being the mom and wife that I can be.
I’ve been on the pill and then had Mirena (which I used because it was supposed to be a very small dose of hormones compared to the pill, yet symptoms are worse?)
Anyways I’ve learned my lesson and will never mess up my hormones with medication. Getting fitted for a diaphragm and that will be my birth control from this point on.
So good to have found this site. I too think I am experiencing the infamous crash. I had the Mirena for 3 years and had it taken out 2 1/2 weeks ago. I felt good the last week but last night and today I feel like the whole world came crashing down on me. I have the feeling of my heart wanting to jump out of my chest, racing!! Crying, actually sobbing and just wanting to curl up and not exist for the moment. I have 2 young daughters and of course that would not be possible but if given the chance would probably sleep for days. If everything goes well, I should be getting my 1st period on Tuesday. Not sure if you start to feel better after that. Here’s hoping that we all get back to feeling great!
holy crap! I’m not nuts. I had the Mirena in for only 7 months. During that time I continued to bleed, gained 15 lbs, and felt bloated and crappy at least half of each month. I had the IUD removed and 1 week later began bleeding like a stuck pig. MD put me on BC- which helped after a few days, but then it began again. it has been 10 days now of bleeding, clots, cramps, and depression. No one told me this could be a reaction to the IUD. I have been sure I was dying of some rare and horrible disorder. Thank you for all your posts. I can’t wait to get back to “normal.”
Oh thank god!! Thought I was gonna go to E.R.! I am only 3 days from having it removed and already clots and mood swings! Threw a spoon at my boyfriend today for no reason! Funny… doc didnt mention what to watch for. My boss whos a vet had more insight then they let on at the dr.s office. Her comment was HHMM It will be interesting to see if you go through any hormone withdrawls or side effects? Until then I hadnt given it a thought…but then I woke up today and it smacked me in the face!
I had my Mirena for about two years. LOVED LOVED LOVED it! I will definitely get it again. But. I just had it taken out (accidentally by the gyno, thanks doc!) and neither my husband nor I were quite ready for the side effects. The day it came out, I was depressed and extremely sad. Sad because this thing that was my saviour is now gone. Silly, I know! But you all know what I’m talking about when we get emotional over the silliest things! It has been out for about three weeks and I still have a little bit of dried blood discharge, which is fine with me. But what’s not so fine is my constant mood swings. I’ve been feeling so empty and neglected and, ‘woe is Taryn’ and I HATE this feeling. It’s all about me me me. Yes, I’m a selfish person, but I’m not THAT selfish and I can’t stand it! It’s all I can do to not make it about me. Now it’s starting to take a toll on my husband. So now that we talked about it, I need him to be just a little more compassionate and understanding than he normally is. I can slowly feel things getting back to normal. I love Mirena; it’s been nothing but wonderful for me, I just wish that the side effects after the removal weren’t so severe.
The only negative outcome from the removal is my mood swings. I haven’t had any acne breakouts, weight gain or loss and my sex drive is still the same. I guess I’m doing pretty good!
Thank you all so much for writing about your experiences! I am twenty-six years old and have had the Mirena IUD for about two years and seven months. I have been experiencing what I’m now convinced are my version of its side effects (mild depression mixed with terrible mood swings and general irritability, the worst acne of my life, no libido AND pain during and after sex, moderate to severe anxiety, lack of energy, and the brain fog described in several of these posts) for at least ten months, and I am finally scheduled to have my Mirena removed in four days. It just occurred to me today that there may be some unexpected consequences of removal, and I’m so glad I found this blog and everyone’s responses. As it seems I’ve had basically the full range of negative responses to Mirena so far, I’m willing to bet I should prepare my husband and I as well as I can for the crash.
While I know it’s true that women experience a great range of side effects and severities with all forms of birth control, but for me and every one of my female personal friends, what I’ve experienced with Mirena is beyond the pale. I hope everyone of you who has been dealing with this mess is feeling better already or soon, and thank you so much for sharing your experience here.
I was always uncomfortable with the idea of an IUD, but I knew women who had good experiences so I gave Mirena a go. Similar to some of you, I did not want hormones and this seemed like a very minor amount for a great payoff. I expected some cramping, but all indicators were that it would be over by 3 months. Well, it was 7 months this month, and I still was getting stabbing, wake-me-in-the-night cramps like I have never known. It really felt like my uterus was trying to get rid of the foreign invader. My doctor is great, but she simply instructed my to keep taking ibuprofin for the cramps, and said that it could take up to NINE months for the cramping to stop. NINE? Not worth it! I realize now that my fatigue and foggy head, which I attributed to fighting off winter flu and colds, could very well have been side effects too. My acupuncturist helped me to put all the signs together, to realize that I was looking for permission to “fail” to adapt, and I had the damn thing out this morning. My main lesson to learn from this is to trust myself and my own body. I hope I do not experience the “after effects” described here, but now I feel prepared in case. I would highly recommend acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat the hormonal imbalances this devices can cause (even if you decide not to take it out for medical or personal reasons).
I’m SOOOO happy to have found this site. I think 99% of the Dr.’s out there are self serving idiots. How many women have to hear their problems are not associated with the Mirena? After about 4 years I just had mine taken out a little over a week ago. I used to have a healthy sex drive before the Mirena and it TOTALLY disappeared after having it inserted. I used to be a happy person and didn’t realize how hard I had to try to be happy after having the Mirena inserted. I never used to be angry and for the 4 years I had the stupid thing in I was always fighting anger/rage. It’s been about 9 days since the removal and for the past 3 days I’ve had terrible migraines, but I take comfort in knowing it’s just my body’s adjusting. Today I woke up and felt like I didn’t want to see/talk to another human because I was so depressed, so I’m guessing this is the crash that has been mentioned. I’m curious how long it lasts until the body is regulated to no hormones. I had the Paraguard inserted which is a no-hormone I.U.D. and so far so good. A lot of cramping in bleeding the first 3 days, but since then it’s ok. DON’T LISTEN TO THE DOCTOR WHEN HE/SHE TELLS YOU THERE ARE NO SIDE EFFECTS TO THE MIRENA. I’ve had terrible hormone problems my whole life and the Pill was killing me so I asked for the I.U.D. Knowing my history, the Dr. still put in the Mirena. I’ve gotten a lot smarter in my old age of 40 and research EVERYTHING now and trust no doctors. I’m hoping the Paraguard is great and it lasts for 12 years with NO hormones plus it’s tons smaller than the Mirena and it went in like a charm. The Mirena insertion was so incredibly painful that the nurse told me it was like the beginning part of labor! If you’ve never had children or your cervix is very closed, get the Paraguard as well–it’s so much smaller. The Mirena equals no libido, depression, anger, weight gain totals up to hell and everyone (in the medical field) tells you it’s unrelated to the Mirena. What a load of CRAP! How can so many of us have the EXACT symptoms??????!!!!!! I wish I knew how long it takes for the body to be regulated after the removal of Mirena–if anyone has any idea I would really appreciate it.
I have had my mirena in for almost 5 years.
Loved it! Other then Horrible Cramping the day it was inserted, it has been wonderful.
Now I am debating if I should have another one put in when I have this one taken out.
I will be 40 years old when this one comes out, and I was trying to find out
1. if there is pain associated with the removal?
2. Are there side affects to having one put in at age 40?
3. Can a new one be put in at the same time the 1st one is taken out?
4. Would there be less pain associated with a 2nd one being put in since my body is already used to having one for 5 years.
Needless to say, I am scarred to death now about having it removed. Im so afraid of the pain and possible side effects.!
Juicy, I think I had one put in when I was 39 or 40. It was great because I never had to go through the monthly bleeding but I was constantly moody and arguing with my boyfriend at the time. When we broke up, I had removed months later but decided two weeks later to have it put back in. From what I recalled during the removal visit that it hurted so badly. He had to dilate me with those metal hegar dilators. I was in tears during the procedure. I don’t mean to acre you but maybe it was because it was a rough male GYN doctor or because it (IUD) was scarred up and stuck up the cervix or maybe because my uterus is “inverted”, or angled to the side instead of upright. Having inserted back after two weeks was no problem. Im 44 and now having all the symptoms described on his page. It’s coming out for good!!!
I dont think I could wait a month to see my OB doc. Her schedule is so backed up but because of my previous experience with removal, I am willing to wait. Good luck!!!
I wish that I would have done some research on this thing before having it . inserted. I am getting it out today and I just feel so relieved, but also I feel stupid. Man, how could I have done this to myself? I have packed on like 40-50# and Oh God….the smell!!!!!! That “smell” down there is just ugh, it’s gross! I have had to sprinkle deodorant powder in that area. I have sat next to people with my legs closed together and I think that they have noticed. And I just think that it’s sort of “unnatural” to not have a period, for so long and not be pregnant (or menopausal). So what now? What is this Mirena “crash” thing I got to worry about? You know there should be some kind of lawsuit about this thing. I am just hoping that the thing is removed without incident.
angie, how did the removal go? i have actually loved the mirena except for the awful smell which, like you, i also tried to cover up. the smell, discharge and weight gain is why i am gettin it removed tomorrow. hopefully i dont have to deal with the “crash”
Angie, The IUD causes yeast infection and causes bacteria infections to come easily, I had the iud for 5 years,didn’t experience a ton of these side effects above except weight gain just had it removed 2 days ago…. now very afraid for the CRASH…yikes. However, something all women should know about curing problems down there!!!!!!
I saw many doctors, antibiotics after much research I found this and trust me it WORKS! 1. probiotics pills or yogurt daily, I have heard that some women insert it in there “area” and if infection is bad you can do that: it regulates the good bacteria that your body needs after taking antibiotics mine would come back because they killed my good bacteria with the bad, leaving nothing to fight infection. 2. douche with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and distilled water for 3-5 days!!!!you will notice smell better after first douche, you will be able to feel like a lady again I promise, best thing I ever learned. when smell starts to return do this again.. I had to do it twice then never again!!!! however, a little cleansing with peroxide and water is totally safe!I don’t feel gross during sex anymore, I hope you read this because it is awesome. good luck to all…
I am having my IUD removed and my question is has anyone been able to ,oose the weight that was gained while using the Mirena?
I had the evil IUD removed three week ago. Having very heavy bleeding with large clots. Doctor had me double up on birth control pills to see if the bleeding will stop. If not I’m up for D & C. I would not recommend this form of B.C. to anybody.
I think Doctors get kick backs from the manufacturing companies.
I just wanted to put my input in on this one…I have has my mirena for 3 years now and I have LOVED it!..I have had absolutely no problems with it what-so-ever no weight gain, loss of libido, and surely no “crazy” feelings. I am getting mine removied on the 11th of march because my hustband and I are going to try for baby number 3 but I will get another one after of that I am sure, it is the easiest and most efffective BC I have ever taken. BTW I havent has a period in 3 years, AMAZING!…no to put down anyone I just wanted to put a good note out there too…everyones body is different, just because one person has bad symptoms most definately does not mean everyone will. Just keep that in mind
My first 3 years were pretty good too. So maybe Bayer needs to specify a 3-year limit instead of 5.
Have had in for 8 years now and not a single problem!
My first 2 1/2 years were great. I recommended the Mirena to so many people. I loved not having a period. I thought the changes in my body were due to having a child. What really got me researching was the horrible dry eyes I developed. I mentioned to my eye doc, but she just said to use artificial tears. A year passed, and the dry eye got horrible-couldn’t wear contacts for very long, and even with them out it hurt my eyes. Chalked it up to allergies until I read about Mirena side effects. Then things started to make sense: weight gain, inability to lose weight despite diet and exercise, dry eye, heart palpitations, irritability, etc. I had my Mirena removed 3 weeks ago. The day I had it removed, the doc ran labs. HDL was pretty low (another reported side effect). Now 3 weeks later, my otherwise normal blood pressure has risen drastically (read that hormonal imbalances can cause a rise in blood pressure). I still can’t lose weight despite a low carb diet and doing Zumba several days a week. I bled for the first few days after insertion, but I haven’t had a period since then. I just saw my doctor today, and she said to wait it out through a cycle, but if I don’t have a cycle in the next few weeks we may have to “jumpstart” it. That Mirena is a wolf in sheep’s clothing for a lot of people. I think it’s great some of you haven’t had side effects. I know my friend claims she hasn’t. Still, I think sometimes you don’t realize the side effects are related, or they aren’t prevalent enough to worry you. The weight gain has a lot more to do with hormonal imbalances than us “putting the food to your mouth” like one poster commented. The side effects are real and dangerous. I just really think more research needs to be done on it for everyone’s safety. People thought Phen/Phen was great at first too. The Mirena hasn’t been around long enough. Good luck to those of you who love it, and I hope you continue to stay happy with it. Hang in there to those of you who have experienced the havoc it can potentially cause.
Good point, Tabitha! I know people who have had LOTS of wonderful things to say about the Mirena IUD. It absolutely depends on your body.
I had my Mirena for 4 1/2 years and glad to have it out. I crash right after having it removed, and then got pregnant miscarried and now I am 4 months pregnant only to find out that i have a 7cm cyst on my overy. Has anyone had this problem?
I just want to thank everyone for their posts. I had Mirena removed 2-days ago after 4 years. I had it removed because of low sex drive because I did not realize my low energy had anything to do with the iud. I take great care of myself and could not imagine why I was always so tired. If it were not for websites like this we would all think we were crazy. My doctor tells me not getting a period is the best thing for the body and I believed it. I hope and pray my crash will not be so bad.
I have only had my Mirena for one month. Terrible cramping, non-stop bleeding. I thought my irritibility was coming from that, but now I’m beginning to wonder. I haven’t had the weight gain, but that’s cuz I’m going to Mexico in 2 wks. and I’m really watching my diet and working out 7 days/wk. I’m not giving this thing a chance though. I’m having it taken out next week. It’ll only be a 1 1/2 wks before my trip–I hope I don’t bleed the whole time I’m there…I don’t think I’ll experience this “crash” cuz I don’t think I had it in long enough.
I’m wondering why I even had it inserted. I got off the pill at 35 and I’m 42 now and never got pregnant, and haven’t really used any method besides the rythm and withdrawl…just needed to get that off my chest.
Oh and by the way…still have the sex drive but haven’t been able to have the sex!!! That the other thing I couldn’t deal with! LOL!
I had the mirena in for 3 years. Noticed almost immediate weight gain at least a dress size despite no change in what I was eating. I hated the way I looked so much I have hardly any photo’s of myself for the last 3 years and would not have even considered wearing a bathing costume in public - shame for my 2 young children. Also suffered terrible dry skin to my hand and feet which was only relieved with steroid cream from my doctor. I’ve also noticed my hair has been in worse condition slower to grow and more damaged - even my hairdresser commented and said I should see my doctor. I also experienced the foggy feeling some days getting my words muddled up - very embarassing! Doctors put it all down to a busy life and age! but I finally insisted on having the mirena removed as I was unconvinced it was all normal. I had it out about 6 weeks ago and within days felt better. I’ve already lost weight which is very noticeable despite no change in my diet. I’ve just finished my first period which was very heavy but I always did have heavy periods and I was particularly hormonal/stressed which I have never been before with my periods (hoping this was a one off). The only good thing about the mirena was that it stopped my periods for 3 years but after all said I’d rather have them back thanks! I feel upset that 3 years of my life have been affected by this - I wouldn’t recommend this as a form of contraception.
well im 21 got on mirena bleed for the first month then really never had a period after that.i had the mirena in for about a year . i would get random sharp pains but not that bad actually loved it till i started breaking out horrible on my back and face. Then i was like oh no i need this out which is bad because the reason i put it in was because any pill i would take would give me horrible headaches and nausea .The mirena didnt give me any of this but it wasnt worth me not wanting to go out side and feeling so ugly.well i took it off mon feb 8 2010 and since that day i have been bleading i also had the worst headaches, neusea ,sensative crying for no reason weak for about a week then its gotten a little better but still really moody and weak hopefully it will get better .Does anyone out their know how long this bleeding will last im getting so fustrated help…
I had it in for two months and bled the enitre time. Does anyone know how long bleeding lasts after removal if you are on the pill right away? thanks Renae
i had the Mirena in for 4.5 years before having it removed. i loved it for 4 of those years. then i got an infection in my vagina that turned into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (about 6 months ago), and my entire life went to hell shortly after. after 4 nearly care-free years with the Mirena, i started breaking out with cystic, itchy and painful acne everywhere. i had raging yeast infections and BV that no medication would stop. i got panic attacks like i never have before. i went to endless OBGYNs and other docs (dermys, endocrine dudes, etc) with my symptoms - they ALL INSISTED my IUD had nothing to do with my symptoms. only when i returned to my midwife (1000 miles away from where i live now) did she think my symptoms all had to do with the Mirena. within 2 days of her removing it, my acne stopped! my panic/anxiety problems are considerably more manageable. after reading all these posts, i’m starting to wonder if the IUD is the reason i’ve been such a bitch to my hubby the last several years, not to mention my dead libido. i am doing boric acid suppositories to deal with my yeast infection/BV issues, hopefully that will be taken care of soon. i look forward to a proper shag when this is all over!!
i know the Mirena works for some people. it did for me, for a while. but when i got PID everything changed and my health spiraled down at an alarming speed. it’s been 2 weeks since i had it taken out. i had a bit of bleeding after for about 4 days, but nothing major. my ovaries are feeling pretty crampy, i’m hoping things are just trying to normalise back up in there. i can’t wait to have a period again.
Hey Yall! I am sooooo happy I came across this posting!!! Seriously SOOOOO Happy! I’m almost 27yrs old I have 2 amazing little girls and a WONDERFUL husband. I have had the Mirena in for 4yrs now and I have had no real problems. THEN BAM about 4 months ago, I turned in to this EMOTIONAL CRAZY lady! My husband and I never fight ever! But in these last four months, thats all we do over the most ridiculous things I cry alll the time, because I know I am messing up my marriage! Its out of control. And I am now starting to think that maybe there is something wonky with my IUD now that i have had it for so long!? I believe I will be making an appointment to have it remove very soon! Thanks yall!
I had the Mirena put in on Oct. 20, 09. It was extremely painful and I can tolerate a lot of pain. I have been bleeding pretty much non-stop since. Not full gushing like a period but just enough to always wear a pad of some sort. It has been the most disappointing expensive thing I’ve done. The intention was to improve the sex life with my husband but with this constant bleeding, oozing, or leaking, who’d want sex! Mood swings, a constant feel of bloating, weight gain, about 8 lbs practically immediately and I have not changed my style of eating, if anything I’m better at eating healthier, more veg. and fruit. My husband noticed that it looked like my stomach is distended. I noticed immediately, my pants didn’t button right, even my blouses and jackets that were easily button-able with room to spare were tight in just a few weeks of having this horrible thing put in. The worse thing is the fowl odor and what looks like the uterine lining shedding after urination. I could liken it to looking like fish food flakes in the tank. I made an appointment to get this thing out on April 9th. I am not looking forward to a crash! I’ll let you know how it goes. If I can get in earlier I will. I do not recommend this device. I did not go back to the same doc. that put it in because I was not happy with their service. When I called my old OB-GYN, the gal said, don’t worry, it won’t hurt coming out as much as it did going in. What? My other doc. never even mentioned the pain going in, it obviously well know, you’d think they’d have had the decency to warn me. Hence, the reason I’m NOT going back to them.
I recently had my mirena taken out after experiencing all the symptoms you have mentioned. Now I am on birth control pills after 2 weeks after the device being out. I am sooooo moody now hence the mirena crash. I seen this post from march but since it has been months since then my question to you is did you experience the crash? If so how long did it take to get back to normal?
Ladies-I had my Mirena for about 1 1/2 years. I experienced all the mood swings, low libido, gained 20 plus pounds, acne ourbreks, lower back pain, cramping, headaches, constant annoying bleeding, the works. I had the IUD removed 2 days ago and start BC pills the same day. I have been having some bright red, moderately heavy bleeding. Had a melt down after having our taxes done tonight. I have been on vacation this week and had plenty of sleep, yet I feel like I constantly want to nap. I figured I would notice a change in how I feel. Although, I feel emotional and the bleeding is a pain. I still feel like a million bucks compared to having the IUD in. I always felt a low dull pain/pressure in my pelvic area. I would not reccomend this for of BC to anyone. And for those that have recently had theirs removed……
CHEERS, it can only get better now!