Yes, I gained about 20 pounds over 3 years, despite exercising. I also experienced bloatedness, extremely tender breasts, back aches, and mood swings. It was awful. I am much better since having it removed. It was a very convenient birth control, but the side effects for me were not worth it. If you have mild side effects, maybe you can live with it. Just keep it in mind. My side effects seemed to worsen the longer I had it.   [End]
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My acne did not subside. It got progressively worse. I had the Mirena for 3 years. I had it removed on 4/10/07. Within a couple weeks, my face was all cleared up.   [End]
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Hey, don’t let them tell you that you have to wait to have your period to have it removed!! One of the ”benefits” of the Mirena is not getting a period, right? I never had a period with the Mirena inserted. I had mine removed on 4/10/07 and I was not on my period. Getting it out was no problem. Did not feel a thing and I am much better without it. Call the doctor back and if they insist on you having a period, just tell them you have your period now.   [End]
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My backaches and acne started clearing up almost immediately. Also, my moods seemed to improve within the first week. I am still struggling with trying to lose the weight I gained with the Mirena. My bloatedness and and really tender breasts went away right away too. I wish you the best and am sure you will start to notice improvement soon after the IUD is removed. Good luck.   [End]
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Don’t worry! It took me about 7 weeks after Mirena was removed to get my first period. I kept reading about heavy periods with all kinds of clotting. It took me 7 weeks to get my period and it was really just a normal period.   [End]
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It made a huge difference for me. I had mine removed on 4/10/07 and I had it for 3 years. I can feel how happier I am. I no longer feel like I am going to snap someone’s head off for looking at me. I am more patient with my kids. Overall, I feel so much better mentally. My severe cystic acned is completely gone. I no longer have extremely tender breasts all the time. Now it is just mild tenderness a few days pre-period. With the IUD it was constant. Also, with the Mirena I would wake up early every morning with a lower back ache. I have not had one since removal. All in all ...
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WELL SAID! By the way, I went on Oprah’s website and suggested a ”show topic” about this Mirena IUD and how horrible it is and how she should do a show on it and get the word out. Think of all the women that watch that show and would possibly see themselves in it and get rid of the Mirena. That would be wonderful.   [End]
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My side effects appeared over time....probably didn’t notice them the first year. They gradually crept up on me which was why I never put 2 and 2 together that it was the Mirena.   [End]
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I can only speak for myself, but I did fine on the pill - never had a side effect. I experienced too many side effects with Mirena. After 3 years of thinking it was just me or my age, I stumbled across this site. I had it removed and all my side effects are pretty much gone.   [End]
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kim.leethal sorry you had to endure that witch of an NP. People like that should not be in the health care industry. I hope you follow thru and write that letter to the director of that facility. That kind of ”care” should not be tolerated and that woman should be fired. I am glad you got the mirena removed. I have had mine out for about 6 weeks now and I tell you what, I feel like a new person. Good luck going forward. Marie   [End]
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YES! Horrible acne, and very oily face. My acne was cystic - like huge underground welts it was awful. The sex drive is gone - till you get the Mirena out. I had mine out in April. My skin is back to normal and so is my sex drive. The mirena sucks big time. I would suggest getting it removed.   [End]
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I had my Mirena removed on 4/10/07 and like you, my side effects are MUCH improved. My acne is pretty much gone and it was BAD. No more backaches. Moods are much better, more even keeled. No more breast tenderness. But, I have not had a period yet either. Still waiting.   [End]
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I believe you will start to feel better after it is out. I did not suffer from panic attacks but I did feel very depressed, had seriously bad acne, backaches everyday, was bloated, etc. I had my Mirena removed on 4/10/07 and it was the best decision I made. My depression lifted, face cleared up, have not had a single backache and am no longer bloated. If the hormone was localized, how come, after 3 years of problems, they all cleared up within a couple weeks of having the IUD removed? These doctors can all kiss my ass. Go ahead and have it removed. Don’t let the doctor get to you. ...
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I would imagine that there are those that do like it. Those of us that hate it or suffered serious side effects researched the side effects on the web and came across this site. I am sure that there are probably many many women using it and experiencing the same effects but have not realized that they are related to the Mirena - yet. Once that thought enters their mind, they too, will seek out answers and will most likely end up here. So, there are probably those that like it, but you won’t find many of those people on this forum. Personally, I am very glad I had mine removed as I had ...
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What is really disheartening is that under ”serious side effects” ammenorrhea (not having a period) is listed. Great. I thought that was supposed to be a good thing? No wonder we all feel so awful.   [End]
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I think the copper IUD would be a better choice. I believe that most of the bad side effects from Mirena are caused by the hormone implanted with the IUD. The copper IUD is just an IUD and does not use the hormones.   [End]
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I had my Mirena out on 4/10/07 and I only had a VERY light period for the first 4-5 days. Only really had to wear mini-pads. I am still waiting for a ”regular” period. I have read that some women have really heavy periods with clotting and all, but in my case, I did not experience that. I think it varies from woman to woman. Good Luck! You will be happy the IUD is out. I know I am!   [End]
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You are correct, you probably won’t have a period - that is one of the benefits of Mirena! Obviously the receptionist has no clue. Just call back and tell her you do have your period and get the dang thing out. I had mine removed on 4/10/07 and I did not have my period (didn’t have one for 3 years - I would have been waiting forever if I waited for a period). It did not hurt one bit and it took all of about 3 seconds to remove. Call back, make the appointment, and GET IT OUT! Life is SO much better without it.   [End]
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Don’t worry - have the doctor take it out! I had mine removed 3 weeks ago and it did not hurt a bit. I feel so much better since having it removed.   [End]
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From what I understand, the strings can be shortened if they are bothering you. You should call your doctor and talk to him or her. I think they can just trim the strings shorter so you are more comfortable.   [End]
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I had mine removed on 4/10/07 and I was not on my period either. I have not had a period for 3 years since having the dang IUD. Let me tell you, IT DID NOT HURT ONE LITTLE BIT! I thought it hurt being inserted, but it was NOTHING to have it removed. Go and get it out!! I feel 100X better now that it is OUT! Good Luck!   [End]
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Almost from the time of insertion I only had spotting at the time of my periods, and then over about 6 months time, absolutely nothing. I had it for three years and during that time experienced bad side effects (acne, backaches, mood swings, lethargy, weight gain, severe breast tenderness). It wasn’t until I found this site in Feb 2007 that I put it all together and figured it was the Mirena. I had mine removed on 4/10/07 and all symptoms are going away. Some went away almost immediately upon removal.   [End]
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I have read comments from others that the Paraguard does not have the same side effects. The side effects come from the synthetic hormone that is released daily with the Mirena. I believe the Paraguard does not have that and therefore should not have the same side effects as the Mirena.   [End]
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There’s another girl on here that said she was getting married - I bet you got them mixed up. Either that or you are a mind reader. To Kate2206, I had all the exact same side effects. I never had acne, even as a teenager, until I got this dang IUD at the age of 39. Then I had horrible, huge acne problems. I also had backaches every morning upon waking, I had weight gain, mood swings. I had the Mirena out 10 days ago and my face cleared up immediately. I haven’t had a backache since. My moods are leveling out and I have lost 2 pounds. I am watching what I eat and exercising. But ...
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I have experienced the following side effects: weight gain (20 pounds over 3 years) despite eating right and exercising feeling bloated swollen feet terrible cystic acne, particularly on my jawline moodiness - feeling very short tempered backaches every morning upon waking hands going numb while sleeping I have had the Mirena removed 9 days ago and already my face has cleared up. I have lost 3 pounds and I have not had a backache or hand numbness since the day after the IUD was removed. I am convinced all side effects were directly attributed the Mirena IUD.   [End]
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I think you most likely are experiencing the side effects of the mirena. You are too young to be going through the change. I have had some of the same symptoms as you: feeling bloated, mood swings, hand numbness, breast tenderness. In addition, I have had very bad cystic acne that did not exist prior to getting the mirena. I also gained about 20 pounds in the 3 years I had it. Also, I would wake up every morning with a lower back ache. At first I thought it was my mattress, then after getting a new mattress, it did not go away. I had mine removed one week ago today and my skin is a ...
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I had Mirena for 3 years and had it out one week ago today. All during the time I had Mirena I had HORRIBLE cystic acne on my jaw and occasionally on my forehead. Since I had it removed 7 days ago my face is clearing up and it is noticably less oily. I have not gotten a new bump since removal and I have even had comments from others that my skin looks better. It is definitley the mirena.   [End]
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I have never experienced that sort of bleeding. That sounds extreme and I’d go back and see your doctor right away.   [End]
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The synthetic hormone in Mirena is Levonogesterol. Google the side effects for that and you will see they are all the ones the women on this site are experiencing. I am thinking decently. Thanks.   [End]
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I am so happy you are on your way to better health. Congrats and keep up the good work!   [End]
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I just had my Mirena removed. It was no biggie getting it removed. I had it removed during my annual exam including pap, so between the exam and the pap, I didn’t even notice much that he removed it. It really didn’t hurt a bit. Of course when I was telling my doctor about the side effects I thought I was experiencing as a result of the mirena and of course he just laughed and said it couldn’t be that! Yeah, right, we will see. I will update every few days or so to let you know what I am experiencing after removal. Thanks to all of you and for sharing your thoughts and feelings. ...
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My partner did mention that at times he felt the string poking him and it was uncomfortable for him, but it does not happen all the time.   [End]
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No, I have not experienced any joint or muscle pain. Though, generally every day I do wake up with a lower back ache. And, it’s not my mattress, I do have a good one. I have seen comments about back pain and the mirena too, though I don’t know for sure if mine is from the mirena. Though, I am getting the mirena out TODAY in 3-1/2 hours and I can’t wait. I will update with any changes that I notice.   [End]
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I have read several messages about women with Mirena having their hands fall asleep. I have a question for you, does it happen while you are awake? While sleeping, I’ll usually wake up every night with both my hands numb, but I just figured I was laying on them funny or something, but maybe it is the IUD?? When your hands fall asleep is it during the day or while you are sleeping?   [End]
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I too have had problems with constipation and the Mirena as well as the IUD. I trained for a marathon and STILL gained weight. I have gained 20 pounds. I too, don’t get periods, which I agree is nice, but I got to thinking that my body needs them and it would just be a relief to get them. I am getting my mirena out on Tuesday and I CAN”T WAIT. I feel like I have been pregnant for three years and I just want my monthly cycle back so I know where I’m at.   [End]
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I’m happy for both of you! I get mine out on Tuesday and I hope to join your happy camp, with noticing a relief on the side effects. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’ll be looking for your posts with updates and will add mine after it is removed.   [End]
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I used birth control pills and in order to remember to take it, I kept it in my makeup bag. Do you put make up on daily? If so, keep your pills there. Every morning when I’d go to put on my make-up, there were my pills and I’d remember to take one.   [End]
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Thanks for your post, I am getting mine out next Tuesday. I can’t wait. I am glad to hear the removal is not that bad. My list of side effects is a mirror image of yours and I am glad to hear you are already getting some relief. This is one of the few times I have been anticipating going to the doctor!   [End]
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Thank you for your post. I am having mine removed on 4/17 and am looking forward to relief from many of the same symptoms, particularly, acne, bloatedness, fatigue, moodiness, etc.   [End]
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THanks for the information on the vitamins. I’m getting my Mirena out on 4/17 - I can barely wait and I’ll start taking at least a multi vitamin.   [End]
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That is something you should check with your doctor on. I have had my Mirena for 3 years and I have not had a period in all of that time. During the time I would normally have a period, I just have some very very light spotting.   [End]
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I got my Mirena in March of 2004. In that time I have gained about 20 pounds. I also have developed acne. Not just regular pimples, but these really deep, really painful large, cyst type pimples. I read all the posts about acne, but is anyone experiencing this type of acne? My skin is soooo oily, it drives me nuts. I experience PMS - moodiness and extremely sore breasts. I assume these are all related to the Mirena? After starting to read this forum I am having my IUD removed on 4/17 and now I can’t wait till it is gone. If anyone can comment on the acne, I’d appreciate it. ...
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