Mirena Issue

I decided to use the copper IUD with no hormones (I forget the name) because of the weight gain I had with my birth control. I was using the nuvaring. And it doesn't list weight gain as a side effect either. But when I went off the hormones I literally sweated off about 8-10 pounds of water weight that I COULD NOT lose. It took about 5 months of working out and eating right. I still have about 5-10 more pounds that I want to lose, but I definitely blame the birth control hormones for the first chunk.

I'm right with ya girl. I probably put on about 9-15 lbs. I am afraid to look! But, I was talking with the lady that cuts my sons hair... and she said she also gained some weight. I guess it's to be expected when you put something like that in your body. I do love it besides that fact though. I've had it for just about a year... and I've decided that I never ever want to have a period ever again!

One of the ways that Mirena keeps you from getting pregnant is that it secretes a hormone that is like progesterone, a progestin. One of the side-effects of this type of medication is weight gain. This is not fluid retention it's your body storing up extra weight. You should find that the bulk of the weight came on already as you've been using it for a year. Many people say that the weight doesn't come off until after they stop the medication entirely (this hasn't been documented, but it's what a lot of patients have told me).

I hope it's helpful.

Hi M.,

I've had the Mirena in since my son was 8 wks, he's now 16 months. I absolutely love it! I gained weight after I had my son, I think, because I was eating so much - I was hungry ALL THE TIME while breastfeeding. Only recently have I begun to drop the pounds, 26 pounds so far. It came off rather easily when I started getting serious with the exercise and really watching my food intake. "They" say that Mirena is not supposed to cause weight gain because of the low dose of hormones, but every woman is differnt! Have there been any changes in your routine? A decrease in activity levels or maybe not eating as well as you used to? I had my thyroid checked like the other mom suggested and it came back normal, but you might want to look into it. Also I hate to say it, but even if nothing has changed in your life or routine, our bodies are always changing as we age. At a certain point we just aren't able to do the things we use to and get the same results. That realization is what made me start getting serious about my own health.

I hope you find something that works for you! God bless you and your family!

J.

Have you had a similar problem with other hormonal birth control before? The progesterone in Mirena is very low dose, and mostly acts locally, so most people don't have problem with it... BUT the internet is full of stories of women who attribute all kinds of health problems to Mirena. It might be worth talking to your doctor, but a lot of doctors don't know anything more than the package insert.

I have had the Mirena in for over 3 years now and haven't had any issues at all. No weight gain, no cramps, almost no period. It has been great for me.

I cant remeber what the shot was that I got 6 yrs. ago after I had my daughter. I lost a lot of weight and when I had those two shots for birth control, it put 50 pound on me.. No Kidding either. I ate right and excercised like crazy and nothing was happening. It took me about 8 months to loose it. I will never ever do any thing like that again.. I just stick with the pill even though now I just had our 4th baby last year and I have trouble remembering to take it at the same time every night. But I will never forget that year I was so upset.

HI there,

Are you also more tired than usual? Find yourself forgetting/being absent minded? How is your hair texture? I would suggest getting your thyroid checked...

Good luck!

Unfortunately, most types of artificially-produced hormones are going to have unwanted side effects. Progesterone has been linked to weight-gain, moodiness and other typical "PMS" types of symptoms. Is there another type of birth control that you and your husband would be comfortable using that isn't so intrusive and doesn't put chemicals into your body? Any chemical you ingest is going to have side effects, sad to say. I hope you both find something that is suitable and that is not detrimental to your long-term or short-term health.

M., I have had the Mirena for almost a year now and I haven't had any trouble with weight gain.