I was reading another question about the use of an IUD and that's what got me thinking about this...
I had a copper IUD for 8 years in my 20's. I never had any complaints - loved it! So after I had my son (almost 3 years ago) I was happy to get another IUD, only this time I got the Mirena because of a (faint) possibility that DH and I might have another baby and it was only good for 5 years. Anyway, I didn’t think I had any problems with it until I was reading the other Q& A’s, but now I think I do; since getting it my sex drive has become close to nothing, I’ve gained about 20 lbs and all the weight has gone to my middle (when before my son I did not carry my weight in my midsection at all). I had chucked all of these things up to “becoming a mom” and all that that can entail but that has been my only rationale because my daily habits haven’t changed at all. I got the IUD at about 6 months post partum (and at that point I was back to prepregnancy weight) and I’m pretty sure that’s when all of this started!
SO..... could my problems be stemming from the hormones in the Mirena? Has anyone else had those types of things happen to them? I’m sure I’ll hear in response that I should check with my doctor, but in full disclosure I haven’t been back to see him since I got the IDU because my insurance changed and I need to find a new OBGYN (I know, I know, my bad.... But if removing the Mirena will help solve some of my problems you can bet I’ll get on it!)
Anyway, thanks in advance!
I have not gained any weight or noticed a drop in my sex drive. I don't get a period, but I think that's a plus!
Gained 30lbs on Mirena while actively trying to lose weight. Had baby, got Mirena. Took 3yrs to lose baby weight while working my butt off and logging every mouthful of food, etc. Finally had lost 30lbs, had 10 more to go, put in new Mirena (because 5yrs had now passed), gained back original 30lbs within 2 months. Plus I became a raging beyotch. Finally got a clue and had Mirena removed. Practically gave up trying to lose weight for a few of years, but got motivated again last year. This time around, it's been much less difficult losing the weight and I've lost 40lbs so far. I will *never* use hormone based birth control again. I obviously respond very negatively to it.
Yes, they can definitely be caused by the Mirena. I had the same symptoms along with extreme lower back pain. I gained weight around my middle for the first time too. I was unable to lose weight, even with counting calories and daily exercise. I figured it had to do with the Mirena. When it was removed I lost weight quickly. I was only about 10 lbs overweight, but it was annoying to want to lose weight and not be able to have control over it. I remember thinking how strange it was to have a "muffin top" after never having one before. lol. It's going away now, thankfully.
I have had similar side effects. Sex drive is below sea level and I gained weight after the first 9 months (basically when my periods stopped). However considering the alternatives, I just put up with it. Unless it's a health issue, I know personally my doc won't attribute these to the Mirena because obviously she gets compensation being a Mirena-distributing physician. But I know that's what it is. Nothing has changed for me as far as eating habits, exercise, or anything.
I haven't had a period since 2004, that's my main side effect but it doesn't bother me a bit!
They tell you that weight gain is not a side effect, but it was for me. My whole adult life I weighed about 125-130 lbs. I got the Mirena about 2 years after my second child was born and I gained 20 lbs in a year without changing any of my other habits (and it also concentrated in my middle which is unusual for me). My sex-drive also waned slowly--I didn't realize how much until after I had the Mirena taken out and felt it come back! Unfortunately, the weight didn't just come off when I got the IUD out. After a year (including exercising more), I still looked and weighed the same. I ended up seeing a naturopath (ND)/Applied Kinesiologist who put me on a major detox diet (not for the faint of heart, it included eliminating a LOT of major food such as gluten, dairy, soy and corn) but it took away the puffiness, re-flattened my stomach and helped me drop those 20 lbs in a matter of a couple of months. Good luck! I've sworn off hormonal birth control altogether. Lots of people have much worse side-effects than I had, but I still did not like it. And, call me crazy, I actually missed having my period. I realized that I kind of felt bloated and irritable all the time, and I didn't get the release that I get when my period actually comes (not just a little spotting).
I gained about 20lbs in a year, then after a year I got recurring yeast infections. I finally got it removed and it was very hard to loose the weight I had gained.
Some women are more sensitive to ANY additional hormones, so maybe you're one of those women. I had the copper IUD for about 5 before I had kids. I loved the fact that it didn't have any hormones, since I am one of those sensitive women too. Since it sounds like you've had the IUD for about 2.5 years, I'd say you've given it a good try. If the side effects are really bothering you, get it removed. Just be prepared for another baby to come along :D You know your body better than any doctor, so go with your gut decision :)
I have had the Mirena for 2 years and haven't had any libido/weight gain issues that I can tell. But I have noticed a bit of facial hair on my chin. Not sure what that means. My body went wonky after my child was born, but before the Mirena. Are you still getting periods? Could just be a horomonal imbalance that can be corrected. Maybe find a good clinic in your area and get checked out just to be sure. Some insurance carriers also have a Nurse's Line you can call, which could be helpful. But maybe it's better to remove it and find an alternative - then you'll know for sure. And libido is so important, so maybe it's good to try something else for awhile. Good luck!
The hormones in Mirena are less than those in the mini-pill. Not to say they can't cause ill effects, but there really isn't much there. I've had mine for nearly two yrs now and love it! I had spotting the first 6 months or so...annoying but nothing bad. All good since. I've even lost weight on it...without really trying.
