Weight Gain W/ Mirena

I gained 40 pounds in the 9 months that I had it in. Since having it removed, I haven't gained any more weight and am now able to slowly start losing it.

Oh yes! I had it in for 11 months. During that time I gained about 10 pounds and felt like I was PMSing the entire time. I cramped quite a bit too. After delivering baby number 2 I lost all my pregnancy weight within the first three weeks then I had the Mirena put it 5 weeks after that. My weight gain seemed to be focused mostly in the abdomen. It took about 3 to 4 months post-removal to lose all the weight but all my other symptoms went away pretty quickly.

I didn't have issues with weight gain, but I did CONCIEVE my third child while on Mirena! I am due in October! I know lots of people who have Mirena who love it but now knowing the dangers of getting pregnant while on Mirena I would choose another form of birth control. Just my .02 cents worth!

I have gained about 6 pounds in the last 2 years since getting the Mirena. I have increased my workout time from 33 minutes on the elliptical to 40 minutes, exercise 6 days a week with strength training on 2 days, and tried to watch what I eat but have not made any progress. I talked to my OB/GYN's nurse at my annual exam and she says it is common to see a 5 to 8 pound weight gain with it due to the progesterone. My OB/GYN said that he doesn't typically see it, but he also told me I would only spot for 3 weeks after insertion and his nurse warned me it could be much longer. It was 6 months. I trust what she tells me about side effects since she is the one fielding calls each day related to this. The weight gain I have experienced has been in my bust and right around my middle. Sit-ups are helping to tone, and with time I will probably succeed in overcoming it.

I have had Mirena for about 3 months, I have a 5 month old daughter. I too have had trouble losing my baby fat, but I don't know if it is because of my age (37), the Mirena, or is it that I am not active enough? I think any hormone may increase your hunger. But I also believe what it really boils down to is....do you burn more calories than what is put in. I know this answer is not the one we all want to hear but it makes sense.

T.,

I experienced this as well. Two weeks after having my daughter, I was 7 pounds less than my pre-pregnancy weight and I was really focused on keeping the weight off by eating right, etc. Well, I got the Mirena when my daughter was 8 weeks and kept it in only 4 months because I had bad side effects. I had gained 15 pounds and it was all in my mid-section, which is very weird because I've always had a pretty flat stomach. I also started feeling as if I was pregnant...It totally had me freaking out. I found a website that was devoted to Mirena and people discussed their "bad" experiences. Obviously, side effects of the Mirena are more common that you think. I told an OBGYN about my experiences before getting it taken out and she insisted that my weight gain and feelings had nothing to do with the Mirena. She was obviously wrong because a month after I got it taken out my weight started to drop and I no longer had pregnancy symptoms.

I also had the Mirena put in after my second daughter was born. After my first, I lost 60 lbs just breastfeeding! My second ate ALL THE TIME and I didn't lose a thing until I had the Mirena taken out last August. I also didn't gain weight, but my kids were both breastfed until they were about 15 months old and that takes a lot out of you:).
I attribute the fact that I didn't lose weight to the Mirena.

there is nothing in the Mirena to make you gain weight. I know this because I have one and I also have Multiple Sclerosis. I am not able to have ANY hormone delivery birth control device...as it leads to complications with the MS.

HI T.-

Teresa is incorrect. There is progesterone in the Mirena. The Paraguard is the one w/ no hormones in it. I just had mine taken out. It was my second one. I loved the first one so I decided to get another. However, this time, I noticed wieght gain, acne in weird places. Not bad,but like a big pimple behind my ear. Just strange. Also had hair loss. Had terrible cramping and back/rectal pain every month to the point of labor feeling. More pain then the birth of my second child, I seriously wanted an epidural. 4 Advil wast cutting it.I dealt with it for a year and had it taken out last week. Anyhow, I still recommend the Mirena as it was wonderful the first time! Everyone's body is different, you never know how your going to respond to it. Good luck!

T.,

My dr. also told me that holding after baby weight had nothing to do with the mirena. I dropped 10 punds within a month of having it removed. Good luck in your weight loss and whatever decision you make.