What is the Mirena IUD?
A hormone-releasing intrauterine system, Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) claims to prevent pregnancy for up to six years, according to its manufacturer. An IUD contraceptive can be used for Mirena’s treatment of heavy periods for up to five years.
It is most likely that the IUD’s hormone prevents pregnancy by:
- By thickening the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
- Because sperm movement is restricted, the fertilization of an egg is more difficult.
- Do not allow an egg to properly attach to your uterus because its lining is thinned.
It’s unknown exactly how these actions work together to prevent pregnancy.
Since 2016, there has been a 900 percent rise in the use of intrauterine devices at Planned Parenthood. The IUD is nearly foolproof and has a success rate of 99 percent. For a period ranging from three to twelve years after implantation, it is effective in preventing pregnancy. There is no need to keep track of when you take a pill each day. With the use of the IUD contraceptive, menstrual cycles are reduced or eliminated altogether.
It’s like something out of a fairy tale. Right??! Certainly, that’s what I’ve been told. To put it another way, this is completely untrue.
Here are the most common Mirena IUD side effects:
- headache (√)
- depression (√)
- low libido
- nervousness (√)
- acne (√)
- skin disorders
- weight gain (√)
- pain (√)
Why I Decided to Get My Mirena IUD Removed
Here, I’m using the word “decided” very loosely. Despite the fact that I knew we were done, I didn’t want anything permanent. This option sounded great when my doctor explained it to me, so I decided to give it a try. I had terrible cramps and was unable to get out of bed that day, so it was difficult to write. It hurt so much that I vowed to myself that I would never do it again. However, after a few days, I began to feel better.
After a few months have passed, let’s look ahead. For months, my husband told me I’d become snappier and grumpier. I didn’t believe him, but he was right. I was exhausted because I was caring for a newborn, and we all know how crucial sleep is. I, of course, was irritable. But things got even worse after that. I was plagued by negative thoughts and emotions. Like a lot of bad feelings and thoughts. The panic attacks were keeping me awake at night, and I was unable to get any rest. It was difficult for me to carry my baby without imagining that I would drop her or do something much worse than that. When my child was nine months old, I finally saw a doctor and was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety.
Also, I was constantly overcome with emotion. The kind of feelings do you get when you’re about to begin or when you’re pregnant? You know, that kind of emotional… Weeping for profit. A nap is also on my mind because I’ve been so exhausted. For a while, I thought the problem stemmed from having two young children. But now I can’t figure out why. It’s a good night’s sleep for both of us; we’re both getting enough rest to function normally. Morning Bootcamp gets me pumped up and ready for the day, so I should have plenty of energy to spare. Sherry Ross, M.D., an ob-gyn, women’s health expert, and author says,
If you mess with your hormones, and you have the potential to mess with your mood. How exactly the Mirena changes your mood, and how intensely you feel the change, depends on your unique body chemistry.
Some women report feeling more even and stable while others report an increase in depression and anxiety, she says. It might be worth it to keep careful notes after the insertion, tracking any changes in your mood. Talk to your doctor if you feel like it’s affecting your mental health.
Breakouts
I noticed that I was breaking out at the same time. The occasional pimple had occurred to me before, but nothing like this. Acne scarred from deep cystic inflammation. It was humiliating and painful. It was absolutely repulsive to me! I was unable to keep it under control at all. When I visited my dermatologist, she inquired right away if I was using an IUD. All hormonal IUDs are progesterone-based, which has been linked to androgens and can, therefore, lead to breakouts of acne in some women. Now that I’m taking Mirena, I’m experiencing the worst acne of my life. To alleviate the discomfort, my doctor prescribed an antibiotic as well as a topical lotion.
All hormonal IUDs are progesterone-based, which has been linked to androgens and can, therefore, lead to breakouts of acne in some women.
“Hormonal IUDs can actually cause acne,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
Acne is a well-known side effect of IUDs like Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta.
You may be more susceptible to hormonal breakouts if you are already prone to them. Even if you’ve had breakouts before your period, this is especially true. Cystic acne on the chin and jawline is another common complaint.
Severe bloating
My hands and feet were tingling and my stomach looked like I was six months pregnant as a result of another side effect: severe bloating. It’s unbearably sore.
A rise in water retention is linked to hormonal IUDs, according to Singlecare. It is possible that progestin can cause water retention, which can lead to bloating and weight gain. Any water retention will likely go down three months after insertion, but the amount of weight gained will vary from patient to patient.
Water retention is more common in women who use hormonal IUDs.
Lower belly bloating is a common complaint that Dr. Ross deals with. While it’s a common experience for many women, this unpleasant side effect isn’t on the official list of possible side effects. Due to progesterone’s natural muscle-relaxing properties, your digestive system maybe a little less sluggish. This isn’t anything to be concerned about on its own. Call your doctor if you’re having a lot of pain or are having severe constipation, she adds.
Cramps and breakthrough bleeding
I also experienced severe cramping and bleeding, as well as occasional clots. No idea when or how often I was due for my period. Because I bled so suddenly, I had to throw out all of my underwear. Even though Mirena’s “benefits” include light or no periods, it made me miss the predictability of my period.
Getting used to an IUD may take several months. Breakthrough bleeding, or spotting is more common during this time. Breakthrough bleeding is common for women who use hormonal birth control, especially if they have recently changed contraceptive methods.
It is a contraceptive medication called progestin that is released by hormonal IUDs. The menstrual cycle can be disrupted by both types of contraception, and this can lead to unexpected bleeding. If you have a hormonal IUD, such as Mirena, you may experience heavier and more irregular bleeding for the first three to six months.
Weight Gain
I’ve been following a strict diet since January. At first, I was doing great. I was thrilled to have lost about 15 pounds. I was finally able to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but my body looked and felt completely different. Remember that belly bloat I mentioned earlier? Yep, I still looked pregnant. Nobody seemed to notice that I had shed a few pounds. That part confuses me to no end. All of it was coming from my tummy? Initially, I thought you had shed pounds all over your body, not just in a single area. My stomach shrank, but not nearly as much as it did before I became pregnant.
My weight loss after IUD removal slowed to a halt. I was unable to lose a certain amount of weight, no matter how hard I tried. I was still doing my home workouts and eating the way I was supposed to. I even did an entire 6 week Isagenix challenge. Scale remained stationary. I figured something had to be done about it. I need to tighten up my rules even more. The Fit Body Bootcamp trial period began this week, and I’ve already signed up for another six weeks. I became even stricter with my dietary requirements. After shedding a few pounds, I was inspired to continue Bootcamp on a year-round basis. What do you think? There has been no progress in my weight loss despite attending Boot Camp for almost four months. As far as muscle gains and strength go, that’s a topic for another day.
According to my research, Mirena is associated with weight gain. Although I wasn’t gaining weight, I wasn’t losing it either. Progestin hormones are used in Mirena and other hormonal IUDs instead of estrogen, which can lead to weight gain and hair loss.
According to experts, any weight gain from an IUD is likely not due to an increase in body fat, but rather an increase in water retention. Progestin may cause bloating by increasing water retention, which can add about 5 pounds. Any water retention will likely go down three months after insertion, but the amount of weight gained will vary from patient to patient. Progestin, a hormone that causes water retention and bloating, is primarily to blame for this weight gain.
Mirena IUD removal
The last time they looked for it was three and a half weeks ago, and they still couldn’t find it. Yes, you read that correctly. It was nowhere to be found! Regardless of what happened, I feel like they jolted some hormones right out of it and into my system when they tried to find it. I’ve been experiencing cramping, bloating, emotional turmoil, exhaustion, and breakouts, all of which I’ve previously experienced as a result of my period, but on a much higher level. As a result…because they couldn’t find it, they had to numb me somehow. However, I was just looking for a way to get it off my chest. Waiting to see if the dreaded Mirena crash occurs after today’s successful procedure.
What’s the Mirena crash? Mirena removal side effects…
Of course, you run the risk of experiencing symptoms similar to the crash if you stop using any hormonal birth control, not just IUDs. You notice a sudden shift in your hormone levels. Your cervical mucus will thicken as a result of the Mirena’s small release of synthetic progesterone, making it more difficult for sperm to attach themselves to your egg(s).
Symptoms of the Mirena Crash
After the removal of an intrauterine device, it is not uncommon to experience one or more symptoms or side effects. This is especially true following the removal of hormonal IUDs. After the removal of the IUD, some of the most common complaints from women are:
- Nausea
- Soreness of the breasts
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- A reduced sexual drive
- Irritability
- Depression
- Runaway emotions
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Disinterest in many normal activities, and
- Insomnia
How Long Does the Mirena Crash Last?
The duration of the Mirena crash is unknown. There is a lot that goes into how quickly your hormones can get back on track after an illness or injury. Obviously, the sooner the better. A few days is all it takes for some women, while others say it lasts for weeks or even months. There’s no way to tell, at least not from a medical standpoint. You may experience a crash if the level of hormones within your body changes suddenly.
Wrapping up
Even though Mirena may sound like the ideal birth control method, it may not be for everyone. However, you should be aware of what to expect following the removal of your IUD. Make sure this is the method of birth control that is right for you by doing some research and asking around. Consider each stage of the procedure, including the insertion, any potential side effects, the IUD removal, and the subsequent crash. Why bother? I don’t believe so, but the choice is yours.
