Considering having mirena removed (side-effects?)

[Peggydoll]

I've had the merina coil for nearly 3 years. I think I'm becoming less happy with it as time goes on, which is a shame because in principle the mirena should be ideal, but equally I may be incorrectly attributing "side effects" to merina. I wondered if anyone shared these "feelings"?

I know the fortnightly bleeds are due to the merina, and although it's usually light it is very annoying. I was having increasingly longer periods before I got the merina, so arguably this is "better"? (I've no idea if I'm having proper periods)

Night sweats/ disturbed sleep (stress/ anxiety dreams)? mirena or dodgy, ageing hormones? (I'm 41)

I've always been prone to moodiness, depression and anxiety, so that may be just me! But I don't seem to have any really good feeling days anymore.

Weight gain? Not too bad, but I do feel like I have a thicker waist line/ rounder abdomen? I'm not as fit or active as I used to be...

Complete loss of libido? Hmm. The gp blames my lifestyle (hectic work and family) and gave me cbt info. I'm very lucky DH is so understanding but it really bothers me and I would like to feel "normal" in that department!

Back ache: could probably be attributed to poor seating and posture at work, but I do wonder. It's this that's the final straw, really. It's stopping me sleeping like pregnancy back ache did, it's worse pre-bleed when I now get a bit constipated and I currently need to wee more often to relieve the aching. Usually it gets better when i'm moving, but the last couple of days have been uncomfortable. TBH I feel a bit of a paranoid hypochondriac that there might be something really Wrong iykwim? I'm usually quite level headed!

I have made a drs appointment for next week and I think I'll ask for removal to see if anything changes. The symptoms could well be lifestyle after all, but I wondered if anyone here has had similar experiences?

[wonderwooman]

I had mine taken out after 18 months. Like you I wasn't 100% sure some of my 'side effects' were due to the mirena. However, since having it out I do feel happier, less sad & moody. My libido is slightly better and my hair isn't falling out so much! My periods are quite a lot heavier, but I feel I can cope with that.

I'd heard great things about the mirena, but unfortunately it didn't seem to work for me. When I had it removed the doctor said it hadn't been sitting in the right place (too far down) which could possibly explain why the hormone release wasn't as 'local' as I'd expected and perhaps explains a little why I didn't get on with it so well?

[Peggydoll]

Thanks wonderwooman, it's interesting to hear you feel better without the mirena, and that it wasn't best placed. I hope things continue to go well for you.

Partly I'm dithering in case the "symptoms" aren't symptoms but are just the way I am, which is depressing cos I'd really rather not be a moody, celibate, ageing cow. I suppose the only way to find out is to get rid of the mirena and see.....? Even if I feel better via a placebo effect, it can only be an improvement!?!

[manyhatson]

Peggydoll, have you thought that your symptoms might be related to perimenopause...? Worth getting a hormone test from your GP if your mother went into the change before 50 I'd say.

[Peggydoll]

That's a good point Manyhats, and tbh my instinct is exactly that! My mother had a hysterectomy at the age I am now, so I have no reference point from her experiences. My physique is very like hers tho, and I feel I'd have worse bleeding and/or the type of endometriosis she had without the mirena...? I'm still not sure what to do but will sit on it a while longer. Thanks for your input.

[whojamaflip]

Hi I am just about to make an appointment to have mine removed - I could have written your op

Went to the doctor about a month ago and got fobbed off. I just want to feel like me again so its coming out. If things don't improve then I shall investigate further.

[Peggydoll]

Good Luck whojamaflip. I'd be really interested to hear how you get on, because I'm still dithering....

[TheScottishPlayer]

I had mine taken out after two years. Like you OP I had a number of vague symptoms that I thought might be down to the mirena. I was really getting fed up with fortnightly bleeds too. I went to the GPs a few time before I finally had it taken out and kept getting fobbed off and told that it was very unusual for the mirena to be causing some of my problems However, the last time I went she had changed her tune a bit and admitted that there were some issues with the mirena for some women and she was happy to take it out. I definitely felt much better for having it removed and I certainly don't miss the seemingly never ending 'periods'.

[hattifattner]

I came off mirena, and within 3 weeks, I felt like a new person, much happier and lighter, I hadnt really noticed how depressed I was becoming until it stopped.

I also lost 5lbs. :D

[Peggydoll]

I've also been fobbed off by the GP and came away feeling rather neurotic.....

Thanks everyone for your input. Mirena is the perfect solution for so many people but you've made me feel realise that maybe I'm not imagining "symptoms" after all

[Peggydoll]

BTW re my OP, I did have a Dr appt (not the mirena expert) last week about the backache and have had X-rays and blood tests. The blood test was "normal" so that rules out nasty gynaecological issues (phew!) and I have a physio appt booked although I haven't had the X-ray result yet, so hopefully that will help sort my back out.

All other symptoms remain as was.....

[legohouse]

If your GP won't take it out you can book an appointment at your nearest family planning clinic,they have been great with me,full of advice and very understanding,hope you get it sorted.