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Mumsnet Discussions: Mental health : Mirena coil and depression/anxiety? (9 messages)
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Contact the poster Contact mumsnet about this post By Molesworth on Thu 19-Jun-08 12:40:06
Has anyone else using the mirena coil experienced side effects such as 'brain fog', depression and anxiety?

I had mine put in at the beginning of 2004, and since then I have been incapacitated by depression and anxiety. I've always been prone to depression and anxiety, so I put it down to some traumatic life events over the last few years, but I have never been this unwell for this long. I have mentioned the possibility that the Mirena may be a factor to several health professionals, only to be told that it can't possibly have anything to do with my mental health since the progesterone level is much lower than that of the pill. However, I've come across a recent research study that found hormone levels to be double that of the minipill!

Having done some research on the internet I can see that thousands of women are reporting side effects from the Mirena, some of them very serious. In a lot of cases these symptoms have disappeared or lessened greatly after having the thing removed. Some women are taking legal action against the manufacturers and the FDA (in the US).

I've made an appointment to have mine removed next week. It'll be very interesting to see what difference it makes (if any!). If I make a miraculous recovery I'll be relieved, but also furious that this supposedly harmless device has effectively ruined my capacity to cope with life for four years.

I could be barking up the wrong tree, but thought it worth posting to see if anyone else has had similar experiences with Mirena.
Contact the poster Contact mumsnet about this post By Sugarmagnolia on Thu 19-Jun-08 13:34:16
there have been lots of threads about this on here - try searching under health.
Contact the poster Contact mumsnet about this post By lizjcof on Tue 18-Nov-08 15:01:33
I have also had my merina coil for 4 years since 2004 and I have funnily enough had depression and anxiety since then which I thought was due to major life events!! I dont want to blame the merina but I have never suffered from anxiety before having this fitted. I am going to make an appointment to get mine taken out aswell. Id rather have heavy periods than anxiety!!! So it will be interesting to see if my moods change after taking it out, and will report back!!!
Contact the poster See this person's profile Contact mumsnet about this post By psychomum5 on Tue 18-Nov-08 15:05:53
I have had mine since nov 2005, and I have to admit, I am more 'foggy' than I ever used to be, and I was very low for the first 6mths (I begged them to take it out I felt so crap, but they insisted as I had been so ill with endo previously).

I am now not as bad, but I do take st.johns wort now to help with my moods, and DH says my PMT is worse than it ever was (altho, three teen/pre-teen girls in the house.....their hormones are not helping!).

I am due mine out in a year, so I will be very intrigued to know if it does make a difference to my moods.
Contact the poster Contact mumsnet about this post By expatinscotland on Tue 18-Nov-08 15:08:25
i have a history of PND and after becoming suicidal on the mini-pill, there's no way i will touch progesten-based contraception again in my life.

i'm pushing for sterilisation instead.
Contact the poster Contact mumsnet about this post By solo on Tue 18-Nov-08 15:11:28
Yes, anxiety and depression just some of my bad side effects.
Contact the poster Contact mumsnet about this post By snowcrystal on Fri 21-Nov-08 00:09:49
Hi Molesworth,yes have also had feelings of depression and anxiety with mirena for last 2 years.I felt a bit jittery days after it went in and hoped it would settle down.I then had some tramatic life events too and following these woke early in the mornings in a nervous panic I had never experienced before.This has passed now but still find my feelings more intense than before and my mood changes throughout the day.Hope you feel better now.
Contact the poster See this person's profile Contact mumsnet about this post By honeybunmum on Fri 21-Nov-08 13:36:59
I have had it for 4months now and am feeling very low. I am having an awful time with my husband at the moment and normally I can cope with anything, but I feel so drained and weepy, do you think I should see the doctor and mention the connection with the coil? (I am juggling 3 kids under 5 and a husband with depression!)
Contact the poster Contact mumsnet about this post By Lewismia on Fri 21-Nov-08 21:35:02
Hi
My advice would be go ahead and take it out. I have come to discover any hormonal contraception affects me in this way. Whatever you do make sure you get something else sorted, a baby would make your feelings worse! My GP pushed me to have Mirena and I stood my ground and had a copper coil. So glad I did!!
If you don't feel better in a couple of weeks, see your GP. You may need more help. Good luck X


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