Periods symptoms and conditions

I had my IUD removed 2 days ago and so far, so good (had it for 5 years so it had to come out)... I've had no cramping, no spotting, and no headaches - I wonder how long it will take my body to get back to normal? For the first 6-9 months after insertion, I had spotting but since then - I've had no periods and no PMS... After reading all these comments though - I'm not sure if I can really blame my weight gain, lack of sex drive, and periods of depression on the IUD but am curious to see if any of that changes the longer it is out... I mean can something like that REALLY cause that many problems? Anyway, I have no other options of b/c because I have a blood-clotting disorder and cannot take anything with high amounts of estrogen (no pills, no shots, no patch, etc)... I refuse to use a diaphragm so it looks like condoms for now... I'm glad I found this site though... :)

Well, let's see, I am 37, I just had my third child a year ago. When I had my first child at 19, I entered the world of Rhumatoid Arthritis, I did not take anything for it, it just seemed to go away by itself. After the second child it flared up but not long enough or hard enough to remember. After the third child at 36, wow did it get bad, so bad i couldn't get her out of her crib. That was the day I started 10mg of pred a day,,it made all the symptoms of the RA almost disappear...almost...which was a miracle,,,but it made all the side effects of the med start,,,,weight gain BIG TIME, bad moods, maybe 2 hours of sleep @ night,,,hair loss which scares me the most, blurred vision, buffalo hump looks like I'm looking for something on the floor all the time,,a wonderful neck that looks like i swallowed a couple bananas whole,,hmmmm,,,,let's seeeeee,,what else, easy bruising thankfully I like the color purple, oh, and me and mr. potty have become well friends. At first, the doc thought it was hypothyroidism because I also had 2 periods a month, but a blood test told threw that theory out. I just want to say,,,,I like that my RA is better because of it,,,but I am as of yesterday taking myself off of good ol prednisone, and sticking to a high dose of IB or Tylenol. It's just not worth it.

I though Mirena would be great. Considering I had two abortions, it seemed like the best choice.

Then it came.
The horrible discharge, HORRIBLE!
NO periods, just vaginal discharge.
It defiantly made me very self conscious, and my sex life has dwindled. I haven't had it removed yet, but because of this list,
I am calling tomorrow.

I felt crazy! Got tested twice, and no results,
NO positive on anything. So why is it happening, and does it go away after you take it out?

I am 31 yrs. old and have had 2 children. I had the mirena inserted in late August. Since then, I have had light spotting EVERY day and periods about once a week that last for a few hours. It is so annoying. I am a runner and I can't stand the inconsistency and cramping all the time. I also have had severe acne - which I have never experienced before. Until tonight, I thought it was just a mid-life crisis of acne... but now that I have read all your stories, I am convinced that I too, like all of you, am calling tomorrow to get this taken out.
Thank you all for your stories - they have helped me tremendously.
KS

Hi, I am a 34 year old mother of three. I got my tubes tied in Feb 2003. After that my periods were excruciating. My doc suggessted that I get the Mirena. I had it inserted in May 2007. Everything was going well after that. My periods were lighter and there was no pain. Well, in June 2008 I had a wreck. I was not hurt, but ever since then I have had really bad headaches and ringing in my ears. I thought that it could possibly be a case of whiplash, but I have had an EEG and MRI and neither one of them showed anything. Also, a couple of months ago I went to the emergency room because my back and stomach hurt. I thought I had a kidney stone. The doc said that I probably had a cyst on my ovary and that it would desolve. He gave me something for pain and sent me home. The 16th of December 2008 I started, what I thought was my period for Dec. It ended on that Saturday. Then on the 23rd of Dec I started again. I have been bleeding off and on since then. Also, when my husband and I have sex he can feel the Mirena but he says it doesn't bother him. Afterwards I have some spotting. I can't explain the ringing in the ears but everything else points to the Mirena.

This is crazy...I had this IUD place on 12-2-08 exactly 1 month later to the date & I'm starting to experience some if not all of the same symptoms I'm reading about. My husband had a vasectomy after our last child so, I'm not using it for BC but, more less because I had such horrible periods. So, in order to bypass a hysterectomy my Kaiser doctor suggested Mirena. The procedure was painful even with the anesthetic I was like oh my Gosh!! (I wasn't even told to come back in 6 weeks to have a checkup only if I was having problems) I had cramping for about 1 day then after that I thought all was good. Well, that's what I thought until my husband and I had sex since the procedure. During the climax I experienced such a painful feeling in my uterus as if it was spasms, squeezing or a really hard cramp. The pain was so severe I had to stop in the middle of sex & couldn't continue. It did this about once or twice every time we had sex then, it stopped. Now the sex is amazing. My SEXUAL DRIVE has really increased. About a week ago, I was feeling overwhelmed with my daughter's Bday & Xmas. I was really tired just really exhausted. I stayed in the house for 3 days straight. Didn't feel like getting out of bed, getting dressed, going anywhere, cooking or doing anything. I just wanted to lay in bed. I really didn't know or understand what was going on. I told my husband I didn't feel depressed or nothing I just didn't feel like doing anything. Well, now I know I was depressed. I've never felt or had any experience of this sort. Then, on yesterday I had alot of lower back pain, headaches along with cramping in my R-ovary. Not to mention the irregular spotting since the IUD has been placed. I knew I would have irregular spotting but, how long is irregular going to be irregular. And after reading several blogs I'm starting to reconsider this. I"ve had alot of issues with BC starting with the pills (forgetting to take them), the DEPO shot (would not recommend to a dog), the Patch & now the Mirena. MayB, it's time to leave all of this along and just get the hysterectomy. But, wait won't that throw me into menopause at an early age. I'm only 31. Not sure what to do?

Individuals thought to be injured by the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may be eligible for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) as of February 1, 2007. This coverage permits individuals to file a claim for compensation beginning on February 1, 2007.

To be eligible for compensation, claims must be filed within one of the following periods:

within 3 years after the first symptom of the vaccine injury; or
within 2 years of the vaccine-related death and 4 years after the start of the first symptom of the vaccine-related injury from which the death occurred; or
2 years from the date the vaccine is covered for injuries or deaths that occurred up to 8 years before the date the vaccine is covered. The HPV vaccine is covered by the VICP as of February 1, 2007 and claims have to be filed by February 2, 2009 for injuries or deaths that occurred on or after February 1, 1999 that do not qualify under the other filing periods. Although two years from the date of February 1, 2007, would be February 1, 2009, under the current Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims, the deadline under section 2116(b) of the PHS Act would be February 2, 2009, because February 1, 2009, falls on a Sunday.
This answer reflects the current thinking of the United States Department of Health and Human Services on the topics addressed. This answer does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind the Department or the public. The ultimate decision about the scope of the statutes authorizing the VICP is within the authority of the United States Court of Federal Claims, which is responsible for resolving claims for compensation under the VICP.

http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/

Hey there,
I had my Mirena inserted a little over 2 months ago. The inserstion was pretty pain-free as the sister used local anesthetic.
Other than the severe cramps I felt that night, I must be honest that I have not experienced any of the painful side effects I've read about on all the forums I've found.
I spot here and there, but my periods are definitely lighter.
My sex-drive is through the roof! I had a high libido to begin with, so I'm not complaining.
The ONLY 2 negative side-effects I've experienced, are a little bit of acne on my chin, and hair loss. I'm hoping these will calm down though (as it states on the official Mirena website), but if not, I will most likely have it removed.
I had terminated a pregnancy one month before insertion, so I'm really just wanting to give my cervix a break which is why I don't want to have it removed unless I absolutely have to!
Is it possible to only experience these rare symptoms and none of the more common ones?
In Mirena's defence: has anyone ever read the side-effects of the birth control pills so many of us have used? It's become common to just accept the fact that we will most likely gain weight, get varicose veins, have headaches etc...
I suppose, nobody can feel what you're feeling, so if it doesn't work, change it.
I'm really hoping that mirena works for me, so if anyone has a positive experience, please share it!
All the best...

I am 18 years old and have been on Loestrin 24 fe for over a year to regulate periods. I had not done much research before taking this and I wish I would've. At first everything was well besides the weight gain. My periods were short and I had no cramps. After a few months of being on this bc i was extremely moody and depressed. I was never like this before. I now find myself to be tired and exhausted even after a good nights rest. When I get to the brown pills in the end of the pack I get some type of period but not enough to call a flow or even to need a tampon. This is simply not the right bc for me. I'm glad i came across this site to see a lot of other people are experiencing the same side effects. I will be getting off of this nightmare in a pack just as soon as I get to an obgyn. Do the research before you start taking any type of bc.

I had Mirena inserted December 18, 2008. I have not had children so the insertion was extremely painful. In the 3 weeks after, the only side effects that I've noticed are severe cramping randomly, not constant, just at random points through the day, based on what I've heard of contractions, that's sort of what it feels like, in my lower abdomen and back/hip areas. It will be sharp then ease up to nothing, then get sharp again. Hopefully this won't last past the 3 months that the website says are the worst. Also I've had the brown spotting, but it has no odor and isn't really a big deal to me. Two of my coworkers have had it done and report the same thing, but say that it no longer cramps for them and they have stopped having periods. It makes me feel better that other people have had these side effects so that I know I'm not crazy and there's nothing physically wrong with me. I would like to know if anyone has any tips on how to alleviate this because sometimes the cramps are debilitating. Feel free to email me and ******

I had Mirena insterted 8 weeks ago and have noticed a steady increase in my weight ever since! I'm averaging 1 lb per week and don't know how much longer I want to keep this thing in. :(

After insertion, I had significant pain and cramping that subsided within 1 week. However, for 2 weeks afterwards, I experience the pain and cramping after intercourse - less and less each time. I'm fully recovered from the insertion and the post-intercourse pain is no more.

Other than that, it's really helped my hormonal issues and my periods are noticeably lighter - I'm sure eventually they'll go away. But I can't continue this weight gain. I've already gained 10 lbs!! I'm going to make an appt to get it taken out.

After starting NuvaRing a year ago, my 1st 2 periods were much heavier than usual. Now I go through 2-3 tampons throughout my whole cycle. I've had acne for >10 years, and it wasn't as effective in helping my skin.

Other than that, it's been the greatest thing since the invention of birth control. I take several medications which compete for liver enzymes, such as an anticonvulsant, and am often on antibiotics (related to the acne). Plus, I don't have to worry about an oral contraceptive being less effective. And the sex is great!

I began having right hip pain a month after the mirena was inserted. I assumed it was from running. All the doctors I have seen for the past year stated I strained a muscle. They ordered MRI's and physical therapy. I have completed all, but still have the same hip pain-over a year now. Has anyone had hip pain due to the mirena? And did your hip pain stop completely after your mirena was removed? I am considering getting it removed. Although the doctors tell me they are not connected, I can't help but think there is a coincidence.

I have been taking Loestrin 24 fe for over a year now. A week before my last period, I had a day or two of spotting. I wasn't worried about it until the day or two before I was due for my period, I ended up having more spotting. I started a new pack two days ago and I still have heavy spotting. I am just wondering if anyone whose been on the pill for a long time has experienced this or something similar. Every month or so, my period is either very light or moderate. I know this pill can cause whacky periods, but I am curious as whether or not this is just the pill or if I have something else to worry about. Any input will be helpful and appreciated!

First off, I've NEVER posted to a thread like this before. But I've been researching Mirena side effects ever since my girlfriend mentioned her side effects to me a few weeks ago. I feel like a I'm having an "a-ha" moment. It's all making sense to me now that I've read this and other threads about the Mirena side effects. I had the Mirena inserted when my second son was 6wks, in Nov. '05. Aside from the bleeding the first 1-2 months, it was great. Then again, I was nursing him, and so any symptoms I might have had I would have attributed to breastfeeding. I stopped nursing him just before he turned 1, in Aug. '06. First of all, I've never lost my pregnancy weight. I thought it was just the fact of having 2 babies within 2 years b/c I was in my mid-30's. So far, the only way I've been able to lose weight is thru a liquid diet and exercise!

Also, I have been certain I was pregnant many times, each with a negative hpt! Last month, my period came 10 days early, and this month, no period whatsoever! My hubby keeps asking about it (I want another, he doesn't). I, too, have had the stomach flutters, which weird me out! They sometimes feel like pregnancy uterine stretching, sometimes like a little baby! I am ALWAYS tired (thought it was my "normal" from all I do), I am almost always bloated except just after a period, my breasts are almost always full ( and I gotta tell you, their already big enough, so that's not a bonus!) And I've NEVER had a stretch of more than two months with no period. My pre-Miorena periods were light and short with little cramping anyway. And we've been to counseling because of my sex drive! I actually told my husband that I was "good" with once a week! Even then, I often have to work at it just to get in the mood. (I'm 37 also, like another post said). I guess the one theme here is that I feel like I'm always pregnant. What else is out there? Scared to have this removed, b/c hubby wants a vasectomy, and I'm just not there yet. Not ready to let go of my lifelong dream of having a daughter in addition to my wonderful little boys.

I am 29 and mother of a 5yr old Angel and 5 mth old Ayden. I started the NuvaRing after I had my son. I liked it for the first month, but the second month was not good at all! See, I was hoping to skip periods to avoid the pain that comes from my endometriosis, and PMS which seems I have had all my life! And of course, it came highly recommended from my doctor's office as well. I started to loose weight pretty steadily in the 6 weeks that followed the birth of my son, but all of a sudden the seventh or eighth week my weight remind stagnant and I actually gained 10 pounds since having it out for only 4 weeks! I have been putting on weight in my mid section and tummy area. It has become difficult to loose any weight even with working out, but the worse part has been the drastic mood changes, irritability, problems concentrating, migraines I don't wish upon anybody, acne, leg cramps, bloating, and horrible post partum depression that I think-now that I have read all your side effects that it wasn't the overwhelming feeling of having the now 2 children and having to return to work even after having 12 weeks of maternity leave after my son was born. I am relieved, and happy that I never put in the 3rd months ring. I think the NuvaRing has a lot to do with it all. I have been off the NuvaRing now for about three and a half-going on four weeks and the side effects have only seemed to become worse. It has put a strain on my marriage because my husband doesn't understand whats going on with me and I have refused to take my Lexapro because I am scared of what it may do to me with my hormones and mind all out of wack...I am desperate to find something that will make this STOP. I am not sure what my doctor may recommend, or if I would even take anymore recommendations from them. They must know that this is happening, right? I guess thats a question we should ask our doctors.

Hello, I had mirena inserted after the birth of my son four years ago. Ever since then i have been very unhappy with my choice. I have more down days than up days, i cry a lot, VERY! moody. My poor husband. He has suffered through this. I feel so bad. After reading all the comments, i feel that the doctors are liars. I bed for three months after insertion. I called the doctor, oh, your body is adjusting. This is normal. I have recently moved to another state and my new doctor seriously believe that the mirena is taking a toll on me. back pain, bleeding for weeks when my periods lasting three days before,breast soreness, headaches, weight gain despite vigourous exercise,depression,lack of interest in sex. (i'm 37). That's enough for me. I am considering having it removed as soon as possible.

Hello everyone.
I started taking this pill in September...for the first month I was a nut case. I had terrible mood swings, crying and getting mad for no reason at all and severe depression. Everyone around me hated me...I hated myself.I knew this was not me. My symptoms were so bad my boyfriend didn't want to be around me and eventually broke up with me because he couldn't handle what the pills were doing to me. 3 months later (now) I a feeling wonderful and back to who I know I am...feeling normal again. If anyone feels like these pills are making them crazy...stick it out if you can. Periods are short...sometimes even 2 days for me. My face is clearer than ever and hardly have any cramps before of during my period. But remember...everyones body is different and responds to new hormones differently. Things will get better if you are weary about it.

I haven't yet started Yasmin but I was taking Yaz for a few months and have had my OBGYN switch me to the lower dose of hormone, Yasmin, because I was literally having my period every 2 weeks! And this wasn't just spotting-this was a full blown period! My skin had remained fairly clear and I don't get nearly as many breakouts as I used to. However, I am on an antibiotic and wash my face with benzoyl peroxide and use a cream so that could be why my skin is clearing up but I think Yaz contributed. I noticed with Yaz that I wasn't nearly as emotional and crazy as when I took Ortho Tri Cyclen low. But once I started getting a heavy cycle (cramps included) with Yaz, I switched to Yasmin so we'll see how that goes. I noticed on Yaz I still got cramps but they weren't unbearable and usually only lasted the first day of my period. I also tend to get mild yeast infections that I attribute to birth control but no headaches like others were getting and my sex drive has increased or decreased-it's about the same. Yasmin is about $10.00 cheaper on my insurance than Yaz so that's another plus. I can't say much about Yasmin right now but I know Yaz caused bi-weekly periods and I definitely wanted to eat everything in sight so, because I was eating and had low energy and did not want to work out, I obviously gained a few lbs but nothing too obvious. Maybe like 2 or 3lbs. Mostly there is bloating in my stomach. My breasts arent tender though like others get and I didn't have stomach pains or constipation with Yaz. Compared to Ortho Tri Cyclen lo, Yaz was a miracle pill. If not for the bi-weekly periods due to the high levels of hormes, I wouldn't have switched to Yasmin.

I had a Mirena inserted October 2007. I had it removed in October 2008. I am SO GLAD I had it taken out!!!! When the device was in my body, I had instant weight gain. 5 pounds the first two weeks. Put on a total of 10 in about 3 months. I was working out liek a fiend!! I even did two a day cardio sessions for a month and did the Special K diet with it. Couldn't lose a pound. It was awful.

I had horrible acne. Not just on my face. On my scalp, my back, really gross on my neck. I even had occasional zits on my legs. AND I have DRY skin.

I had no sex drive. And just felt generally in a funk and had frequent headaches. I still had weird sludgy periods at irregular intervals. It just wasn't right. It was a grey mucky color. It was thick. I had never had a single yeast infection in my life until Mirena. I can't tell you how awful this thing is.

Since having it removed a little over a month ago, things have gone back to normal. My face cleared up in a week. I just feel better. I lost about 2 lbs. of water weight the first week. I have since lost another 3 that just slipped off (I cardio about 30 min. 5 times a week and lift weights 3 times a week, but that's not new. It is my routine with or without Mirena.). My husband even commented the other day how much healthier I looked.

DO NOT PUT THIS THING IN YOUR BODY!! My new GYN said to me, "If I won't do it to my wife, my mother & my sister, I won't do it to my clients." He doesn't recommend Mirena and won't use it except in very rare cases. He said if you have one you're unlikely to have your pap come back normal as long as it is in because of the strings. Really, don't listen to the sales pitch. These devices are high profit items for the Doctor's so that's why we women are getting the big sales pitch on them. Don't fall for it!!!

Thank God for this website! I have learned much and appreciate your experiences so much!

I had the Mirina placed in May of 2008. I have endometriosis and had to come off the oral contraceptives due to migraines. The placing of the Mirina was somewhat painful, but all in all, it wasn't so bad that I look back and say it wasn't worth the pain. Just felt like a bad period, but it only lasted a short time. However, I am ready to GET IT OUT! I absolutely hate the way I feel on it. I did bleed for about 6 weeks, but it was mostly spotting, so not too bad, and I really didn't mind, knowing that my endometrium was thinning out. But, I began to get horrible nausea, so bad that I had trouble getting out of bed in the morning. I felt like I could be pregnant. And, my boobs got really, really sore. So bad, that when I got out of bed, I felt the most pain. They felt like swollen water baloons (sorry for the lack of tact here). I also started to get my headaches back. They were not the typical MIGRAINES i had on teh oral contraceptives, but they were definitely there, and they were cyclic. I told my doctor about this, and she was extremely surprised. She said she has a Mirina and has absolutely no problems and loves it. I felt like I must be imagining things until I found this website. The worst for me is the nausea and the headaches. So, it will come out this Monday. I am a little frightened at what I will feel like afterwards, since I've read it can take the body some time to adjust. But, I did decide to "go organic" to try to rid my body of toxins. I don't know if it will help but I hope so. By the way, I want to pass on that if anyone has really bad periods (or endo), it does help to use Flaxseed Oil. It is pricey, and can be bought at a Natural Market like Whole Foods. It is refridgerated and I take 1 tsp per day. I noticed a decrease in my cramping. Just wanted to pass it on in case it might help someone out there.

Oh, forgot to mention, I am very moody on this Mirina. I snapped at work the other day and yelled at my boss. Very unlike me. I was so agitated and upset over something small. Been like that a lot.

God Bless!

Jackie

Hi all, I have used the Mirena now for 6 years! I have never had any problems with the insertion or taking it out as I've just had it changed after my first five years. It was recommended to me by my doctor as a form of birth control and because I used to get bad PMT, for this it has worked a treat. My periods have stopped completely and I haven't bled for the at least the last 3 years, but it's not something that happens over night. However like everything it has it's down sides and now at 31 years old I am suffering with really bad acne and have done for at least the last 2 years, it is really i tchy and painful and really gets me down, I have been prescribed two different courses of antibiotics which haven't worked. I have over this time also gained weight. So after this length of time I am toying with the idea of having it removed, but for me i need to make the decision whether I want my periods back again and no acne or no periods and terrible skin, it's a difficult one, oh to be a woman!!

ok so here is my story, mostly i just need to get stuff off my chest... i'm 25 and have been on some form of birth control since i was 16 - i was having 12-15 day periods and horrific cramps and back pain. i tried to take the pill and was on it til i was about 20 but i never once took it correctly, i missed doses all the time. so i went on the patch for 2 years and that was much easier to take but i started having numbness in my limbs and heard horror stories so i stopped that. tried the pill again, bad idea still couldn't take it right so i was very excited when i heard about the ring. i've been on it for about 2 years and it's so convenient and i really love it for controlling my period. but now as i read other people's posts i think it may be adding to my depression/anxiety. the hard part for me is depression is very prevalent in my family, all of my immediate family members are medicated for it. i've tried some medications but did not like the side effects and taking it and then forgetting it is worse so i stopped. so now i'm wondering and really confused as to whether my depression is more due to my family or my ring. i figure the easy way to find out is to take the thing out but i have no idea what my periods would be like and i do NOT want kids at this point. but i realize that my depression has been worse since about the time i started the ring, and the hard part is that i drive people away when im' depressed and am sabotaging to my relationships with family, friends, and bfs. the way my life is going right now i should not be feeling like this - i finally started grad school so i am doing what i love, i bought my first home and i have a man who is head over heels in love with me. i don't want this ring to make me into this monster and ruin all the good stuff i have going on.

to those who stopped using the ring, about how long did it take before you felt less depressed? i'm a little worried it will take longer since i've been on it for so long but crossing my fingers it won't.

thanks for listening to me vent!

i personally have had the best experience with my Yasmin birth control. I have been on it for 5 years now. Before Yasmin I was a wreck.Before i ever took any birth control i had my period twice a month, super heavy bleeding,10 days,and cramps so bad I would pass out. I even bled for 5 months straight on the Depoprovera shot. I found all of the tricyclic pills make me crazy and over emotional. I have tried so many different kinds of pills and birth control all with the result of bleeding for months on end and finally my doctor recommended Yasmin and I have been completely happy with it. I have not gained weight, I do not get migraines (and i did with other birth control pills), I am much more emotionally stable (although I will never be a hundred percent sane, but I blame genetics for that one) I have never gotten pregnant, I have not suffered any gastrointestinal side effects, I finally have regular 7 day periods and my cramps are less horrible, my skin has cleared up, i have a perfectly healthy if not over active sex drive, my breast are not particularly tender ever, I don't get any more yeast infections than before, basically it is my saving grace in my opinion. I must also add to this that I did stop taking Yasmin once for 5 months in these 5 years just to see how I am without BC and nothing crazy happened. My periods were heavier, i had worse cramps, my skin broke out. I expected all of that to happen. A month after getting back on Yasmin I was back to my happy ol self again. One last thing is that I did try the Ocello generic version of Yasmin and it was all bad for me. I once again bled for 2 months even though I only took it for two weeks, and i went completely nutso overemotional chick. Long story short, everyone is built differently, not every BC will be the right one for you. Try some different ones out. If you are on a pill and it is not doing the right things for you then switch it instead of taking it for 2 years and then blogging about how miserable it makes you. I will leave you with a wonderful quote from I don't know who but I live for this saying "More orgasms, fewer kids, copulate, don't populate!" HOORAY

Its been 3 months since I had Mirena inserted. I 've had periods in between periods. My husband is already sick of that part. But I wanted to know if the string is supposed to stay in the same place for the five years. Because during sex my husband said it wasn't there anymore. I'm wondering if my doctor cut my string to short. I know it didn't come out. If anyone could help me out. I would be grateful.