ParaGard and Depression: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Juj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard 3 times after having babies, and all 3 times I had the same side effects: horrible bleeding for 3 weeks after it was put in place and cramps. It caused me severe anxiety, depression, hair loss, weight gain, rage, and brain fogginess. When I had it removed the 2nd time to try to get pregnant, I wasn't able to get pregnant for 5 months, and this is abnormal for me. Every month, I got a positive pregnancy test, and then within a couple of days, it was gone. For some reason, they were not implanting correctly, and this was due to ParaGard. Copper increases estrogens and does impact your hormones."

• Mer...
• December 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Got ParaGard 1/2019. The pain was horrible! After only a few months, I noticed I started to have SEVERE mood swings. When I say mood swings, I mean I became a completely different person! I started to think something was wrong with me because I would get so mean that I almost ruined my relationship with my boyfriend. I tried to do several things to correct my behavior, but over the past 11 months, nothing worked! I talked to my Dr. who said IUDs are linked to several things, including BV and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Unfortunately, I waited an entire year before I thought to ask my Dr. about why she thought I might be feeling depressed, extremely angry, and just not myself. However, after she told me this information, I went and had the IUD taken out today! (12/12/19). And I know this probably sounds insane, but I feel like a normal person again and like all the side effects immediately went away! I will NEVER get a ParaGard again! One of the worst experiences of my life!!!"

• Faw...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the copper IUD for 18 months. Recently, I just had it taken out because of a considerable amount of side effects due to copper toxicity. I experienced brain fog, weight gain ('40 lbs' to be exact), body aches, headaches, ZERO ENERGY, stomach issues, very bad cystic acne, and my mental health declined. Also, I became severely anemic. My periods consisted of a lot of blood clots and heavy bleeding. I would not recommend this birth control because it took away my happiness for 18 months. I am excited to see improvements come now that this birth control is out of me. NEVER AGAIN will I put a foreign object inside my body."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the copper IUD for 2 years. For a year now, I’ve not been feeling well: fatigued, weight gain, joint pain, back ache, struggling to walk far, insomnia, depression-the list goes on. In April, after a scan, I was told it wasn’t in the correct place. I’ve had three doctors/gynaecologists try with no success, now waiting for an operation for removal. I now struggle to work. I’m in the UK."

• Cla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2019

For Birth Control "Absolutely horrid! 8 months and extreme nausea, depression, anxiety, terrible unstoppable thoughts, dizzy, constant infections since insertion. The list goes on. If you value your mental health, run far from this product!!!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Cannot wait to get this out of me. I have had horrible insomnia, fatigued and tired all the time, feel weak, headaches, sometimes get nauseous for no reason, I have HORRIBLE cramps, menstruating or not, I've had the WORST anxiety and depression issues, awful thoughts that worsen it, no libido whatsoever, hair is constantly tangly and dry, and I get these weird painful, rashy bumps on my face that stick around FOR EVER. I just don't feel like ME anymore and it all started after I got this IUD in Feb 2018. DON'T risk this."

• KGa...
• June 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on ParaGard for 6 years, and initially, it was great. I always had difficulty with hormonal BC before, which is why I chose this method. I now have chronic fatigue, crippling depression for 2 weeks every month, anxiety, extreme irritability, and want to die for 2 weeks each month. My back pain is so severe that I have to deep breathe through it. I did not realize that ParaGard also has nickel in it, which I know that I am allergic to. I am having this removed next week and could not be happier about it."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2019

For Birth Control "My doctor told me I was getting Skyla, but she gave me ParaGard instead. I decided to try it because my doctor said I might end up liking it better. I’ve had the ParaGard in for about a month now, and it’s been absolutely the worst thing. Insertion was so painful that I almost fainted in the office, and the first week I was in excruciating pain. I was taking almost 2000 mg of OTC pain medicine (I tried Tylenol and ibuprofen), but it did nothing at all. The cramps have since subsided, but only to be replaced with a plethora of other issues. I have headaches constantly, my depression has gone from mild/moderate to severe, my anxiety is through the roof, I’m extremely fatigued, and I feel very weak. I’m also having the worst, most painful IBS I’ve ever experienced in my life. I’m getting it removed next week, and it cannot come soon enough. I would never recommend this to anyone."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 10, 2019

For Birth Control "ParaGard birth control almost cost me my life. I have dealt with the most depression and anxiety that I have ever had in my life and finally came to the conclusion it was my birth control after exhausting all other avenues. I was so, so depressed and in such a bad place. It made me really dive into what was causing my depression when my life is not bad and I hadn’t dealt with it prior to 4 years ago. I read a review that a mother lost her daughter to suicide a few months after insertion and realized that I have had enough."

• PGS...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Paragard side effects were painful intercourse, depression, constipation, bloating, severe anxiety, irritability, and change in the vaginal ecosystem. Worst, most miserable choice of my life. I am and have always been a very happy and upbeat person. I got the IUD removed and was IMMEDIATELY back to myself. Don't waste years of your life with this horrible device!"

• Sis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard for almost 4 years. I have been through a lot of trauma in my life and managed well for the most part. From the time I had my IUD placed on, I dealt with fatigue and brain fog like I've never experienced. My depression and anxiety were near impossible to manage. Copper isn't hormonal, but it still creates a hormonal response in your body. My body had a negative response that, had I been well informed, I would have found out if it could have been my birth control causing me problems long ago. But because of the way the information is presented to women, we go on thinking 'my depression couldn't be from my IUD.' The first day my IUD was out, I felt as if my brain fog had lifted. The second day, I had more energy, I could go on. I'm not saying this birth control wasn't effective. I just believe the side effects of this contraceptive should be reevaluated. There shouldn't be this much of an overlap in symptoms in women with the IUD. Ignorance isn't bliss for all of us."

• Ann...
• December 9, 2018

For Birth Control "DO NOT RECOMMEND. I just removed ParaGard after 2 years of having it. In the beginning, everything seemed to be fine, apart from heavy bleeding, which I was prepared for. Most of the days of my period, I had to have a tampon and a pad in order to stop the bleeding. In the past year, I had reoccurring yeast infections almost every month. I tried changing my diet, taking probiotics, without any change. However, the real problem was of the mental kind. Over the years, my mood swings and depression got much worse, with episodes of intense anger, anxiety, and sadness days before my period. It all culminated last month when I felt deeply depressed and suicidal for no apparent reason – I finally decided to have the IUD removed. The removal was terrifying because the ob-gyn couldn't find the device, so she had to use the ultrasound and apply 3 anesthetic injections to my cervix during the removal. I'm so happy that I did it, I feel so much better and calmer now."

• Ann...
• December 9, 2018

For Birth Control "DO NOT RECOMMEND. I just removed ParaGard after 2 years of having it. In the beginning, everything seemed to be fine, apart from heavy bleeding, which I was prepared for. Most of the days of my period, I had to have a tampon and a pad in order to stop the bleeding. In the past year, I had reoccurring yeast infections almost every month. I tried changing my diet, taking probiotics, without any change. However, the real problem was of the mental kind. Over the years, my mood swings and depression got much worse, with episodes of intense anger, anxiety, and sadness days before my period. It all culminated last month when I felt deeply depressed and suicidal for no apparent reason – I finally decided to have the IUD removed. The removal was terrifying because the ob-gyn couldn't find the device, so she had to use the ultrasound and apply 3 anesthetic injections to my cervix during the removal. I'm so happy that I did it, I feel so much better and calmer now."

• Jer...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2018

For Birth Control "Severe constant cramping. Heavy blood flow - two super plus tampons an hour. Anxiety, depression, relationship issues... had it for two years. So yeah, it stopped me from getting pregnant, but at the risk to my health."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had this in for a year. I am 46. I did not become pregnant while using ParaGard, so that part worked. I have, however, had thousands of dollars worth of blood work, lost sleep, damaged relationships because of mood and depression, 20 lbs weight gain, foggy memory, anxiety, panic attacks. My most recent blood work indicates low cortisol levels, and I started researching the copper toxicity, and I was shocked to see every single one of my symptoms listed here. Of course, it could be that I am old, menopausal, and tired... but I was energetic, active, and much happier before this thing went into my body."

• 31Y...
• July 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the copper IUD for about 3 weeks, and I finally got it removed this morning. First, I got it inserted, and the first week I was having contractions and bleeding blood clots. Very heavy bleeding. It was so bad that I would get chills from the pain. Second, I started to have panic attacks, and my anxiety felt off the charts. Third, my brain felt super foggy. My brain felt like I was off on a cloud, and I couldn't focus at work. Fourth, I felt depressed and moody. It was like my emotions were up and down, and I couldn't help it. Fifth, I felt bloated and fatigued. I was told numerous times that this IUD didn't have hormones, but it sure had something in for me to get symptoms like this. I know that every woman is different, but with my experience, I would recommend the Mirena IUD over the ParaGard IUD ANYTIME. I had both, and by far, Mirena is better. For now, I'll stick with the old school birth control - 'The Pill.'"

• Jan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 23, 2018

For Birth Control "Pelvic inflammatory disease. Ruptured uterus. Multiple abdominal abscesses. Emergency hysterectomy. Colectomy. Colovesical fistula. Postoperative stroke with seizure disorder. Seven months of IV antibiotics. Two open surgeries. 8-inch vertical scar. Depression. Anxiety. PTSD. Any other questions?"

• Val...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2018

For Birth Control "After my second child, I decided to get the IUD copper, but once it was inserted and time passed, I had pelvic pain every time I menstruated so bad it hurt to walk. Caused high anxiety, no sex drive, bad depression, always tired, ate healthy and exercised, but weight didn’t change, brain fog, couldn’t think straight, it was a mess! I thought this was my postpartum depression, so I took care of it like my firstborn when I had issues with postpartum before, but nothing helped. Not knowing it was the IUD, I thought I’m just a struggling, stressed-out mother. My doctor removed it and I told him if these symptoms had to do with the IUD, and he said, oh no, no hormones. This is probably postpartum. Three days later, I feel like myself again for the first time in ages. This wasn’t postpartum, this wasn’t just a new life as a mom - it was this IUD. So many women struggle with this and it made me realize I wasn’t alone."

• lil...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 15, 2018

For Birth Control "Paragard is terrible! Five years of living hell! Brain fog, anxiety, depression, personality shifts, cramping, week-long heavy bleeding, racing heart, adrenal dysfunction, food allergies. The worst! Copper and estrogen are tandem, so think twice! It will raise your estrogen levels! And cause copper toxicity in most women! Do your research."

• Mim...
• June 29, 2018

For Birth Control "Got the IUD after my daughter was about a year and a half. At first, everything seemed normal. I was stressed out, of course, being a new mom. About 2 years later, I noticed how crazy depressed I would get before my period. I would also lash out at everyone. I was extremely emotional. I ignored it. But several months later, I started getting panic attacks and anxiety. I used to get attacks when I was a teen, so I knew exactly how to cope, but it kind of started making me stressed out. Then, I started getting odd thoughts that didn't make sense and brain fog. It was creeping me out. I started Googling and realized I had Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is severe PMS. I had no idea why I would have this. I tried working out and eating better. Nothing worked. Then one day, I typed in copper IUD and PMS. A thousand articles showed up. Women telling the same story as me. I called the doctor and had it taken out immediately. It's been 3 months now, and I feel better. Research birth control. The human body doesn't understand foreign objects."

• Mis...
• June 15, 2018

For Birth Control "The WORST. I don't like the effects of hormonal birth control, so I opted for this. After insertion, cramps were so bad I couldn't move; I would have to stop walking; felt nauseated, light-headed, couldn't breathe, the pain was so bad. Felt as if I were being stabbed. Weeks later, sharp back pains. Radiating pain down my legs, hair loss. Doctors said it is not the IUD, even did blood tests to check my thyroid levels. The first 3 cycles were unbearable, but only improved slightly over the next several months. My periods last 2 weeks, 5 days of which are heavy. Before, I had 4-day periods, 1 heavy day, only 1 day of cramps and barely needed medicine. Now, I take NSAIDs around the clock for 2-3 days. At risk for stomach ulcers. I lost interest in sex. I denied that this was all the ParaGard. I started to feel more depressed and did more research. Having it taken out tomorrow. Not worth denying connection after 9 months of no other possible explanation, nor possible inflammation or other long-term effects."

• tev...
• May 3, 2018

For Birth Control "Please do your research and pay attention to your own body. This IUD did not work for me, but it may in fact be amazing for you. I had it placed at 6 weeks postpartum. By 12 weeks, I was having panic attacks and anxiety. Flash forward a year, my anxiety and panic attacks are at a whole different level. I started having depressive episodes (all of this is new to me). In the past year, I have had two yeast infections (this also has never happened). I finally went to a naturopath who prescribed progesterone therapy for my low progesterone and my sky-high estrogen. I have constant fatigue, joint popping, and headaches. My lower back would throb constantly. I couldn't feel when I needed to pee. My libido is in the trash. After finding some blogs, I decided to have it removed. Immediately, my back pain was gone within 30 minutes, and within 24 hours, I could feel when I had to pee again. If you have a reaction to nickel or fake earrings, please do your research and make sure this IUD is for you."

• Mar...
• March 31, 2018

For Birth Control "The IUD perforated my uterus. It was discovered at my two-week string check. The IUD had traveled and imbeded in scar tissue between my left ovary and fallopian tube. I fear that I may never be able to conceive again. I experienced quite a bit of postpartum depression as a result. I had the IUD surgically removed roughly one month after it was discovered out of place. Interestingly, I knew something wasn’t right shortly after it was put in because I couldn’t sleep, had severe anxiety with red blotches on my chest and face from heightened anxiety. I had a number of other symptoms, such as trouble fully connecting with my new baby, which hadn’t been an issue early on. It was over a year ago, and I'm still having ultrasounds to check for fluid in my uterus, which continued to expand for about 6-7 months after it was removed. In summary, it was a big mistake, and I’m still paying for it due to excessive medical bills for therapy, psychiatric care, ultrasounds, surgical costs, etc."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 26, 2018

For Birth Control "Copper toxicity, heart palpitations, uncontrollable cystic acne, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, bloating, prolonged spotting prior to period, lethargy, terrible cramping. Awful, awful birth control! I was not warned about any of these side effects prior to insertion."

• Ale...
• February 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I had this put in 5 months ago. I’ve never been depressed before for no reason. But after almost 3 months of depression, I’ve been having suicidal thoughts and crazy anxiety like I’ve never had before. It may be non-hormonal, but my doctor never once mentioned the possibility of copper toxicity. Along with 2-week periods, HEAVY periods (bleeding through supers in 30 minutes for 5 days straight), insane cramps, painful sex, and hot flashes... this thing is coming out TONIGHT."