Copper topical and Depression: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Blu...
• September 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my Copper IUD inserted a few months ago. Over the course of the next few months, I noticed symptoms such as a lack of motivation, feeling tired, and the right side of my head feeling sore, as if my brain felt agitated or that my vessels felt inflamed. I had a bit of depression, and my anxiety was really bad. My periods were very heavy and unpleasant, I had constant spotting as well. My mood felt different as well, I felt more irritable and more impatient. I decided to have it out today, and I immediately felt a lift in my mood, and the weird sensation in my head settled. It felt like a relief in my womb, as if the coil was irritating my ovaries or something. My body definitely did not like having a foreign body in my reproductive region."

• Rod...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "Got it right after I had my son (2 months after) and immediately regretted it. Terrible cramping. Painful periods. Excessive bleeding. I'd fill a super tampon and leak through to fill a liner within an hour. Then the hormonal changes started happening: mood swings, migraines, depression, anxiety, panic attacks. Fatigued. Anemic. So fatigued!"

• Bel...
• August 28, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "It’s almost a week ago that I got the ParaGard. I decided to switch to ParaGard from hormonal birth control pills because hormones made me gain weight. I also couldn’t tolerate the hormones anymore because I was depressed, my nipples hurt, and I had vaginal dryness. The insertion was very painful because my cervix was too small. My GP was also inexperienced. During the insertion, I felt massive cramps, and I also started to bleed, which lasted for 4 days. I took 2 Naproxen hours prior to the insertion. After 10 years of feeling like a zombie on birth control pills, I finally feel myself again. I’ve lost a little bit of weight, especially around my thighs, my nipples don’t hurt, and I feel less depressed. I also don't have massive food cravings like I did on the hormonal contraceptives. My acne is back, unfortunately, but this is manageable with acne skincare products. I also suffer from vaginal discharge with a little bit of blood, but in time, I think this will go away. I think my body needs time to adjust."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "After 6 months with this IUD, I couldn't take it anymore. I had to have it removed. I have never ever in my life dealt with depression, anxiety, or panic attacks until I got the Copper IUD. Before the IUD, my periods were fairly light and 4-5 days on average. Light PMS. Some back pain. With the IUD, they were 7-8 days. So heavy I had to wear a pad and a jumbo tampon and change every 2 hours. Horrible cramping to where my only relief was laying in bed curled up with a heating pad. Midol and Tylenol rarely made a difference. Around my time of PMS, I would suddenly feel very, very depressed and so fatigued. And then my mind would race into a downward spiral where I would then panic I would feel this way forever. Glad to have this out and be me again!!!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 6, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "To be honest, I had ParaGard in under 4 months and had horrible experiences. Severe stomach cramps, which felt like labor pains, hair loss, severe depression, which led me to self-harm and overdose. Mood swings were very bad to the extent I was lashing out and getting arrested, heavy bleeding where it was going through my clothing, and suffered many migraines. After having the ParaGard removed, it's taken over 6 months to get where I am now, which is I am in more control with my moods, the bleeding is back to light, no more cramps, and my hair is now back to long and thick. My depression is now controllable."

• Lan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 15, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had my ParaGard fitted 3 months after the birth of my 2nd boy. I chose it as it was non-hormonal, therefore, very little side effects should occur. Since having it in, I put on weight, I got depression, and felt really tired all the time. I thought it was just because of life with 2 little boys plus full-time work. 3 1/2 years later, I decided to remove it as I was suffering constant BV and antibiotics were not helping. I booked the appointment and started researching, and I was shocked with the amount of women complaining about the weight gain, heavy periods, fatigue, and depression. I also read some lost weight straight away after getting it out. To my surprise, 3 days after getting it removed, I have lost 2 lbs and I feel much more energy. I wish I never had it in."

• Jac...
• July 31, 2018

For Birth Control "I've booked an appointment to have my copper coil removed as I've been struggling with a variety of dreadful symptoms. Having it inserted was dreadful, two days after having it in, I began having extreme anxiety and depression, pain in my feet and legs, mood swings, brain fog and confusion, breast tenderness, constant spotting and bleeding after sex, an occasional metallic taste in my mouth, fatigue. At times I've felt so nauseous and tired I've believed I could only be pregnant again, also, I had painful, stubborn acne. The symptoms are horrendous, and I would strongly recommend women not have it. If you already struggle with mental or physical problems, then definitely do not try this contraception. I hoped to be one of the few who suited this, but unfortunately, it's been one of the worst decisions I've made. My periods have not been very painful, but the bleeding is beyond heavy, and the clots are massive. I can't wait to have it removed."

• taa...
• November 2, 2017

Copper topical "After trying 5 different birth control pills over the years and suffering from major mood swings, depression, hair loss, etc., I read several reviews on the ParaGard IUD, the majority of the reviews were negative and terrifying. However, getting the ParaGard IUD has been the best option for me. The insertion hurt but wasn't overwhelming. I took ibuprofen and brought my heating pad. The insertion took maybe 15 minutes. I spotted for 2 days, and then it was fine. Prior to getting the ParaGard, my periods lasted 2 days, and now they are 4 days. Periods are heavier, but it's worth it."

• IUD...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 10, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the IUD, and it was almost the end of me. I had it for just 2 years. Currently, I have side effects of nerve damage, insomnia, chest pain, high copper toxicity, body pain, hair loss, cystic acne, UTI, weight gain, brain fog, depression and anxiety, blurry eyes, deafness, metal taste, nausea, migraine. I can go on and on. It did not work for me because it's toxic to women. There is no benefit for this."

• MM5...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 48 and had 2 kids. I was having problems with hormonal birth control making me depressed, angry, breaking out, and high blood pressure. Time to get off the hormones. So I had Paragard inserted Friday. It's Sunday now. So far, so good. Insertion wasn't a picnic but wasn't so bad either. I didn't take anything ahead of the appointment. I had some mild cramps and one sharp cramp that made me catch my breath, but it was over in minutes. I was able to go back to work after the insertion. I had cramping off and on the rest of the day, but nothing terrible. Mild cramps the next day too. None so far today. A little bit of spotting the first day, but nothing since. Overall, feeling much better with no hormones."

• chl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "ParaGard was inserted July 2016 and removed June 2017 (almost a year!). The first week after it was installed, I had debilitating cramps for three days straight and constant bleeding. Every month, my periods were twice as heavy, twice as long, and 10 times more painful! I was told this would calm down after 6 months, so I persevered. If anything, my periods got MORE painful to the point where I couldn't leave the house in case I'd be hit by a wave of contractions. On a side note, I felt anxious, depressed, introverted, alone (I'm usually so social and confident!), worthless, and I experienced social anxiety for the first time! I also gained 20 lbs, which is definitely not due to a change in diet/exercise. If anything, I was eating better!"

• Ina...
• January 11, 2016

For Birth Control "Well, after trying several birth control methods, after experiencing a lot of mood changes and then getting panic attacks and depression, I finally decided to put in the copper IUD. Now it is 5 months in, and still very painful periods, sometimes I cannot move. Not to mention that I cannot stand the pain with at least 3 pills of ibuprofen per day. It lasts more now, before I had it for 3 days, now it is 5, and then spotting for 2-3 more, so a total of around 7. It is nice not to think about the protection and not to have mood changes, but I have decided if these cramps do not stop after 6 months, I think I will let it be removed. I heard so many comments here and on the other sites...and everybody is different, of course. I wish it had worked for me from the beginning."

• Eri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a year after having this inserted. Never put the connection together until years later. I just had it removed and had instant relief. I have lost 4 years of my life to this device. Chronic pain, headaches, TMJ, muscle tension, depression, anxiety, muscle spasms, blurry vision, insomnia... I can keep going..."

• Kat...
• July 26, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had my ParaGard removed today. I had it for about 17 months, and maybe 3 months after the insertion, I started feeling really bad-first just depression, insomnia, and an overall feeling of not being well. Then I developed bad anxiety followed by panic attacks, my heart beating like crazy from the minute I woke up. I was a wreck, not able to get myself to work and be productive, I was drained, exhausted, and unhappy. I was not able to enjoy anything, day after day. I had my blood and urine tested, and everything seemed fine to my PCP. They wanted to treat me for mental issues because I really thought I was going crazy. I went to my gynecologist for a check-up and mentioned my symptoms, they said nothing... Now I am dealing with copper overload!!"

• BeB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "It was more of a mental problem for me than physical. Never had any cramping or pains, maybe a little discharge problems between periods, but the main concern for me was feeling depression, anxiety, isolation, tiredness all the time, mood swings affecting my marriage! I never suspected my IUD to be the problem, but it all started after I had it put in about 2 years ago and slowly progressed to being very noticeable now; it had me considering going on anti-depressants!"

• Mis...
• June 15, 2018

Copper topical 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had mine in for about two years. Over the last several months, I've noticed severe episodes of depression, up-and-down spikes in mood. I have had intense bleeding (going through three super tampons in one night). I've gained weight, which could be due to the lack of motivation for 7-9 days of my period, along with food cravings. I don't feel normal. I'm legitimately nervous for my period each month, knowing my mood will be so low and irrational. I've made an appointment to take the IUD out as that is the only thing that I have changed. I try to live a very healthy lifestyle."

• MMs...
• May 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 50 with 2 grown kids. Based on family history, I have another 4 years or so before menopause. Still need birth control, so no surprise babies (unlikely but not impossible). Nexplanon and the mini-pill gave me crazy mood swings and depression, so it had to be no hormones. Yes, insertion hurt with several really bad cramps, but that only lasted about 10 minutes, and I had forgotten to take ibuprofen ahead of time. I would suggest having someone drive you home. I was really uncomfortable driving. The cramps started to ease up that night. Mild cramps did continue off and on with some spotting for the next few days then stopped. My next period was a little heavier and 2 days longer than usual. Overall, I'm happy with Paragard."

• Sjo...
• May 20, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "Awful! Made me have heavy periods for 2 years! Painful sex, depression, weight gain, anemia, insomnia, caused my gallbladder disease and if not bad enough, embedded in my uterus and had to be surgically removed. Don't use."

• eri...
• June 22, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "This gave me depression. The copper toxicity did not allow for me to lose weight, I had ongoing infections that immediately went away after removal. I had low sex drive and acne a month after having it inserted. My discharge smells more than usual."

• Hor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had my Copper IUD fitted in now for about 4-5 months. At first, everything was going really well, just heavier bleeding and little pain, as my doctor said it would be natural. As time has gone by, I've been feeling more anxious/depressed, feeling low, not myself, having pain on both sides of my pelvic area, ultrasound and examinations, etc., but nothing they could find. Back pain, very heavy periods/pain. My option is to leave it in a bit longer to see if my body takes time to get used to it, otherwise, I'll be going back to take it out."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I just got this copper IUD removed today. I got this on July 2nd, 2018. Tried to ride it out & I honestly hate it. I know it’s non-hormonal, but I feel like it was causing a lot of harm. I would randomly feel like rubbish. The periods were so heavy I would constantly feel exhausted due to anemia. I feel like the copper was making me respond crazy, I was very moody, depressed, sometimes anxious. The cramps every month were seriously horrible. They were like mini contractions that would make me break out in a sweat, then I would be okay. But the pain was intense. On top of that, I constantly was battling BV & yeast infections. I always felt like I smelled bad or something, when I’ve never had this issue before. The only good thing is this BC is really effective! I never once felt like I was worried about getting pregnant, and I never was careful. So that’s why it gets 3 stars."

• San...
• August 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Copper IUD for 6 months now. I'm 26, 125 lbs, and in good health. I've always had a regular flow (heavy the first couple of days, followed by a couple of light days). The day I had it put in was painful, but not unbearable. There were 3 steps to the insertion, each coming with its own amount of uncomfortableness/pain. The rest of the day I had cramps pretty bad, but manageable. I figured by now my body would be adjusting back to the way it was before IUD insertion. Unfortunately, the pain leading up to my periods is quite unbearable. It's not constant, but it's very intense, almost enough to make me cry out in pain. I feel like my PMS symptoms as a whole are worse. At times I feel extremely sad, I want to eat everything, and my nipples are so sensitive they hurt. My bleeding is insane. I wear a super plus tampon as well as a pad. There are massive clots of blood that I have never in my life experienced."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2017

For Birth Control "Only reason I am giving it a 2 is because it is very effective birth control. Otherwise, I would give it a 1. I have tried 5 different B.C. pills in an attempt to control my cramps. They either worked for a while then didn't, or the hormones made me either crazy, depressed, or moody. So I went non-hormonal, got the copper IUD, and I don't know if my body is the type of body that just doesn't accept things that just aren't naturally supposed to be there, but I've done a lot of research and I'm fairly certain I've got copper toxicity because of it. So many bad symptoms. Please do research, and if you have the symptoms, get it taken out. I'm pretty sure I'm getting mine out, the symptoms just aren't worth it. They're affecting my health and happiness."

• Cla...
• June 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm 10 months post partum (period not returned. Used natural cycle calendar for contraception before) Dr. convinced me to get a copper IUD as I'm so against drugs. Procedure was fast, pain-free. Took naproxen 20 minutes before. Lightheaded after for 5 minutes. Drove home, light cramping rest of day, no spotting. Thick, jelly-like, smelly discharge for 1 month. Still no period 3 months in but definite side effects making big negative changes in my life. I suspect copper poisoning. Seems like constant PMS. 1. Cranky, short-tempered, snappy 2. Zero life motivation. Before insertion I was kicking major business goals & family/household was running smoothly. Life was great. Suddenly I'm a different person. Depressed, no motivation, simple life tasks are a massive challenge. 3. Zero energy - I was working out regularly, not now, no energy or motivation. 4. Bloated - most days look like I have a massive pregnant belly when before completely flat. Not sure if these specific side effects are worth the massive negative life changes."