Copper topical and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ala...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 1, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I respect all of the stories shared here and have no doubt that some women have issues with it, but I’ve had ParaGard three times and always go back to it. Hormonal birth control turns me into a fruit loop of emotions and causes me to gain weight while killing my libido. ParaGard just gives me a few extra days of bleeding. I’d say my period is 5-7 days versus 3-4 like it used to be. If you’re prone to anemia, you will most likely not respond well to it. If copper toxicity is a concern, then take a methylated folate vitamin. All birth controls have pros and cons. You ultimately have to find one with pros and cons you can tolerate. A lot of women here are complaining of side effects that occur when you stop using hormonal birth control (PCOS, acne, moods, etc. can start when you change what you’re taking.) I also believe that the experience each woman has also depends on how good the provider is who placed it. For me, it’s the best option I have found, but not perfect."

• Bul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I absolutely love mine. Getting it put in and then the first period after was honestly very painful, but after that, it's been wonderful. I think my period is a teeny bit heavier, but that is about it. I have not had any weight gain or increased acne breakouts due to this BC, and no issues with mood swings. Occasionally I can feel the implant if I stretch a certain way or on my heaviest period day, but I honestly do really love my ParaGard."

• Era...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I love the Copper IUD. After having my second baby, I was scared to get pregnant, but I didn't want to tie my tubes. I was scared because they told me that I was going to get heavier and painful periods, but so far so good, everything is great. I do have cramps, but normal as I used to get them and heavier, just a little more. I feel so good with the Copper IUD, it's just amazing. I recommend the Copper IUD more than Mirena IUD. I've tried the Mirena IUD, and I hate it. I gained 30 pounds, and when they put it in, it was so painful, and with the Copper IUD, I didn't even feel when it was inserted. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars to Copper IUD! I love it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I chose the ParaGard since it was hormone-free and a long-term birth control option. Insertion wasn't very painful, but I did bleed for 4 days afterward. The first 6 months, my periods were extremely painful and 7-8 days long. After 6 months, the cramping wasn't as bad, but the length of the period remained. I've had it over a year and have noticed some extreme differences in my life. I feel fatigued often, have gained 10 lbs without a dietary change, my mood swings are crazy. I can't prove that ParaGard is the cause of these, but I have a great reason to believe that. I am having it removed this week, and I cannot wait."

• RDa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 4, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted, and first came the UTIs. Never having them before, I know it was from the IUD. Then in the same year, I bled heavily for a month straight, and my doctor said he didn't know why. Had an ultrasound to see if it was out of place. It wasn't. They left it in. At year 2, I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and given medication. In the last year (year 4), I've been having so many headaches, weight gain from being exhausted all the time, dry hair, dry skin, night sweats, and absolutely no energy most days. My thyroid levels were way off, and my doctor said it didn't make sense because we had adjusted my medication a few times. He ordered an MRI to rule out a brain tumor. It came back normal. I've been researching, and I know I'm suffering from copper toxicity and anemia due to bleeding so much. That's why I'm exhausted and have headaches. Copper can really mess with your thyroid as well. So I made an appointment to have this thing removed next week! We aren't told about all the complications an IUD can cause."

• Med...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had constant spotting for the last 3 1/2 months after I got it placed 4 months ago, and when the spotting stopped 2 weeks ago, I have not had my period since having it placed, just spotting. I did talk with my regular doctor, and she said a copper IUD can cause a hormone imbalance, and this is probably why I haven't had my period and have had hot flashes. The way to fix this, I would have to go on birth control pills, it completely defeats the purpose of having a non-hormonal IUD. I have constant cramps, pain during intercourse, gained 20 pounds (in 4 months), hot flashes, I smell like stinky fishing bait, and I'm positive I can feel it when I move the wrong way. I'm sick of smelling like a fish all the time. I need it out ASAP."

• Log...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2022

Copper topical for Birth Control "Got this after having a bad experience with the pill (weight gain and moodiness). Insertion itself was okay- a strange feeling to have something inserted inside, but pain was gone within about 10 minutes. The weeks after insertion were extremely difficult, with the worst cramps I have ever experienced. I have since learned that this is a common reaction- not 1-2 hours of cramps as the doctor said. They eventually faded, and my monthly cycle began. 1-2 Extremely bad cramps needing medicine for all days 3-7. Heaviest flow known to man. 8-12 Unexplained horrendous hip pain, constipation, and trapped wind. 12-25 hooray! Feeling great. 25-28 Occasional cramps. Kept it in for 8 months. True to its word, it did get better over time. I no longer needed pain meds. I then became anemic because the blood flow was so much. Got an iron infusion, and it removed. Anemia isn’t worth it."

• Hes...
• September 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I honestly got so sick from this IUD. My major symptoms included huge brain fog, depression, anxiety, constant urge to urinate, cold hands and feet, always bloated and 20 lb gain, and just generally always feeling 'off.' Then randomly I was watching YouTube videos where a guy was talking about how you are more susceptible to candida if you have a copper IUD. Because I had at different points assumed I might have a candida overgrowth, I decided to have the IUD removed and see if it improved anything. Honestly, within a few days all of my symptoms were gone. I can’t say whether an IUD is right for you or not, all I can do is share my story and reaffirm that we are all in control of our own personal health destinies. If something in your body doesn’t feel right, you can choose to have it removed!"

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "Great birth control. I chose a non-hormonal IUD because I don’t want to add anything more to my body post-2 kids. It turns out, my entire body was reacting to the “inflammation” created by this IUD: brain fog, memory loss, swelling in extremities, weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, numbness, and tingling sensations in my hands, wrists, and arms, low BP. I thought the symptoms were heart-related, had vials of lab work done. Everything came back normal EXCEPT my ESR, which indicated a low-grade inflammation. My naturopathic MD said any inflammation is a cause for concern. The only change in my lifestyle was the addition of this IUD a few months ago. I am taking it out. Listen to your body!"

• cra...
• July 21, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am 20 years old, never been pregnant, and got the ParaGard last year. Insertion was painful but bearable, and I was sore for a day or two after. I love how low-maintenance it is and that it lasts so long and doesn't use hormones, but ever since I've gotten it inserted, my periods have been longer, heavier, and crampier. The doctor said that for some people, it may go back to normal after about 4-6 months, but my periods have remained pretty annoying. I love IUDs but not so much the ParaGard. Thinking about switching to Skyla."

• HBI...
• April 24, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I miss the peace of mind. Periods were mild for 4 days. They changed to 6-7 days of heavy bleeding plus 5-6 days of it getting dragged out for too long. I was constipated and bloated all the time, found myself sleeping 12-hour days and napping on my lunch break, hair loss on my temples, 25 lbs gained over the course of 3 years. Smell and consistency changed, had 4 known bouts of BV, which I had never had pre-IUD. Menstrual pain went from 2 to 8 (crying and sweating doubled over, no productivity, no sleep, burning pain, sporadic sharp pains, and the 'normal' dull period pain). 3 years passed and I still couldn't handle the menstrual changes or the cramping. It's been a month since removal. I am happy that I no longer have my period 50% of the time and to have back my normal-looking menstrual fluid instead of the strangely thin, often brown, and partially coagulated IUD menstrual fluid. Listen to your body. If you feel like garbage, get it out. If you haven't had a kid, get a smaller one. IUDs are worth a shot."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the IUD after really bad experiences with different birth control pills, had weight gain, UTIs, swelling, mood swings, and sadness. So, the best thing about the copper IUD was there were no hormones and I felt relief. The downside was my period lasted 12 days and I had spotting. This may have been due to copper toxicity when estrogen feeds off of the excess copper, allowing there to be elongated periods because progesterone is decreased-the hormone that helps the period clear up and stop. Sometimes I experienced pressure when gassy. Once I took out the IUD, my periods shortened and I was able to get pregnant right away. There is no best hormone-free birth control, but the pros outweigh the cons. I didn't get pregnant and felt much better mentally and physically."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 12, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for about 15 months and have gained 30 pounds despite working out and eating well. My periods are so heavy I now take an iron supplement, and my hair falls out in handfuls every time I shower. Having it removed ASAP. The only good thing it has done is prevent pregnancy."

• LAM...
• June 1, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted 3 years ago after my second child. Heavy period, headaches, bloating, mood swings, and weight gain about 15 pounds. I had it removed last week. Felt better almost instantly. I wouldn't recommend. Also tried the Mirena, that was even worse."

• Nom...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "Awful experience. Had ParaGard in for 9 years. Had major mood swings (which I never had, even when pregnant), high anxiety, hair loss, weight gain, and heavy, heavy periods (like can’t go through the night with a super tampon without changing it). Had it removed, and my bloating, fatigue, and anxiety disappeared."

• you...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 21, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "Was it effective in preventing pregnancy? Yes. Did it make me miserable every day it was in there? Yes. Extreme pain in the cervix every two weeks, bright red, super heavy periods that would fill a cup in two hours when it's supposed to last 8-10. Weight gain and bloating. Extreme PMDD symptoms."

• Bre...
• November 21, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm on my 3rd month and overall highly recommend this to women who have tried everything else. Pros: Nearly 100% effective. Does not affect my mood or sex drive (no hormones!). Partner cannot feel during sex. All-natural sex (with my monogamous partner). Do not have to think about BC anymore. No monthly costs. Lasts a long time. Does not affect fertility, can remove anytime. May have a protective effect against cervical cancer. Cons: Heavier, longer period. On average, 7 days and 4 of them heavy. (Before, mine were 3-4 days long and light.) Uncomfortable adjustment period (1-3 months post-insertion). Cannot control when periods will come, like you can with hormonal BC. If you already have heavy periods, this may not be a good choice."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm on week five with ParaGard, and I understand that it does not contain hormones. However, I have been gaining weight every week since I've been on it, an average of one pound a week. I have put myself on an all-protein diet and worked out, but the results still remain the same. I read in other threads that some people have also gained weight and feel bloated in the midsection, and some have expressed that some women might be allergic to copper. I will have to contact my doctor. Otherwise, the insertion was not too bad. The cramping isn't too bad either, and having peace of mind for ten years is a plus!"

• Ded...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for 14 months now, and I am considering having it removed. I have always been a 4-day bleeder without cramps or heavy bleeding. Now I bleed for 6 to 8 days, and I bleed so heavily, and I cramp. I literally have to stay at home during my period because I bleed so heavily. I am constantly taking showers throughout the day because I continue to mess up my clothes. I am very depressed and have had a lot of weight gain. I'm going to have the IUD removed after reading about 'copper toxicity.' Please do your research before getting the ParaGard."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I was put on birth control 1x in high school (pill) for acne. I was emotional and gained weight, I lasted a few weeks. Three years ago, I tried once again (Nuva Ring) to see if it would work for me, I lasted once again a few weeks. I was going on some meds that required I be on birth control, I knew the only non-hormone option was the Paragard. I have never had any children, and I do have a very high pain tolerance. I had it inserted September 21. It hurt, but tolerable. I've been spotting since. But it's better for me than gaining weight and crying all the time. It's worth the cramping and spotting. My period is heavier, but it's not unbearable. Cramps are worse, but manageable."

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2018

For Birth Control "This is a positive review since I see nothing but bad reviews. I was one of those people who read the comments, blogs, all that about getting it, making me not want to get it, and I’m glad that I went through with it! Best decision I’ve made for myself and taking control of my reproductive health! Not everyone's body is the same, so if it doesn't work for you, try something else. I was on the Mini pill with bad mood swings, anxiety, and weight gain that was driving me nuts, so I decided to get the copper IUD. Now, getting it put in wasn’t that bad, I took ibuprofen beforehand, and I was on my cycle, so it made it easy. It’s more like pressure and a 20-second mild cramp. My first cycle was heavy, but it’s been like that before birth control, but the cramps, boy oh boy! They are so sharp and painful, and my period lasts up to 7 days. But I’ll stick to it because I love having no hormones in me, finally feeling myself after 4 years."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm a 34-year-old mother of one and had my ParaGard in for a year and a half. The only positive thing I can say about this IUD is that I did not get pregnant. That being said, the side effects were so awful that I just recently had it removed. My periods were almost unmanageable. Think super plus tampon with a pad, and bleeding through both within 2 1/2 hours for the first few days. Please believe me when I say this is not an exaggeration. I also experienced painful cramping, spotting between cycles, weight gain, acne (not usual for me), and horrible bloating. I only give it five stars because, as I said before, I didn't get pregnant. However, I would never recommend this IUD to anyone and am very anxious to feel like myself again."

• MsJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I don't like using synthetic hormones in general, was really excited to get the ParaGard for the convenience and effectiveness. The insertion wasn't unbearable but a bit painful. I have a small uterus (was 24, no kids), so I could often feel the device. My period went from very normal 5-7 days, not much cramping, to heavier and a lot of cramping, crippling in fact much of the time. I had it two different times. It failed after a few months, and I ended up pregnant on it. Had another one placed in to see if the first one was just defective, but it also was crumpled and basically expelled from my body. Wish they would make a smaller one."

• Now...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 6, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had ParaGard for 8 years. I was loving the fact there are no hormones. I did not have any side effects of weight gain, ache, or anything. However, about the 7th year, my cramps on my left side lower body were getting bad the week prior to the menstrual cycle, pain level an 8. But more recently, my pain was so significant that I was taking 600 mg at the bare minimum, twice a day. My muscles in my buttocks were knotted up down to my frontal thigh. Extreme pain. Missed days of work. I recently had it removed, already I feel SO MUCH better. Love & Hate ParaGard."

• 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."