Kyleena and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Nel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I regret this so much that I'm getting it taken out in a few days. Got it in 7 weeks postpartum. Hurt a lot, I bled after for weeks and weeks, actually more so than after I had my daughter. Also, with no change in my eating habits, I actually weigh 20 pounds more than I did full-term pregnant. I've been doing an hour of cardio plus walking 15,000 steps a day and no change. Also, my anxiety has been through the roof to the point where I've had to get on Zoloft to somewhat control it. That being said, this is a different experience for everyone and works for a lot of people, but if you have had issues with weight or your mental health, proceed with caution when getting this or other hormonal IUD."

• Rah...
• March 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my Kyleena 3 months ago. Pros: Insertion wasn't that painful (take painkiller, Ibuprofen, and Xanax 1h before). Nevertheless, if you decide to get Kyleena, take the day off work. You don't have to think about birth control anymore. The amount of hormones compared to my pill is divided by 1,000 (!!). I had my period for 10 days after insertion and since then it didn't come back, which is fantastic. On the pill, I suffered from brain fog, which completely disappeared, and my mood swings are more controlled since I got Kyleena. Cons: I gained some weight (3 kg), my skin got oily, I developed acne on my back, and I started having migraines lasting 24-48 hours once or twice a month. All in all, getting off the pill after 11 years and getting Kyleena is one of the best decisions I've ever taken. The cons are outweighed by the pros. Reminder: Kyleena is a birth control and WILL NOT protect you against STDs. So if you are not in a trustworthy relationship, keep using condoms!"

• DPR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2018

For Birth Control "Ok, I purposely waited to type my opinion because I wanted to give things a try, but I'm gonna be honest and not sugarcoat anything. The procedure itself hurt like hell, but it was really quick. I felt a pinch and then a huge cramp, and it was over. Later on, I went home that night, and I had cramps so bad that I thought I was gonna have to go to the ER. I usually do well with pain, but this pain was a different kind of pain. Fast forward 2 months, and I'm still randomly cramping some days. These cramps are sharp and painful. I still spot. My periods last more than a week, which is annoying, and now I'm starting to feel migraines, random depression, anxiety, and weight gain is the biggest for me, I have put on 15 pounds in a month. I usually exercise 5 days a week and eat very healthy. I'm about to make an appointment to take this thing out, I can't take it. I hope you ladies have better luck than I did."

• M3r...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2019

For Birth Control "It’s effective enough that it prevents pregnancy by making you have spotting to light bleeding all the time! The insertion process really hurt, but I thought it was a small price to pay. I couldn’t say that my mood has changed, but I’ve been experiencing acne different than I have before, weight gain, and random cramping outside of my periods. Ever since it’s been inserted, I’ve pretty much had light spotting to actual bleeding. There was a week interval in between my period where I stopped bleeding, but a few days later, I started bleeding heavily. I’m going to give it another month, and if this hasn’t stopped, then I’m going back to my gynecologist to have it removed."

• Mir...
• August 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Had the Kyleena for 3 years now. The first year was definitely the roughest. The first year on the Kyleena, my body was still trying to adjust to the hormones, mood swings (6 months), weight gain, cramps (thought would never end), occasional outbreak (never get acne). After my body finally found a normal again, no acne, weight loss, no crazy moods. I do get an occasional cramp, the cramps are the worst part. Overall, I would recommend the Kyleena, it does its job... I still find it absolutely terrifying. I’ve never once had my period on it, this just doesn’t seem right to me. I’ve consulted my doctor, who says it’s normal. I do *occasionally* have spotting after sex and INTENSE cramping. My partner not only feels the strings but the Kyleena itself, he describes it as a sharp stabbing pain (not often, but definitely a mood killer). Personally, I’m not rushing to get the Kyleena removed, it’s definitely something I am seriously considering during my next annual checkups."

• Tif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Kyleena for about 4 months, and I can say it has had me all over the place. I have 4 kids, which has definitely helped my cramping in a positive way. I decided to get on birth control after giving birth to my last son because I didn’t want to get my tubes tied based on what I have heard from women that have had their tubes tied. I heard that the cramps are really bad and blood flow will increase tremendously. I have tried several pills, and they would all make me sick. So my doctor wanted me to try the IUD, and she recommended the Kyleena. Insertion was okay, just cramping and spotting. Now I am having bad mood swings, I am depressed all the time, my anxiety is through the roof, I cry for no reason, I get really bad headaches, I have experienced dizziness, weight gain of 10 pounds, and spotting. I am trying to give it a year because I have to be on some form of birth control, but this IUD is giving me the blues."

• Anonymous
• May 31, 2020

For Birth Control "The insertion wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be. A lot of cramping on and off throughout the insertion. I will say this, your experience will differ on who inserts it. Make sure you find someone who has a lot of experience. I have had it for 6 months now, and my body is just now getting used to it. I had spotting for almost 3 weeks after insertion, and cramping stopped after day 2. My periods are only spotting now. It also has definitely helped my moods. It gave me a lot of acne around the 3rd month on my face and chest and I never had acne there, but it’s better. I also gained some weight, not a lot, but more than I would’ve liked, but it was because I was hungry ALL the time and all I wanted to eat was junk food. But I have finally been able to control it. Overall, I do love it. As long as it prevents pregnancy and it means that I don’t have to take a pill every day, I’m fine with some of the side effects."

• Hm1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my IUD inserted in December 2018, and I'm supposed to get it out today, April 9th, 2019. The insertion was the most terrible pain I've experienced in my life. I also have not given childbirth, so that might play a factor. The only pro I can say about the IUD is my periods are lighter, shorter, and on time every month!! Besides that, I have been breaking out like crazy, my skin is usually always clear. Ever since I've been on the IUD, my skin has been so terrible, and I've gained 12 pounds within 3-4 months!! Ladies, if you feel certain birth control isn't working for you, try something else!! I've never been so self-conscious about myself, my jeans don't fit, my face is just terrible when my skin is usually clear. It has changed my personality completely. I'm not myself and can't wait to get it removed! Everyone is different, it's always worth a try, but it's not worth your self-love!"

• NYC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Mostly commenting about the insertion and recovery as I have had Kyleena for less than 1 week. Insertion: Not fun, but I would do it again if needed. It’s very brief (about 20 full seconds of real pain) then some cramping. I felt like I had been punched in the uterus afterward. Recovery: I had zero energy for about 24 hours following the insertion. Slept for most of the day and night. Cramping was minimal, period felt normal. More about me: - Average pain tolerance (I avoid waxing but can do it) - 25 y/o who has never been pregnant - Had Nexplanon for just over a year and removed it due to weight gain, mental health issues, acne, and spotting."

• Sus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had Kyleena inserted for only two months, and I've experienced a lot of the bad side effects, including fatigue (feeling sleepy constantly and lack of energy), weight gain, cravings, anxiety, and depression. Before Kyleena, I was very healthy and mostly emotionally grounded. I am in my early 30s, and I have previously used pills before, but they did not work well for me due to the level of hormones. When I went in for a consultation, I was told that the level of hormone in Kyleena is significantly less. I have been getting acne as well as depressive thoughts. Not recommended."

• Day...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2018

For Birth Control "I just had my IUD inserted a few hours ago, and I wanted to share my experience because I know there are a lot of mixed reviews about getting it inserted and the pain level, which scares off a lot of people. My experience wasn't bad at all! I'm 21, no kids. It was uncomfortable, but nothing you can't handle! Was so quick, even if it hurts, it really is only for a few seconds, then you're cleaned up and out. I have cramps now, nothing different from normal period cramps, take Advil and use a heating pad. We'll see how it reacts with my body. I've seen mixed reviews about weight gain, weight loss, acne, no acne. It's hard to know until I experience it, and I really think you just have to try it if you're seriously interested because everyone's different, you can't base your choice on a side effect review by someone else! But as for getting the procedure done - easy as pie and done in a blink of an eye."

• Jan...
• July 24, 2019

For Birth Control "When the IUD is inserted, they have to dilate the cervix. Therefore, you experience cramps like early labor pains. I have a high pain tolerance. The cramping, pressure, and pinch during insertion was beyond awful, it felt like someone was taking a knitting needle and jabbing it quickly inside you. I screamed and almost vomited, but that was not the worst. The worst are the cramps that come after. They crippled me for 2 days. I couldn’t stand or walk. I crawled into my apartment door when I finally made it home. I laid in bed for 2 days with heating pads, Midol, Aleve, you name it. Nothing works. That pain was not worth it, and had I known, I would not have done it. It’s been 3 months. 15 pounds of weight gain despite a heavy gym regimen and diet. None of my clothes fit. I am consistently bloated. I experience period cramps so bad for 15 days of every month, I get waves of chills, goosebumps, pinching pressure, and lightheadedness. The period itself isn’t bad, but it is about 8 days long. Also, increased acne. Getting it removed."

• Lyd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I expected the insertion of Kyleena to be extremely painful from what I had heard, but to me it just felt like minor cramps. I've felt worse. And the doctor had to dilate my cervix to get it in. After I said 'that was it?' and she said 'I have NEVER had anyone say that after having their cervix dilated!' I still had regular periods for the first 8 months. Then they got lighter. I will still have cramps sometimes, but I've almost stopped bleeding completely. I might have light spotting for one or two days a month, but that is it. I don't need to use tampons. No acne, no weight gain, but as a migraine sufferer, I think my headaches have been more frequent. Overall, I'd say the long-term birth control is worth it for me. I've had it for 1 year and 4 months. Oh, and my Medicaid insurance covered it 100%, which is a godsend because I do not want children, and I need birth control for heavy/painful periods."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2019

For Birth Control "After having a lot of issues with the Mirena and Liletta (headaches/body pain/mood swings), I decided to switch to Kyleena because of the lower dosage. Best decision ever! Insertion was your typical heavy cramp for a split second... I took 800 mg ibuprofen before insertion. I’ve had it for almost a month now, and I feel great. My energy level has actually peaked, and I feel well rested in the morning! It's been easier for me to stay on routine and get my daily workout in. I haven’t noticed weight gain, and my first period was a bit lighter. Overall, I am pleased to have a birth control that is working and not making me feel like I am sick or crazy."

• Cai...
• April 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Kyleena birth control for one month. I’m 18 and have been on the pill, and I also have been on Nexplanon. I switched from Nexplanon to Kyleena because I gained 40 pounds with Nexplanon and thought, since Kyleena has lower hormones, it would be a better option. I was so, so, so wrong. About 3 weeks after insertion, I started getting severe panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, which I’ve never had. Spiraling irrational thoughts, extreme fear of literally anything and everything. I had it removed 3 days ago and feel a lot better but not completely myself again. I’m praying that soon all the hormones will be out of my body and I will be back to normal again. I’d much rather be pregnant than ever have the symptoms that I had again."

• RKa...
• May 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old who has never had kids before, that was on the combination pill for 2 years and then the progesterone-only pill for 2 years. I can only have progesterone birth control, and the progesterone-only pill made me spot ALL the time. I really did not like that, so I wanted to try the IUD out to see if that would stop the spotting and not have to worry about taking a pill. I’m going to be honest, the Kyleena IUD insertion was the worst pain of my life and lasted about an hour afterwards. At the start, I kept thinking to myself this is the stupidest decision ever, why did I do this to myself? Because the pain was unbearable, although it ended up being the best birth control ever. I didn’t bleed after insertion, have only gotten my period once, and I’ve had it in for 4 months and have had no spotting! It’s absolutely amazing, I haven’t had any weight gain, acne, or mood changes! I almost forget I have it in. Best decision!"

• Kim...
• February 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Kyleena inserted on 10/4/18. Soon after insertion, the blood clots began... almost every day. In fact, my periods were primarily blood clots and horrible cramping/weight gain. These symptoms were manageable. But, the constant migraines, no sex drive ever, severe; debilitating anxiety/racing thoughts, explosive anger, insomnia (5-7 days without sleeping) during my PMS/period; were not manageable. My OBGYN prescribed me Xanax to combat the negative symptoms; I took the Xanax for only two days and realized the IUD was just not for me. On 2/14/19 I had the IUD taken out and replaced with Paragard. Within several hours of the switch, I felt significantly better - the world lifted off my shoulders, I felt myself becoming more calm, even the splitting headache was gone within 24 hours. Now it's 2/19/19 and I'm back to my calm, level-headed, happy, positive self. The past 4 months have been a hideous rollercoaster."

• Man...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 1, 2023

For Birth Control "5/10. I still have the Kyleena in, and it’s been a little over 3 years. The pros are it works for not getting pregnant, as well as mostly getting rid of periods. I had light to moderate bleeding not very often. The cons or negative symptoms I’ve had are worsened cramps (no previous cramps), negative headspace/anxiety (no previous anxiety), insertion pain was like contractions, mood swings (irrational emotions, never experienced before), and weight gain in the last 6/10 months with no change in diet. I’ve been 125-130 lbs for over 10 years and just recently shot up to around 150 lbs, with the majority of the weight concentrated around my stomach, breasts, and hips. Overall, it does what it is intended, but with all the additional side effects, it comes at a cost. I would not recommend the IUD, and when the 5-year mark comes, I will not be getting a new one. Personal note: I am still also quite frequently worried about migration or getting pregnant, so peace of mind is minimal."

• Cca...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 7, 2018

For Birth Control "So I got the Kyleena inserted in June 2017 and have had it for about a year. I was never good at taking a pill every day, and I am terrified of needles, so this seemed like the best choice. I spot once a month but never have a “real” period. I cramp if I’m in a squished sitting position for a long time, like white-water rafting or long car rides. The only downside is the severe mood swings, lack of sex drive, and the excessive weight gain. I’ve gained 25 lbs! I work out 4-5 times a week, which I started in April 2018, and have focused on what I am eating a little better with no luck in losing anything! Trying to decide if I should get it removed or keep it in."

• Pin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 17, 2022

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena shortly after I had my daughter so that I could take the time to enjoy her before we decided to have another baby. Since I went through labor, apparently the insertion of Kyleena isn’t as painful, which was my experience. Slight discomfort from what I could remember. I got it put in in 2019 and was still breastfeeding. I lost a bit of weight due to breastfeeding and got down to around 105 lbs, I have now gotten up to 145-150 lbs and am so uncomfortable. I take my daughter for long walks, go on 3-5 mile runs, work out here and there, go to the zoo, easy hikes with my daughter and my dog, and I just keep gaining weight. I’m even on a prescription stimulant for ADHD, and I’m STILL gaining weight! Oh, and there are days that I’m so tired and depressed I seriously can’t get out of my PJs and don’t want to get out of bed! My hair is brittle and falling out, and I have tons of brain fog. I have had it removed a few days ago and am hoping these things resolve themselves."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Kyleena for 3.5 years. For me, it hurts like anything getting put in. I had to ask my mom for a pain pill, which says a lot because I don’t even take aspirin normally. I immediately stopped getting a period, which has been great, but my weight has continued to climb (not saying it’s entirely due to the IUD, of course), and it’s damn near impossible to lose weight with it. My skin is still clear but very oily, and I lose a lot of hair in the shower. I had a hair loss problem with Nexplanon as well, so I definitely attribute that to the Kyleena. After 3 years, I suddenly started having cramps at random for weeks at a time and spotting frequently-still no periods. The depression has also gotten much worse over the years, it’s a struggle. I’m contemplating having it removed now that the side effects are suddenly ramping up. Overall, it was nice to begin with and has gone downhill as the years pass."

• OhD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 18, 2019

For Birth Control "Got my Kyleena in May of 2019, it was inserted during surgery to remove uterine polyps (I had extremely heavy, long periods and low iron). I was very apprehensive at first because I've never used any hormonal birth control before and was afraid of acne and weight gain. The first few months were a little dicey, I had spotting every day for 6 weeks straight in addition to one period. However, this was much less than I used to bleed, so I got used to it. The worst part was the INSANE cramps I had, so bad I would cry. My doctor prescribed me some naproxen, and I just took that when it happened, and it got way better. Now, my periods are SO MUCH LIGHTER and shorter too! I still have gnarly cramps, but I'm really happy with my decision because my iron levels are up and I haven't had any of the other side effects I was worried about. I would say this is a positive experience."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I had been using the NuvaRing for 6+ years, but it made me gain a ton of weight, so my doctor suggested Kyleena. At first, I was nervous because of all the negative stigma in regard to IUDs, but as I did my research, I found it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. I was SO nervous about the insertion of it. I had googled people's experiences, and they were all horror stories. But I’m here to tell you it isn’t that bad at all! I prepped myself by taking 2 Aleve & a Xanax before I went to the doctor. The whole process took about 8 minutes. I was anticipating the worst pain, but it is just bad pressure & nothing more. The cramping afterwards is comparable to period cramps. So if you are unsure of getting it because of the insertion or pain afterwards, I’m here to tell you it is not nearly as bad as you think it will be!"

• log...
• June 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on an IUD as my form of birth control for about 5 years now. For my first 4, I had the IUD Skyla, which was without a doubt the best thing ever. It was time for me to get one, and I have been on Kyleena for a year and a half now, and it is the worst experience of my life. Cystic acne all over, hair breakage/chunks falling out to the point I had to get it cut short, and most importantly, the weight gain and difficulty to lose it. Before getting Kyleena, I was one of the most active people you would know. I can barely go to the gym most days because of how uncomfortable I get and bloated. Hardly anything has changed diet-wise, and yet I still gained over 10 pounds. I tried to lose it by going to the gym often and working hard at lifting weights. For sure, I gained muscle, but weight loss? Still a no go. It’s very depressing. No matter how hard I’ve tried-diet, exercise routine, tracking-nothing has helped with a single pound."

• 576...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena in August 2018. I had the Mirena for about 5 months and hated it. I gained weight, mood swings, constant fatigue, and had more acne than usual. I got the Mirena taken out and I got the Kyleena. For the first month, the cramps were bad, constant, but that went away. I don’t get moody anymore or feel tired all the time. My weight is back to normal, and my skin is so much better now. The only thing that sucks is that my periods are about 8-9 days, but I'd rather deal with that than a bunch of horrible side effects. It’s different for everyone, but I really like the Kyleena IUD."