Liletta and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Hea...
• September 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I previously had the Mirena and loved it. My Gyn said they switched to Liletta and it would be the same experience. WRONG! I’ve gained 10+ lbs & am constantly bloated. I’m more active & have a better diet than I’ve ever had. My skin looks like I’m going through puberty. I’m emitting a smell that is god-awful. I have no energy, no libido, constant mood swings, reflux, nausea, and I just feel like an alien in my own body. I chalked it up to turning 30 this year coupled with the weirdness that COVID has brought, but in the back of my mind, I’ve known there is something wrong beyond that. I’m so glad I found this forum and know that these changes are caused by the IUD. I would rather manage periods than become a different person like I have been. Everyone is different but for me, there is a HUGE difference between the Mirena & Liletta IUD and I cannot wait to get this thing removed & get back to being myself."

• MLa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I got Liletta about 3 years ago. Very painful insertion but pain went away about 1 hour later. My next two periods were unbearable. Like I thought an ovary was exploding and I couldn't walk or breathe. I have been having pain on and off every week that is similar to endometriosis pains with light bleeding. I have PCOS and I told the doctor and they said it would be fine, but I'm starting to wonder about it. I have no sex drive, feel tired all the time, and have a mental fog that I specifically remembered starting around the time of my insertion. I also gained about 15 pounds. The cramps radiate out from my ovaries to my back and down my thighs. My doctor keeps telling me it's normal... I want to get it removed as soon as possible."

• ali...
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "First, insertion was extremely painful. I am comparing it to a Paragard insertion about 10 years ago, a breeze. I had Paragard for 8 years with no issues, and do not have kids. I opted for Liletta last month. I've noticed such a dramatic shift in my mood and personality for the worse, as well as bloating and weight gain. What makes the side effects even more dramatic is that I have been working out really consistently (running 10 miles/week, yoga, strength), which would normally lift my spirits and mitigate any winter blues, but nope, I'll get off the treadmill and feel on the verge of tears for no reason. It's affecting my work and my relationship, I want it out asap. I've also been crampy and spotting for the entire month since it was inserted. I realize that part is meant to be normal, but it's like insult to injury taking all the other side effects into account. The pros are: I'm not pregnant. Worth it? Not at the cost of my relationship and mental health, and physical well-being."

• Nic...
• June 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I had Liletta inserted after my last baby. The doctor told me it was the same as Mirena, but it is NOT. I didn’t have any problems with Mirena, but three months after Liletta insertion, I got Telogen Effluvium and lost a lot of hair. (More hair shedding than I have EVER experienced.) I gained weight, and my libido is completely GONE! My hair is continuing to fall out. I had my hormone levels checked twice, and my estrogen level has dropped so low that it barely registers on the charts. My doctor told me that could be from the Liletta suppressing my estrogen (and progesterone) production. Those are two VERY important hormones for a woman, especially for hair growth, skin, nails, etc. Nothing like having a birth control that basically puts you into a menopausal state LONG before you are due for that. After having this awful device in me for fourteen months, I am finally getting it removed tomorrow! I do NOT recommend Liletta to anyone and do NOT let your doctor tell you it is the exact same thing as Mirena."

• Bre...
• January 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta for what will be 3 years this month. Overall, it has done its job, seeing that I have not gotten pregnant. The pros for this birth control for me would be shorter and lighter periods, less severe cramps, and bigger breasts. However, what made me write a review on this site was seeing that so many women also experienced some of the same cons. I’ve had terrible depression and anxiety since starting it. Granted, I am naturally a very emotional person, so for the longest time, I thought it was just me. But reading these posts and thinking back on the last 3 years, I can see that my emotions have been ten times worse than usual. I’m easily stressed now and overly anxious. I also feel extremely unmotivated and lazy and have had so many random negative thoughts. As if that’s not already enough, I’ve gained so much weight (went from 130 to 170)."

• HFa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 16, 2019

For Birth Control "This IUD has caused so many health issues for me. I had this IUD and had rapid weight gain of 50 pounds. I have always been curvy but never overweight or unhealthy. I am now considered obese. My breast size that were DD are now an H. My breasts weigh a good 35-40 pounds. I now have shortness of breath because of my weight gain (especially in my chest area) and now have a belly (never had that before my IUD). I got awful headaches and now have reflux and possibly sleep apnea due to my rapid weight gain. I had two different doctors check everything that could cause weight gain, and the only thing they determined was my IUD (I had great lab work and no diabetes or thyroid issues). I have back fat now and fat around my neck and upper shoulders that I never had before. I went from being an hourglass figure to looking like the Mucinex guy. This IUD has completely changed me for the worse. I think it’s extremely unhealthy."

• Pay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I would never recommend the Liletta to anyone. I gained 20-30 pounds in the first couple of months after insertion and have had the worst time getting rid of the weight, even after removal. While on Liletta, my moods were drastically changed. I experienced sad, dark, and depressing thoughts. Normally being rather optimistic, I knew something was very different about my mood. I experienced an unpleasant, strong vaginal odor all of the time, which was embarrassing. Just every terrible side effect imaginable. Just a week or two after removal, most side effects are gone... except this pesky extra weight. DON’T DO IT, LADIES! Love your lady parts and don’t feed it poison!"

• EmJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I thankfully did not have any of the extreme side effects of weight gain, constant bleeding, or severe acne. I actually did not bleed at all after the initial insertion (which ended up making me more paranoid than I anticipated). However, I had constant nausea to the point where there was not a single day where I was able to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner because I always felt so sick. The worst part, though, is that my mental health completely deteriorated. I constantly felt anxious and depressed and did not feel like myself at all. I had two full-blown anxiety attacks on my honeymoon and started seeing a therapist until I realized it was potentially linked to my IUD. I had my IUD removed about a month and a half ago and went back to hormonal pills, and everything about me has completely gone back to normal. Each person is different, but I personally would never use this again."

• SWL...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2019

For Birth Control "Weight gain on Liletta!!! I had been on birth control pills since I was 15, except when coming off my two pregnancies. I am currently 37 years old and have been experiencing high blood pressure. My doctor suggested the Liletta IUD. Insertion was okay. It cramped for maybe a minute. I had bleeding for 1 week. The only pro is that I haven’t had a period in 1 year since the insertion. The big negative - I gained 12 pounds in 6 weeks. I am very active. I exercise 5-6 times a week. I monitor my macros. My diet has not changed. I’ve had blood work done to check my thyroid, etc. All clear. My body has never fluctuated in weight like this. It continues to climb in weight, and now I am heavier than I was at 9 months pregnant. I’ve had enough. I will be calling the doctor in the morning to have it removed. This is a major side effect that is not listed. That needs to be changed."

• Fay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Liletta for the past 1 year and 7 months, and nothing seems normal anymore. I have gained 30 lbs despite eating clean and working out, absolutely no sex drive at all, sex is very uncomfortable, and the bleeding after sex is very scary. I get my periods anytime, sometimes twice a month, it’s very heavy and lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 days. I have become a different person, always very moody, angry, very depressed, and just don’t want to leave my bed. I’ve never felt this way in my 40 years! I’ve discussed this with my gynecologist, an ultrasound shows the IUD is displaced and needs to be pulled out ASAP! My fibroids have increased in growth and size, and my MD is quite concerned. I will have it pulled out on Monday 11/19. I'm hoping things will get better after this."

• Nya...
• May 25, 2018

For Birth Control "Okay, I’ve had my Liletta for a year before I got it taken out (today). For the first three months, I bled nonstop. After that, I felt fine. Then the side effects slowly but surely hit me one by one. After the nonstop bleeding for three months, I then started to get recurring yeast infections/bacterial infections every month. I also gained 50 pounds, had horrible hot flashes, blurred vision, brain fog (terribly), literally every symptom you can think of. I had it real bad, and it's like every month that goes past, the side effects got worse and worse. My moodiness, no sex drive, and low energy (very low) almost cost me my relationship and job. I literally didn’t feel like myself anymore. At first, I did like it, but then I started to get alarmed I didn’t feel like myself, but the crazy part of it is, what really drove me to get it out is the horrible smell I was getting in my vagina. It smelled like something crawled in and died, I couldn’t bear it anymore. I felt like people could smell it through my clothes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Liletta at the beginning of January. The insertion hurt pretty bad, and the day after was pretty bad too. After that, I didn't have periods, and I loved it at first. No acne, my moods even seemed to improve. By February, I noticed I gained 10 lbs, and I had been eating very healthy and working out. Previously to getting Liletta, I had been losing weight and was continuing exactly what I had done before. By the end of February, I was having bad cramps and acne. My skin was awful. Every day, there were new spots on my face. My cramps hurt so bad I had to call into work one day. The final straw was the depression that hit me. All of a sudden, I didn't care about anything and had no motivation. My thoughts were so dark. I got it removed in April."

• Lei...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta for about 1 year. This week, I’m finally getting it removed! NEGATIVES: 1. WEIGHT GAIN! Before I got this IUD, I had lost 60 lbs. I finally felt the best about myself that I ever had. BUT after getting this IUD-despite zero changes in my diet/exercise-I’ve gained almost 50 lbs. 2. ACNE! I have never had acne... until I got Liletta. I’ve now developed cystic acne all over my cheeks and in random spots on my face. 3. MOOD! I’ve always been super joyful and generally very happy-until I got this IUD. I cried randomly every other day the first 6 months that I had this IUD. Now, I get irritated VERY easily, and my anxiety has reached an all-time high. I can’t express how much this IUD has harmed my mental health. 4. PERIODS! I never used to get cramps, but now I get very painful ones all the time. Also, my periods used to only last 3 days, but now they last 7+ days. The only POSITIVE that I can think of is that I didn’t get pregnant!"

• Lai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta for almost two years. I had twins, and the thought of having another child was unnerving. My doctor convinced me to get an IUD and said Liletta was the best option. I bled for six months straight, have blurred vision, horrible weight gain which won’t budge despite diet changes and 2.5-3 mile runs every day, bacterial infections, acne all over my chin/jawline plus my shoulders and back, horrible mood swings, and back pain so bad I can’t even get out of bed some days. My doctor kept insisting I keep it in, and against better judgment I listened. But after two years, I will be getting it removed in two days, and I’m praying everything changes for the better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the IUD inserted back in February 2016, around 6-8 weeks after the birth of my second child. The insertion was uncomfortable, but tolerable; I have a pretty high pain tolerance, however. Since then, my depression has worsened-- this wasn't PPD-- I've gained nearly 30 lbs, I have zero libido, developed severe anxiety, have panic attacks, and debilitating migraines. I'm getting it removed next Friday. If I do this page again, I'll update once it's out and the hormones have worked their way out of my system."

• Fru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2017

For Birth Control "This experience is hellish! Although it doesn't allow you to get preg, as intended, it makes you have many side effects. I am a healthy 5'7" athletic woman. I weighed 130 when inserted 6 months ago. My sugar cravings and moods have been all over the map. I am bloated. I am swollen. My periods are still heavy. They actually are twice as long now. My sex drive is non-existent. I've been to a hormone specialist now (1k later in costs) to get blood drawn only to find out all of the above and the 14 lb weight gain (I'm now 144 lb) is all because of this device. I'm constantly bloated. My size 4 pants no longer fit my swollen and worn-out body. Beware! Get it out! You've been talked into this and likely don't need it!!!!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2022

For Birth Control "I got Liletta in Sept 2019 and had it removed 9/28/22. Over those 3 years, I gained 30 lbs, had no energy, outrageous mood swings, unpredictable periods, and had a non-existent sex drive. It’s been 3 days since having it removed, and the biggest thing I’ve noticed is that I’m not so drained all the time. I mean, I used to run to the grocery store and would have to leave before I was done because I’d need a nap. Now, I’m going through the day every day, and I don’t feel like I’m constantly tired or exhausted. Also, I’ve already lost 3.5 lbs. I’m not eating differently or working out more. The only thing that’s different is getting the IUD removed. Time will tell with the other symptoms, but I’m amazed at the progress I’ve had in just 3 short days."

• Leg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Liletta for a little over a year, and I am finally having it removed. I have wanted it removed for about 9 months and have had several doctors advise against it. Since beginning Liletta, I have had severe cystic acne breakouts, heightened anxiety, depression, ovarian cysts, and weight gain. It had been one of the worst decisions of my life having this placed, and it had been an utter pain. I would not suggest this product to anyone. I read several reviews before having Liletta placed and tried to remain optimistic, however, this product did not work for me at all. The side effects greatly outweighed the benefit of having an IUD."

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2023

For Birth Control "In 2021, I had a baby and was so scared to get pregnant again that I got an IUD for the first time ever. I’ve only ever taken the pill with no issues. My pregnancy was horrible, and I had high blood pressure, so my OB wanted me to try the IUD. It’s been 2 years of mood swings, depression, dizziness, cramps, high anxiety, and a 40+ weight gain. No matter how much I work out or eat healthily, I can’t shed the weight. I always feel bloated, and I spot or have a light period two times a month. I’m getting it taken out ASAP, it is horrible, and I’ll never suggest someone get it. Yes, it's great and effective for not getting pregnant, but I’ll take my chances so I can lose weight and feel better."

• Cc3...
• February 24, 2019

For Birth Control "Acne non-stop, mood swings that are ruining my life. I don't even know who I am anymore. I've gained 40 pounds in less than 7 months. I barely eat and I'm very active. Always have been about the same size, but I'm now bigger than I was 8 months pregnant with a baby on my hip. Lots of anxiety. I can't figure it out. Going to have it removed ASAP. I'm scared. But other than that, not pregnancies and eventually stopped having periods altogether."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Cons 1. My mood is horrible, I've been so angry and volatile that I have been in fights. 2. I gained 40 pounds. I weighed 145 lb and now I rest at 186 lb. I have drastically changed my diet and exercise to be very healthy. I count calories, work out every day, eat healthy food. I can't lose it. 3. I have a period every 2 weeks. Light, but it lasts 5-7 days sometimes. I am barely ever NOT bleeding. 4. Today I began bleeding VERY heavily, very suddenly. No reason for it. (This is why I started researching and the reason I found this thread). 5. My acne is not the worst it's ever been, but it is the most consistent. I have a routine I use every day, I have medicated acne cream, and I still get deep and painful cystic acne every day. Pros 1. I'm not pregnant? 2. My boobs are big. I want to get it removed, but due to my insurance not being active and the fact that it's $200 out of pocket to get it removed, I guess I'll live with it until my new insurance kicks in."

• Kel...
• December 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Getting it in was bad, but the entire month after was the worst, most painful experience of my life. Every single day was filled with crippling, knee-buckling, tear-inducing cramps throughout the days and nights. Once that month was over, the cramping went down, and the periods themselves slowly went away until I didn't have a period anymore. Within the last four years, I remember things like low libido, pain during sex, extreme pain after sex (great way to keep the morale up with your partner), gaining weight although I lead a somewhat active life and work on my feet, but the tipping point for me is the never-ending growth of my breasts. I started as a 38B, and I'm now up to a 36DD, with those bras even beginning to be too small. I'm not the type to show my body off, so the big breasts are just adding to my depression and anxiety (which might also be caused by the IUD?), and I'm willing to get off birth control and turn to condoms and ovulation tracking to feel like I own my body again."

• Wic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I’m 47 years old. Had this birth control since May 2018. Used to take the Depo shot. Insertion was no problem. I was fine at first. Over the year and a half, I have gained 30 lbs, depressed, tired, bloated, lack of sex drive, and moody. I eat very well, work out, and can gain pounds quickly and lose them slowly. My doctor didn’t think the BC was the cause. Ran tests for thyroid and pre-menopause, and those tests were negative. I truly believe this BC is the cause, and I plan on having it removed immediately. I haven’t had a period in over four years. So I don’t know what will happen. But I would rather deal with a period than weight gain."

• Mag...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had Liletta for 3 years now. I've had no major complications at all. My mood does have an array of emotions, but that's just how I am. My skin sometimes does break out, yes, but it's never serious. My secret is hair, skin, and nails gummies, loaded with keratin and vitamins E. You can find them at your local dollar store. On my face, chest, and shoulders, but it's never been too serious. I recently went to see my gynecologist, and she told me I was good for another 2 years, maybe longer. I said okay, but I've had spotting recently, which I haven't had since August of 2017, 6 months after insertion. Also, I've had some fatigue recently. I work 2 jobs currently, and I didn't feel like that when I worked 16 hours a day, 6 days a week, during the summer season. I do experience cramping every so often, which again I haven't had since August of 2017. Last but not least, weight gain. I've gained around 10 lbs in the last 4 months, but I work about 40 hours a week now. As to why, I don't know."

• Do...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2022

For Birth Control "Inserted after second pregnancy. I requested Mirena but was told Liletta was as effective and better. Well, I experienced virtually no sex drive, horrible mood swings, and gained 15 pounds all in 10 months. I have now been off it for 3 months and finally have my sex drive back. Still battling getting rid of the weight gained."