Mirena and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Tes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had a Mirena put in when I had my laparoscopy for endometriosis about five months ago. I had a month of heavy bleeding at first, now it's just a few days a month of light bleeding. The rest of the time, there is a light discharge, whatever that is. It is annoying as I have to always wear a pantyliner. Good thing the Mirena has gotten rid of the heavy, painful bleeding I had and my menstrual migraines (which used to last for 7-10 days every month). Yay! The only thing that really upsets me is the acne on my chin, though it's more like rash-type spots than full-on acne. It looks dreadful as my face has red splotches on it, and it's embarrassing. Still, I would prefer to have that than the horrible pains and migraines that I used to."

• Gar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 6, 2013

For Birth Control "I am a 47-year-old female. I tried the birth control pill, and it raised my blood pressure too high. My GYN suggested Mirena. I read the reviews and warnings and was nervous but agreed. It has been over 6 months, and here is my take: 1. Having it put in was ridiculously easy and not worth any concern. 2. Very pleased with not worrying about pregnancy. 3. Periods are normal but extremely light. 4. Some cramping after sex - some light bleeding after sex. No biggie. 5. Had to have the strings cut shorter for my partner - he cannot even notice it now. 6. The only downside I have had is an increase in acne, and on the days I get my period, I am very moody (I never had this before, so I know it is a side effect). 7. Cost $100.00."

• NoB...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 27 with no kids. I do not want kids and never have. I wanted something long-term that was more reliable than the pill and wouldn't mess with me in the way the shot does. I've had Mirena for several months now. At first, the cramping was odd and painful, nothing I couldn't handle, it would happen sporadically and would subside after a few minutes. A few months into it, it's pretty much gone. No periods and minimal spotting. It was literally, for me, 'stick it and forget it.' I'm very happy with it. No weight gain, no acne, no mood swings. I'm still my regular self. For the insertion, I was really scared, and my OB gave me something for nerves. Honestly, it just felt like a deep cramp. I didn't feel the pinch, but it's different for everyone."

• In ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "It was absolutely horrible. I gained a lot of weight and acne, and I was in so much pain all the time and depressed. The doctor told me to wait it out when I continued to explain all the pain I was in and how much hair I was losing. It was like the doctor didn't care in any way to hear what I was saying. I have zero idea why they push it so hard on patients and really push for you to keep it in when you are telling them how bad it is. I finally had enough after three years, told my doctor to get it out of me. She went on about how amazing it is for me and how it is helping with my pain from endometriosis. I stopped her in her tracks and said no, take it out now - I have lived with it for three and a half years, and it does not help. I am in so much pain all day, every day, and swelled out like I was six months pregnant. Oh my goodness, when it came out, all the pain went away instantly, and the swelling did the next morning. Yes, it helps with not getting pregnant, but there is a lot of bad that comes with it."

• ZEN...
• June 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my 1st child in November 2014 and got Mirena in January 2015. I spotted for the 1st month and a half. I've had cramping, no sex drive, lack of energy, acne, hair itching, and gained 20 pounds in 4 months. I finally got Mirena removed today, 6/17/2015, and I already feel better. No cramps. I've been able to work from 5 am to 1:30, go to the gym, go shopping, and play with my baby without fatigue. The RN was giving me a hard time and stating my research is wrong and Mirena doesn't make women gain weight due to such low hormones, but I told her everyone's body is different, and this was not the right birth control for me. I told her even all my coworkers that have it right now are experiencing the same issues, so what does that tell you? She acted like she had an attitude because she couldn't talk me out of removing it, but I don't care, it's my body, my choice. I hope that this helps someone. If this is what it costs to not have a period, I'd rather have mine!"

• Bal...
• October 18, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Got my Mirena inserted in April '19, today is Oct. 17, roughly over 6 months. So far, all the days were nothing but one horrible pain covered with never-ending bleeding. I will dismiss my headaches, almost like horrible pressure and cystic acne (always been envied of my skin), nausea, mood swings, insomnia, feeling depressed, and lack of libido. However, I can’t believe that something that small could put me through this hell. What else can this be called if for the past 6 months I didn’t wear a pad maybe for 5 days tops? This past week it got so heavy and long with so many huge clots, I feel more insecure than I’ve ever had on my worst period day. My spouse is very supportive, but it’s me that is losing patience with it and about to lose my marbles. Will call my gyno the first thing tomorrow morning to have it removed and won’t leave the room until I see it outside my body. I refuse to be so naive as to be told to wait months to see results. Will keep you posted once I have it out."

• Ken...
• February 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm a 20-year-old woman who has never had kids, and I'm here to tell you how to get an IUD so you don't have a terrible experience like some of the people who rate this drug badly. Don't listen to the bad reviews! They will just freak you out. Plus, complications are extremely rare, especially if you ask the doctor (not a nurse) about his/her personal stats. Side effects like moodiness, weight gain, and acne are impossible! Less than 1% of the drug gets into your bloodstream, so it can't have the same side effects as most birth controls. The cervix softener and ibuprofen really help with pain, while lorazepam helps relax your muscles. Make sure you take them! It will hurt like a strong cramp, but it is brief and worth the 99.7% protection, plus no periods."

• ms...
• March 13, 2009

For Birth Control "I had my IUD placed in almost 3 months ago exactly. I had fairly regular periods that lasted about a week every time, maybe 2-3 days of heavier bleeding, and next to no cramps. With the exception of about a week, maybe two, I have bled every day since. They say there can be spotting, but it's been more than spotting for me. Just when I think I'm about to stop, it starts back up. Not only that, but I don't have acne, and all of a sudden it's there, and it's only getting worse. I'm also tired all the time, moody, and sick a lot."

• bmi...
• September 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I went on the Mirena IUD 5 years ago, I am now 21. It was great! No side effects except the most painful cramps in my life the first day I got the IUD inserted. It just recently expired, so I had it taken out about 3 months ago... The most terrible acne I've ever had in my life popped up about 1 week after I was off the IUD, and no one warned me. My skin has always been clear for the most part. I have developed tons of cystic acne on my chest! As a woman, I've literally become depressed not being able to wear a tank top or anything that shows my chest in the last 3 months. My face also went a little nuts. 4 weeks ago, I started Yaz BC, hoping it clears me up, no results so far. Looks like it's all getting worse, tbh. Every day I wake up, praying Yaz will do what it's meant to do and clear me up! Be aware getting off Mirena has serious skin side effects, to me, it made it not worth the IUD due to the treacherous hormonal outbreak immediately afterwards."

• bmi...
• September 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I went on the Mirena IUD 5 years ago, I am now 21. It was great! No side effects except the most painful cramps in my life the first day I got the IUD inserted. It just recently expired, so I had it taken out about 3 months ago... The most terrible acne I've ever had in my life popped up about 1 week after I was off the IUD, and no one warned me. My skin has always been clear for the most part. I have developed tons of cystic acne on my chest! As a woman, I've literally become depressed not being able to wear a tank top or anything that shows my chest in the last 3 months. My face also went a little nuts. 4 weeks ago, I started Yaz BC, hoping it clears me up, no results so far. Looks like it's all getting worse, tbh. Every day I wake up, praying Yaz will do what it's meant to do and clear me up! Be aware getting off Mirena has serious skin side effects, to me, it made it not worth the IUD due to the treacherous hormonal outbreak immediately afterwards."

• Opp...
• August 1, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "After suffering from debilitating cramping and super-heavy bleeding naturally (without birth control intervention of any kind) for ten years, a doctor finally convinced me to try birth control for the problem. Inserting the thing was excruciating. The debilitating cramping following the procedure lasted for six weeks before it faded to about a 6 on the scale... and stayed there for two years. After two years, one particularly 'rough' menstrual cycle resulted in literally level 10 cramping (passing out) and bleeding for three straight months. Considering the huge weight gain, acne, and other side effects actually listed for the drug made me feel so unattractive that sex was out of the question, I decided that that must be why Mirena was so effective as a birth control. I had the thing yanked after two years, and I opted to have the problem organ removed completely. Women! We need to fight for better treatment for extreme menstrual problems. How many pills do they have for ED now?"

• Ler...
• August 30, 2010

For Birth Control "Please don't be afraid to try this! I'm 36 with no children, had to come off the pill for health reasons. Dr. said it was great for women my age. I was scared to death from all these reviews. But I gave it a try. Yes, insertion was terribly painful (and I'm a tough cookie). After a few hours of cramping, my ibuprofen did the job and I felt better. Had a sore back the next day and that's been it. No bleeding (insertion during my cycle) since. I've been working out and actually have started to lose weight. No acne or moodiness, although it's only been a week. Please give it a try and enjoy your built-in birth control."

• Sex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted on September 2. I had very heavy cycles that lasted 8 days. After getting Mirena, my periods are much lighter, no more ultra tampons and overnight pads at the same time! My cycle is 5 days, but only the first day is enough for a super tampon. I spot the rest, and most of the days nothing! Insertion was horrible, my uterus is really high and is kind of hidden behind my what's called the G-spot. I would go through it again to have the cycle I have now. Side effects are breast tenderness constantly and acne. Still love it!"

• Anonymous
• June 15, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Mirena for over a year now and have experienced some side effects. Side effects to watch out for are severe mood swings, hair loss, depression, acne, dizziness, headaches, memory loss, and insomnia."

• har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I love Mirena more than any other birth control method. Had it put in 3 months after my daughter was born. There was slight pain with insertion, but my cervix had fully closed by that time. I had light spotting that day and nothing since. I am also breastfeeding, so that might be why I am not bleeding like others. I have had no mood swings, acne, or weight gain. I do have a master's in pharmacology, and from an education background, I can say most of those side effects people complain about are from your body adjusting from having a baby in you and then out of you. The amount of hormone transfer from the uterus site to outside the body is minimal, that is why it is safe for breastfeeding mothers."

• JoM...
• June 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I was suffering very long and heavy bleeding once my second child was weaned off and periods had come back. So it seemed a good idea to try the coil. The insertion was quite painful, and I had some cramping and bleeding, but it was manageable. However, what I didn't expect were all the side effects I was having. Hair loss, bad headaches, bad skin, backache, joint ache (couldn't run without knee pain... I have never had knee pain in my life), hot flushes, mood swings, teary, and it reduced my sex drive to nothing. I have had it in for almost a year now, and while some of the symptoms have gone, like the headaches and hot flushes, the hair loss, mood swings, joint aches, and low sex drive have stayed with me. It helped with my overall health in terms of having no periods, and therefore I had no other illnesses, but the sum of all side effects outweighs the benefits in my case."

• Bec...
• November 4, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I do not recommend Mirena. Terrible acne, severe weight gain, continued cramping, random 2-week-long periods, terrible discharge, and cause of infection after insertion. Overall, an awful year, had to go back onto the pill anyway. It was recommended by every health professional I have come into contact with as a resolution for my endometriosis but has done nothing but reduce my quality of life."

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed 6 months ago to control excessive bleeding during periods. I am 38 and have had one child. The placement was extremely painful for me, even with taking 800 mg of ibuprofen prior to the procedure. That being said, I have friends who have had it placed with no more pain than what you'd expect during a pap smear. It all depends on the person. My periods are tremendously lighter, to the point that I can almost get by with only a liner. So Mirena has served its purpose. On the downside, I spot frequently between periods, have reoccurring yeast infections, mild acne, less sex drive, and mood swings. My orgasms are nowhere near as intense as they used to be, and I frequently get mild cramping and lower back aches."

• Ple...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I had annoying but manageable adult acne until I went on Mirena. I had it removed after 5 weeks because the side effects and especially the acne were unbearable. I went from 1-3 pimples at a time to ~10 huge painful cystic bumps on each cheek. Even months later, the acne wouldn’t go away. I had it removed in May, and in November, I had to go on Accutane, which worked but is its own ordeal and takes at least 6 months. Now I use the pill + condom. Please trust me and find any other alternative besides this..."

• nat...
• January 6, 2017

For Birth Control "After trying the pill and realizing that it wasn't for me, I decided to give Mirena a try. My experience with this method of birth control has been nearly perfect. Here are my pros: - I no longer have a period. As someone who used to suffer from crippling cramps and extremely heavy flow, this is a blessing. - I haven't had any symptoms that I experienced with the pill (weight gain, acne, mood swings, hair loss). - Childless and proud. Cons: - The day of the insertion, I was slightly crampy afterwards. However, I recovered quickly. Overall, this is the best form of birth control. 10/10 - would highly recommend."

• Kat...
• November 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I chose Mirena because the Pill became too expensive to buy every month. I was happy to find out my insurance paid for 100% of the costs! I only cramped for about two weeks after, and those were very mild, but I don't have a history of cramps either. I do not have a period anymore (which is great for saving $ on tampons!) although I do still have some symptoms of PMS each month. The only downside I have to say about it is that because Mirena doesn't have the same hormones as the Pill, my acne isn't being regulated like it was before, but it's definitely not unmanageable."

• Lca...
• July 25, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed December 26th, 2018. I have fibroids and the world's heaviest period. I was told this was going to help lighten, if not make my period go away, and shrink my fibroids naturally. In the last 7 months, I have had my period almost completely straight through the 7 months. It’s still very painful, the bleeding is lighter, yes, but it is NOT worth it if I am continually bleeding for months. The time when I would normally not be on it, I am spotting thick brown discharge. I’ve been told this is normal. As for the fibroids, they are still the same size. Just to add onto this, I have gained a ton of weight (I workout with a trainer every day), so this is very frustrating, and I have small acne hormonal bumps around my chin. I can’t wait to have this thing removed. This is a complete nightmare, I don’t recommend this to anyone."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Cons: The IUD insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my life. I felt 1 intense cramp and then 2 stabbing pains when it was inserted. Perks: It only took a minute, and I didn’t get bad cramps after at all and went on with my day. I just had my 5-week checkup, and thank goodness it’s still in place! I actually love the IUD now and have no symptoms (other than minor breakouts on my chin). The insertion pain will hopefully be worth the 5 years of not worrying about contraception."

• Anonymous
• February 13, 2009

For Birth Control "I am 28 years old, and I have had the Mirena for almost 3 1/2 years and haven't had any problems other than acne. I don't really have a period anymore, which is awesome. The only thing I hate is the acne part. It's not like me to have acne, and I hate it. I have tried many different acne medications to clear it up, and so far the only one that has helped it is the Murad Acne Complex. I would recommend Mirena to anyone who doesn't want to have kids but would like to in the future. I love that I don't have to remember to take a pill anymore, and I don't have to use tampons or pads. Hope this was helpful for anyone who wants to have this done."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I am a graduate student who has never had children and got the Mirena because IUDs have the highest rate of success (especially over time) for birth control. The insertion was painful (pain scores 7-8), but I slept for a couple of hours after the procedure, and when I woke up, the pain had subsided to a 2-3 (out of 10). I had very light spotting the first couple of weeks, but have not had a period since the insertion (I had the device placed early June 2015). I have noticed some moderate back acne and slight weight gain, but I am unsure whether those can be attributed to other life circumstances at this point. If the weight gain continues, I will write another review, but at this point, my experience has been great."