Mirena and Acne: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Mir...
• October 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena for a little over a month now, and so far it's been great! The insertion was very painful... much worse than people said, but this varies between people. I had severe cramps for a few hours after it was inserted, but after that, they were mild for the rest of the day (and the next). I spotted for a few days, but that went away and there was nothing until my period. My period was lighter, but it lasted longer. It was basically spotting (slightly heavier than a pantyliner could handle) for seven days. Since then, I've had some sporadic light spotting, but it's definitely manageable. As for other side effects, I haven't noticed any weight gain, mood swings, or a noticeable increase in acne, and I am prone to breakouts."

• Lmc...
• November 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I have used the Mirena as it seems to be the most consistent release of hormones, therefore helping mood swings, acne, weight gain, etc. I just had one removed and another placed. Never had children, and my cervix 'falls to the floor' and to a side, so it's a bit more uncomfortable than some women. But, nothing that extra water and Advil can't soothe. It is definitely worth one day of uncomfortable for five years of relief, lol. My periods mostly stopped, basically, I was spotting for a day or two after year one. Prior to year one, still light but lasted a day or so longer. My strings to the first got 'lost,' so the doctor (highly recommend an OB/GYN) used ultrasound to locate and get it before replacing it. So, a few negatives but well worth it!"

• Ann...
• January 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena IUD for a year, and it was the worst mistake of my life. I was lucky that I didn't develop any cystic anomalies, however, I had literally almost all the side effects. I gained 40 pounds, I had acne, I had to use sleeping aids in order to sleep, I have great hair loss, I had zero energy, and I had some memory loss at times. The day my doctor pulled out this IUD, I could feel the difference, and I'm doing so much better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on the Mirena for 4 months, and I have never been so disappointed. I NEVER had acne in my life, maybe one pimple every couple of months. Now my entire face is broken out, and even on a perfect skin regimen, I am a pizza face. I have NEVER not had a sex drive. GONE! I love my boyfriend so much, but I have NO desire anymore, and that is NOT like me at all. The few good things were... I didn't gain weight. I felt like myself. It did its job (or so I would assume). Just like with any birth control, you have to try it yourself and see how it works for you."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2012

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena for 3 years now. The first year was awesome, it worked really well. The only side effect was back aches, but I thought I would rather take the back pain than get pregnant as they were not too high of a pain. Starting around the year and a half mark, I started getting more back pain, hair loss (severe), and acne (which I've never had a problem with). My doctor recommended I lose about ten pounds, and I changed my eating habits, exercised three to four times a week at the gym, but would not lose any weight. This got me even more depressed. I have no sex drive and very little patience with anything or anyone. I have an appointment scheduled for removal tomorrow. Can't wait to feel normal again."

• ozi...
• May 16, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had Mirena inserted 4 weeks ago. Don't need it for BC, but I am extremely iron-deficient, so it was to stop my periods. Never mind the actual procedure, I didn't take any pain killers before or after. But I have been bleeding and badly cramping ever since the procedure. Sometimes cramps would stop, then come back suddenly so bad I groan out loud. Any physical activity makes it much worse. My tummy and breasts are swollen and tender. Some acne. Mood swings - more like mood plungers: I tend to snap at everyone around for no reason. Definitely a weight gain - 2 kg in 4 weeks. Everyone says I look very pale. Total life disruption. I wish I had read other reviews before doing it. My GP told me it would settle after 3-4 days. It comes out next week."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 3, 2015

For Birth Control "Got it when I was 18. No kids. Covered 100%. Insertion felt like a bad period cramp. Was over before I knew it. Cramped for maybe a day or two. Manageable. My partner hardly complained that he felt the strings. They never hurt him, just sometimes they needed to be adjusted. I kept it in for 6 years because I didn't have insurance anymore. On the 6th year, I had a light regular period. I had no weight gain, no mood swings (hormones are localized with Mirena), no acne problems. No side effects at all."

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena in January of 2017. I started having symptoms after about 6 months. In December of 2018 and January of 2019, I was hospitalized. Excessive throwing up, severe abdominal cramping, fever, and literally crawled up in a fetal position in so much pain! They chalked it up to “gastritis.” Now here it is July, supposedly I’ve had 5 UTIs since the visit in January. All of these were misdiagnosed. I was diagnosed with PID - happens to 1% of women. They finally linked every problem for the last 2 years to the Mirena. I got it removed immediately. Today, I was sent for a CT to see what other damages the Mirena has caused to my body. Do not get this! Other symptoms I have been experiencing - severe depression, anxiety, horrible breakouts, lack of appetite, loss in sex drive, excessive hair loss, weight gain (20 pounds). Doctors disregard anything you say and act like you’re making it all up. Don’t let them change your mind. You know your body!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 27 and have never been on BC. No kids. I decided to try BC. I didn't want to try pills because I hate the 'trial and error' part of it, and I am terrified of acne or weight gain, and also I'm just not responsible enough to take it daily. I read so many mixed reviews about Mirena, but I figured, what the hell, let's try. I love that the hormones are in your uterus and not in your bloodstream, so minimal effects on mood. Your mood swings are in your head. No appetite change, no more acne than usual. INSERTION: I was so scared of the pain I read about. I have a low tolerance. I took two Advil an hour beforehand, and my doctor told me when the cramps were coming. You won't cry, you won't faint. 6/10 on cramp pain, lasted 5 mins. RECOMMEND!"

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

For Birth Control "The first few months with Mirena seemed great, with minimal (although sporadic) bleeding. HAIR LOSS: after the first few months, my hair began to fall out. I don't have bald patches or anything, but over 9 months, I believe my hair has thinned down to 50% (and it wasn't very dense to begin with). Then came the ACNE - cystic acne on my jawline and cheeks and on my back, which I've NEVER had before in my life!!! At 37 years, this was a BIG setback. I could have dealt with the pain of insertion if the effects of Mirena were good, but they were not. In the last month, I had every gynecological problem you could think of, again, never had before in my life. This also meant that my GP could not remove it until things settled down, which led to an expensive visit to the gyno to have it taken out. Don't try it unless your current contraception is failing you on serious, MULTIPLE levels."

• Jes...
• September 12, 2009

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena now for about 3 months. I had it inserted at 12 weeks postpartum and experienced no pain, just some odd pulling sensations. I was able to drive home right away and felt fine. I had some minor cramping and bleeding for a couple of weeks. Now I have been spotting here and there and having long periods, but was told that should regulate after 6 months, so I am sitting tight for that. I have had no weight gain, actually lost 3 lbs so far. No acne, no mood swings, can't feel it, neither can my partner. So far, so good. I love how effective it is and that I don't have to remember to take anything. I'd recommend it."

• dre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena placed about two weeks ago now. Previously, I had been on Sprintec for 2 years and NuvaRing for about the last two months before my Mirena placement. My reason for switching from Sprintec was that I would no longer be on a schedule where I could take a pill at the same time every day. NuvaRing was awful and caused me to bleed for a month straight, so I decided to try Mirena. The insertion was definitely painful, there's no denying that. But the pain lasted maybe 10 seconds at the most. By the way, I have never had children. I had pretty bad cramping for the first day after insertion. I stopped bleeding about 3-4 days after insertion (after a month of bleeding from NuvaRing!) and feel great now! Acne is getting better too."

• Ama...
• October 20, 2013

For Birth Control "The first 6 months were amazing! No period, and only minor cramps when I exercised vigorously. Then I noticed my hair started thinning out, and I was getting really bad acne. I finally got it taken out a little after having it for a year and am still having acne problems, and my hair still seems to be falling out. Hopefully, it doesn't take long to get back to normal."

• JHa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had Mirena since 2018 after childbirth. Since then, I’ve had the most difficult time losing weight and have a fluid-like puffiness all over my body with increased cellulite on my legs. My stomach is always bloated and distended. I have mucous discharge every day that comes about mostly in the afternoon. I also have very dark, thick hair growing on my head among my normal dark blonde hair. I have mild acne as well that will not go away. I am now questioning whether my increased nervousness may be tied to this IUD as well. I do like the effectiveness of the birth control, but it seems to take a toll in other areas, which impedes my health and well-being."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 22. This thing has helped my horribly heavy, painful periods. But my body is so sensitive to this. I have broken out in horrible cystic acne on my chin (derm said this commonly causes acne) and cheeks, and my joints ache, I can't sleep, I'm constipated, I'm sweating worse than ever and having hot flashes when it's 60 degrees. So, beware, for highly body-sensitive people, this may not be worth it. I am getting it removed. But it did help my periods!"

• Mel...
• January 9, 2017

For Birth Control "After experiencing horrid headaches during the placebo week of the pill, I opted for Mirena. I had been on the pill for 5 years. The insertion was painful, however, after a minute or two, I felt no pain. There was light spotting for the first 2 weeks, but no spotting since (now 1.5 years in). I have had no periods since having Mirena inserted. I rarely think about the IUD. Every few months, I'll get a brief cramp and remember, 'oh yeah, no more cramps, periods, or birth control pills!' I did experience pretty bad hormonal acne along my jawline, but this is because I was on the pill and went off it. If you rely on the pill for acne treatment, be prepared to head back to the doctor for a topical treatment."

• RS6...
• March 17, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted on 2/24/17 for abnormal uterine bleeding, which started on 1/24/17. Also prescribed 10 mg Provera 3 times a day. Well, been bleeding ever since and sick of it. Bright red blood, 2-3 pads a day. Pelvic pain, acne, feel fat, no energy, tired. See GYN on 4/4/17 and have to get blood tests beforehand. Have no iron, so been on iron tablets since January. Think I want this out, don't know if I can handle another 5 months of bleeding."

• I...
• January 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena 8 weeks after having my second child, at 24 years old. Having it placed was not bad; no cramping or bleeding, and my periods stopped completely. Since the age of 13, my periods were agonizing: migraines, vomiting, diarrhea, back and leg cramps, and I was going through tampons, etc., like crazy! So, just the fact that Mirena eliminated them for me was a miracle in itself. I also happen to have always had a problem gaining weight; though it wasn't a huge change, I gained 20 lbs after the first 3 years of getting the Mirena! I also noticed my acne disappeared, my hair started growing faster and thicker, and I went up a full breast size! If there ever was a completely satisfied customer, it'd be me!"

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had the Mirena in for a month, and the first period is basically non-existent. Was recommended for by my gynecologist because of harsh periods and excessive bleeding causing iron deficiency, though I don't really think my bleeding was that excessive. Have had minimal cramping and hardly any discharge, no bleeding to speak of. I was worried coming off the pill that my acne would come back, but my face is clearer than ever. Have noticed some abdominal bloating, but it's only the first month, so not a big deal. HOWEVER... people should be warned about the insertion process, as it was quite a terrible experience even with a very gentle and experienced gyno. Frankly, it hurt badly, and I had immediate cramping. Have a driver with you."

• min...
• August 3, 2016

For Birth Control "Had Mirena put in at 6 weeks postpartum check-up as directed by the doctor. Had lots of bleeding for 10 months. Abdominal pain was present, talked to the doctor, said my body had to adjust. Then came the bloating, it came and went along with the pain. Intercourse was painful, not too pleasant sometimes. Had 3 UTIs while I had it in. My skin was in the most beautiful state before I started and dramatically changed. My face became very oily and developed acne. My hair began to fall more than usual, shedding. I had to go to the doctor because I couldn't feel it. She ran an ultrasound, the strings were flipped. I had gained 30 lbs those 2 years. Right after I had it in, even though I breastfed for the life it was in. Once I had it removed, all is getting better."

• alo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I had my first Mirena when I was 22, now I'm 32 and working on getting my third one. I have never had children, and I don't want to have any at all. Both insertions were very painful. The first time around, I was spotting and cramping for 4 months. I hated it to the point that I wanted it removed, but decided to wait a little longer. I'm glad I kept it! 4 months later, my periods are so light and almost nonexistent. Yes, my acne got worse, but it was because it got better when I was on the pill. I think my acne just went back to its pre-birth control levels. No mood swings, no more cramping, great birth control (10 years and not a single pregnancy or even a scare!). I recommend it, but I always say give it at least 4 months if you hate it."

• Ale...
• November 29, 2012

For Birth Control "After giving birth, I was looking for a birth control that would let me breastfeed without any problems. My OB suggested Mirena, which made me a bit nervous because of the mixed reviews I read. Finally, I decided to get it. The insertion was not painful at all (maybe because I had just given birth). I did feel a little bit of cramping that day and the following, but nothing major. I've had it for three months now and I have not had any side effects. My period is very light now, no weight gain, headache, or mood swings, and most importantly, no acne that I have had problems with in the past. I am very happy with Mirena so far. I hope this helps."

• Son...
• September 16, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Ugh, I wish I had found these reviews before I had it. I'm so angry I had it because I was having two-week periods, heavy each month. I've now had this six weeks, haven't stopped bleeding once. I'm cramping badly, gained 10 pounds, tired all the time, irritable, skin looks horrible with acne, and no end to the bleeding. It's horrible. My sex drive is gone, and I'm usually very sexual. After reading this, I am not sure I want to keep it in because the doctor keeps saying give it time, but most people here say even after six months it's the same. So I've swapped a bad problem for a much worse one! Ugh, so frustrated. I'm 46, so they won't give me the pill, so this seemed the next best choice! I wish the doctor could be more honest or informed about so many people having."

• clo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I had to get the Mirena removed after 9 months due to constant groin pains, severe acne (just appeared out of nowhere), and heavy periods. I thought suffering through after the 3-month mark would eventually lead to getting better, but it ended up hurting me in the long run. So if you have any type of symptoms, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your gyno! Make sure you’re not allergic to levonorgestrel (as if you had a bad reaction to the BC pills) as well beforehand! I just don’t want anyone to experience the same situation I had."

• UGH...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 12, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena IUD inserted in January 2016 due to heavy periods. With the IUD, my periods were lighter but lasted 2 weeks. My moods changed severely, and I had cramping every day during my 2-week periods. I have developed acne cysts on my face, sex had become painful, and I began to bleed after sex. I had become miserable. Four days ago, I had my IUD removed. The string had coiled, and my doctor had great difficulty getting it out. Since its removal, I started with very light spotting. I am on day four, and I have heavy bleeding, and I am passing HUGE clots. I am experiencing gushing, which causes me to fill up pads within an hour. I'm dizzy, have no energy, bloated, and have a constant headache. NEVER AGAIN!!!"