Mirena and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 2)
Reviews for Mirena
- lan...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 4, 2014
For Birth Control "Enjoying the idea of the Mirena more than having it at the moment. Got it inserted on 10th September 2014, the day that my period finished and have had a heavy period ever since. It's great to not take a pill every day, and sex isn't painful as I worried, although there isn't any need to worry because the bleeding is preventing that from happening. I just really hope it settles down and that the bleeding stops. Very jealous of everyone who only had a day or two of spotting."
- Fed...
- June 9, 2016
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had Mirena for 3 months now, and I have been bleeding EVERY DAY since. They said 3 months of irregular bleeding and spotting, they never said anything about having a permanent light period. I'm so over it...."
Frequently asked questions
- What should I expect after a Mirena IUD removal?
- What are the side effects of IUDs?
- Can antibiotics affect IUDs like Kyleena, Mirena, or Skyla?
- Can you get pregnant with an IUD?
- Fed...
- June 9, 2016
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had Mirena for 3 months now, and I have been bleeding EVERY DAY since. They said 3 months of irregular bleeding and spotting, they never said anything about having a permanent light period. I'm so over it...."
- Mot...
- August 4, 2008
For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted almost 4 months ago. I experienced heavy bleeding about 2 weeks after I got it and every day after that up until the 2nd month. It started off heavy and gradually lightened up but the heavy bleeding lasted almost a month, and it was every day. The doctor that inserted it said this was normal and the further from the insertion date I got it, it would get better. I've found this to be true. I am happy with Mirena."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- CRA...
- March 5, 2015
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Let me say, I had some light bleeding after the first month. Now I have had no periods. I'm 41 years old. I have had the worst periods since I was 16. My mood swings have stopped, and my skin is amazing. Look it up. It also helps with acne. I am so grateful. It really does work!"
- ban...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 16, 2019
For Birth Control "DO NOT GET THIS. I'M TELLING YOU THIS NOW! Many people, like myself, have read the reviews and thought, oh no, that won’t be me. It’ll be fine. I'M DIFFERENT. Well - no, I’m not. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. Constantly bleeding, I can’t even HAVE sex, constant cramping and discomfort. Nausea. Dizziness. And the worst of all is the HORMONES. All I do is cry. Getting it out asap."
More FAQ
- What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
- Mirena - has anyone else experienced a brown discharge?
- How long will I be bleeding heavily after Mirena coil fitting?
- Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla & Liletta - What's the difference?
- Cal...
- December 13, 2019
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm a 54-year-old postmenopausal woman who had polyps. Up until I was diagnosed with the polyps, I had not had a period in well over 9 years. I had them removed and was told the lining of my uterus was too thick, and it was recommended I have the Mirena coil inserted to help thin my uterine lining. The insertion, done on 11/5/2019, was no problem, just slight discomfort. A week after it was inserted, I started bleeding. I have all of the classic period symptoms: cramps, back pain, etc. It is now Dec. 13, 2019, and I have been bleeding nonstop for 32 days. I have talked to my doctor numerous times, and she tells me this is normal and I just need to let it settle. How can it be normal to go from being done with menopause to bleeding constantly??? I was going to wait another month and see if the bleeding would stop, but after reading all of the reviews here, I will now insist on having this thing removed. I strongly advise anyone thinking about getting the Mirena coil to NOT do it!"
- luc...
- January 23, 2016
For Birth Control "This is my experience so far for anyone considering a Mirena coil. I ummed and erred for months because of negative reviews, and my concerns were: 1) Would insertion hurt? The answer was no, I've had more painful cervical smears than the insertion of my Mirena coil. 2) Would it mess with my monthly cycle? Yes, it did. I bled constantly (in an array of colors!) for the obligatory three months that the GP told me to wait until my body got used to it. Then it was another month before I finally went back to my GP and said, 'Help.' She gave me a progesterone pill and told me to take it for a month. I only took it for one week! It did the job, I stopped bleeding and have gone on to a normal cycle. My periods only last a couple of days, do not hurt, and are light (just a smear of blood). I am 47, and compared to the heavy periods I was having before, it's a walk in the park. 3) Would I put on weight? No, not so far. I feel thinner around the middle. 4) Would I lose my sex drive? No, not so far. I was worried about this, however, I am happy to say that I have noticed no difference. Sex is just as welcome and enjoyable as before. 5) Would I get spots? No. The doctor told me that this was less likely because the hormonal content is tiny and localized to the womb. She was right. All in all, it was the right decision for me. I am very happy. I hope this post helps others."
- Dow...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 29, 2019
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Ever since I got this thing, I’ve been bleeding and cramping, depressed, and have a low sex drive. Getting this has been one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made. I was talked into it, instead of having my heavy period problem actually remedied, I was given this bad idea of a device. This has made my bleeding problem out of control. I haven’t stopped bleeding since I got it. I went to the doctor for help with heavy bleeding, and now every day since placement has been a nightmare. It seems women have been brainwashed into thinking it’s okay to be in pain. As a woman, having this thing makes me question how much society actually cares about women. Insertion was so painful I became dizzy, nauseous, and almost passed out. I had to be given a shot for the pain before I left the office. And this is normal?! No. Advice? DON’T DO IT!"
- Hap...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- November 18, 2019
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have a 10 cm fibroid, which has been held responsible for sudden, large bleeds that I was having. These bleeds were unmanageable and could strike at any time, causing my clothes, shoes, and carpet to be soaked with blood. I had read about Mirena coils and hoped it would work for me. It was inserted by a gynecologist following a hysteroscopy to check that nothing else was untoward. Insertion was slightly uncomfortable, but I had no pain afterward. That was 6 months ago, and I have not had any further bleeding, no mood swings, and as I am probably peri-menopausal, no symptoms of menopause either. An added bonus is that I no longer have periods due to Mirena, so holidays are no longer ruined. It has saved my life."
- gig...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 28, 2015
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was anemic and had very low iron levels and even experienced passing out. I would bleed for 10 days and couldn't control my bleeding, ruining clothes, chairs, beds, mattresses, and sheets, not to mention sleepless nights. I have a uterine fibroid and a few outside the uterus. I still had the Mirena placed even with the fact it may not be successful due to the fibroids. The first 3 months were a lot of spotting, but nothing more than a light day. The 4th month seemed to have a period and spotted the whole month. I waited it out, and I couldn't be happier. It is a wonderful thing. I have read a lot of negative things, but it's all opinions and it's like trying new food, some things you like, some you don't."
- Lim...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 2, 2024
For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted in April 2024 and I've had non-stop bleeding since. It's spotting, light, and heavy at times. It's starting to become annoying. My OBGYN keeps advising me to give it 3-6 months for my body to adjust, but I'm strongly considering getting it removed and going for the uterus ablation. I have friends and family that have the Mirena and have not had any issues. So with that being said, this is my experience, and it may not be the same for everyone."
- Bug...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 21, 2020
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had my 2nd Mirena inserted nearly 2 months ago. I was also put on the pill at the same time. I have been bleeding every 2 weeks for 10-12 days at a time. I am experiencing really, really bad cramping even when I'm not bleeding. My recent period started 2 weeks ago next Monday. It has been really heavy some days, then other days it's light to medium."
- Mor...
- May 22, 2013
For Birth Control "I am 21 and have not had children yet. My husband and I thought Mirena was a good idea because we want to wait a few years to conceive since I am in college still, and we want to be more settled before we start trying. Well, I was nervous about the procedure, which was pretty painful, but all I said was, 'Whoa!' No tears or anything, so it wasn't THAT bad. However, since I have had Mirena (4 months), I have had heavy cramping (like if I stand up, I get lightheaded, and the pain is almost unbearable) and unpredictable periods with light to really, really heavy bleeding. I am going to give it 2 more months, however, my husband is seriously encouraging me to have it taken out since he hates seeing me in intense pain regularly."
- Anonymous
- April 8, 2012
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had the Mirena for 3 months. It has been overwhelmingly positive. I had suffered from very heavy, painful monthly periods, with often breakthrough bleeding during my cycle. As a result, I became anemic and lived my life with no energy and dreading my next cycle. My doctor recommended the Mirena. I didn't give it much hope as I thought nothing could stop the pain and heavy flow. The Mirena did. No pain, no weight gain, no dreading my monthly cycles, and no more anemia. Now all I have is spotting. The spotting was continual when I first had the Mirena, which was a minor annoyance, but as time goes on, the spotting is decreasing. I read many negative reviews before having the Mirena, but for me, it has been fantastic."
- Mir...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 31, 2020
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted in early November. It is now a week from January, and I have had daily bleeding since insertion. I came to the forum because I was concerned. I know that the bleeding timeline varies per person, but who wants a light period for about 8 weeks?! My period has been light, which is the main reason I chose Mirena. I've had extremely heavy periods where I would have to wear an ultra tampon and overnight pad, changing both out in about 2 hours because they were both saturated for years. I am not in pain, although the insertion was very uncomfortable/painful but was a short procedure. Cramps afterward were horrific but passed. Tylenol helped. I have an amazing gyno, and when I called about the duration of my period, he did show concern, asking if I had an odor or pain, which was a no. I will go in for a check-up but am a bit nervous. I don't want to remove it unless absolutely necessary, especially if I am close to my body adjusting to the Mirena."
- 548...
- June 15, 2014
For Birth Control "I am 45, 2 kids. Had Mirena put in January for ease of birth control and was recommended by Dr. I have had no hormonal issues. However, I have light bleeding almost every day (use 1-2 panty liners a day) since insertion. Went back at 3 months, Dr. told me my body needs time to adjust. I'm trying to be patient but am about at wit's end. Had Mirena put in so I could have safe sex-now I don't have sex because of constant bleeding. I'm gonna try to wait till 6 months and see if it lets up, but not sure I can make it that long-hate to think I wasted 1/2 year on something that isn't working for me. If not, I'm having it taken out. Was on BC pills most of adult life and never had issues. Anybody else experience this, and did it ever get better?"
- 548...
- June 15, 2014
For Birth Control "I am 45, 2 kids. Had Mirena put in January for ease of birth control and was recommended by Dr. I have had no hormonal issues. However, I have light bleeding almost every day (use 1-2 panty liners a day) since insertion. Went back at 3 months, Dr. told me my body needs time to adjust. I'm trying to be patient but am about at wit's end. Had Mirena put in so I could have safe sex-now I don't have sex because of constant bleeding. I'm gonna try to wait till 6 months and see if it lets up, but not sure I can make it that long-hate to think I wasted 1/2 year on something that isn't working for me. If not, I'm having it taken out. Was on BC pills most of adult life and never had issues. Anybody else experience this, and did it ever get better?"
- Sey...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 18, 2021
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "In Oct 2020, I had lost so much blood during my period that I had to have a blood transfusion (3.5 bags). Afterwards, my gyn-ob gave me birth control pills w/ estrogen to regulate my heavy periods. It made my blood pressure go through the roof. I also had swelling in my legs, feet, and ankles. So in March 2021, I decided to have the Mirena IUD inserted. I was still bleeding heavily when my gyn-ob inserted it. It was a bloody mess. Mind you, my vaginal area was sore from all the bulky tampons that I experienced such a stinging sensation. Now fast-forward to July 2021, I'm still experiencing heavy bleeding at times. I'm constantly having to wear panty liners. I get headaches and strange body aches monthly. I've gained weight in the back of my neck and belly. I once had clear skin but not anymore. I've been hiding behind a mask the entire time. My mood comes and goes. I'm contemplating removing the IUD. I was miserable before the IUD, and now I'm miserable with it. This dilemma has ruined my livelihood."
- zja...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- April 17, 2015
For Birth Control "I just got my second Mirena inserted today - I will seriously never do anything else. I've tried other methods (patch, NuvaRing, pill), and nothing compares to Mirena if you want longer-term birth control! Yes, it is fairly painful upon insertion, but it lasts for only about 40 seconds max, but it is so worth it! Both times I didn't have bleeding or cramping afterward. My first time I didn't even have spotting, my periods just completely stopped for all 5 years. I am crossing my fingers for the same this time! I never had weight gain, and my skin was amazingly clear. For those who are interested in low-maintenance, long-term birth control, I cannot recommend Mirena more!"
- ora...
- July 31, 2014
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 51. Had it inserted 2 years ago. I never felt a thing. Did not take ibuprofen prior to. It was quick and painless. I bled for a couple of weeks after. Slight cramping for a few days. I do still spot. Nothing major. Gained a few that I can't drop. That's my age too. Not to blame Mirena. Very glad I did it. Should also take me through menopause. Positive experience."
- Tri...
- July 26, 2016
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted 4 months ago due to heavy blood flow and frequent bleeding. I have been bleeding EVERY day since. It really defeated the purpose of having it inserted, being that I am having even more blood flow. It's really hard to have a sexual relationship with my husband while bleeding every day... I'm honestly ready to have this removed!"
- Sar...
- July 26, 2014
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "The Mirena was a really good decision that I made. But getting it inserted was the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life. The pain was so bad when the doctor was inserting it I thought I was going to pass out. I bled for a few days after it was in, minor spotting but very intense cramps. I got it almost a month ago, and I am just starting to spot a little again now, so assuming this is my period that is normally very extreme due to my blood disease I have and not being able to clot, the Mirena is working well for me."
- blo...
- February 24, 2016
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am only about 4 weeks in since getting the Mirena inserted. My personal experience with insertion was okay. It was quite pinchy, but only for a short few seconds. I found the more relaxed I was, the better I could handle the discomfort. Right after having it inserted, I felt somewhat extreme cramping, which subsided within a minute. The next two days following, I had moderate period-like cramps, which made me quite irritable. The most annoying part is that I haven't stopped bleeding since insertion. People say 'spotting,' but it's a consistent flow of blood, not extremely heavy, but not extremely light either. It's rather annoying because blood doesn't smell great, and how is anyone supposed to enjoy their sex life when they're bleeding!?"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about Mirena (levonorgestrel)
- Mirena consumer information
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (2,624)
- Latest FDA alerts (1)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: contraceptives
- En español
For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena put in 9/4/13. It is 11/5/13, and I have not had a single day without bleeding! This is so effective at birth control because you can't possibly have sex with all the bleeding it causes. I am 38, of average weight, and had it inserted for birth control, not to treat any other symptom. For me, getting it inserted was mildly uncomfortable but was over quickly. I was able to go running that same day, so I wasn't uncomfortable at all. I did take 800mg of ibuprofen before the appointment. The first 2 weeks, I broke out with really nasty acne along my jawline. I think my hair has thinned. I have also experienced Migraine with aura. My Mirena is until Jan. If this hasn't fixed itself, it's coming out."