Mirena and Bloating: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• July 21, 2011

For Birth Control "I've had the Mirena for about 1 1/2 years. At first, I was very happy with it. Didn't notice any weight gain, although I noticed it was very hard to lose weight as I began working out a lot more and eating better, so I should have lost weight. I have just begun to notice within the last 9 months or so that I am slowly gaining weight, don't feel very good, severe bloating, tired, moody, no patience, depressed, and no sex drive at all. It has finally dawned on me that all of this might be because of the Mirena, and am getting it taken out. All this time, I have been thinking there is something wrong with me, but now I have hope that once this is removed, I might go back to normal-or I hope I do."

• Are...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 21 with no kids. I got it inserted April 7th, and the insertion was pretty painful, but manageable. Don't let the fear of insertion stop you from getting it because it only lasts about five minutes. The worst part for me has been pretty much nonstop bleeding and constantly being bloated. I gained about five pounds since I got it. I had a normal period the first month, but I have been bleeding ever since June 9th. The nurse said it was normal, but I have become anemic because of it. I also now have cysts on my ovaries, which may or may not be related to the Mirena, but they are painful, and I have to go back to check on them. I'm still not sure if I made the right decision with Mirena. I mean, I'm not pregnant, so it's doing what I wanted."

• Sus...
• August 11, 2015

"I am 45 years old, on Mirena for the last 15 months. Gained 20 lbs while watching what I eat and exercising during that period and also experienced hair loss, depression, water retention, and bloating. My periods are lighter, but it is not worth all the side effects."

• Mal...
• October 7, 2009

For Birth Control "On January 13, 2008, I had my Mirena inserted. It was painless, and I had no cramping in the days to follow. What I did have was 8 solid months of spotting. Enough to need a light tampon while I was awake and a pad while I slept. All the while, my depression got worse, my face broke out, I lost my libido, I gained weight, and my stomach bloated. I gained a total of 30 pounds between 1/13/08 and 8/09. July '09 is when I started lactating...a new side effect of the Mirena. On 8/16/09, I had my Mirena removed, and it was the best thing I've ever done, painless, and within a week, most of my symptoms were almost totally gone. I'm still lactating and have to lose about 10 more pounds. At least it did its job preventing pregnancy."

• Anonymous
• December 5, 2011

For Birth Control "I really, really wanted to LOVE the Mirena. I had it inserted on February 14, 2011 (yes, Valentine's Day) and finally had it removed today. It definitely made my periods lighter, but I also had 2 a month, every month, at 9 days each. Typically, my period is fairly heavy, but only 5 days and only once a month. That was complaint #1. I was constantly bloated and gained 19 lbs despite working out and dieting. My biggest complaint is that I had huge emotional/hormonal issues with this. Everything from random crying to just being extremely emotional, even depressed at times. I am a fairly happy person normally. I had the Mirena removed and replaced with a Paragard. I really like the aspects of the IUD and not having to worry regularly."

• CS0...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was given the Mirena on recommendation from my OBGYN doctor to treat constant bleeding. I was advised that I could expect spotting throughout the first three months, but that after that it should be very light or non-existent. Insertion was not horrible, but definitely not fun. I bled for 4 months straight while on the Mirena, not to mention other not-so-fun side effects, like bloating, acne, and that awful smell (which they don't warn you about, by the way). I tried additional birth control pills on top of the Mirena in order to stop the bleeding, but it only worked short-term. Finally, I pulled the plug, quite literally actually. Removal was painless and quick. I opted for the Depo shot instead. Miraculously, the bleeding stopped!"

• Cra...
• October 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Mirena placed today. I took the recommended 800 mg of Advil. The pain was horrible at insertion. Now keep in mind, I am 33 and have not been pregnant. The pain didn't last long, but will forever haunt me. It had been 12 hours since insertion. Cramping is almost gone, but I do feel bloated. Not much appetite, which is good! I just wish they would have warned me about the discomfort of insertion. I have access to strong meds due to other health issues and could have medicated more appropriately. Time will tell if I like it. I have been on birth control since I was 16-ish. I have done pills and vaginal rings prior to this. I hear good and bad about it, but staying positive."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on the birth control pill for a long time, and it caused liver lesions. So the doctor suggested the IUD. Ugh... worst side effects. I always feel it, cramps, bloating, weight gain, hair loss, BAD acne, bad PMS, headaches. I am getting it removed in a month and getting my tubes tied. I never knew about the memory issues that some people mention, but do feel like I can't concentrate. So ready for it to be gone."

• Mir...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had my Mirena for 11 months now, inserted after my second child. My husband and I recently moved across the country, so I thought for sure my hair loss and anxiety about a new place were due to the stress of moving. However, we have now been here for six months, and life couldn't be better, so when I started having panic attacks out of nowhere with no history of ever having them, I thought for sure I was going crazy. I have terrible mood swings, bloating, weight gain (even with proper diet and exercise), gas, hair breakage, moderate, almost uncontrollable depression (when I have had little and controlled it before), yeast infections. I mean the TMI list can go on and on. I don't recommend this to anyone."

• Lis...
• October 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I had hormonal issues since my teens. Suffered from severe anemia, almost died because I lost so much blood in each cycle over the years. It appears the anemia was a symptom of endometriosis; diagnosed in surgery at 23 (several years later). They inserted a Mirena coil after a laparoscopy. When I woke up, it was the worst pain; I couldn't wee for hours (it felt like the insertion was done wrong) & I was sick due to the morphine. When I was released home, I had managed to wee but burnt like hell as the codeine had worn off. The surgeon had done wrong because after surgery I woke up with a nappy & there was a lot of blood! It's been over a month since my surgery & I've noticed some pros instead of weight gain; my weight doesn't fluctuate & I can eat so much more without feeling bloated. I sleep a lot better too, probably due to having more progesterone. Cons: my period lasts 1 week longer than the usual 7 days."

• mas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I was about to change my mind and not have Mirena inserted until my doctor told me I would have to pay for it as he had already opened it for insertion. I never got a period, no bleeding. I lost insurance and refused to rack up more debt in medical bills and just hoped all was good despite constantly being tired, having migraines daily, and bumps in my pelvic area under the skin, and pain and bloating. I went to the hospital for another issue where they did a CAT scan and found both of my ovaries covered in cysts. I will now, at 25 years old, be having my ovaries removed as I have ovarian cancer. All I can say is thank goodness I have had 3 kids already. I want to know why my doctor put in a device known to cause cancer in someone with a family history."

• Joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had the Mirena three times now, all at different stages of my life. The first time it worked really well, mind you, I was only 21 at the time. The second time around I had it when I was 24, and it was completely painful and in the wrong spot, so I got it removed after only 2 months. Now, at 29, I have only had it for just over 3 months and I'm getting this one removed on Monday. The headaches and migraines are horrible, the weight gain is also there along with bloating, tiredness, and zero sex drive. Not to mention, the week before and on my period, the cramps and aches and pains are not worth it. Also, my entire body aches and I don't have to do anything and I'm in pain."

• sof...
• March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena after giving birth about 7 weeks postpartum. I bleed terribly almost every day. Terrible back pains and no energy. Sex went out the window. My doc said to give it three months to regulate, but this sucks. I'm bloated all the time and can't lose any weight. So far, I'm thinking it's not worth it. Obviously, it's doing its job, but this is not fun and it's ruining my sex life! Also, I've been getting headaches that won't go away."

• J9a...
• March 20, 2019

For Birth Control "So it’s my 5th day on it. The lady told me to give it some time, like 6 months, but I’m all out of time. 1st day, slightly bleeding. 2nd day till now, worst cramps I’ve ever experienced in my whole entire life. My acne on my face is horrible. My hair is falling out, and I’m Black and Mexican, my hair hardly falls out! I’ll wake up 2/3 times in the middle of the night with the worst cramps I’ve ever had. Even when I have my period, I hardly cramp. I’ll be in class, and I’ll start cramping. I’ll have to look down and start breathing through my nose, out my mouth, because this pain is horrible. I'm bloating so bad it makes me feel self-conscious about myself. I’ll be sad out of nowhere, then I’ll get mad. It’s crazy! This IUD is the worst, and it’s only my first time using it on the 5th day! I’m getting it removed tomorrow. Maybe people won’t experience what I had. I’ve never been on birth control, so this was quite the experience."

• Flo...
• December 22, 2017

For Birth Control "First of all, before you get Mirena, know your body. My body always reacted strongly to toxins and different changes. Like bloating, constipation, or acne after eating too much sugar/salt/lipids... you will know if that is your case. So the first month with Mirena was really painful. Uterine cramps at the end of every day and some spotting. From the first month, I completely lost my period. I also completely lost my libido, which has never been so strong as I had always taken hormones as birth control (previously on pills). For the past 2 years, I had mild acne, like 3-4 pimples every month. But with Mirena, my face was covered with it. Mostly around my mouth and on my forehead (but then it spread to my cheeks). I lost all my self-confidence. I removed Mirena after 6 months, and my doctor gave me minocycline 500 mg 2x a day + topical/acid cream. I am now on IUD Mona Lisa (copper IUD), and I didn't have a single cramp after its insertion + my libido has never been this strong. It's 100% natural, no hormones, and costs pennies comparatively to Mirena!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted in June 2017. My doctor suggested it since I suffer from really bad migraines (especially during my period). From June on, I didn't get my period. Unfortunately, I hated what it did to me - weight gain, acne on my face, neck, and back, constantly feeling bloated, cravings, large appetite, and no sex drive. After 9 months, I finally got it removed on Friday. I will say that it did help with my migraines since I didn't have a drop in hormones like the pill. I went from 134 to my current weight of 156."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 26, 2018

For Birth Control "After reading multiple horrible and scary reviews in the waiting room of my OBGYN, I was terrified of getting the Mirena. But alas, I convinced myself that was 'just all those horror stories and none of that would happen to me.' Well, it has been almost two years of the Mirena, and it is me. I have gained 35+ pounds, have severe anxiety attacks (never have I had experience with this), depression, no libido, and crippling cramps/bloating. Sure, the no-period thing is sort of nice.....but I would rather just have a period than be experiencing all of the nonsense I am now. My only advice is that you know your limits. I had promised myself I would *stick it out* and see if anything got better with the side effects, but they just kept getting worse. I am getting this taken out in 2 weeks, and I COULD NOT be more excited. Also, ask for options on birth control, because some of these doctors are very pushy with what they choose to recommend and not."

• Maj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I've had Mirena for almost a month now. I am 33, had one vaginal birth. The insertion is painful, but very manageable. I used to weigh 112 lbs, in less than 30 days, I've gained 6 lbs. I got a crying fit within 24 hours of inserting Mirena. I did not experience postpartum depression with my child and handled the divorce pretty well, so I know the depression is due to the Mirena. Add a constant sense of bloating, cramps, and back pain. I have been spotting since the insertion too. No normal period so far. I also had an awful migraine that lasted 3 days. In a couple of months, if the side effects don't improve, it must be removed."

• ver...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 16, 2018

For Birth Control "Be careful. I thought this would be a great decision. Due to a heart condition, I could no longer take oral contraception. My Mirena experience has been a nightmare. I am 8 months in and have scheduled to have it removed next week. It was torture to have it placed, and the cramping was awful for almost a week afterward. I gained 5 pounds, had incessant bloating, depression, and hair growth on my face. I am hopeful I will be freed from these horrible side effects."

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2011

For Birth Control "I have had the IUD for 3 years total. At first, I had cramping and bleeding for the first two months, which I read is normal. But lately, I have had other issues with the IUD. I have had severe cramping, bloating, mood swings, little or no sex drive, and frequent milky white discharge throughout the day. I am thinking about getting it removed very soon because the cramping has gone on for 2 weeks straight, it feels as if someone is stabbing me in the lower abdomen. I am scared about getting it removed because I have never had a child, but my doctor told me it was fine to have implanted."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena IUD inserted on July 18, 2018, so three days ago, a week after coming off Depo-Provera and a couple days after my first period after Depo ended. The insertion was the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. Admittedly, I cried out in pain, broke out in a sweat, and felt excruciatingly dizzy and nauseous. I think it's because I have never given birth. I had to lay on the table for a while until the dizziness subsided. The nurses gave me a cup of water, and I was pale and my blood pressure dropped. Three days later, and I'm still feeling nauseous and dizzy off and on, and the cramps are uncomfortable. Nothing unlike what I've experienced with my period, but ibuprofen isn't helping. I'm bloated, tired, and I've got some acne starting. I've heard the worst of the cramping subsides in 1-2 weeks, so hopefully that's the case with me!"

• jwa...
• August 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my Mirena inserted on Aug 14th, and so far, other than bloating and spotting, I'm having a good experience with it. I got mine inserted at Planned Parenthood, and it was uncomfortable, but the pain was similar to what I experience during Pap smears, so not totally undoable. I'm curious to know when those who mentioned it caused weight gain started to notice it because I am already overweight, and gaining lbs is not an option. Just trying to get a gauge on when I should stop checking the scale relentlessly for any change. Thanks."

• Anonymous
• September 28, 2012

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena for about four and a half years now. I got it at my six-week appointment after my son was born. I have always been blessed with super light cycles lasting maybe three days with no cramping, bloating, or things of that nature. Even now, I don't have one at all, just a little spotting randomly. My weight has been cool, and my skin-I'm a hairstylist, so my hair is in great condition. I had two of my three sisters had the Mirena. One made hers come out and got pregnant, and the other had to take hers out due to thyroid issues, being a heavy smoker, and just poor health. I have not gotten pregnant, so I recommend it."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena fitted 3/10/16 while waiting to have hysteroscopy. Had it for 2 months with nonstop bleeding every day. The last few weeks I was depressed, angry, bloated, weight gain, itchy skin. Ended up asking a doctor to take it out. He said he didn't think my symptoms were from Mirena and that they are more than likely menopause. I'm 49 and had none of these symptoms until I had Mirena. I'm day 3 post-Mirena, not much has changed yet, but so glad I had it out. Hoping to have a hysterectomy soon."

• ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 42 years old, never had kids. I have PCOS and my last period was very painful. My OB-GYN recommended Mirena, and I had it placed yesterday after my OB-GYN did a cervix biopsy. This was a very painful procedure, and they did not put anesthesia on me and did not warn me about the side effects of Mirena. The doctor said to take Motrin 600 mg every 6 hours so I don't damage my kidneys. I've been feeling the most uncomfortable cramps all day and all night long. I don't like this IUD, tomorrow I'm going to the ER to have this device taken out. I couldn't go to work today, and I've been in my apartment in bed taking Motrin. Also, I'm bloated like I'm 3 months pregnant, and I got a big pimple on my chin. Do not recommend."