Mirena and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• tra...
• January 25, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had almost a constant headache when I first had it in. I gained 12 lbs in 2 weeks (thought it was water, but it stayed). Not sure if I got depression or I just didn't feel right. Got it out yesterday...no more constant headache!"

• Ann...
• October 10, 2018

For Birth Control "The Mirena made me go crazy. After only a month, I got depressed, severe anxiety, and panic attacks. I was paranoid, then ended up in a mental hospital. I had weird thoughts and felt like they would turn into actions. No doctor helped except the psychiatrist in the hospital who told me it was the Mirena, also the Zoloft they used to try to treat these symptoms that the doctor said was postpartum depression. It was my first time on any type of birth control, first time seeing a psychiatrist, or taking any antidepressants. I asked every doctor, can it be the Mirena? They all said no or I doubt it even though these are all listed side effects. I had the Mirena taken out, stopped taking Zoloft, and I'm now on no other meds, and my life is back to normal. Thank goodness I was smart enough to listen to my body. The psychiatrist said they get a lot of women in there for the Mirena. I could have lost my husband and four children, my job, my house, all because the doctors want to encourage you to keep it!!!"

• ANG...
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "Having had the Mirena in for nearly two years at doctor's advice, I'm having it removed on Thursday as it's the worst thing to have done. It has made me depressed, mood swings are horrendous to the point my children and husband are getting it all. I have no desire whatsoever to be intimate with my husband. I feel like I have lost control of my body. The only plus is I don't have periods. PLEASE do your research and choose wisely which contraceptive method you have."

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 4, 2022

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Mirena did reduce my excessive bleeding and over a period of 6 months almost destroyed my life; debilitating migraines, weight gain; vulvovaginitis, and the worst depression of my life; I wonder how many women end up with antidepressants on top of it, while the cause is actually Mirena."

• Uni...
• March 5, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted in January 2015 (I was 35) for endometriosis. POSITIVES: No unexpected pregnancies, my period stopped completely within 6 months, and cramping from my endometriosis virtually ceased to exist. *AMAZING!!* NEGATIVES: 1) Complete and utter exhaustion (bed by 9 pm and by 6 am, I literally drag myself to the shower because I'm still tired). 2) Depression. 3) Mood swings. 4) Sjogren's Syndrome diagnosis. 5) Significant joint pain. 6) Constant headaches. 7) Constant bloating. 8) Autoimmune disorder. 9) Weight gain! I've always been an obsessively health-conscious individual. Spinning, lifting daily because I'm vain, let's be honest. At the time I had my IUD inserted, I had visible abs... Now, I have a pot belly, 'thick thighs,' some back fat, and my calves have gotten bigger (WTF?!). My routines have not changed, and I've weighed my food since I was 25, eating the same thing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The ONLY change that's occurred since is the Mirena!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted 2 months after giving birth to my second child. The insertion wasn’t bad at all. Just some pressure and slight cramping. I bled off and on the first 8 months irregularly, never knowing when or if the bleeding would start or stop. Once my period became regular, other problems began. First, off to start off positive, it prevented pregnancy and lightened my periods as it promises, BUT after the first year I had chronic yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, which caused odor and discomfort. Then to treat these, I had to take antibiotics that caused yeast infections, etc. It was just a mess. After 2 years on this birth control, I gained 30 pounds and even with healthy eating and exercise I couldn’t shake the weight. I also dealt with depression, low self-esteem, and extreme anxiety. I had it removed today, and I’m hoping to see changes. But everyone’s body is different, what works for one may not work for the other."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted 2 months after giving birth to my second child. The insertion wasn’t bad at all. Just some pressure and slight cramping. I bled off and on the first 8 months irregularly, never knowing when or if the bleeding would start or stop. Once my period became regular, other problems began. First, off to start off positive, it prevented pregnancy and lightened my periods as it promises, BUT after the first year I had chronic yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, which caused odor and discomfort. Then to treat these, I had to take antibiotics that caused yeast infections, etc. It was just a mess. After 2 years on this birth control, I gained 30 pounds and even with healthy eating and exercise I couldn’t shake the weight. I also dealt with depression, low self-esteem, and extreme anxiety. I had it removed today, and I’m hoping to see changes. But everyone’s body is different, what works for one may not work for the other."

• She...
• December 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Wasn't too bad to insert. First 3 months I had continuous spotting. Period stopped after 3 months. At first, it felt fine. Developed GAD and anxiety disorders half a year in and started crying for no reason at everything and had to see a therapist twice. I thought it was just me going crazy until a year passed and I got my period all of a sudden. My monthly periods then would last 10-12 days and hurt like hell. Cramping was UNBEARABLE. I never cramped on BC pills or off BC pills, but all the time on Mirena. I was depressed, tired, gained 10 lb, and was always hungry, anxious 24/7, and sensitive to every little thing. Removed my IUD after a year and a half of use and switched back to BC. VERY disappointed with this-I had such high hopes."

• Cra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 21, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This medication is HORRIBLE! My gynecologist suggested that I use Mirena for heavy bleeding. It's been 12 months now, and I'm going crazy. I can't wait to have this device removed. Inserting it was very painful, it was without any painkillers. I only had 3 months of no bleeding. Now I experience constant bleeding, mood swings, headaches, abdominal pain, depression, and the worst thing ever, I gained at least 40+ pounds. My eating habits have not changed. I blame Mirena. On top of that, they can't see the string, so I have to have it removed surgically. I've been bleeding now nonstop since March, we are now at the end of June. This is HORRIBLE. I have an appointment with my gyn on Monday, I can't wait to have this thing out of my body. My sex life is practically gone. Thank goodness I have an understanding partner. But the guilt of not feeling good and bleeding all the time has me questioning my role in my relationship. Hopefully, this malicious thing gets out of me soon."

• DES...
• March 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I have 5 children. I am 27. I got the Mirena inserted after my last child like a year ago. Having it inserted was okay. 1 year of having it. This is my review: I lost a lot of hair. I am now very non-social, not happy, not amazed or amused by anything. I have been with my husband for 4 years, and I wasn't this way until I got this IUD. I hate it. I feel alone at times and very depressed. I had to get it because they would not tie my tubes. I don't recommend this at ALL. I hate it so much. I was happy and enjoyed life and loved seeing new things and just being a part of something. Now I don't want to do anything, and I'm not happy with anything, and it's been ever since I got this IUD. I hope this helps someone."

• Ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 22, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had Mirena for 6 months now, and I'm starting to lose my patience with this thing. The first 3 months, I bled/spotted continuously with little breaks in between. Now, although the spotting has stopped, Auntie Flow has gone from my normal 5 days of bleeding to 14 days of bleeding. I am so miserable. I've talked to my doctor, and she says to give it some time, but I was hoping for things to have gotten a little better by now. My mood swings are very bad, as I find myself angry for no reason. I have gained a few pounds, and at times I feel depressed. I just don't know what to do anymore. I want this to work so badly, but I'm afraid I will just be wasting my time."

• Blu...
• May 28, 2021

For Birth Control "This was the first time I have used an IUD. Insertion of the Mirena was easy, and the first week was fine, but then my mood started to be affected. After two weeks, I was spontaneously crying, not wanting to move from my couch but forcing myself to go to work. By four weeks, I was thinking suicidal thoughts and couldn't bring myself to make dinner for my family. I have never felt like that before, it was overwhelming and scary. At five weeks, I called the doctor and had it removed a week later. Within a week of removal, my depressive symptoms disappeared. While it is not listed as one of the possible effects, my doctor said that mood change was the second highest reason that she had personally seen for Mirena removal. I have had a TT380 short copper IUD for two months now and have had no problems at all, feel completely normal, and average 3-4 day periods."

• Com...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I had chosen the Mirena insert because I needed a more stable form of birth control. One that I didn't have to take pills every day at certain times for, and one that was painless. The insertion was tolerable. I had it for about 6 months when I noticed that my periods were little to none. Then I noticed that I started gaining weight in my midsection and my thighs. I don't like it. I started feeling depressed. I've been having pelvic cramps/pain. My appetite has increased so much. I am eating excessively with no control, and I know it's Mirena. I just feel icky. I plan on getting it removed very soon. To each their own."

• wan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 16, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I suffered such heavy periods, used to soak through overnight/maternity pads within minutes on a bad day, so you can imagine how life limiting it was. I was 48 yo, had 3 kids. My gyno suggested a Mirena, thinking it would last 5 years, lasting me through until menopause. I was put under whilst it was inserted. My periods have since been irregular, spotty, unannounced, but a lot lighter. To the point I'd wear either a panty liner or small pad. But it did change my life in that I could finally do things! Bad points: my hair has thinned, I now suffer from depression and anxiety, am constantly bloated, can't lose weight. But I thought it to be worth it as I could do things if I could find the energy, that is. Today it changed."

• Pho...
• June 26, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I received the Mirena IUD due to extremely painful/heavy periods that I had been experiencing for years. The implantation process was by far the worst part of the whole experience for me, and I wish that my gynecologist had suggested taking pain medication prior (so if you are considering an IUD, this might be something worth bringing up prior to insertion). The implantation itself only lasted about a minute, but cramping continued throughout the next 24-48 hours. It has been over a year now, and honestly, I would not go back and change a thing. I suffered from panic attacks, anxiety, depression, extremely disruptive period symptoms, and was altogether unhappy. I still get slight periods that last a day or so each month, but they are minimal, and my anxiety/depression are gone. One negative thing I do have to say is that I have experienced weight gain that I can only think to attribute to Mirena. It's honestly worth it in comparison to how I was prior."

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

For Birth Control "If you're having side effects, believe that they are from the Mirena. I got mine in October 2018, ever since then, I have been miserable. I didn’t notice much, nor did I think it was the Mirena until one day I kept on noticing a pattern: around the time my cycle is supposed to come, I get these horrible symptoms, and this has been going on for 7-8 months now, with nothing getting better. I had enough and went to my gyno to remove it, she agreed to remove it but could not locate the string. It’s in place. I am so stressed out over this because of the fear of what it’s doing to my body or what it might continue to do. I now have to wait until October to be put to sleep so they can find it and then remove it, ugh! I am really suffering. These are the symptoms I am having: IBS, and I feel like it’s linked, severe depression & anxiety, back pain, cramping, dizziness, eye dryness, ovarian cyst, cystic pimples on my face & acne, obsessive & racing thoughts, numbness in my feet, and the list goes on. The only good thing is that I am losing more weight than gaining because I am so stressed."

• bmo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2017

For Birth Control "The Mirena works great for most people. I am not one of them. My hair came out in clumps in the shower. I had the Mirena for 2 years and gained 15 lbs. I've never had an issue with weight and have always had a very fast metabolism. I figured my metabolism was slowing down (mid-twenties), and that I would need to eat better and exercise. I got my Mirena removed exactly one week ago and have lost 6 lbs and have changed absolutely nothing! All the weight I gained with Mirena seemed to go to my stomach. I looked 3-4 months pregnant every day. My depression got worse. I was so out of energy every day. I was itching my skin off every day - pretty sure I had a combo of hives and eczema. Feeling better, skin's clearing, and weight's down."

• Mar...
• August 1, 2010

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena in now for almost 3 years, and will get it removed next week. I have gained almost 50 lbs since I started using this. I have gone through periods of depression and have no energy! I have also had multiple pelvic infections caused by Mirena. I am happy that I will soon have this removed and be back to my thin, happy self again! Oh, the only plus about this is that I have not had a period since insertion, but I bled almost every time I had sex."

• Cba...
• October 28, 2019

For Birth Control "Almost immediately after insertion of Mirena, I started having symptoms of depression and anxiety that have progressively gotten worse. Before Mirena, I never experienced either problem. I overly obsess and overthink, overeat, oversleep, lack motivation, and interest in anything I ever enjoyed, and it’s affecting my personal relationships and work life as well. I developed IBS, and I feel like I’m in a permanent state of brain fog and fatigue. My periods (although light) last at least 2 weeks and sometimes 3 full weeks. My side effects are constant but worsen significantly during the week before my period starts. Overall, I know everyone reacts differently, and these side effects are case-by-case. I have an appointment to have it removed this morning. As for Mirena's intended purpose of preventing unwanted pregnancies, it does that wonderfully. However, it has been added to my list of never agains."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had my Mirena removed after only 3 months. Yes, it did significantly reduce monthly bleeding and cramping, but the negative side effects far outweighed the little positive effects. I am fortunate to live a very good life and have never experienced depression; however, during the 3 months I had Mirena, I felt very sad and depressed for no reason. I also had zero sex drive all the time - not just certain times of the month. Gained 10 pounds in 3 months while exercising vigorously on a regular basis and eating very healthy foods, 1500 calories a day. I know my body very well and I know how to lose weight, but nothing worked this time. Also experienced tingling in my hands and feet. Looking forward to getting my life back after Mirena!"

• Cro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 25 (2016) and got it inserted in December 2014. Insertion: a painful procedure for a tiny insertion. Followed by intense discomfort and pelvic pain, constant bleeding, and pelvic and vaginal pain. Symptoms: first month or so nonstop bleeding, mood imbalance. 3 months. Continued frequent bleeding, weight gain of 5 pounds. 6 months gained 15 pounds, 1.5 years gained 20 pounds (vegan, fit although no weight loss or maintenance). Experienced depressive symptoms such as lack of excitement, happiness, and lack of interest in previously preferred activities, fatigue, and lethargy. I was given as a method to treat not only menorrhagia but ovarian cyst pain. Remove as this is counterintuitive as one of the risks."

• Mou...
• April 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried this because hey, who doesn't love 5-year birth control that you basically forget about? It was absolutely awful. The insertion experience was excruciating for me. I passed out on the table and vomited. I gained 35 lbs in 7 months despite counting calories/working out. I had extremely bad anxiety/depression, I would walk into a place and immediately start pouring sweat. I got terrible acne all along my jawline and back. Extremely low sex drive, and I was so emotionless I felt like a robot. I was on the IUD for about 7 months then decided I couldn't handle these issues anymore. The removal was easy, I didn't even feel it. Since then, I've lost weight, acne cleared up, sweating went away, and I have emotions again. Would not recommend."

• Mou...
• April 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried this because hey, who doesn't love 5-year birth control that you basically forget about? It was absolutely awful. The insertion experience was excruciating for me. I passed out on the table and vomited. I gained 35 lbs in 7 months despite counting calories/working out. I had extremely bad anxiety/depression, I would walk into a place and immediately start pouring sweat. I got terrible acne all along my jawline and back. Extremely low sex drive, and I was so emotionless I felt like a robot. I was on the IUD for about 7 months then decided I couldn't handle these issues anymore. The removal was easy, I didn't even feel it. Since then, I've lost weight, acne cleared up, sweating went away, and I have emotions again. Would not recommend."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed 10 months ago. Good for birth control, and the period was gone 1 month after, but I've had the most horrible 10 months, lots of anxiety, severe depression, fatigue, mood swings, and the pelvic pain never stopped. I will have it removed in 2 weeks at my OB/GYN appointment. I wouldn't recommend it. Nothing should mess with your mental well-being."

• bri...
• July 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Had Mirena inserted in August 2015, the pain was uncomfortable, and I had cramping, bleeding, and back pain after a few days. Was told my periods would lighten or lessen, and they didn’t. They were infrequent, sometimes light, lasting just a few days, and my last period lasted 10 days. After sex, I bled for days, which got in the way of our sex life. I would bleed when I was stressed, which made my job difficult. At the gym, during exercise, I had breakthrough bleeding. The last few weeks, I had felt really depressed and was having thoughts of suicide, so I decided to take it out because of the 10-day period. I’ve had it out for 6 days so far, and I feel a lot better. My anxiety/depression has basically gone away, no more hot flashes, cramping, random muscle spasms in my lower left abdomen. My blood was often super thick and goopy too. Not normal bleeding. It did prevent pregnancy, but at a cost. My emotional and physical well-being."