Mirena and Depression: What Users Say (Page 4)

• no...
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I had decided to get Mirena as I am horrible at remembering to take pills. I have never had children, and they aren't in my plans. At age 34, I had it inserted, and it hurt more than I thought it would. It reduced my period frequency and the amount, but it completely killed my sex drive, which, now, 2 years later, is still nonexistent. I felt depressed soon afterward, and it never went away. I gained 20 pounds, which is odd as I eat well most of the time and go jogging with my boyfriend. Even he is now convinced that my lack of a sex drive, weight gain, and inability to lose weight is a side effect of the Mirena. I just made an appointment to have it removed and plan to next just get my tubes tied."

• Fal...
• March 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena inserted about 9 months ago, and to start off, the insertion was extremely painful (my back caved in as I was getting it inserted and almost passed out; I can tolerate pain very well). After that, I have been bleeding immensely since I’ve got it inserted, with the exception of maybe 5 days within a month. I’ve always been extremely happy. With this Mirena, I’ve felt extremely depressed, tons of bloating, pelvic pain, sharp pains in my back and uterus to where I just want to hunch my back, awful migraines, feet swelling, and get really bad thoughts in my head. Sometimes, my husband will want to have intercourse, and I won’t because I know the aftermath is going to leave me in so much pain. It’s honestly one of the worst feelings a wife could have is telling them no (especially when they’re in the military so away a lot of the time and want to 'catch up'). :( It’s been such a bad experience, and I just can’t wait to get this thing removed in a few days because all I want to do is be my old self again."

• Cb2...
• January 20, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Let's see here... first of all, I wouldn't even give Mirena a 1, but 0 isn't an option. I had it for 2 long, excruciating, miserable months to help with my heavy periods. I lost my sex drive completely, bled the entire time. Had terrible back and pelvic pain, mood swings, nonstop migraines, extreme hunger, no energy at all, severe depression, and if that's not enough, anxiety and panic attacks. I would absolutely not recommend this to anyone at all. So terrible. Think twice before you have this placed."

• Ash...
• October 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the IUD 3 weeks ago, and I should've known it would be a disaster from the start! After it was inserted, I fainted in my doctor's office on my way out. This led to me going to the ER the next day for the concussion I now had. I was super anxious all the time, had sleepless nights, bled the whole time, and had no appetite. All my symptoms were in line with anxiety and depression disorders (which I don't have). Needless to say, it was removed last week, and I feel like myself again. My suggestion, if you have a job where you have to be friendly (I'm a teacher) or you are a new mother and need to be sane for your new child, don't try this. I've heard the emotional roller coaster wears off, however, I didn't have time to wait!"

• jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have suffered from incredibly heavy periods since having my two kids (I'm 38). After having the Mirena inserted (which hurt, but was quick and no worse than labor pain), I spotted for approx 3 months. During this time, I also experienced some depression, a drop in sex drive (which my doctor insisted is not related), breast tenderness, and subtle weight gain. It's now been 5 months. I've decided to have it removed. The spotting has stopped, aside from after sex- not so sexy; I am having fairly regular cramping, which I can only liken to the feeling of an ovarian cyst. I've never carried weight around my middle; I'm a very active runner with a healthy diet, but I swear this thing has given me a very doughy tummy. I just want it gone."

• SCm...
• September 27, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Mirena inserted Oct 2016, age 40. Insertion was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. I got it to help reduce my bleeding. I have had heavy periods for as long as I can remember. The first couple of months were rough with bleeding, spotting, and unpredictability. Then it stopped altogether. For about a year, things were good, other than a lot of facial hair growth. Then something changed, I started having panic attacks and unreal hot flashes. I went for my annual in Oct 2018. My gyno told me it was probably just the beginning of menopause. She did blood work and expected to see that I was perimenopausal, but when the numbers came back as POST menopausal at 42! I know my body and knew this was not right. I had Mirena removed Nov 2018. I had a lot of depression and weight gain after having it removed. My cycle is normal, absolutely ZERO hot flashes since I had it removed. I have always been very in tune with my body. This definitely threw some things out of whack."

• Han...
• May 20, 2015

For Birth Control "Ok, I had mine inserted six weeks after my daughter was born, Nov 2012. When it was inserted, it hurt like heck. I had some cramping and bleeding, nothing bad, though. I loved it until Easter 2013. I had one breast swell, it was a small cyst. And no period for six months. Well, of course, I didn't think it was my Mirena. Then my period suddenly came back. I have suffered a miscarriage. I have been so moody, cramps, awful cramps, low sex drive, my poor husband, breast swelling and tenderness again, cysts on both ovaries, hair loss, depression. I'm getting this thing yanked as soon as possible and going back on the pill. I hate it! Do not recommend for anyone!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 18, 2022

For Birth Control "This is the absolute worst birth control I have ever taken. I’ve had my IUD for 4 1/2 years, and I am done trying to give this thing a chance. I have had no sex drive whatsoever, my mood swings are off the chart. Depression has been an issue for me: headaches, brain fog, and not feeling like myself have been my experience while using this thing called Mirena. My menstrual cycle was heavy and long for the first 6 months of using Mirena. 5-day cycles turned into 14-day cycles and remained until about 6 months in. After 6 months, my menstrual cycle returned to 5-day cycles with 3 days of spotting afterward."

• Loz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2019

For Birth Control "The worst 6 months of my life were on Mirena. Insertion was horrific, but nowhere near as bad as the next 6 months after insertion. Three days after insertion, I began bleeding, and it never stopped. It changed my mood, I became depressed to the point I couldn't get out of bed or do my job, caused fatigue and brain fog. Libido decreased severely. Honestly, I thought I was going to die, and the doctors wouldn't believe that the coil could be causing any of my symptoms. After 6 months, I had enough and had it removed. Since then, life has gotten better, but libido is nowhere near what it used to be, and depression remains. I was a very happy, normal 27-year-old, and it changed my life. I wish I had never had it put in."

• Tri...
• May 22, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was diagnosed with perimenopause in 2010, which included anxiety, depression, and mood swings at the age of 40. I had blood clots flowing down my legs for ten days, then, in 13 days, I would bleed again. I would be doubled over in pain. I became anemic and still am. My Dr. has me on antidepressants for anxiety, which is working. After four years, I was sent to Gyno. She did an ultrasound and discovered I had adenomyosis and endometriosis. She did a D&C, it was too complicated to do ablation or hysterectomy. The Gyno recommended Mirena. She put it in three weeks ago. Dr. cut the string so I can't feel it. Some light spotting and cramping and no period for 31 days now. Gyno will check in five weeks, it takes seven months to get full effect. Give it a chance! Love it so far."

• Dys...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 23, 2015

For Birth Control "Absolute hell. From the word go, I had disgusting side effects. I experienced terrible cramps every day for the first 8 months. Then when I thought they had settled down, I suddenly started getting severe pain, which I would have said was as bad as labor contractions. I could not move and felt dizzy and sick when this was happening. My sex drive disappeared entirely. Not to mention, I developed vaginal and urinary infections every time I did have sex. My moods were also crazy. I became severely depressed and suicidal, but also my anger became so extreme that I would smash and break everything and even hit my partner in fits of unexplainable rage. As a result, I had to receive psychological help from doctors. It totally ruined my life!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2015

For Birth Control "The side effects were definitely not worth it. Weight gain, spotting for 2 months, cystic acne, depression, daily headaches, always feeling tired. I'm having it taken out tomorrow. Thank goodness because I couldn't take it anymore! Opting for tubal ligation since I don't want kids anyways."

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2022

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got Mirena to try and treat my severe stage 4 endometriosis and for pregnancy prevention. I have tried so many methods of birth control in the past and have always had bad experiences with emotional issues and depression with birth control, but thought this would be different because it’s more localized delivery of hormones. BOY, WAS I WRONG! I’ve had it for a little over 2 months, my endometriosis symptoms are way worse, bleeding is heavier, and pain more severe (I didn’t think that was possible). I’m anxious, depressed, moody, have zero sex drive, I’m bloated constantly, and can’t lose the last 10 pounds I need to lose. I have zero motivation, I’m ALWAYS exhausted, and I’ve had maybe 4 days in the last two months that I haven’t bled. I have horrible back pain and frequent headaches, pain with intercourse (when we actually try it), and feel completely disconnected. I’m getting removed ASAP."

• PPQ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 11, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena put in at the beginning of 2018, and it took over a year to remotely settle down. I get long periods, the one I'm having at the moment has been going for 15 days and is still going strong. I've had horrible depression and anxiety, hair loss, and lots of weight gain, 10 kgs. I'd get this thing out of me in a heartbeat if I could. It's been extreme misery. I know the bleeding would be worse, though, if I removed it."

• Jar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2021

For Birth Control "I only had it in for a few months before removing. I bled the whole time it was in, had no sex drive, and gained weight. The worst, though, was becoming borderline depressed. I felt blah about everyone and everything. To say hang in there for it to even out for 6 months to a year? Technically works as a contraceptive due to the constant bleeding and not wanting to do anything sexual due to the low sex drive."

• Jan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Mirena has worked for what it has promised in regard to ceasing the ability to become pregnant, but it's just not worth it for me. In the three years I've had it placed, just after my daughter was born, I've had random and severe cramping shooting from my abdomen to my thighs and knees. I've had really bad acne, which has left some severe scars, and hair growing where it absolutely SHOULDN'T for a young woman! Unpredictable periods, lasting mood swings, debilitating anxiety, and for a few months, an increasingly crippling depression so dark and hopeless that life was just a chore. Screwing with your hormones is a very bad idea, ladies, if it involves these risks. Every birth control I've ever been on has caused problems similar to this. I think maybe it's time we take back our bodies and stop using these types of birth control (pills, injection, IUD, implants)."

• aca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2019

For Birth Control "It is the worst birth control I have ever used. I have tried Mirena 2 times. The first time I had it inserted a little after giving birth to my first and only child. I had it removed after experiencing severe depression, lethargy, mood swings, and thinning of my hair. I initially chalked it up as postpartum, however, I just had Mirena inserted again for birth control, and I, of course, am not pregnant nor have I recently given birth, and I have the same exact side effects. I am generally energetic and happy, but this birth control has made me into a madwoman, and I am having it removed tomorrow, thank goodness! I will just continue to use the pill - oh, and I gained about 13 pounds after having it for only 3 weeks. I went from 115 to 128."

• RRa...
• April 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena for 5 years. Year 1-2 was pretty numb and foggy-minded. I lost 15-20 pounds, however, I was highly active. Still spotted. Year 3, depression hit, suicidal thoughts, which scared me and led me to do more research and found so many forums like this to give a story. Year 4-5, I got control of my mental health. The numbness was slowly going away, but still didn't have control over my feelings. At this point, climax during sex was nonexistent, sex drive was still there, and periods were completely gone. Putting it on was painful and felt cramps for 3 days. The first doctor I went to needed to surgically remove it, but the second doctor took it out without an issue-zero pain, no side effects, and I started my period for the first time in 4 years on time. Huge pro: ZERO kids, I was able to plan my life accordingly. Zero periods were cool. It felt 110% effective. Note: If you get on the IUD, please note down all side effect symptoms and focus on your mental health."

• Lau...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 22, 2023

"Had Mirena for 5 years to help with endometriosis. The insertion process is not enjoyable. Had a week or 2 of intense pain. Had this done with local too. A 10/10 for settling the endo pain; however, in the last year or so, noticed a gradual slip in my mental health until the last few months when I experienced insomnia, severe anxiety, panic attacks, waking in the night panicking, and depression. Pressure on the chest was constant, with a tightness in the throat. I was desperate to have it out. Symptoms settled relatively quickly once removed. The removal process is more painful than insertion due to coil threads disappearing. Disappointed that the mental health side effects are not mentioned."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had the Mirena in me for about 4 1/2 years. It's a love-hate situation. I love it because I never got pregnant off of it and haven't had a period since I got it in. But the longer I've had it in, I feel depressed at times, lack of sex drive, and bipolar at times."

• Con...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena fitted in May 2019 for contraception because I don't get on with the pill. I have been bleeding ever since, using at least a tampon's worth of bleeding a day. I have tried going on the pill alongside Mirena to regulate the bleeding, but it had the opposite effect! I haven't gained weight or had the mood swings, but I definitely have a more depressed mood. Insertion was terribly painful, very close to labor pains! The strings used to be very prominent but are very tiny now, and I can feel a large hard lump when checking for the string, so I'm just waiting for a scan to check if it is in the right place."

• fyo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I had Mirena for five years. I did not get pregnant while on it, however, I did experience many side effects. For the first year, my period was normal, and by year two, my period became extremely light and lasted for only three days. By year three, my period completely stopped. I experienced a 70 lb weight gain, severe mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, and also was diagnosed with severe depression. This lasted until I took the IUD out. Immediately, I experienced a 25 lb weight loss and thankfully am no longer suffering from depression, mood swings, or anxiety. I am a South Asian woman in her late twenties."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the IUD Mirena inserted during my elective C-section as the birth control option. Since then, I experienced bleeding daily for 2 months, it may be due to my delivery. There was always brown, watery discharge, which continued for 4 months, and on top of it, there was intermittent bleeding, which was lighter, and bleeding continued for 1 week every time it started. Pros with my IUD insertion were no period cramps, no severe backache (which I normally get during periods), and no heavy bleeding. Cons were intermittent bleeding, which was very irregular, anxiety, depression, and headaches. I had the IUD removed after 13 months."

• Jen...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had my 2nd Mirena IUD removed NOT to get it again. I have had the Mirena for 10 yrs. The mood swings were horrible, hair loss, I was tired all the time with anxiety, depression, weight gain (125 lbs) that I could not shed with the IUD, no sexual desire, vaginal dryness, yeast infections. You name it, I had it. My doctor at the time would just tell me it was depression (I was going through a lot, so I fell into 'this is my life now' and went with what my doctor told me). We moved, I was tired of being tired. I went to see another doctor and had my IUD removed. I didn't need it, my husband had a vasectomy 6 yrs ago... I just loved having no periods. It was not worth all the other medical problems it brought. LADIES, PLEASE do your research!"

• IG ...
• June 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I had my son in 2015 and got my Mirena 1 month after. I’m 4 years in, and yes, I loved it till I started to realize things I should have picked up on a long time ago. The process was smooth and easy for me to say, but I’ve noticed: 1. I’m consistently overwhelmed about everything. 2. Easily frustrated or angry. 3. Really bad sweet addiction. 4. Consistently wanting to eat, like binge eating. 5. Possible depression. 6. Up and down in weight, but I work out six days a week, so I didn’t think it affected me, just thought it was me. I started to notice more change when I started prepping for a women’s bikini contest, and I realized things were getting worse. I was in a dark place, and I couldn’t snap out of it. After talking with a gym partner, I thought that maybe it was just me, and I realized a lot of what I’ve been going through, she had a similar effect! Once she was off, it took her a few months to feel normal, but I can say one minute I'm normal and then I’m not."