Mirena and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Mirena put in in January of 2015, and I have an appointment to get it taken out next week. I'm really upset that this didn't work for me. I have always used the pill, but after a while, I decided to try something new. The insertion was pretty simple, and it didn't hurt that much. The cramping was very mild. After a few months, I still felt really crampy, but I held out hope that it would subside. It never did. I'm a fairly active person; going to the gym at least four times per week, and I still managed to gain 35 pounds since the insertion. I also would get crippling migraines, mood swings that led to serious bouts of depression, and my sex drive is pretty much nonexistent. Mirena has been extremely effective; the side effects were just too much."

• Jek...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 6, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had it put in since 6 weeks after my 2nd son was born. It's been 6 months. Bled and spotted for 3 months and then stopped. I love everything except the mood swings and anxiety. I'm not the same with my family. Also my sex drive, but if I can only get a hold on this anger, I believe my sex drive would get better. Going to talk with my doctor about it and go from there. Hopefully, it gets better."

• Bet...
• July 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted 6 months ago, and slowly but surely, my mood and mental state have been deteriorating ever since. Where I would normally have PMS, I now cry so much I can't go to work or even answer the phone. My mood crashes with the suddenness and intensity of having a bucket of ice water poured over my head. My sex drive is gone. And this for something the doctors keep saying doesn't influence your moods because the hormones are localized in the body!? And when I finally got hold of someone from Mirena themselves, they just told me to go on anti-depressants. I can't wait to get it out of me tomorrow."

• hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve only had Mirena in for about 3 weeks, so things could change, but honestly this has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m 24, no children, and have been on birth control for 11 years. I’ve tried all sorts of different brand pills as well as the shot, and every single one was terrible and made me feel terrible. I gained an insane amount of weight, horrible mood swings, bloating, everything. So far, Mirena has been the opposite. I am so much less bloated, I never feel tired or lethargic anymore, my skin is in the best condition it’s ever been in, and my mood is stable. With that being said, insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I am covered in tattoos and piercings, and I screamed and cried during the procedure and sat on the bed trying to catch my breath for another 5 afterwards. The cramps were absolutely debilitating the first two days. But after that, hardly any spotting or cramps so far. I’m glad I got this despite the reviews!"

• Anonymous
• June 15, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Mirena for over a year now and have experienced some side effects. Side effects to watch out for are severe mood swings, hair loss, depression, acne, dizziness, headaches, memory loss, and insomnia."

• har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I love Mirena more than any other birth control method. Had it put in 3 months after my daughter was born. There was slight pain with insertion, but my cervix had fully closed by that time. I had light spotting that day and nothing since. I am also breastfeeding, so that might be why I am not bleeding like others. I have had no mood swings, acne, or weight gain. I do have a master's in pharmacology, and from an education background, I can say most of those side effects people complain about are from your body adjusting from having a baby in you and then out of you. The amount of hormone transfer from the uterus site to outside the body is minimal, that is why it is safe for breastfeeding mothers."

• JoM...
• June 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I was suffering very long and heavy bleeding once my second child was weaned off and periods had come back. So it seemed a good idea to try the coil. The insertion was quite painful, and I had some cramping and bleeding, but it was manageable. However, what I didn't expect were all the side effects I was having. Hair loss, bad headaches, bad skin, backache, joint ache (couldn't run without knee pain... I have never had knee pain in my life), hot flushes, mood swings, teary, and it reduced my sex drive to nothing. I have had it in for almost a year now, and while some of the symptoms have gone, like the headaches and hot flushes, the hair loss, mood swings, joint aches, and low sex drive have stayed with me. It helped with my overall health in terms of having no periods, and therefore I had no other illnesses, but the sum of all side effects outweighs the benefits in my case."

• jen...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 27, 2014

For Birth Control "Overall, this was very effective, with no issues to note other than those described as common side effects. I had no weight gain, no mood changes, no spotting, was regular like clockwork after the initial few weeks after insertion. Granted, it isn't pleasant to have fitted, but it is much less uncomfortable to have removed (like removing a tampon really). In the UK (I am English), the cost of birth control and follow-up care is free on the NHS. I had the Mirena for the full five years and only experienced a premenstrual facial spot and three days of mild tummy bloating prior to each predictable and very light two-day bleed. This is my full and honest experience."

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed 6 months ago to control excessive bleeding during periods. I am 38 and have had one child. The placement was extremely painful for me, even with taking 800 mg of ibuprofen prior to the procedure. That being said, I have friends who have had it placed with no more pain than what you'd expect during a pap smear. It all depends on the person. My periods are tremendously lighter, to the point that I can almost get by with only a liner. So Mirena has served its purpose. On the downside, I spot frequently between periods, have reoccurring yeast infections, mild acne, less sex drive, and mood swings. My orgasms are nowhere near as intense as they used to be, and I frequently get mild cramping and lower back aches."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had a very positive experience over the last almost 5 years. I am 26 with no children. Yes, the insertion is uncomfortable, but only for a minute or so, just a couple of cramps. My doctor gave me Misoprostol (softens the cervix) to take the night before and morning of the insert. I also started ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours starting the day before. I had minimal spotting and cramping after. And for the last almost 5 years, I have very little cramping, no periods, no mood swings, and pain with intercourse only 2 or 3 times. I plan on getting another one and recommend Mirena to everyone!"

• 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!"

• nat...
• January 6, 2017

For Birth Control "After trying the pill and realizing that it wasn't for me, I decided to give Mirena a try. My experience with this method of birth control has been nearly perfect. Here are my pros: - I no longer have a period. As someone who used to suffer from crippling cramps and extremely heavy flow, this is a blessing. - I haven't had any symptoms that I experienced with the pill (weight gain, acne, mood swings, hair loss). - Childless and proud. Cons: - The day of the insertion, I was slightly crampy afterwards. However, I recovered quickly. Overall, this is the best form of birth control. 10/10 - would highly recommend."

• But...
• January 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted after my child was born. He was six weeks old at the time, and I was 36. Since then (a year ago), I have gained 12 kg (no change to my diet, etc.), have back and pelvic pains and inflammations all the time, and no sex drive. My marriage is struggling, and my moods are absolutely horrible. The gynecologist does not want to remove it as he swears by the Mirena and thinks I am overindulging and just full of nonsense. I feel horrible, bloated, and moody 100% of the time. I need some help, please."

• 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."

• Sil...
• January 28, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had the Mirena implanted to help fight the uterine cancer stage 1, grade 1. I was told that I would just have abnormal bleeding for a few days. Also, that the periods would become lighter and shorter, then eventually, I wouldn’t have any more periods. That wasn’t the case at all, I had gained weight, major mood swings, and heavy spotting every single day. I’ve had it implanted 6 months ago, and I still have heavy bleeding. I still have to make sure I carry spare pads since I randomly bleed heavily. I’m at my wit's end, I keep being told that I just need to push through this time since it will get better. I honestly don’t feel like it will and really wish I was more informed of the other side effects before agreeing to having it implanted since I don’t feel like my old self."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on Mirena for 2 years now and love it. I was super nervous about getting it because of all the horror stories I've read, but I'm so glad I decided to try it!! The first 2-3 months were rough while my body was adjusting to the hormones, and I almost got it taken out, but I'm glad my Dr. suggested I needed to try it for 6 months before I made a decision. I had bad mood swings and thought I was going crazy in those first couple of months. Now I have zero issues! I haven't had a period in over a year, which is awesome, of course. My husband says he can feel it during sex sometimes, but it's not uncomfortable at all. My advice if you're thinking about trying it is to go for it!! If it doesn't work for you, just have it taken out. I've been on several pills, Depo, the patch, and NuvaRing, and the Mirena is my favorite! NuvaRing would be my second. I HATED all the others! Hope this helps!"

• 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."

• MB-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2013

For Birth Control "I was lucky and was having another procedure done at the same time, so I was under anesthesia when they inserted mine, and I didn't experience the pain of insertion that some have described. My body is confused though, because I was supposed to start my period the week after, and I had just had a D&C for a biopsy (which was benign, yay!). So my body tried to have a period, I experienced intense, angry mood swings. I saw others had experienced that on Mirena. Very little bleeding, a little more intense cramping, but Advil took care of it. Mood swings passed after the first couple of days, now I am back to normal. You can feel the string if you search for it in there, but my partner doesn't notice it during intercourse. I will update in 6 months."

• 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."

• Lor...
• February 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I was considering changing over to the implant because the insertion process sounds easier, but after reading those reviews... I think I'll stick to my Mirena. All in all, I love my Mirena. It will be 4 years this month since I've had it. I haven't had a period in over 3 years. Occasional spotting. Rare cramps. I haven't noticed any mood changes or acne or anything else people are reporting. My bf has never noticed when we have sex, and there is no discomfort for me before or after. The only thing I would say was not very pleasant about the Mirena is the insertion. Probably the most painful thing I've ever experienced thus far (32 years old, never been pregnant/given birth). Lasts a sec, though. All in all, highly recommend :)"

• Ven...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm 28 this year, and I got my first Mirena inserted at the age of 21. After 5 years, I got it removed and a new one put in a week after. I haven't had my period for 7 years. I don't have any major side effects apart from all the symptoms of getting my period (but nothing actually happening). Also, I find I'm more emotional. I've never had any pain or discomfort with this, and I'm so glad that I have this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena for almost three years now and love it. Insertion was not painful at all, just a little uncomfortable. I bled for two months, then my periods went back to normal. After a year, they went away completely. I'm very thankful for that. I suffered from really bad menstrual cramps and severe mood swings. Once I got the Mirena, my moods seemed to balance out. My cramps have disappeared. I have noticed that even though I don't get a period, I still get minor PMS symptoms. I would recommend this to any woman looking for a convenient birth control that works. Also, I am glad it does not have estrogen in it. Some of the estrogen-based birth control gives me migraines and causes me to be moody."

• Car...
• May 24, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got Mirena inserted about 3 months ago, and I am so happy that I did. I had been on 4 different types of birth control pills, and each of them affected me differently. I gained weight, had terrible mood swings, didn't have a sex drive, and was always fatigued. Now that I have gotten Mirena, everything has changed... I lost almost 10 pounds, now back to where I was before I ever started the pills! I weigh around 122, and when I was on the pills, I weighed 132, and I was miserable. Mirena has made me have light bleeding here and there, but my doctor said that it is just my body adjusting. I am very satisfied with it, and I hope that it treats me well for the next 5 years!"

• Str...
• August 1, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "One thing that stands out to me after reading lots of people's reviews is why are people's doctors suggesting to give it more time? And things will settle down? Almost as if they want you to continue to suffer? I had my first non-hormonal coil fitted after the birth of my first child. It was in for 5 years, and I never had any issues; however, after the birth of my second child 9 years later, I’ve now had the Mirena coil in for just over a year, and I see now that the issues I am having probably relate to that. Irregular bleeding, headaches constantly, weight gain like you wouldn’t believe, mood swings, and extreme anxiety and low mood. Bleeding out of nowhere when it’s not even my period has made me review this thing. The coil is a foreign object in the body and not meant to be there. No wonder so many of us have so many issues with it. Can’t wait to have it out. Avoid."