Mirena and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Sar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 25, 2023

For Birth Control "I am on my second round with the Mirena. Got one put in right after having my sweet girl, and I am on my second Mirena. I am 9 years into the Mirena being introduced to me as birth control. My first Mirena worked amazingly, and I had very little issues with it. Now this second round. The first year was normal, some spotting, and cramps were a little worse during my cycle, but no pregnancies and no periods for the most part. I am now 4 years into my second round, and it has not been great. I bleed randomly for days, not so heavy to need a tampon, but enough for a panty liner at least. My cramps are FAR worse than they have ever been during my cycle, and my breasts are always full and tender. My moods change very quickly, and it’s more frequent these days. I find myself taking pregnancy tests due to the confusion of the symptoms."

• vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had it 5 months now, and I am getting it out next week. I've had some CRAZY side effects on this thing, the doctor swears it's local hormone release, so Mirena can't be the problem, but it's the only thing that's changed in my life. Insertion sucked, but it wasn't unbearable. I had severe cramping after insertion. Since I've been on it, I've had a decrease/change in libido, continual spotting, almost constant cramping, headaches every day, mood swings, increased levels of depression, a ridiculous flare-up in acne, lower back pain, and achy/dry eyes (I wear contact lenses, and I've never had this problem until the IUD). The doctor did not discuss any potential side effects with me before inserting."

• Jcr...
• July 19, 2013

"I had Mirena inserted in April 2011, 6 months after I gave birth to my first child, and I still have it today. To avoid periods, birth control without weight gain, it really works, and I highly recommend it for that. Otherwise, I just recently started experiencing the bad side effects, which makes me think about removing it. Since a couple of months ago, I first started bleeding, which seemed like my period, and since then, it's been non-stop but gradually turns darker, so now I have continuous brown discharge. Every time I sit on the toilet, I have to wait a couple of minutes until the brown discharge comes out. Secondly, I've been having really bad mood swings. There's no in between. Either I'm happy, or I'm so frustrated, it's really bad to be around me."

• Col...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I decided to get Mirena after my 5th child was born. Since he was born, I have suffered from insomnia, mood swings, weight gain, impossible weight loss, odor and discharge, yeast infections, and zero libido. Overall, I just don't feel like the same person anymore, and my husband says I have changed. So, I visited my doctor and got extensive blood tests. Everything was normal, she said. Then it dawned on me recently, what is it that changed after my son was born? Oh! Well, I had the Mirena put in! I then started to research side effects and read forum posts by other women who have used Mirena, and to my surprise, everything I have been suffering could be related to the Mirena! I have had it in for 2 years, and now I am getting it out!"

• Gir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had my IUD in for 2 weeks, the first week I had crazy mood swings, but they subsided after that. I've had cramps on and off, sometimes really severe ones that last a few hours, but usually just a sharp cramp, then nothing for a while. I've also had brown bleeding, which gets heavier with the cramps. Overall, it hasn't given me much trouble, and I hope the symptoms subside when my body gets used to the hormones!"

• Gio...
• October 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Decided to try Mirena after baby #2. Inserted February 2019. Insertion was painful but expected. Period bleeding reduced to nothing after 3 months. Give it a 4 for doing that, but the rest of the side effects are overwhelming. The first 3 months were awful with mood swings. Extreme sensitivity, crying spells, extreme anger, couldn’t handle the children or spouse anymore, patience disappeared. Extreme fatigue to this day. At 3-month check-up, my OB convinced me to keep it longer, saying symptoms should improve with time. Now, 8 months later, still very emotional, and it increases with intensity a week before my period. Also have horrible bloating and developed hormonal and cystic acne. Just now having weight gain. Gained 11 lbs these past 2 months, as much as 5 lbs in a week because of bloating. I was 119 lbs before the IUD and now 130 lbs. I have not changed diet or activity. Clothes I just bought 2 months ago no longer fit me. I’m considering having Mirena removed."

• Reu...
• March 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Mirena for 2.5 years - I am 45 and only got it from a friend's advice to not get pregnant and hassle-free due to my hectic job and lifestyle (always traveling for work). I had mine out 1 week ago and I can report feeling better - almost instant - energy level increased, not bloated (or looking/feeling 3 months pregnant) anymore, lust for life back, not depressed. Today, a manager I work with said, 'You look so skinny - what have you done?' Wow - I did nothing at all - no change to diet, exercise, or eating patterns - yes, the reduction in weight and bloat had dramatically reduced my size literally in a few days. I knew hormone BC is not for me as per my past, but I thought I'd give this a go based on all the medical info telling me it's so low dose you cannot put on weight - well, in my case, I did, and it affected my mood and energy levels. I feel like I am back to my happy, healthier self and will never go back on this. It might be right for some but not for me at all - I guess it's all trial and error!"

• rou...
• July 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm a big fan of IUDs. I had two Paragards after having my last child at age 29. When I started to have heavy bleeding, I opted for the Mirena to help control that and to avoid an ablation. It's been great for controlling bleeding, and my periods are few and far between. I am going to be 50 next year, and my estrogen levels are still pretty good-meaning I am still a fertile myrtle. So, for now, the Mirena has been a great thing for me. There have been no mood swings, no heavy bleeding, no weight gain, and no other noticeable side effects."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 3, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Mirena since November 2018, so I’ve had it for 2 years now. I get very mild spotting every once in a while and cramping periodically, similar to before I got it inserted. I can’t speak to the bleeding after insertion because I don’t really remember, and I got an abortion at the same time, but I don’t think I bled for long. I also had acne before, so I don’t think it got any worse, it may have gotten a little better even. I’m not sure I would get the Mirena again once my 5 years are up. I had it placed for free because of research they were doing, and I was happy to have the free birth control because I hadn’t been on any for a while. I’m sorry to hear some people had quite severe bleeding and mood changes! I hope mine is okay for the next 3 years."

• Fli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2019

For Birth Control "Day 45 after a very painful insertion of Mirena, and I have bled every day since. Mood swings are horrendous, and the cramping is very severe. I was advised this was the best form of contraception and method to ease my very heavy periods. Now I really want this thing out of my body. I hate it, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone."

• ken...
• October 5, 2013

For Birth Control "Mirena has been good for me. When I got it in, I cramped for the first hour, and then I didn't feel much after that throughout the first week. Mirena has cleared my face from acne, I lost 12 pounds, and has stopped my period completely. I haven't had a baby before, so my doctor gave me something to dilate my cervix. I took a Tylenol extra strength thirty minutes before, and the insertion felt only like bad cramping. I always used to forget to take my birth control pills, even with an alarm. Mirena is one of the greatest things I've done. It works so well. The only thing I would say is a downfall about the Mirena is that I am a little more emotional now."

• Ang...
• February 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 26 and had it inserted in Nov last year. The procedure was not painful, but afterwards I had some cramping, but nothing I couldn't deal with. The first 6 weeks I had constant spotting and swelling. It got to a point where I had to go and get a sonar done to find out whether it had moved (I went for a few jogs afterwards). Well, it didn't move at all. My husband does not even realize that I have it in. But my weight has been my biggest issue. I gained weight, and I have been exercising more and eating healthier, and my weight does not decrease. Whether it is the Mirena or maybe something else, I cannot be sure. But it started after the Mirena was inserted. My mood swings are so much better, and I just decided to even exercise harder."

• 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."

• sia...
• January 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I just had my Mirena removed after having it for 5 years. After only a few days of spotting and cramping, I did not have a period for 5 years. I did, however, cramp a little every month and had mood swings. It was the best birth control experience ever, and after having a few cycles, I plan on having it put back in."

• GRa...
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted about 6 weeks ago. Insertion was like a strong pinch. I started bleeding a week after insertion and have not stopped bleeding since. I did get really bad mood swings for like 4 days straight. I feel super fatigued all the time and don't want to ride my bike to work or go to the gym (normally I would work out 5-6 days a week). The fatigue is my main issue with Mirena. I was 193 lbs (26% body fat, 5'11) when I got Mirena inserted. In less than two months, I had already gained 10 lbs. I also noticed that I could not catch my breath when I was running, and this had never happened to me. My BP raised a lot. I would always used to be in lows ~90/60, but since Mirena, my BP raised/maintained in the 125/80 (normal BP, but not normal for me). And finally, brain fog was really affecting my job. I made more errors and could not think clearly. I can't wait to get it removed next week. I recommend you give it a try, maybe this can work for you as everybody is different."

• Kat...
• August 25, 2013

For Birth Control "I have two children and am on my second Mirena. The first one was great for the entire five years. The one I have now is different. I have bloating and cramping often, severe mood swings, anxiety and panic, and acne breakouts on my back. I am thinking of having it removed. The positive thing about it is I have no bleeding."

• Cle...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 28, 2016

For Birth Control "Only reason why the Mirena gets a star is because I didn't get pregnant. Extreme pain on implantation, and I have a high pain tolerance. I experienced extreme dizziness, headaches, mood swings to the point of breaking down once a month, cystic acne, headaches, and extreme bleeding. Constant cervical irritation and bloating with no sex drive. Would never recommend it, even though it did its job. I was convinced it was misplaced based on the horrible constant symptoms. When I went to have it removed, the nurse acted as if my symptoms were crazy, she had never heard such a thing, and my IUD was placed 'beautifully' and tried to convince me to keep it. I could have killed her. Finally, got it removed and I'm back to being a healthy 28-year-old."

• Mar...
• August 22, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had the Mirena since May 9, 2019. I have endometriosis. The first few months were terrible: heavy bleeding, mood swings, and depression, and I gained 10 pounds. Now, however, my mood has stabilized, I have dropped 3 pounds, and I do not get my period. Happy days. We are women, and we weather worse things every day other than a chin pimple or some cramping. I think if you give the Mirena a few months to allow your body to adjust to the hormones, you should be fine, and not having your period makes it worth it. If this does not stabilize, however, have it removed. Every woman knows her own body."

• Reg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 2, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I wish I had read some reviews about this product rather than just following my MD's recommendation to have a Mirena placed to control my extremely heavy and long periods (12-20 days). Since I was spending more time bleeding than not, I was confident that anything would be better than that. I was wrong and am seriously considering having it removed even if it means going back to such awful periods. While my periods are now light and manageable, they are still consistently 14 days long. The worst parts are the weight gain and mood swings. Despite training for a marathon, including often burning 1,400 calories in a single run, I continue to gain weight. The bloating is unsightly and frustrating, while the mood swings have a huge impact on family."

• Stl...
• May 24, 2016

For Birth Control "Reasons for the 9/10: 1) Cramping/spotting for 4-6 months. My first time on Mirena, no period for 4 years! 6 years later, and 6 days into the second Mirena I've got typical cramps/3.5 days of menstruation. 2) It could fall out/reposition itself in the cervix (down from the uterus). 5 months after a copper/hormone-free IUD, I found out that this had happened to me, and I switched back to Mirena. Many people have had adverse effects from this medication, including depression, anxiety, mood swings, constant spotting, and painful cramps. Having 5 years of experience on this medication, then switching to a copper IUD for 5 months, I can say that Mirena has HELPED my depression/anxiety. Everybody is different. Plus, I'm not going to get pregnant! So, all in all, I'd recommend this to anyone."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have many friends with fabulous Mirena experiences, however, mine has not been one of them. This is my second attempt with Mirena. The first time I had one inserted was after my third child. Yes, insertion is quite painful, nothing compared to childbirth, though. After riding out four months of spotting, my periods completely ceased, and I was so happy. After a year, however, I started feeling completely nauseous and had pain every time I had sex, so I had it removed. Now, five years and two kids later, I decided to give it another go. I have had this Mirena in for around eight weeks and have gained three kilos (my weight is usually very stable). I have constant mood swings and fear I am struggling to be a nice mom to my kids. I am awful to my husband. It has to go."

• pro...
• November 20, 2009

For Birth Control "I have tried all methods of birth control except the shot, and nothing was right for me. I always experienced headaches, terrible mood swings, nausea, weight gain, and actually forgetting (the pill). I heard about the IUD, but was so afraid to give it a try because of all of the horrible reviews that I have read. After realizing that everyone is different, and not remembering to take the pill daily, I thought, what the heck. I spoke to my doctor, and I had the Mirena inserted yesterday. Although it was very uncomfortable, it was not as painful as some of the postings. I did feel a pinch and cramped slightly, but the process was not that bad. Today (day 2), I am cramping, but nothing that a few ibuprofen couldn't handle. I am spotting and have on a pantyliner."

• Ass...
• December 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 20 years old and had my daughter about 8 months ago. I've had the Mirena for about 7 months now. Getting it inserted did not hurt at all. At first, I was extremely upset. Hated it. I bled for 4 months. After 2 months, I went in to the doctors because I thought something was wrong. Went in, nothing was wrong. They told me to wait it out a little longer. After about 3 months, the bleeding slowed down. Became spotting. After 4.5 months, I stopped bleeding. I have no complaints. I'm glad I stuck with it. I've had my period once so far, and it was very light. I haven't experienced any acne, mood swings, etc. so far. I'm happy and hope the next 5 years will be a good experience for me."

• Liz...
• April 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 27 years old, have never had children, and was recommended this due to my adverse reactions to other forms of birth control and my naturally heavy, painful periods. The insertion was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced. It was comparable to the pain I had when an ovarian cyst burst. I had to stay back in the doctor's office for 3 hours after insertion due to the faintness and heavy pain it caused me. I had ongoing cramps for a month after insertion. I still get intermittent cramping from the device, but due to my incredibly painful natural cramps, I've not been bothered by this. My periods have reduced to very minimal bleeding. As someone with particularly heavy bleeds, I was very happy with 3 days of light flow. However, I have acne like I've never seen before, I have weird swelling in my lower abdomen that has been impossible to get rid of, and I am quite sure it has lowered my mood and caused weight gain (though those two things I can't conclusively prove)."

• Fyt...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using Mirena for 3 years. After initial spotting, I have yet to have a period. Once in a great while, I'll spot a little bit. But I'm having it removed as soon as my husband gets a vasectomy because I am carrying around 15 extra pounds, and my mood swings have been bad for all these years. I work out 5x/week and eat clean 90% of the time but cannot lose the weight. I am sick of it. I can't wait to be free of this. It was a good, convenient form of birth control, just not for me anymore."