Mirena and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Liz...
• April 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Mirena inserted 2.5 years ago. The insertion was slightly painful, but I'm good with pain. It wasn't till I left my doctors that I felt sharp cramps, which only lasted a day. At first, I loved Mirena. I honestly can't take anyone's experience with Mirena less than a year seriously. That's because the first year of me having it, I too thought it was amazing. No having to worry about the pill every day, no bleeding, no pregnancy! It was amazing until about 9 months in. I started to get severe hormonal chin acne, mood swings, hair loss, and dryness. I got my first BV infections and the worst yeast infections. My sex drive is non-existing anymore, so that birth control within its own! The biggest factor was how crazy it's made me."

• Rel...
• January 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena coil fitted in August 2018 for heavy periods. I was informed that it would NOT cause weight gain. The insertion was really painful. Immediately, I had major contraction pains that took my breath away. These went on for nearly two months. I also had an insatiable hunger. This lasted for 3 months and then every 2 weeks thereafter. I also bled seriously heavily for the first 3 weeks and then had light bleeding every day. Back and hip pain was also a permanent fixture from day 1 of insertion. I also had mood swings that made me feel very anxious and angry. My stomach was ALWAYS bloated and really uncomfortable every day with mild and sometimes severe cramps. I weighed myself. Despite not putting on weight in the 3 years previous to the Mirena, I'd gained 12 pounds within 4 months of having the coil fitted. It is now January 2019. I've just got back from an appointment to have it removed. My stomach pain has already disappeared. Please think very carefully about having one of these things fitted."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had my Mirena for about 9 months after having been on the Depo shot for 10 years. I chose this device because the Depo was too strong and my emotions flat-lined. I have a history of painful periods and need something so I can function. On the Mirena, I have some annoying but manageable cramps and no bleeding. More importantly, I have mood fluctuations (a good thing) but nothing like the PMS extremes. Insertion was not very bad (I have not had children) as long as you take some painkiller a few hours before and get the cervical softener in place in the vagina the night before. I also had an experienced doctor insert it. Definitely do your research before you get it inserted. Overall, this is working very well. I have even lost a few pounds!"

• Mom...
• January 24, 2010

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena two years ago. I love it. With 4 kids at 32, I wanted to keep my options open, in case I win the lottery. At first, it hurt. It felt very uncomfortable as I could feel it inside. My husband said he could feel it at first, but now it doesn't bother him. I suppose it has adjusted or softened somehow, but I feel the string still. The period was annoying, long, short, spotting, and now no period at all! I had success with the Norplant in the past and was looking for an alternative with the similar levonorgestrel hormone. My mood was off the first year, but now wonderful. My weight went up the first year from 153 to 168 but went to 155 at 1 year 6 months, at 2 years I am at 148 lbs. Give it a year!"

• ceg...
• September 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Three weeks into having Mirena, I started to experience a significant decline in my sex drive, plus I had mood swings, depression (which I can only describe as a constant feeling of impending doom), anxiety, and acne in places I've never had it before. The spotting was on and off with small blood clots and brown, sticky discharge in between spotting (not romantic at all). I don't know whether this is because of Mirena or not, but I also started to notice a huge decrease in the amount of natural lubrication my body was producing before sex."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 16, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 27, married, with one child who is 7. I had my first Mirena inserted at my 6-week check-up after his birth. The first 5 years of use were amazing. The insertion did not hurt at all, as well as not having the normal cramping and spotting after insertion. I haven't had a period since. My problems have come from the new Mirena I had inserted 2 years ago. I have had significant weight gain, anxiety, my hair has changed texture, my skin is oily, and the mood swings are horrid. I wish this time around was as good as the first. I hope this will help others because I feel like I am going crazy, and now I know it is not just me."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I give this IUD a higher rating due to its effectiveness. It definitely does its job. However, the side effects were very much like taking the pill. I’ll keep in mind that every woman’s body reacts differently to different things, but just like the pill, my body wasn’t reacting well to the hormones. I experienced mood swings, anxiety, and low tolerance to stress. I had to switch to non-hormonal after 3 months."

• Lem...
• October 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have 2 kids, got Mirena IUD inserted when my youngest was 2 (5 years ago). Physically: right from the start, no problems whatsoever, no weight gain, no acne, light to none periods. Mentally: the first month and then some was awful. I'd never before experienced mood swings like that before, it was depressing. I wanted it out, but was advised to give it time. So glad I did give it time. After the first few months, it's been great. I've been on an even keel as far as moods go. It's been great! I need to have it out now since this month is the 5-year mark. I definitely want to replace it, just hoping I don't go through what I did the first months of the first time around!!"

• 90H...
• June 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena inserted 3 weeks ago this Friday. The insertion was quick but slightly painful, the cramps started right after and were really bad for the first week. After, I got cramps every day just during the late afternoon for some reason. The cramps stopped about a week ago. I am still spotting. I think once I stop spotting, I will be happy with the product. I've been super emotional as well."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2012

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena put in about a year ago and have recently had it removed! It almost caused a divorce. I had mood swings, depression, acne, tired but couldn't sleep. I also had ovarian cysts that had me in the emergency room. I felt like I was pregnant. I kept feeling flutters like a baby. I have now seen other women felt that way too. I removed it at home. I just pulled the strings and it popped out. No pain or bleeding. I have had it out for about a week now and feel fabulous!!"

• Mir...
• October 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena for a little over a month now, and so far it's been great! The insertion was very painful... much worse than people said, but this varies between people. I had severe cramps for a few hours after it was inserted, but after that, they were mild for the rest of the day (and the next). I spotted for a few days, but that went away and there was nothing until my period. My period was lighter, but it lasted longer. It was basically spotting (slightly heavier than a pantyliner could handle) for seven days. Since then, I've had some sporadic light spotting, but it's definitely manageable. As for other side effects, I haven't noticed any weight gain, mood swings, or a noticeable increase in acne, and I am prone to breakouts."

• Lmc...
• November 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I have used the Mirena as it seems to be the most consistent release of hormones, therefore helping mood swings, acne, weight gain, etc. I just had one removed and another placed. Never had children, and my cervix 'falls to the floor' and to a side, so it's a bit more uncomfortable than some women. But, nothing that extra water and Advil can't soothe. It is definitely worth one day of uncomfortable for five years of relief, lol. My periods mostly stopped, basically, I was spotting for a day or two after year one. Prior to year one, still light but lasted a day or so longer. My strings to the first got 'lost,' so the doctor (highly recommend an OB/GYN) used ultrasound to locate and get it before replacing it. So, a few negatives but well worth it!"

• Mcg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on the Mirena for a little over 2 years. I experienced a lot of irregular bleeding for the first few months, but by 6 months, I no longer had any bleeding at all. I have been almost 2 years without needing tampons, and I love it! I love the Mirena because there isn't any mess; I don't have to remember to take a pill or put on a patch, and I love how effective it is. It is also much cheaper in the long run. Now for the side effect. I have become increasingly aware that I have extreme mood swings more frequently. I just thought that I was depressed by life events, but lately it has been more of a roller coaster of manic mood swings. After some research, I found this to be a common side effect. I am currently seeking ways to offset this."

• Dee...
• October 30, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted on 10/7/15 for heavy vaginal bleeding. I am 50, have had 2 children, and have to say the insertion was painful. Since insertion, I have been bleeding nonstop along with heavy cramping and low back pain. The side effects have been horrible for me. I have had major mood swings, anxiety, decreased appetite, and no desire for sex whatsoever. I have recently been experiencing a stabbing pain in my right side, which leaves me doubled over in pain for a short time. I had an ultrasound to make sure the Mirena did not move and was causing this pain to occur. Thankfully, all results came back okay. I have an appointment on 11/3 to have it checked, but I am going to ask the doctor to remove it at that time, not worth it to me."

• Cbb...
• June 8, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 51 and still have excessive bleeding during my period. I had Mirena inserted on the second day of my period. Had period for three more days, then I stopped for six days. Then I started my period back up, bleeding continually, and I'm on my 28th day now. Insertion was a breeze, I had given birth to two children vaginally. Only took Tylenol and had no cramping. My Gyno wants me to give it at least four months before I make a decision. Just hoping that menopause will come soon and this will be a moot point. My face has not broken out, I have not had mood swings, and have not noticed any weight gain. After reading most of these reviews, it is fair to say we are all reacting differently. My bleeding is still not as heavy as it was before."

• ozi...
• May 16, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had Mirena inserted 4 weeks ago. Don't need it for BC, but I am extremely iron-deficient, so it was to stop my periods. Never mind the actual procedure, I didn't take any pain killers before or after. But I have been bleeding and badly cramping ever since the procedure. Sometimes cramps would stop, then come back suddenly so bad I groan out loud. Any physical activity makes it much worse. My tummy and breasts are swollen and tender. Some acne. Mood swings - more like mood plungers: I tend to snap at everyone around for no reason. Definitely a weight gain - 2 kg in 4 weeks. Everyone says I look very pale. Total life disruption. I wish I had read other reviews before doing it. My GP told me it would settle after 3-4 days. It comes out next week."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 3, 2015

For Birth Control "Got it when I was 18. No kids. Covered 100%. Insertion felt like a bad period cramp. Was over before I knew it. Cramped for maybe a day or two. Manageable. My partner hardly complained that he felt the strings. They never hurt him, just sometimes they needed to be adjusted. I kept it in for 6 years because I didn't have insurance anymore. On the 6th year, I had a light regular period. I had no weight gain, no mood swings (hormones are localized with Mirena), no acne problems. No side effects at all."

• Jes...
• January 9, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and have a 3-year-old daughter. I had Mirena placed a month postpartum. It was great at first. I had dizziness and cramping after placement, but a few hours later, it was gone. I had my last period in December of '08, which has been great, but the negative effects outnumber the 2 good effects (no periods and no unwanted pregnancy). I have had Mirena for just over 3 years now, and I feel like crap. I have bad mood swings, nausea, abdominal pains so severe sometimes I want to cry, headaches at least 3 times a week, weight gain, bloating (badly), and extreme tiredness. I didn't want to believe it is my Mirena because it works so well, but the worse my symptoms get, the more difficult it is not to blame Mirena. Getting it removed!"

• Hap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted in 3/2014 at my 6-week check-up after my son was born. The insertion was not terrible, it was kind of like a long pap smear with some cramping along with it. Afterwards, I spotted for about 5 days, and that was the end of that. My period went on normally for the next year, slowly decreasing in flow and length. During my time on the birth control, I experienced mood swings, hair loss, weight gain, inner aching, numerous ovarian cysts, and more yeast and bacterial infections than I can keep count of (over 30). I finally had it removed in the beginning of May 2016, and I feel a million times better. Yes, my first period was very heavy and clotty, but when it was over, I felt 100% better. Different strokes for different folks."

• Jes...
• September 12, 2009

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena now for about 3 months. I had it inserted at 12 weeks postpartum and experienced no pain, just some odd pulling sensations. I was able to drive home right away and felt fine. I had some minor cramping and bleeding for a couple of weeks. Now I have been spotting here and there and having long periods, but was told that should regulate after 6 months, so I am sitting tight for that. I have had no weight gain, actually lost 3 lbs so far. No acne, no mood swings, can't feel it, neither can my partner. So far, so good. I love how effective it is and that I don't have to remember to take anything. I'd recommend it."

• db1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had my IUD for about 3 months. The insertion was a lot more painful than I expected, and I had bad cramps for a couple days afterward. It was overall not bad, seeing as it lasts for 5 years. I gained about 10 lbs when I first got it but have been able to lose about 6 of those with diet and exercise changes. I do have pretty extreme mood swings, but they are getting better as I think the hormones are working themselves out! I have an increase in sex drive for sure!!"

• 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."

• 12m...
• January 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 18. I got pregnant in the summer of 2015. I lost the baby about a month and a half ago due to hydropes, and I've been doing okay since. My doctor recommended the Mirena IUD, and I thought it'd be a good prevention of pregnancy, seeing as getting pregnant again probably wouldn't be the best thing for my future, and taking a pill every day didn't seem good, seeing as I'm a very forgetful person. The reviews I've read seemed absolutely terrible, and I was pretty freaked out, but I got the IUD 2 days ago, and so far so good. The pain varies from person to person, so I can't say it won't be painful; mine just felt like period cramps and then some mild pains after, as if they were normal cramps but not terrible, no mood swings. Hoping it works for me."

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2012

For Birth Control "I had Mirena placed about 4 1/2 months ago and have had nothing but problems since! Having it placed was fairly painful but not too bad. I had cramping for a few hours after, and that was it. About a month after having it placed, I started having terrible cramps, mood swings, low sex drive, very dry during sex. I've gained about 30 pounds since I got it. The only thing it improved is my period. My period usually lasts about 3 or 4 days and is very light, but that doesn't make up for the horrible cramps. I am having the Mirena taken out this week."

• alo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I had my first Mirena when I was 22, now I'm 32 and working on getting my third one. I have never had children, and I don't want to have any at all. Both insertions were very painful. The first time around, I was spotting and cramping for 4 months. I hated it to the point that I wanted it removed, but decided to wait a little longer. I'm glad I kept it! 4 months later, my periods are so light and almost nonexistent. Yes, my acne got worse, but it was because it got better when I was on the pill. I think my acne just went back to its pre-birth control levels. No mood swings, no more cramping, great birth control (10 years and not a single pregnancy or even a scare!). I recommend it, but I always say give it at least 4 months if you hate it."