Mirena and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• ora...
• July 31, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 51. Had it inserted 2 years ago. I never felt a thing. Did not take ibuprofen prior to. It was quick and painless. I bled for a couple of weeks after. Slight cramping for a few days. I do still spot. Nothing major. Gained a few that I can't drop. That's my age too. Not to blame Mirena. Very glad I did it. Should also take me through menopause. Positive experience."

• gmb...
• December 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted 5 months ago and am still having very heavy periods with horrible cramps. Periods are lasting about 3 weeks, and then I only get a 2-week respite before it starts again. I've also gained quite a bit of weight these past 5 months. Thinking about having it removed. After reading and hearing others' comments, I have noticed that those who have not had children are having more issues and side effects than the women who have had children."

• Coo...
• January 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I had Mirena for a year. Insertion was a small pinch and not bad at all. I spotted the whole time I had it in, experienced more headaches, lower back aches, and cramping. The spotting wasn't really a lot, but I always had to wear a liner. My sex drive was low, and I would get panic attacks and have horrible mood swings. I also gained like 15 lbs. I had it taken out today, so I am hoping I feel better. My husband is happy I am getting it out, he said I just wasn't the same with it."

• Pat...
• December 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted 3 years ago. Only a little cramping after insertion, periods stopped within 2 months, no acne, but a little lower back pain and weight gain. Mirena is still worth it, though. Very happy with this product."

• aca...
• January 2, 2012

For Birth Control "I'm 25 years old with no children, and I have Mirena. I absolutely love it. The pill gave me acne, weight gain, mood swings, and nausea. The NuvaRing gave me blood clots. Mirena has been a dream. Insertion was no worse than a bad period cramp (again, I've never had kids, and it didn't hurt that bad), and I spotted for a few days. No biggie. I've had oily skin and acne my whole life but am able to control it. Mirena has made it no worse at all. I work out every day and have even been losing weight. So, Mirena has not made me gain weight. I just want to be a positive voice out there for Mirena. Before I got it, I read message boards, and it almost discouraged me from getting it. Thankfully it didn't because it's been the best birth control ever."

• Yet...
• January 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena in Dec 2014. I was taking the mini pill for years. I get classic migraines and can't take estrogen birth control. I had missed some pills in Sept 2014 and had an ectopic pregnancy. Once my body recovered from that, my doc suggested Mirena. I always read 'horror' stories about it, but after what I just went through, I decided to give it a try. I'm 36, with 3 kids, so not having to worry about birth control for a couple of years is great. The insertion was uncomfortable, level 5, but over and done quick. Spotting about a week. Periods are so light that I barely need a pad. I haven't noticed any weight gain or acne. No issues with sex, and I think my libido has gone up. Thus far, I'm REALLY satisfied and wish I had done it sooner."

• NoB...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 27 with no kids. I do not want kids and never have. I wanted something long-term that was more reliable than the pill and wouldn't mess with me in the way the shot does. I've had Mirena for several months now. At first, the cramping was odd and painful, nothing I couldn't handle, it would happen sporadically and would subside after a few minutes. A few months into it, it's pretty much gone. No periods and minimal spotting. It was literally, for me, 'stick it and forget it.' I'm very happy with it. No weight gain, no acne, no mood swings. I'm still my regular self. For the insertion, I was really scared, and my OB gave me something for nerves. Honestly, it just felt like a deep cramp. I didn't feel the pinch, but it's different for everyone."

• In ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "It was absolutely horrible. I gained a lot of weight and acne, and I was in so much pain all the time and depressed. The doctor told me to wait it out when I continued to explain all the pain I was in and how much hair I was losing. It was like the doctor didn't care in any way to hear what I was saying. I have zero idea why they push it so hard on patients and really push for you to keep it in when you are telling them how bad it is. I finally had enough after three years, told my doctor to get it out of me. She went on about how amazing it is for me and how it is helping with my pain from endometriosis. I stopped her in her tracks and said no, take it out now - I have lived with it for three and a half years, and it does not help. I am in so much pain all day, every day, and swelled out like I was six months pregnant. Oh my goodness, when it came out, all the pain went away instantly, and the swelling did the next morning. Yes, it helps with not getting pregnant, but there is a lot of bad that comes with it."

• ZEN...
• June 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my 1st child in November 2014 and got Mirena in January 2015. I spotted for the 1st month and a half. I've had cramping, no sex drive, lack of energy, acne, hair itching, and gained 20 pounds in 4 months. I finally got Mirena removed today, 6/17/2015, and I already feel better. No cramps. I've been able to work from 5 am to 1:30, go to the gym, go shopping, and play with my baby without fatigue. The RN was giving me a hard time and stating my research is wrong and Mirena doesn't make women gain weight due to such low hormones, but I told her everyone's body is different, and this was not the right birth control for me. I told her even all my coworkers that have it right now are experiencing the same issues, so what does that tell you? She acted like she had an attitude because she couldn't talk me out of removing it, but I don't care, it's my body, my choice. I hope that this helps someone. If this is what it costs to not have a period, I'd rather have mine!"

• Ken...
• February 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm a 20-year-old woman who has never had kids, and I'm here to tell you how to get an IUD so you don't have a terrible experience like some of the people who rate this drug badly. Don't listen to the bad reviews! They will just freak you out. Plus, complications are extremely rare, especially if you ask the doctor (not a nurse) about his/her personal stats. Side effects like moodiness, weight gain, and acne are impossible! Less than 1% of the drug gets into your bloodstream, so it can't have the same side effects as most birth controls. The cervix softener and ibuprofen really help with pain, while lorazepam helps relax your muscles. Make sure you take them! It will hurt like a strong cramp, but it is brief and worth the 99.7% protection, plus no periods."

• Agr...
• September 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I lost 3 years of my life due to using a Mirena. In 2015, I got the IUD. A few months later, I sought help for depression. I had become deeply depressed and in such a dark place. I had had some depression before in my life, but this was a deep depression that made me question my existence. My depression got worse over the next 3 years. My doctor put me on an antipsychotic to help with depression. I gained about 45 lbs from the antipsychotic. My depression got worse, and I was at my lowest. In 2018, I looked up Mirena on the internet and saw many stories and studies about it being linked to depression. I talked to my doctor, who assured me the progesterone in the Mirena was localized and could not be the cause. In November of 2018, I had it removed. Around January 2019, I was a completely different person! I had lifted from the cloud of darkness. I returned to the person I was in 2014, before the Mirena. I have been depression-free ever since having it removed."

• Ven...
• April 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had it since September 2014. I am 40 and have had problems with heavy bleeding, frequent periods, painful cramps, and depression during PMS since age 35. This has been great for relief of all my symptoms. Until my doctor mentioned this, I was looking at having a D & C done. I have had no weight gain, I actually lost 5 pounds. Some spotting in the beginning, but very light periods now. No more depression the week before my period. It was a very positive experience for me."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2020

For Birth Control "Was no pain getting it put in or taken out. I removed it after two months. Gained weight, snappy, low sex drive, highs and lows, and really made me feel crazy and hungry and bloated. I wasn’t myself at all. Totally altered my mood. It did not work for me."

• Mom...
• October 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena put in because I had severe periods because of my endometriosis. It wasn’t fun to put in, but similar to a pap, I guess. Felt sick to my stomach and had cramping afterwards. Was happy to have my husband with me. After 6 months, I went for a follow-up and had a lot of the bad symptoms (severe depression, excessive weight gain, excessive water retention, cysts). The positive: had light periods, not very regular, but so much better than it was. The pain from my endo was so much better. But the negative side effects were nothing I could live with. It’s not been a year and a half, and I’m going to get it removed. I had to take time off my career (I’m self-employed) to focus on my mental health. I gained about 30 pounds and cannot get rid of it no matter how I try. I have a trainer, nutritionist, nothing helps! I now have trouble getting out of bed. Loss of all motivation and will. This is horrible for me! Will follow up with results!"

• Aus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I got Mirena as a birth control solution and a solution to my very heavy, 8 days - 10 days painful periods. I wasn't suggested it by a doctor, I pretty much came to the decision myself. I had been on the pill, which didn't affect me negatively at all (still got very heavy periods though). Before that, I was in the Depo shot, which made me bleed non-stop for three months. So I was very skeptical about Mirena. I've lost my periods altogether, and I've noticed that when I'm supposed to be on my period, I don't have any type of discharge or anything of the sort. What I do notice is when I have a very stressful situation, I get discharge for 24 hours, brownish discharge. No pain, no weight gain, brilliantly perfect!"

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Bec...
• November 4, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I do not recommend Mirena. Terrible acne, severe weight gain, continued cramping, random 2-week-long periods, terrible discharge, and cause of infection after insertion. Overall, an awful year, had to go back onto the pill anyway. It was recommended by every health professional I have come into contact with as a resolution for my endometriosis but has done nothing but reduce my quality of life."

• Tyg...
• July 30, 2013

For Birth Control "I switched to this because I was tired of forgetting to take the pill and had horrific side effects from the ring. I've used it for a couple of years now. Pros: Most convenient method of birth control I've tried, since you don't have to remember anything. My periods immediately became lighter and stopped after about 6 months, very few emotional or sexual side effects that I've noticed. Cons: a little cramping and nausea in the first few months, a little weight gain in the beginning, but I lost it easily, painful when first inserted. Overall, I am glad I chose this method."

• lee...
• March 11, 2009

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted in April '08 to control heavy bleeding from adenomyosis. My doctor had recommended it 2 years prior, and I balked at getting it because of 'horror' stories I read. Now I wish I had given it a try when she first recommended it. It has been great. I had some light spotting the first 2 months, then no period for a couple of months. I had a very light period in February. It has changed my life. I have put on some additional weight, approximately 8 pounds since I had it put in, but I already was struggling with weight, so I don't know if it is from that or from middle age. Working on that now with exercise and diet. I am very happy with it. I have my life back each month instead of being afraid to leave the house because of heavy bleeding."

• 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!"

• 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."