On the plus side, I haven't had a "mood crash" my moods have improved dramatically since removal!
The Mirena IUD is a progesterone IUD. It does contain hormones. The Paraguard is a copper IUD and does not contain hormones.
I had two copper IUDs, starting in 1995. Chose to conceive in 2001, had it removed and was pregnant the next month. I had no abnormal bleeding after removal. The 2nd inserted after my baby was six weeks. Also, when removed, I had no abnormal bleeding.
In 2006 I was having problems with heavy & long periods so my GYN suggested removing the Paraguard and replacing it with the Mirena. It was replaced after 5 years with another Mirena. First one seemed great, the 2nd one I started bleeding erratically and for weeks at a time when my daughter started menstruating. It finally (after 1.5 years) normalized but I never was period free again.
I learned of a connective tissue disorder I have and chose not to replace my Mirena when it expired. I spotted and had a light period for 10 days after removal and for a week now after that have been bleeding like a gut shot pig. So I'm on 17 days of bleeding and getting worse, not better.
I was hoping the removal (& not replacing) would actually help with my joint pain. After being diagnosed and reading up, I learned progesterone is contraindicated for Ehlers Danlos Hypermobile patients. My extreme fatigue and joint pain was disabling after 9 months with Mirena. Idk if the two are related, but I'm hoping the removal helps. Presently, right now, my concern is regarding the the extreme blood loss. I'm worried about becoming anemic as well as losing medications my body needs. I've shown signs of being orthostatic today--thank you to whomever warned about that!!
I've always been super sensitive to hormone birth control. My GYN assured me the Mirena was not a systemic BC--that it only affects your uterus by inhibiting the build up of the uterine lining. I'm calling BS ON THAT GIVEN I AM CLEARLY PURGING SOMETHING!!! My new GYN was pleased I was having it removed due to my diagnosis. She said it absolutely could affect me given it is a progesterone IUD.
Aside from my personal medical contraindication and bleeding like mad, I'd give Mirena a positive review. Im assuming it will normalize after reading these posts. I handled it better than any other birth control I tried (except the Paraguard). If I needed BC again, I'd go back to the Paraguard. It has no hormones whatsoever, and for me, that is a must. And she treated me very well for 10 years. I'd say better than the Mirena.
Hello,
I had Mirena twice, totalling 10 years-5 years each. I bled for about 6 months each time I got them, and did enjoy the light periods (just spotting type) each month! It was very convenient, but had a cyst burst during my 2nd Mirena. Still kept it in for the full 5 years and decided not to get it again this time.
I just got the Mirena removed at the end of Sept, and this is my 4th week of bleeding. Started spotting the first week and heavy heavy bleeding for the past 3 weeks...with large blood clots. My OB told me that the bleeding could last a month, but this is already my 4th week and the bleeding is still pretty heavy... I also am iron difficient so getting it checked out next week!!!