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[Special K]

I've had a mirena coil in since June 2016, and I had it removed last Friday, 25 may because I have been querying menopausal symptoms (intense hunger and mood swings for last couple of years). Had other things checked by GP (thyroid function and FSH/LH). I am 45 in June. Before having the mirena I was on the combined pill for approximately 20 years.  I was advised to stop pill because my blood pressure was high, due I think to other medication I was on at that time. However my blood pressure is down again and GP says I could go back on the pill if required.  I am a little anxious about what may happen since coil was removed last week.  I have noticed a little minor spotting and feel slightly crampy.  Just wondering if anyone can tell me what I might expect.  I'm finding this time in my life so confusing, I really got the coil out so I can see what is happening in my body and try to get an answer regarding my ? Menopausal symptoms!! Any thoughts would be appreciated....xxx

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MM
Nobody prepares us for the menopause and it can be worrying and sometimes frightening as our bodies throw all sorts of strange symptoms at us.
The answer to your question is : nobody can tell you what to expect as we are all different. Read up all the info in this site to get clued up.
If you look under ‘All things menopause' on this forum in the ‘Quick Links' section, there is a link to an article called ‘Perils of the Peri menopause' which explains everything really well. The Peri meno stage can last some years and for some starting hrt can help.
The Mirena can be great as part of an HRT regime so at this stage it's good to take this break and see what happens for a few months - keep a diary of your cycle and any symptoms and if flushes emerge ask the the GP to do further bloods to see if the FSH level is raised and also oestrogen levels. However blood tests are not reliable in peri (hormones fluctuate a lot)  so the GP should diagnose based on symptoms.
If your cycle returns you may still be in early peri and at 45 this would not be unusual. If heavy or erratic bleeding emerges then having another Mirena would be a great option and then simply add in some low dose oestrogen as gel or patch if flushes and night sweats become a problem.
There is a BCP that is considered very good for women in the peri meno stage - it's called Qlaira - look it up, print this out to show the GP. It has bioindentical oestrogen so can give a good balance at this stage in your life until you are needing proper HRT - if this is the way you want to go. Hormone replacement is a personal choose and it is not suitable for everyone.
Keep posting - we are here to support you. DG x

[Hurdity]

Hi Special K

 

The only way to tell what is really happening is to wait a year and see if you get any periods - from what I've read it can take a while for them to come back after a Mirena is removed, even if you are not peri-menopausal (perhaps someone else can help here...?). As you haven't had a natural cycle for some time it is difficult to know.

What did the FSH/LH tests show?

If your blood pressure is fine now and the doc has said it's OK to go back on the pill then why not do so if you felt well on it? ALso if you'd rather not go on the traditional CCP there is another one called QLAIRA that is fairly new and prescribed for peri-menopausal women as it contains estradiol - the same type as in our bodies, rather than the synthetic stronger oestrogens. Also it has only 2 tablet free days - preventing the pill-free week and the hornonal crash of the traditional pill.

Are you getting flushes and sweats?

Intense hunger - perhpas you need to change your diet? Reduce sugars drastically ie sugary drinks, juice, cakes, sweet cereals, sweets etc, and also reducing refined carbs (foods containing white flour eg white bread, pastry etc). Increase low fat protein at all meals if you can and vastly increase fruit and veg, and try to limit processed foods so you cook from fresh ingredients. Protein makes you feel fuller for longer but if necessary eat snacks before you get to that stage - nuts ( not to many!) fruit, cottage cheese, natural yougurt, semi-skimmed milk etc.

Hope this helps

Hurdity x

PS Edit - have said some similar to Dancinggirl whose post appeared as I was writing mine so great we agree!

[Special K]

Hi DG and Hurdity
Thanks so much for your thoughtful and considered advice and info. FSH/LH were negative for menopause, but the GP did say that hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and the test can't be considered reliable...Since I have been cold turkey from hormones, I just feel quite menstrual most of the time with breast tenderness, crampy and minor nausea.....I don't however have flushes or sweats.
Also didn't know about QLAIRA it seems like an interesting option that I will investigate.  I am also keeping a diary and a note of what's happening on a daily basis.
Also, I didn't mention that before I had the coil removed I asked my GP if I could try an oestrogen patch, alongside the coil to see if it helped. However, I couldn't stand the side effects of cramping, breast tenderness and moderate levels of nausea. I also thought that perhaps my body had enough oestrogen, and I might be overdosing! I also wonder if my body is now rebelling due to being on regular contraceptive hormones for so long....
PS I heard something about menopause cafés the other day. Does anyone have any info? Thanks again, Kristy 

[Dancinggirl]

Special K - you haven't told us how old you are?  The whole menopause journey can start from our early to mid 40s as the ovaries start to struggle - this brings fluctuations in symptoms e.g. occasional flushes, more headaches, aching joints, sore breasts etc.  When I was first menopausal I kept thinking I was pregnant as the symptoms were just like early pregnancy!!!!  I'm not sure what influence being on BCP or the Mirena for most of the reproductive years has generally but the Mirena is only producing progesterone and keeping the womb lining thin so is not influencing the oestrogen levels -  logically I would think this would have the least influence overall on your bodies hormones.

Nausea is also common as the fluctuations in hormones can upset the digestive system, again just like in early pregnancy. Eating small amounts regularly throughout the day can really help and avoid rich or sugary foods.
I think the early peri stage is particularly tough as adding in any hormones at this stage can sometimes make things worse.  I think you need to let your body settle after having the Mirena removed, keep a diary and see if periods do return. In 6-12 weeks you will have a better picture of what is going on and then make a more informed decision about how you want to do moving forward. 
If you haven't read the article about the Peri meno, here is the link:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/magazine/pdf/Article%20-%20Perils%20of%20the%20Perimenopause.pdf

DG x

[Special K]

Hi DG,
I am 45 years old in a couple of weeks...yes I think you're right I need to let my body settle down, and observe for the next few weeks. I suppose it's early days, and I think I am very anxious about the prospect of the menopause, having used hormones for so long..
Thanks again, and for the link, I am going to read right now!
K