Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: MIS71MUM on November 10, 2016, 09:46:27 PM
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Seen quite a few posts recently about the use of the Mirena.
Thought I'd post after I've had it fitted today. So if this helps anyone at all, all good!
Had it fitted today with the aid of gas and air as I am such a lightweight!
There wasn't any pain at all, maybe slight discomfort that's all.
Anyway, since the procedure I've yawned a lot and had a nap. Also had a little weep maybe due to relief and worry if I've done the right thing.
Also felt PMT-ish, you know that tired, sweaty, grubby feeling that you get but it did pass.
If anyone finds this useful at all, may update weekly or on something significant happening.
Today even before procedure was feeling quite upbeat but relaxed, so hopefully that will continue.
Reasons for Mirena; heavy and irregular bleeding which has affected iron stores. Multiple fibroids and adenomyosis. Peri and 45!
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Mis71Mum
I wouldn't over think things - don't expect problems. So pleased the fitting went well - that's great. Tomorrow, just get on with life and forget you even have the Mirena. You will get some bleeding for some weeks but just enjoy the benefits of the oestrogen. Good luck DG x
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Mum71, it will be great if you post here your experiences with the Mirena fitted. To me it will be great to read how you go on. I am the same age as you.
Goid luck and yes, try to not overthink things, as DG says, - easier said than done, I know!
Best wishes
Milamam
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Glad it went well. Don't be surprised if you continue bleeding for more than a few months. My main reason for getting mine fitted was for heavy periods. Took almost a year for my bleeding to stop entirely but it had been very light so no need for anything more than panty liners.
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Thanks for the replies ladies.
Still all okay and no pain or twinges which is good. The only thing I could actually say is that I feel a bit weepy and sick. I sort of expected the sickness but not the weepiness really because I haven't felt like that on other combination patches or pills.
I'm beginning to wonder if I should increase my oestrogen to 37.5mg instead of 25 mg. Originally I was on 50mg, then stopped for surgery and re-started at 37.5mg which was the best I felt in ages.
What dose is everyone else on? Don't want the mirena to knock out the good feeling that the oestrogen gives me but at the same time, I don't want to make a knee-jerk reaction. Promise i'm not overthinking by the way, but just wanted your thoughts ;)
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Update so far;
Night 2 - had an absolutely brilliant sleep last night which was very welcome.
No pain at all and bleeding seems to have stopped too.
Just realised too that I won't have to have any dreaded progesterone withdrawal symptoms now either.
Early days but I'm very optimistic!
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Since I had my Mirena fitted last April I have slept well every night, something I wasn't doing before?
I was on Estradot 75 before I changed to Estrogel 3 pumps a day, but I am 18 months post meno.
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Beginning to worry that this has been a mistake.
Didn't sleep very well - and being crying for most of the day.
Need to increase my patch to at least 50 mg from 25 mg.
I'm worried I'll be like this forever.
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The first few couple of weeks of the Mirena I did feel a bit PMT ish but now seven months down the line I only get an odd day feeling like that. Although I do sleep well every night so far.
I think I read somewhere that you get a big hit of progesterone in the first few days, give it time to settle.
Your patch dose is low, are you still peri?
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Okay - that may explain it. Yes still peri, been missing periods since 2010.
Just wish I felt like I had some control of my emotions! Not sure whether to fight the emotions, anxiety or depression or just accept this is how I feel.
I miss feeling upbeat and cheerful.
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I definitely suffered from low mood for the first few months of having the mirena fitted. I still have the odd bad night's sleep but not nearly as bad as it was pre-coil fitting. I don't take any oestrogen at the moment.
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I just wish I had the chilled out feeling of the progesterone rather than the low mood.
I hate the low mood feeling especially at this time of year.
Been emotional again today but I keep telling myself it's my hormones.
Hopefully it'll get easier as each week goes by.
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I'm rooting for you Mis7Mum. Really hope the mirena helps.
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Mis71Mum
It is great that you are sharing your experience but it is very early days and to analyses how you feel each day is perhaps focusing too much and possibly leading you to believe the Mirena is having more of an effect than it actually is. I have discovered in recent years that to learn to relax and let things wash over is you terribly important. It is very normal to get low mood at the menopause and particularly at this time of year. I do hope you are taking some Vitamin D - to supplement at this time of year can be very important as Vitamin D deficiency can give low mood and poor energy. ARe you on an SRRI or AD as well - sorry I can't remember?
I don't know if you work or what your life is like but if you are able to stay busy, get on with things and think a bit less about how you are feeling from day to day, I do strongly feel things would settle more quickly for you.
The weather may not be great but do you get out for a brisk walk each day? Do you go to any exercise classes or fun activities?
When I am feeling in a low mood, I set myself little targets of things that need doing through a day, particularly things I might have put off doing. These little jobs could be simply sorting through a pile of paperwork and filing it, clearing out a cupboard and sending things to charity shops etc. and I then get a bit of that ‘feel good' factor having achieved something. I personally love to do gardening as getting out in the air and doing something physical really gives a sense of satisfaction. Do set yourself achievable goals - it's often those mundane tasks we actually put off or hate doing that make us feel good.
Dealing with the meno involves a whole range of measures - not just HRT. Relying on HRT to sort things is really unrealistic.
Having said all this, I really hope this HRT combination works for you as you have had a rough time.
I bet in 3 months you will look back and wonder why you worried so much. DG x
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Hi Ladies
Thanks for your kind words.
DG - you are right, I am focussing too much on the wrong thing, and sometimes it helps to have this pointed out. Not sure why but in the mornings, I always feel worse. It's one of my habits I suppose to be on my guard all the time, to make sure my mood isn't slipping and analysing everything.
I work 4 days and have 2 beautiful little girls, and a husband so should have plenty of other things to keep me busy! And on an AD too. Maybe I ought to focus on Christmas instead. It's just sometimes, I have real problems on concentrating and focusing on my work!
Anyway - I have decided to research a complimentary therapy or two to help me relax and be more accepting of what's happening instead of fearing everything physical or mental.
Yes taking a brilliant multi vit, vit d and iron too.
I've also had my oestrogen, progesterone and ferrtin blood tests done today so that I can see what direction to proceed in oestrogen wise going forward.
One strange thing though, and I could be ovethinking again here, but since my Mirena has been "fitted", my blood pressure has gone from 155/100 to 130/70, so that's amazing!
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Mis71Mum - great news about the blood pressure. Start planning Christmas, expect to feel brilliant by then and start truly enjoying life. DG x
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That is a very healthy BP :)
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Great post Dancinggirl (the longer one) - and hope you feel better bit by bit each day Mis71Mum :)
Hurdity x
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A 'view from the other side' - I had my Mirena fitted in January (for very heavy, prolonged periods). I bled for about 2 weeks after it was fitted and I was beginning to regret having it put in. But the bleeding stopped .... since then, I've had 3 'bleeds' (needing no more than panty liners - I used to soak a super-plus tampon and night-time towel inside 90 minutes!), and nothing but the odd day of spotting since May!! I still have some wakeful nights, but not because I'm having to get up every two hours to change horrible soaked sanitary protection.
For me, it was the best decision I could have made, and I sincerely hope you get the same good result.
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Scampi - that is great to hear - I think your experience is quite normal - sadly it's the ladies who have a bad experience that we tend to hear from. The Mirena wouldn't be so popular amongst most gynaes if it wasn't good for the vast majority of women. Dg x
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Hello
Mini update - Yey! I've lasted a week with the Mirena, yippeee! Something I thought I would never be able to do.
The positives so far is that I can't be progesterone intolerant and already I've have had relief from heavy bleeding which is very, very welcome. Occasional spotting so far but that's all. My ferritin has increased from 9 to 37 after 3 months of iron so hoping that the lack of bleeding will also stop this getting low again.
No changes mood wise either, but I am noticing more of a even mood rather than highs and lows.
Thanks Scampi - i'm hoping I get the same experience as you.
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I have had mine since April and apart from constant spotting for the first 4.5 months I am happy with it.
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It's so encouraging reading your posts ladies as I'm currently debating having a Mirena fitted. It's good to hear positive outcomes .
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Hi Linz57
What is your main reason for having the Mirena fitted? Is it bleeding issues or because of progesterone issues?
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Hi Mis71Mum, it's because my conti patch is causing me a little spotting every two months or so. It's nothing major so I'm currently trying to decide whether to stay with the patch or go for separate estrogen patch and the Mirena. The Mirena contains the same prog as my patch but I haven' t checked whether it delivers a higher daily dose yet.
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Linz57 - The Mirena would deliver a far, far lower dose and very gradually - little is absorbed systemically - it is designed to deliver progesterone to where it is needed - the uterus (womb). DG x
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Ah I see, it delivers less, so that's another point in favour of the Mirena then. Thank you for explaining Dancinggirl :)
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Hello
Just a quick update after just over 2 weeks with the Mirena.
The spotting stopped for a few days, only for what I think my own period to take over. The loss is still light but the colour of blood has changed to red and the tummy ache, spots and weeing loads has happened this week.
The gyny did say it was a big ask to get the Mirena to fully stop my bleeding because of my conditions. And I do realise that it's early days anyway.
As I had taken to using children's nappies to stop me from embarrassing myself at work and at home, I'm more than happy with what the Mirena is doing for me at this early stage.
My mood seems okay and more even too.
After 5 years of heavy bleeding - just can't understand why all my GP's has never suggested anything other than iron tablets for me. It's taken me to use my PMI to get the Mirena!
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Thanks for the update Mis71Mum. Yes it often does take a while for Mirena to stop periods - from what I have read, up to 6 months, and as you say it doesn't always happen anyway if bleeding was very heavy. Glad you are happy with it so far. Great to hear good news stories - so far I have been tempted to try the Mirena and Tibolone - from what has been reported on this forum (!), but would be loath to change my tried and tested HRT at my age ::). Hope things continue to improve for you :)
Hurdity x
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I promised to update and here it is!
The good news is my mood has been quite stable for the last 2 weeks. Nothing amazing but stable.
The bad news is the pain and the bleeding has changed for the worse! I've started to experience very central searing pains and these have been very intense, almost taking my breath away. Also I have been passing golf ball sized clots. This has scared me because what is it,where is it coming from and what is it doing to me?
After starting to feel very shaky, lightheaded and drained, I called the gyny to ask if this was normal. My gyny asked me to see the next day.
I went along and explained that I wasn't crying at the earliest opportunity but was genuinely concerned about what I was loosing every day.
As I expected, he said that it was too early for the Mirena to have settled but it was also a big ask of the Mirena to solve my problems. Anyway I now have a prescription for provera to stop the bleeding for the next 6 weeks. I also have a scan to check that the Mirena is still in place.
However I will probably have to prepare myself for the possibility of a Hysterectomy in the new year.
As I've bled early on every regime femoston, evorel and now Mirena, I'm loosing hope that the provera will make any difference but it's worth a shot.
I suppose I have to face the fact that my uterus is very damaged and hysterectomy is my only option
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Oh Mis71Mum
So sorry you are still having problems - it was going so well.
At least if you do end up having a hysterectomy you have tried everything possible alternative.
Keep positive. Keep us posted. DG x
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Hi Ladies
After nearly 5 weeks on the Mirena, I thought I'd give a bit of an update.
Bleeding still happening but only light, so only had 2 bleed free days over the last 5 weeks.
Luckily haven't had the need to use the Provera as the bleeding has lightened.
In terms of mood, there's good and bad news!
No more horrible progesterone withdrawal - yippee!
Yes and my mood has been more stable and less feelings of depression or sadness.
However on evorel sequi, very occasionally, I'd get about 3 days here and there when I felt I could take on the world and really felt on my game workwise. I haven't had any days like that!
In addition, I seem to have developed a few new symptoms, really struggling to swallow some of my food, cold shivers and trembling and aching bones and joints!
I'm currently on 37.5 mg patch, but I suppose the million dollar question is, should I increase or stay where I am? Been on 37.5 for approx 4 months now :-*
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Still early days Mis71mum. A slightly higher dose of oestrogen could be a good idea but I would wait another 4-6 weeks when helpfully the bleeding has stopped or is just a bit of spotting now and again. More oestrogen might trigger more bleeding at this stage.
The symptoms you are describing sound very like a low grade virus and unlikely to be the Mirena. Energy etc.wil return in time. Be patient - things are already looking better. Dg x
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HI is your progress going
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Hi I'm new here & not sure where to start but I'm 47 and experiencing some unwelcome
Menopause symptoms.
I've had 4 Mirena coils over the last 20 years and have been very happy with them & i'm due to get my coil changed this month. After my 3rd child I had my first fitted and I haven't looked back.
I'd rather not use HRT as I see menopause as another hurdle For us women that I'd rather get through as naturally as possible BUT I'd do anything to get my libido back & my mood lately has been very low, not like me at all. Night sweats and insomnia I can live with. My nurse suggested oestrogen tablets if I can't manage as the Mirena has progestin in it. Can anyone offer advice?
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Hi and welcome to MM Grace24
Many think that the meno is just something we have to go through - an inconvenience that will last for a while with night sweats, flushes etc. gradually subsiding and then we're out the other side and feeling OK. I'm sorry to put the pin in this balloon but around 50-60% of women get meno symptoms for up to 7 years and the ongoing oestrogen deficiency can often bring even more problems as time goes on. HRT is a personal choice and some women are lucky - they sail through and get relatively few problems.
At 47, if your oestrogen levels are dropping (which it sounds as though they are) then adding in some oestrogen would be a good idea and would probably help libido, mood and energy. AS you get on well with the Mirena your HRT regime will be very simple - you just add in oestrogen as pills, patch or gel. As the Mirena is protecting your womb lining, you don't need combined HRT preparations (containing both oestrogen and progesterone) which can often bring more side effects - so the Mirena with separate oestrogen can be the perfect HRT combination.
Do remember that 5 years of HRT in your 50s can protect your heart and bones for the long term and reduce the impact of menopause symptoms which can be devastating for our work, family and general quality of life.
You are also too young to be deficient in oestrogen (normally meno arrives at 53/4) so in fact I would suggest that having some oestrogen would be very necessary for you right now - I think you would be amazed at much better your fell with a bit of oestrogen - so I'd take the nurses advice and try the oestrogen pills.
Taking HRT is not a weakness - it's the sensible thing to use if you need it - it's not delaying the inevitable but easing you through a tough time and giving good health benefits along the way. DG x
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Thank you dancinggirl, I hope I didn't offend, certainly didn't want to trivialise it. I think I've been influenced unduly by a nagative friend and I really didn't appreciate the fact that I'm young for this and exactly how long this can go on for and I'm not prepared to let my fun and enjoyment of life suffer for this. I'm very happily married and my kids are all grown up so I'm enjoying a new found freedom. I had 2 knee replacements in 2014 and being active is a new joy for me. I will endeavour to get an appt with my nurse and discuss trialling oestrogen and see how I go. I'll post my experiences. X
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Grace24 - you didn't offend at all - you were simply expressing the view that many of us have when we approach the meno. The bad press about HRT has been so overblown and nobody tells you about the positives - there is still so much taboo around the menopause.
I'm 60 now, started an early meno in my mid 30s so have had to use HRT for many years - I stopped about 6 months ago and things are going OK but I couldn't have managed without HRT through my 40s. I took a break from HRT for 3 year in my early 50s and I feel I lost 3 years of my life as a result - my bones are suffering because I took this break but I did have a Mirena with separate oestrogen for 5 years in my mid 50s which has helped to stem the decline in my bone density.
Quality of life is terribly important - so give the oestrogen a try and see how it goes - you can always stop it when you get to 53 and see how you feel. DG x
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I have a Mirena like DG said you can just add a patch, pill or gel. I use Estrogel and don't listen to other people's opinions it is up to you.
My sister in law suffers bad flushes but won't give HRT a try as it is a natural part of life, yes it is, but you don't need to suffer with it.
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Hello Ladies
I thought I would update as it's nearly 8 weeks since my 'fit'!
On the whole my mood has improved, I'm still spotting/bleeding but I was with other HRT's so there's no change there.
The plus points are still no horrible Progesterone withdrawals, my mood is more stable and I have more energy.
The down sides so far are; I constantly feel sick, this is a new side effect, I have gained about 5lb in weight, I know we've had Christmas but because of the sickness, I've tended to eat to take it away just like in my pregnancies.
I have cold flushes now - this didn't happen before but has since having the mirena and is a sign to me that my patch is running out.
My digestion is all over the place, I'm swigging Gaviscon out of the bottle, like when I was pregnant. My digestion was fine after pregnancy but started to play up about 4 years ago, I've had an endoscopy and have a small hiatus hernia but I suspect my hormones are playing up again to cause this.
However, the worst side effect of the Mirena and I know it's still early days, is anger and rage. I can fly off the handle so easily - and to be honest, I could argue and fall out with anyone and not give a toss! Again this was me at 16, and my poor parents bore the brunt of it - but it's not me now. I would hate to think that I had hurt anyone's feelings and been unkind to them. My husband gets the anger from me at the moment, luckily he knows it's my hormones.
I'm still on 37.5 patch until I see my gyny next week, so will report back then.
Grace24 - if you can, ask your nurse for a patch or gel as they don't go through your digestive system, liver, etc. Also you get the option to adjust your doseage yourself. With pills you can't.
Did any of the above happen to anyone else with the Mirena?
Happy New Year!
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I have had none of the problems you mention, apart from spotting every day for 4.5 months. The first month I did feel hungry and snacked more, this reminded me of the days running up to a period when younger. I have not put weight on, I have lost a bit actually!
I can feel a bit tearful now and again a bit like PMT.
I never suffered badly with PMT, I expect my partner would disagree though! So wonder if that is why I have not had too much trouble so far.
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An update and some
Advice needed.
I had my Mirena changed this week and started on Evorel 50mg. How long should I expect to see a change in myself? This morning I felt so so touchy and snappy, luckily I have an understanding husband and I explained how I felt. I could actually feel my mood lifting away around 3pm and felt more myself. I had changed the patch this morning. I'm not expecting to feel different for a few months possibly. I am so relived to be giving this a try!
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Hi GRace - adding in the oestrogen should make you feel better in just a few weeks - possibly within 2 weeks. Lack of libido is a tricky thing to treat - the oestrogen will help, but if you sleep and eat well, get some exercise and therefore generally feel a bit more ‘on your game', then feeling more sexy is a bit easier. Good luck - do keep us posted. Dg x
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Mis71Mum - how are you doing with Mirena? We had them fitted around same time and I'm having some 'issues'.
Mx
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Hi MurphyDurf
Hmmm - trying to answer objectively!
Well yes I think I am 10 weeks now, and still bleeding. I do have adenomyosis which is the reason for the fit in the first place.
I have very painful cramping and am sure that I can feel the Mirena spiking my insides.
I know for a fact that I wouldn't have been able to tolerate the Mirena without the Oestrogen- I'm currently on approximately 4/5 ths of a 50 mg patch.
I can feel the patch wear off as I either become very withdrawn or very angry and pmt like.
However please be aware that this is just my experience and there are plenty of ladies who love the Mirena.
Also for me, it's hard to know if it's the lack of oestrogen or my adenomyosis thats causing my problems.
For me, it's certainly been better than a sequential regime as I really suffered from progesterone withdrawal.
What problems are you having?
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Hi Mis71Mum - I have been so up and down with the mirena - it almost completely ruined Christmas and New Year for me - I refused all offers of parties and fun and sat alone on New Years Eve as I was so low. I've had dreadful palps and anxiety which I've never had before (been on HRT approx 5 years), for a week it's felt like something is lightly pressing on my bladder, more obvious when sitting down or sudden movements, I've really had to increase E to try and deal with fatigue and low mood. I can't remember anything, have very little interest in anything and absolutely no zest for life. I keep being told it will pass but whilst out for Sunday lunch with my partner today even he commented that I've changed (I called off going out last night as I'd ended up in tears for no reason). I'm having it removed this week as I can't keep living like this. Whilst utro can be evil for me, at least it's more controllable.
Mx
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I agree about the Zest for life! Mines totally gone along with my sex drive. I do feel very can't be bothered and lethargic.
Hope that the Mirena coming out with make a difference for you.
I'd be very interested to find out.
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I'll keep you posted.
Mx