Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Oliversut01 on June 21, 2023, 03:55:46 PM

Title: Mirena
Post by: Oliversut01 on June 21, 2023, 03:55:46 PM

Positive experiences please for Mirena, currently on 5mg Provera - is it better to stay with this? Problem is, I don't tolerate Progesterone very well and definitely not Utrogestan.

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Tinkerbell on June 21, 2023, 04:29:52 PM

I am on my second Mirena, had first one when I was one year post meno as I hated Utrogestan. The first one I had 4.5 months of daily spotting, just one day with the second,  but so glad I stuck with it as I have no other side effects.

I can sometimes find my partner a bit irritating like I used to get in the run up to a period though. I normally tell him to go off for a long bike ride ;D

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Oliversut01 on June 21, 2023, 05:20:29 PM

Thank you for the info. I am a bit scared of having it done though but not keen on taking Provera all the time.

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Nas on June 21, 2023, 05:43:38 PM

What’s the issue with provera, which makes you not want to stay on it long term?

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Christine79 on June 22, 2023, 11:04:29 PM

I've had a mirena for 3.5 years. It was a little unpleasant having it inserted and I had odd bleeding pattern for several month. After that it's been a dream, no more heavy periods. Will defo have it replaced when needed.

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Jett on June 25, 2023, 03:25:40 PM

Hi

I had Mirena fitted two weeks ago.  Was sore but fast so bearable.  I had cramps directly after which eased and it seemed ok for few days but then started bleeding and still bleeding.

I am on my Evorel conti patch plus Mirena so maybe too much progesterone is in my system? Going to speak to GO at the end of the week.

I was having problems with bleeding on conti which is why had it fitted so jury still out in whether it was a good decision as I am just wiped out from all the bleeding but still need to get the HRT sorted.  Not sure if this is helpful just another experience of the first couple of weeks with it.

Jxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: AngelaH on June 25, 2023, 10:41:29 PM

Mirena saved my life, I could easily die from heavy non stop bleedings, I could take my own life because severe depression made my life hell, I was scared of panic attacks, which I had every morning, you name it….all symptoms of low progesterone in the body. Thanks to Mirena I could enjoy my normal life for another 2 years. It was easy and quick fitted.

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: meno-mel on June 26, 2023, 07:44:13 AM

Quote from: AngelaH on June 25, 2023, 10:41:29 PM

Mirena saved my life, I could easily die from heavy non stop bleedings, I could take my own life because severe depression made my life hell, I was scared of panic attacks, which I had every morning, you name it….all symptoms of low progesterone in the body. Thanks to Mirena I could enjoy my normal life for another 2 years. It was easy and quick fitted.

Why only two years Angela?
I have mixed feelings about the mirena. I want to stop taking progesterone and my GP says the only two ways are either to stop all the HRT or to get a mirena when that made me depressed before.
A potential third way is to use utrogestan vaginally, but if I do that I'm on my own, the HRT clinic don't allow it, I'd need to pretend I take it orally.
It is hard to decide which way to go.

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: AngelaH on June 26, 2023, 08:25:08 AM

meno-mel, because in 2 years level of estrogen started falling down and I started having symptoms of low estrogen. Unfortunately there is no “magic coil” for me to treat easily those symptoms and now low estrogen is making my life hell.  :(

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Jett on July 03, 2023, 02:33:08 PM

Hi friends

Just a quick update for those considering a Mirena.  I am 3 weeks in and it feels like it’s settling (scared I tempt fate here!) so about 2.5 weeks of mid level off and on  cramps and mid level bleeding.  I am hoping I am on the right track now as have ditched the conti patch and on day 4 of gel.  Still feeling like I need more estrogen but I read on here the gel takes a couple of weeks to build up in your body.

I will post back and advise how it goes.

Jxxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Booroo on July 06, 2023, 04:53:06 PM

Quote from: Jett on July 03, 2023, 02:33:08 PM

Hi friends

Just a quick update for those considering a Mirena.  I am 3 weeks in and it feels like it’s settling (scared I tempt fate here!) so about 2.5 weeks of mid level off and on  cramps and mid level bleeding.  I am hoping I am on the right track now as have ditched the conti patch and on day 4 of gel.  Still feeling like I need more estrogen but I read on here the gel takes a couple of weeks to build up in your body.

I’m also 3 weeks in and having bad anxiety panic attacks and headache last 2 days have u had this or is it that I need to up my gel

I will post back and advise how it goes.

Jxxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Jett on July 06, 2023, 08:40:58 PM

Hi Booroo

I had headaches before I came off the conti patch but when I switched to the gel I’ve Bod had any since (that’s just been one week though).  I’ve not had panic attacks either since the Mirena but I have had bad panic attacks before HRT from low estrogen.

I think it takes time for the gel to build up in your body and it’s different absorption than the patches.  As I say I am only a week in and not sleeping properly yet also got hot flushes but no headache or panic attacks so far.

Hope things improve for you soon xx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: phebe22 on July 13, 2023, 04:11:50 PM

I LOVED the mirena...had one in from the age of 35 or so until 2019 (not the same one!) when I was 54.  Was referred to hospital for bleeding and doc said, " It's near the end of its life, I'll whip it out, you shouldn't need one now at your age."  And that was that.  Ended up going onto HRT cos everything seemed to go wrong for me from then on....physically and mentally....and I don't think my body absorbs progesterone via a pill...which is what I am on.  Still had problems ever since with spotting every now and again, all been investigated and ok.  Doctor refuses to put me down for a mirena as says I am too old and don't need it.  I am at a specialist (NHS ) meno clinic tomorrow ....will see what they say.  If the appointment hadn't come through as quickly as it did I would have paid to go somewhere.

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: SarahT on July 13, 2023, 06:09:43 PM

Phebe,

I am 56, coming up 57. Just last year, as I could not tolerate utrogestan, I  opted for the mirena coil for the progesterone part. My gp was totally okay with  this. maybe in your case they were thinking you don't need this as a birth control? Though... If peri there may be a small tiny chance of pregnancy I think even at our age??
I would discuss the option of the Mirena tomorrow if this is your preference.

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on July 14, 2023, 06:35:29 PM

Hi All,

I haven't posted on here for a good few years. I went through the 4 pumps Gel/ Utrogestan (orally and vaginally), and after a referral to an NHS Menopause clinic it was suggested I try Mirena and Everol 100. I was obviously very anxious and apprehensive. But given I've now tried all forms of progesterone this was the last option.
I had the Mirena fitted yesterday, and a biopsy taken at the same time.

Although not pleasant, it was, honestly, fine. I had local anaesthetic on the cervix. A couple of sharp pains, some cramps, but over very quickly, no real awareness of the biopsy and the Mirena insertion. If you get chance, Davina has filmed herself having her last one removed and a new one inserted on the C4 documentary about contraception and I would say my experience was very much the same as hers. I would suggest pain killers after: Solpadeine - with added codeine seemed to do the trick yesterday afternoon ;)

Today I feel fine, some light spotting, dragging, like a period, but okay. Normal life resumed.
Time will tell if the Mirena is the answer to my progesterone intolerance; I like that I can supplement the patch with added Gel if necessary, and so I think I can ride out the next few months should they be rocky as the Mirena settles in. Fingers crossed. I will let you all know!

But, what I came here to say for women who may be weighing up their options is that the procedure was bearable, and okay. However, I am aware that we are all different, as are the health professionals that undertake the procedure.

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Jett on July 14, 2023, 09:07:27 PM

Hi AnneDenmark,

I hope the Mirena settles for you and this is the answer you have been looking for.  I had similar to you when I got mine inserted 5 weeks ago.

5 weeks in it feels settled, cramping has pretty much gone.  More energy.  Bleeding so light it’s almost away but that was 2-3 weeks medium to light bleeding then 2 weeks light.

Only thing is I feel like I am retaining fluid and heavier.  I have switched from evorel conti to 2 pumps Estrogel.  My sleep still isn’t as good as before but slowly improving I think.

So far, so good.  I think it was worth trying so far …

Jxxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on July 17, 2023, 11:52:05 AM

Hi Jett thanks for replying.

So four days now. I feel as though a period is imminent, which is very near the truth! Otherwise fine, except I'm very bloated, which I'm hoping will pass soon. I'm on an Everol 100 patch and I'm supplementing with 1 extra pump of gel this week (temporarily I hope), and I'm also on testogel.

Jett, do you think an increase in oestrogen might help to balance things and help you sleep? Hope you get some respite and some good quality sleep soon.

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Jett on July 18, 2023, 08:53:19 PM

Hi AnneDenmark,

Thanks for your reply, my plan is to try the two pumps of gel for a month but if still not sleeping ask if I can increase.

I read on here it can take two weeks for the gel to build up in your system.  I am on 3rd week gel and 6 week of coil.

I randomly had bad cramps last night and this afternoon after nothing for a couple of weeks but thankfully has calmed down again, I do still feel really bloated too.  Have put on weight I just can’t shift over the last few months.

After the Mirena is inserted I read on here that some people bleed until the womb lining is a normal thickness again which makes sense so is possibly why we feel bloated?

Jxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on July 20, 2023, 03:00:57 PM

It's been a week for me now and I've had a little (very little) spotting and I feel fine: no progesterone intolerence symptoms at all. Fingers crossed it stays this way. I do think that already taking the oestrogen has probably helped in my case. I hope the gel (circulating oestrogen) builds up soon for you Jett, and you begin to get some respite.
I think you're right (I'm sure I've read on here too) that the mirena will cause bleeding until the lining is back to normal thickness - hence why we're told that bleeding may continue on and off for a few months.
Hopefully if that is the case the bloating and the weight gain should disappear soon x

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Cocobra on July 20, 2023, 09:28:18 PM

Dear All,

my own take (although it is too soon!): I had the Mirena coil in yesterday ... Yes, too soon, but here are my comments: 1) I decided to go down this route because my endometrium was too thick and my periods were too heavy; 2) the gynaecologist felt that at this point (am 51, being on HRT since 43 due to early menopause and osteopenia) I may as well get to the point when I am no longer having periods, which is what Mirena takes you to (at least that's my understanding). Bliss: no more worries with periods!

I was on Evorel Sequi and happy with that until an internal scan last April showed my thick endometrium and a polyp. Polyp removed at the same time as Mirena coil in (with local anestesia). I would not want to speak too soon but I was bleeding a little yesterday, and none today though I feel very bloated. For oestrogen, I was switched to the gel Oestreogel; I was given the choice of a patch, but I am tired of having to remove the adhesive when changing patches on my bum!

All best to everyone

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: MrsE! on July 22, 2023, 01:45:21 PM

Re Mirena,
Afternoon all
I'm thinking about the Mirena, after yrs of saying no to it. The fitting of it doesn't bother me, it's the fact that something plastic/metal stays inside me for yrs. Is this a weird thing . Periods are?. Some months nada, then one will be normal, then nothing again . My biggest problem are the hot flushes at night   I need lots of sleep due to other health conditions .Advice?

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Jett on July 23, 2023, 09:14:28 PM

Hi Mrs E,

I really didn’t like the idea of something being inside me either, something I couldn’t control myself.  I felt I had to try it though as I wasn’t doing great on patches and had problems with bleeding.

So far it surprisingly doesn’t feel weird at all to me and somehow feels like a more natural feed of progesterone than I was getting through the patch.

It doesn’t work for everyone but so far I am glad I tried it.  My sleep is starting to improve 6 weeks into patch and 3 weeks into gel.

Jxxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: MrsE! on July 24, 2023, 03:14:09 PM

Hi Jett,
Thanks for the reply.
I'm glad it's working well for you.  Fingers crossed it continues that way.
Having read so many messages from ladies re different experiences with stuff, it's hard what to do. I've got to be careful because I'm on soo many different meds, some are hideous, that could cause problems with HRT stuff .I'm going to ask for blood test and go from there . Again thanks  :)

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: MrsP54 on July 25, 2023, 02:49:17 PM

I had my first Mirena inserted earlier this month. I'm 54, 3 years post menopause and had an episode of bleeding after being on HRT for 10/11 months. Investigated under the 2 week rule and all OK, although I have discovered I have several fibroids, one of which 5.3cm, the Gynaecologist didn't seem to think this was an issue and offered me the Mirena instead of Utrogestan as I felt it wasn't working and had vomited my tablet back up a few times and it was the HRT causing the bleeding. Moving on almost 3 weeks after the insertion I am still bleeding, my lining was only 1.7mm so where is this blood coming from? It was almost stopped now started bleeding again, could it be my fibroids? Sorry for long post, looking for a bit of advice from you lovely ladies, am I being too impatient for the bleeding to stop?

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Jett on July 25, 2023, 05:31:10 PM

Hi MrsP54,

Like you I also have Fibroids and I had bleeding for a good few weeks after insertion.  I am 6 weeks in and tue bleeding is almost gone, just getting gradually and gradually lighter.  From what I have read here it seems it is possible for some people to bleed for 3-6 months until the body adjusts but everyone is different.

If your bleeding is getting heavier rather than lighter you could call your GP or the clinic that inserted it and ask for advice.  I did bleed for weeks too though but I would say it went from heavy/ medium them medium then medium/light and now light if that makes any sense.

Hope you are ok.

Jxxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on July 28, 2023, 07:51:48 PM

Hi All,

its now been 15 days since I was fitted with the Mirena coil. I was fine for 8 days (see post from 20th July) until about a week ago, and then last Saturday, 9 days in started feeling really tired, groggy, heavy, brain fog. 'Like having a head in a bucket of treacle' I read on hear somewhere once; alongside a degree of blurry vision and very loud tinnitus.
Accompanied with low mood, bloating, water retention, weight gain -though it's hard to tell.
These symptoms haven't yet passed since last Saturday, even with an extra pump of Oestrogen. All symptoms of progesterone intolerance, which is why I went for the Mirena, as I was experiencing the same symptoms on Utrogestan, Provera... any progesterone, and of course when I was younger suffered from PMS.
I have read that Mirena reaches it peak systemic absorption up to a the 14 days mark, whereupon it starts to level out and (very) slowly reduce over the 5 years. Also on here and elsewhere on the net I've read that others have also had fatigue/ symptoms for around 3 weeks, and then they pass. I guess like a lot of drugs the body needs time to adjust.
I'll give it another week (3 weeks then) and then post again with an update, and then I think if I'm still suffering like this at 4 weeks I will contact the meno clinic for removal.
And (I thought) it was going so well :(

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Jett on July 30, 2023, 09:02:37 PM

Hi AnneDenmark,

Oh no I am sorry to hear your symptoms have gotten worse,  that sounds horrible having to endure so many side affects.

I really hope it settles for you in the next week and eases, it sounds pretty severe what you are experiencing.

I am 7 weeks tomorrow, still bleeding (albeit very lightly now), occasional cramps but it feels better I think than the progesterone I was getting from the conti patch.  I am still bloated and heavy and no amount of exercise or careful eating seems to make a difference yet.  Mentally a bit calmer though and less anxious.  Not too foggy.  Occasional nausea but had that before anyway.  Sleep improving very gradually - I sleep some nights, wired and hot others.

Jxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on July 31, 2023, 10:22:27 AM

Hi Jett,

Thanks for replying. I'm pleased you are feeling calmer and less anxious and not too foggy anymore, and that it seems (fingers crossed) that it is settling in for you, I hope your sleep improves too. And I really, really hope the bloating passes soon: I'm the same- I'm eating less since it was put in and I'm doing more regular exercise, and still look pregnant.

I am feeling better. The brain fog mostly cleared Saturday  (29th) evening, a little tired again yesterday, but I'm okay this morning. I have though increased the estrogen by yet another pump to get me over these debilitating side effects for a few days. So I intend to stabilise how I'm feeling (which seems to be working) and then gradually dial back the oestrogen. (I am seeing a meno consultant, BTW) I've been sleeping solidly for 8/9 hours since I had the coil inserted, though last night was only 7 (raised oestrogen?)

I've been spotting since insertion, 19 days ago, and since increasing the oestrogen the spotting has developed into more of a bleed.

Hope it all settles for you soon xx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Cocobra on August 02, 2023, 07:52:47 AM

Dear All,

it sounds like the progesterone of the Mirena can be pesky ... For what it's worth I can give my take now that it's two weeks since my insertion. I cannot tell much difference from my previous regimen (Evorel Sequi patches), other than difficulties sleeping. Strangely, only spotting so far, and intermittent, that is, not coinciding much with when I'd normally get bleeding with the patches. I'm onto two pumps of Oestrogel and all seems fine ... But I don't wish to speak too soon, especially what you, Annedenmark, was saying about the peak on day 14 of the release of progesterone! Incidentally, I did not know this.

At any rate, I hope you manage to continue to settle, Annedenmark, and that you get some insight from the consultant soon!

All best to everyone

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on August 02, 2023, 11:49:42 AM

Hi All,

My Mirena was removed yesterday: 20 days in all.
Late Tuesday (after I posted I was feeling better) the brain fog returned along with the groggy feeling, some slurred speech and blurred vision, along with severe tinnitus, difficulty thinking, being coherent. It felt like I had taken sleeping tablets, either too many or they weren't wearing off (I wasn't taking any other meds, just to clarify). I was unaware how severely I was presenting - it was good friends who pointed out I was really unwell and called 111.
Anyway, after calling 111, the gyne nurse at hospital where it was inserted said it needs to come out now as those symptoms are signs of an overdose. No infection found.

I feel exhausted today but clearer headed.
I suspect the extra oestrogen helped to mask the symptoms for a few hours but never really made a difference, if I'm honest. I suspect that the systemic progestin was continuing to build and/ or not being cleared, even though the literature suggests  it reaches its peak output before/at 14 days after insertion:

After insertion of MIRENA, levonorgestrel is detectable in serum after 1 hour. The maximum
concentration is reached within 2 weeks after insertion

[/i]
https://www.bayer.com/sites/default/files/mirena-pm-en.pdf
(10.3: absorption)

So, Jett, I really hope you are okay, and it continues to settle, and Cocobra I hope it does for you too. It doesn't sound as though you are presenting as severely as I did, fingers crossed it works for you xxx
 

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Jett on August 02, 2023, 09:17:21 PM

Hi AnneDenmark,

Oh my goodness you poor soul that sounds awful, I am so glad your friends encouraged you to get advice and really glad to hear that it has been removed.

My symptoms are nowhere near what you had to endure. I am actually feeling like it’s gradually improving.

Wishing you the best and really hoping you can find a solution which makes you feel better. 

Take care, glad it’s gone for you now.

Jxxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on August 04, 2023, 07:33:28 AM

Hi Jett,

Its been a couple of days now and I feel so so different, can't believe now how much better I am, not heavy headed, sedated or ill.

I'm really glad you're doing okay and continue to improve.
Not sure what next steps are for me. I've got time to think now; I am having a very very heavy bleed....

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Cocobra on August 06, 2023, 03:01:18 PM

Good afternoon everyone,

annedenmark, what a fright! Although a relief you are feeling better, it goes to show how important it is not simply to monitor symptoms (though in your case, not much to ignore or not monitor given their severity!), but also to get someone to see you and hear you seriously.
Anyway, really sorry you even had to go through this, but then did you know, could anyone foresee such a reaction? And is the heavy bleeding a reaction to the removal of Mirena? I hope you continue to be monitored: heavy bleeding should not be standard (and that's why I was given the Mirena in the first place).

Best of luck and keep us posted. And thanks, too, for alerting us to he info on Mirena coil. I don't wish to speak too soon still, but so far so good.

All best for a proper solution to your bleeding!

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on August 07, 2023, 10:37:53 AM

Hi All,

I am much better. Tired, but I guess that's to be expected after the rather stressful week. Cocobra, no, I don't think my reaction could have been foreseen, as my side effects (brain fog, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus and pressure in my head) were unusual.  The bleeding is a reaction to the Mirena removal- I suppose the 19 days of levonorgestrel acted as a cyclical progestogen would in this instance. It's stopped now, just a particularly heavy bleed, that's all.

I think I have been unusually unlucky but that's just life. I am really pleased it's working out for you Cocobra and Jett, it's good to hear that it's making a difference to someone xx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Cocobra on August 11, 2023, 01:28:17 PM

Dear Annedenmark,

yes, with these things (and I dare say, life in general) it's a question of trial, error and luck. At any rate, I hope you will feel better now that you've come to the removal.

All best for a proper recovery from this ordeal ...

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: LeePixie on August 14, 2023, 12:33:04 PM

Hi AnneDenmark, I had the Mirena fitted about six weeks ago and for the first week my anxiety levels were off the scale. They were pretty much at panic attack level. Since then, I have had that persistent pressure around my head and ultimately, a huge flatness and lethargy (mentally and physically). I actually feel like the person I was before the insertion, is gone. From one week after getting it in, I have been trying to get it removed and at long last, I have an appointment on 23rd August with the hospital that fitted it. No-one else, GP or otherwise would take it out and all have said it is highly unlikely to be the fault of the Mirena (despite it very obviously causing my mental spiral as soon as it went in).

I think it's frightening that something which can so radically alter the mental health of a person, is so freely administered without accurate warning. I understand that I (and you) are in the minority as it tends to work for most women, yet the debilitating side effects are clearly not articulated at the onset. Labelling the side effect as 'mood change' does not cut it in my opinion.

I am keen to know how quickly you felt your head clear once it was removed? This is what I am desperately hanging on to - that I will get rid of the heaviness in my head!

xxxxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on August 14, 2023, 01:16:57 PM

Hi Cocobra, thank you - I do feel better, for now (I'm progesterone free); and I am going to be very careful now about which progestins/ progesterones I'll consider, and if I can't settle on one with bearable side effects then I'll give up HRT: it's not worth living in that horrendous zombie state.
I'm seeing the meno consultant soon so I'll see what they suggest. Have to say I'm not hopeful, but I'll keep you posted.
 
LeePixie, Hang on in there, I think it's unacceptable that you can't get it removed sooner, and I really, really do know what you're going through, it's an awful state to be in. So, within 24/36 hours I was 'almost' myself; I was a bit hormonally up and down for the following few days (well, obviously) but the head symptoms - the pressure in the back of the head, the vision issues, tinnitus and general 'drugged' feeling were gone within about 2 to 3 days. (see post below on 4th August - I had it removed on the 1st) About 7 days to completely feel like I was back to my old self.
I agree that  its disgraceful that women aren't told about potentially serious effects. Losing one's sense of self - being able to think with clarity, plan, organise,  DO things, interact with friends and family -live- in other words - these are the very factors of who we are. So best of luck, LeePixie. You WILL be back to yourself soon. Take care x

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: LeePixie on August 14, 2023, 01:46:50 PM

Thank you annedenmark, such a lovely message to read. It really helps! It's good to have some kind of expectancy on how things might play out when it's removed. Very comforting too to know it's possible to regain my sense of self  :)

I'll definitely post afterwards on how it goes.

Thanks so much again for your kind message and you take care as well.
xxx

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: Cocobra on August 14, 2023, 02:20:55 PM

Dear Both,

I wish you both of you best of luck going forward, but can I just say that I agree about the ease with which doctors get us to use Mirena without guaranteeing a swift removal if things don't go according to plan? When I was proposed to have Mirena years ago I refused precisely because I was worried that once inserted it would take a long wait before removal if I had not been happy with it. I therefore went down the patch route, but you are both testament to my fears. Might we put pressure on the medical profession to commit to a proper care? It sounds as if the habit is 'put the coil and good luck'!
The hippocratic oath must work for women's health too ... But given that Hippocrates was a man living in antiquity .. Sorry, my facetiousness is a mirror to my frustrations at reading you!

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: LeePixie on August 14, 2023, 03:32:31 PM

Hi Cocobra, you're 100% right about the 'put it in and good luck' approach. It seems to me to be so antiquated in times of modern medicine that we have to have a device (contraption) put into our bodies and one that comes with all of these unknown outcomes depending on the woman herself. I really don't want to put other women off it because as I said before, we seem to be in the minority, but I agree that there at least needs to be more awareness, even within the medical profession. I believe that they are sold a story (by the FDA and pharma) and it is not questioned or explored. All women are not all created equal and it can never be an exact science when it comes to us! It is particularly worrying that there is so much anecdotal evidence out there that women have been told it could not be anything to do with the Mirena as it delivers the hormone locally, and not in to the blood stream; as though these women do not know what is going on with their own bodies. It think that feeds into the anxiety they already have and so it spirals.  :(

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: annedenmark on August 15, 2023, 02:50:48 PM

I asked and asked about removal and was constantly assured that it could be removed if I wished. When it came to removal of course, medics were away (August) and no one was available. So A&E it was for me.
I was also told it wasn't systemic, which of course it is: albeit a lower circulating dose than other progesterones/ progestins.
You're right LeePixie that on the whole we're told to get on with it and it cant be anything to do with the Mirena: it's side effects, give it time etc etc. But there is lots of evidence out there now about women not tolerating the Mirena or indeed the progesterone part of HRT: because we know our bodies, and we know what makes us feel well or worse.

I suspect, and I reckon I'm not alone on these message boards, that progesterone is being over prescribed to ensure endometrial issues are very unlikely to occur, and this might be because routine testing is not available and too costly anyway.
And I agree too that the Mirena is an easy option for the medical profession. It's cheap, and there can't be any non compliance by us naughty women. Once it's in, it's in. I'd like to find data (if there is any) on whether it does work for the progesterone intolerant.

And, you don't have to thank me LeePixie, it's nice to know I might be helping someone - and I'm pretty certain you'd do the same x

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: memyp on July 24, 2024, 04:06:55 PM

Hi Annedenmark,
I’ve had a very similar response to the Mirena. Can I ask what other progesterone you tried (if any) and was it any better
Thanks so much

Title: Re: Mirena
Post by: shrosphirelass on July 28, 2024, 07:58:53 PM

I had a Mirena fitted at the end of March as I kept bleeding on HRT. I had it inserted by general anesthetic as I was having a biopsy and had a fibroid removed and get extremely anxious.
I didn't feel great afterwards, stomach cramps and various aches and pains but that settled after a few weeks. The bleeding lasted about 8 weeks and was very light. This may have been a result of the fibroid removal or a combination of them all.
I am now bleed free and my headaches seems to be better so I would definitely recommend