I had the Mirena fitted 9 months ago for heavy periods and anaemia.
I bleed 2 or more weeks of the month but periods are much lighter. They are still regular.
The upsides: fat loss from stomach, thighs, arms. Iron still low but less so.
Downsides: uterus and breast pain on and off for months, which has settled now, infections, bad reaction early (diarrhoea and vomiting) but the worst has been low mood, sadness, panic attacks. I get less stressed and angry in the week before my period but instead spend about 2-3 weeks feeling low and 10 days feeling like I am losing my mind leading up to my period. I can’t think straight, want to cry, am sad and irritable and feel very brain foggy and anxious, not bothered and sometimes a bit paranoid. It’s horrible.
I feel ok for a few days to a week once my period is underway.
I spoke to the consultant and the strings aren’t reachable/visible so I am waiting for a removal in clinic at the hospital.
In the meantime the Dr prescribed 1 pump oestrogel to see if it helps or I was offered anti-depressants. The gynae said best thing is mirena removal and she doesn’t think the oestrogel will help.
I know it’s a very small dose of progestin in the coil but it doesn’t seem to agree with me. Has anyone found a good alternative? Is utrogestan any different if you don’t tolerate progestin?
I wonder if it’s my own hormones in the background and ovulation causing the issue.
I was on Yasmin in my 30s which I was fine on but it’s not recommended for my age now.
I wonder if I could have something stops the ovulation and therefore my own hormones dipping I might be better but am struggling to find anything for 50+. I don’t mind if it’s not a contraceptive as well.
If anyone has any advice or similar experience please let me know.
Thank you for reading.