Mirena at 55?

[LaLong123]

Hi - any advice please? At 55 and after two mirena coils I thought I was due to have this one removed but my GP tells me they plan to insert another one as they advise we keep them until we're into our sixties. I got a second opinion from the local FP clinic who disagreed. Also my acupuncturist thought at 55 I no longer needed one. My hair has thinned immensely but truthfully I haven't noticed any other side-effects. They also give me oestrogen in gel form for daily application on my arms. I feel it's time to 'go it alone' - does anybody have any experience of this or helpful suggestions please? Thanks!

[missbopeep]

Why do you a Mirena? Did you have it at first for contraception or heavy periods?

Has it been explained to you that as you are on HRT- the gel- you need a progesterone to offset the effect that has on your uterus lining- so it doesn't build up too much and possibly lead to other problems ( like cancer or overgrowth of the lining.)

Presumably you have a Mirena now not for heavy periods or contraception, but as part of the HRT regime? If so, then you either need to carry on with that, or use another type of progesterone by taking pills each month or every 2 months to bring on a withdrawal bleed.

[missbopeep]

When you say 'they gave me oestrogen' I assume you asked for HRT because you had symptoms? If you want to 'go it alone' then you will need to stop the oestrogen gel and have the Mirena removed. When you stop using the gel you may find your meno symptoms come back.

How long have you been on HRT?

[loopyloou]

I'm due to have the Mirena fitted for heavy periods at the age of 49 and my gp said they would leave it in for 7 years to see me through to the end of the menopause. If they could leave yours in a bit longer, maybe you wouldn't need another.

Do the hormones in the Mirena act like HRT to a certain extent?

[BestIsWest]

Interesting. Mine's lifespan is up next year when I'll be 51. I had assumed they'd take it out.

[summertimeandthelivingiseasy]

I have been looking at Mirena for the progestogen part of HRT
cks.nice.org.uk/contraception-iusiud#!scenariorecommendation

They say that you can keep it in for 7 years or more for contraception, post 50. If you use it for HRT, it needs to be replaced after 4 years (but can go 5, off license).

[Rolypolly]

I have a mirena coil....first one, about 3 years old. I've been told that it can be used for HRT by the GP adding oestrogen in tiny amounts....presumably that's what's been happening with you and the gel on your arms. I assume that's also why you are not having any menopause symptoms.
It's up to you what you want to do. If you disagree with HRT and want to go it alone you could give it a try and see how you get on.
Personally I'd be worried about a recurrence of my originals symptoms (heavy bleeding)....but if you had it put in for contraception perhaps you could just brave the menopause symptoms out if you get them?