To ask what pill/coil might reduce crippling PMS?!

[chronictonic]

Considering a coil or the pill for the first time in 15 years, not for contraceptive reasons, but because I feel like I can't do this level of PMS for a week of every month anymore.

But, it seems like a lot of people still
experience PMS with the Mirena coil, and some say the same about the pill...
Has anyone found either helped with reducing PMS?

I'm 40 years old, 1 DC 10 years ago.
Periods still regular, heavy & uncomfortable for a few days but manageable.
BUT, having never suffered particularly from PMS, my PMS in the last year or so has gotten really bad. On both a physical and mental level.
I'm ridden with anxiety, can't sleep, feel physically ill as if I'm coming down with something. Proper "Period Flu" (seems common in later years?!). And then all the other more usual symptoms like sore boobs, extra irritating partners etc.

I eat very well & consciously, have had acupuncture focused on women's health & I excercise. But it's not enough to keep the mad PMS under control.
I've also had full scans due to infertility and everything is normal.

I have had a particularly horrific year personally.. but from talking to friends
Pf the same age.. they're finding the same happenimg with wprsening PmS.

Copper coil will make periods heavier from my experience.

Hormone coil could work for you

Do you have a sexual health clinic nearby? I went to mine when my coil started to fail, they whipped it out and gave me the progesterone only pill. Point being, I spoke to them, told them what the issues were and they gave me what I think was the best option, so possibly a good idea to speak to them. GPS are great, but a sexual health clinic might be easier.

Thanks, that's a good tip. They are more focused on contraception I guess!

I went back on the pop about 6 months ago and it has made a massive difference, was experiencing all the same symptoms as you. In theory mirena should work in same way. You could try pop first and then if it helps consider getting mirena save you having to think about it every day.

About a year ago I got my mirena removed..it was due to come out. I'd read too much about not putting fake hormones into my body, how much better my life would be when I balanced my hormones naturally yadda yadda. For some people this works, and more power to them, for me it absolutely didn't! The unnatural route keeps me sane and has been literally a lifesaver.

Sertraline is your friend here

I agree with @Raspberry290 - I was prescribed sertraline and it really helped.

I'm now on HRT and it definitely helps!

Massively upping my iron intake cured mine.

That sounds like perimenopause, in which case it might be wise to ask for some HRT.

I agree that it could be pero menopause, especially if it's a new development.

My PMS (well PMDD) has always been horrific when not on hormonal contraception. It jus agrees with me. Horses for courses.

The pill Cerelle helps regulate my moods, no bad physical side effects. Just started HRT and we're trying different options (on 2nd drug now) but have been advised to carry on taking the Cerelle.

I had horrendously debilitating PMS, went on Mirena nearly 20 years ago and it changed my life. I used to have about one week in four ruined by PMS: exhaustion, depression and weepiness, paranoia, feeling massively bloated, nauseous, horrendous skin etc.

Mirena dealt with it more or less overnight. I haven't had a period in all that time either, which I love but some people don't like. But it has been a miracle for me.

Also I was anxious about it before because I couldn't get along with the contraceptive pill which played havoc with my hormones but Mirena has never had that effect on me.

Really helpful to hear about your positive experience with Mirena. Esp in regards to the PMS side as I had heard that some people still experienced PMS on it and it only 'worked' for alleviating heavy bleeding & pains associated etc.

I've no doubt it's age related.. but according to scans & the specialists I saw, they don't believe I'm entering Peri yet, based on my 'reserves'..
I was fully expecting to be as my mother was quite early with it!
I will definitely be investigating HRT soon.

@chronictonic

I think its very personal: I know people who haven't got along with Mirena so its not a one size fits all. Also some people aren't comfortable with the idea of taking hormones regularly (although its much smaller doses than a contraceptive pill). But it worked beautifully for me so it's worth a go.

Quite a few people have recommended Sertraline.. I'm open to it and will ask the GP for sure.
I've seen the positive results for myself with a few friends..

Thanks @Thepeopleversuswork

Meant to ask, how did it affect your libido?
The pill really affecting mine negatively back in the day.. which defeated the point back then 😂

@chronictonic

I didn't notice any impact on my libido from Mirena. I also struggled with this on the pill which put me off going on Mirena but I have not noticed any of those hormone-related effects from it at all.

Thanks @Thepeopleversuswork

The gynaecologist I saw seemed to quite confident in Mirena on the whole so I might start there.

Look up the Royal College of Gynaecologists treatment pathway. The pill is Yasmin or Levonelle I think, after that you can try HRT.

Mirena worked well for me. As did Agnus castus when ttc

Thanks x We're definitely finished with our secondary infertility journey and are happyy to remain à family of 3 now - but I'll bear it mind for friends