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Original poster

Copper coil and periods

16 replies

navybean · 10/03/2025 18:18

Not really an aibu.. shamelessly posting for traffic Blush

I've had the copper coil in for 4 months and each month when my period is due, I have several days of spotting (6 this time) which then eventually leads to my proper period. It lasts around 10/11 days in total.

Prior to the coil, my period started with a decent flow and then tapered off. Maximum no of days was 6 or 7.

My issue is the days when I'm spotting.. I feel sooo sluggish and awful, as if my body is "trying to start"

I wasn't told about this side effect nor have I come across much info, but is this fairly common? Will it improve as the coil settles more?

OP posts:
Cotswoldmama · 10/03/2025 18:27

I'm not sure if there is a normal, I came off the depo injection and had the copper coil, I probably had some hormones still in my systems but they were regular quite quickly and shorter and lighter than they had been previously, which surprised me as I was told they might be heavier and longer.

Original poster
navybean · 10/03/2025 19:29

Thank you for replying @Cotswoldmama
Hope I get some more replies!

OP posts:
Gliblet · 10/03/2025 19:35

I found I settled into an either/or rhythm - I alternate between drawn out (more spotting, cramps, nausea, takes longer, tiredness, occasionally gives me bonus breathlessness), and shock and awe (heavy bleeding that switches on like a tap, then off again 5 days later). Being a woman is just an endless buffet of delights 😁

Original poster
navybean · 10/03/2025 19:38

I'm 35 and wondering if some of this would've been happening anyway...

OP posts:
Mary1986 · 10/03/2025 19:41

Hi Navybean, I had a copper coil in for 4 ish years and remember it taking a while (6m ish) for my periods to settle. I found it made mine much heavier than they had been without it but it was over very quickly - so same amount coming out over a shorter period if that makes sense?
I'd never suffered really suffered with pains/tiredness before either but after the coil it used to wipe me out for a day a month.
I loved the non hormonal aspect of it as birth control though - hope your symptoms ease soon - it's quite soon for your body to have adjusted to it.

Hippee · 10/03/2025 19:45

Copper coil was awful for me - really heavy periods (having had really light ones before), became anaemic. Now on Mirena coil and much better.

Original poster
navybean · 10/03/2025 19:55

Hippee · 10/03/2025 19:45

Copper coil was awful for me - really heavy periods (having had really light ones before), became anaemic. Now on Mirena coil and much better.

What are your periods like now? I didn't do well with hormonal patch or pill before (massive increase in hunger, heart palpitations etc)

OP posts:
44PumpLane · 10/03/2025 20:02

Copper coil can lead to heavier periods (I have no scientific backing for this other than I was specifically told by my GP this information when I had my coil fitted).

I already suffered with heavy periods and was not allowed a copper coil.

Namechange196 · 10/03/2025 21:05

Following this as I am the same. I’ve had copper coil for about 3 years and before I had it my periods lasted about 5 days, started heavy and tapered off. With the coil they start as spotting for 2/3 days, then the 5 day period so lasts about 8 days in total. I have been on mirena and found I barely had a period but had no sex drive either so don’t want to go back on it

CrownOfEagleFeathers · 10/03/2025 21:13

The copper coil was ok for bleeding for me - but it does affect your hormones, even if that's not because it's introducing new hormones into your system.

I had the most horrendous PMT on it. I'd say it was almost like PMDD at times.

I assumed that was my natural state because everyone kept saying it didn't have hormones in it. But no, it all went away as soon as I had it taken out.

Soulstirring · 10/03/2025 21:23

After 10 years I’m due to have mine removed. I’m 43 and for the last few years I spot for days before starting. I get cramps a week before and then ‘try’ to come on for days which is frustrating. Period is 5 days and relatively light. I think it’s more my age than the copper coil.

FuzzyYellowChicken · 10/03/2025 22:18

I had this too. Basically a period would go on for ages! And heavier and more painful too. I also had moods and severe lack of energy. Not sure if the copper disagreed with me somehow? Not sure what it was but Im very glad now it's out!!
Different things suit different people I guess.

Hippee · 11/03/2025 07:05

navybean · 10/03/2025 19:55

What are your periods like now? I didn't do well with hormonal patch or pill before (massive increase in hunger, heart palpitations etc)

Show quote history

They became very light and then stopped completely (though that could now be the menopause for me).

GlitteryUnicornSparkles · 11/03/2025 07:15

Can’t help to advise, mine only stayed in a week, turns out I’m allergic to copper!

Original poster
navybean · 11/03/2025 17:14

GlitteryUnicornSparkles · 11/03/2025 07:15

Can’t help to advise, mine only stayed in a week, turns out I’m allergic to copper!

What happened?

OP posts:
Original poster
navybean · 11/03/2025 17:15

CrownOfEagleFeathers · 10/03/2025 21:13

The copper coil was ok for bleeding for me - but it does affect your hormones, even if that's not because it's introducing new hormones into your system.

I had the most horrendous PMT on it. I'd say it was almost like PMDD at times.

I assumed that was my natural state because everyone kept saying it didn't have hormones in it. But no, it all went away as soon as I had it taken out.

This is so interesting, thanks for sharing

OP posts:
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