Has anyone had the Mirena to help with painful periods?

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And did it help?

I have very painful periods, not heavy, just painful. I'm currently on the mini pill, despite not needing it for contraception, and it's not helping. One option for me is the Mirena - the other being a hysterectomy.

I'm considering the Mirena as a less drastic option than the hysterectomy, but I've read all sorts about it. I'm not too keen on yet another hormonal therapy, but if people have had good experiences, I might be swayed.

I got one for heavy periods. It totally stopped the bleeding but did nothing for the pain - weirdly. Every month I'd have all symptoms but not the gushing rivers of blood, even down to the pounding in the back that feels like you're getting kicked by a donkey

That was my experience anyway!

That's interesting, HellKitty (great name!). On the mini pill, I am getting pain but no bleeding so far, so I can't help thinking Mirena would have the same effect.

Anyone else? TBH I am leaning towards hysterectomy as I know it would put an end to the problem. But it takes a lot of consideration. Major Surgery and all that.

May I ask how long you have had this particular problem?.

A common cause of ongoing painful periods is endometriosis. Has that ever been ruled out?. That is usually diagnosed through a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy.

Who suggested the Mirena and hysterectomy to you?.

You should really be under the care of a consultant gynae in the event you are only seeing a GP currently. I would think twice about the Mirena particularly if the cause of your painful periods (and there is a reason why these are happening) has not as yet been properly determined. It is all very well treating the symptoms but the cause of the problem needs to be properly determined first.

I would suggest you keep a daily pain and symptom diary if you do not already because this can and does provide clues.

If endometriosis is present the mirena will not stop that pain from occurring. It will not solve the underlying problem.

I've got adenomyosis, which is quite similar to endo and I'm under consultant care. She is happy to do the hysterectomy, but wanted me to consider Mirena. Apparently it works well in adenomyosis, but evidence I've seen has been mixed.

I am sorry to read that you have adenomyosis.

If the Mirena was fitted, is she willing to see you on a semi regular basis to monitor further?.

I think further consultation with the consultant as well as perhaps seeking a second opinion is something you may want to consider now.

Yes. Magic, magic magic.
I had both heavy and painful periods. My GP fitted the Mirena (admittedly the fitting was unpleasant) and it worked a dream. I had a second after five or six years and I am now post menopause. My GP reckons these save many women from having surgery.
It is after all reversible, unlike a hysterectomy. What's to lose?

Pea, you have made a good point and I'm glad to hear the Mirena worked for you.

I was on the marina but it fell out so did the second one, im now on depo.