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Original poster

I know the Mirena debate has been done many times - but can you help me please?

19 replies

gigglewitch · 11/05/2009 21:57

Heavy periods for a year, hysteroscopy booked for week after next, they reckon the mirena will sort it. Any views?

OP posts:
Original poster
gigglewitch · 11/05/2009 22:03

pretty please?

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lucykate · 11/05/2009 22:06

i have one, it's due for replacement next year, and i will be having one again, i find it great. i know some do suffer with side effects, but other than the first 3 months or so, i've had none to speak of.

bellavita · 11/05/2009 22:09

Well... I have just had my mirena taken out after 5 years and did not have another one put in.

Yes, the periods did stop (although in the last year I have had let's say darker discharge around the time I suppose I would have been having a period).

So, fantastic on that score, but I think I suffered with mood swings (DH would agree with that) and since having it taken out (about 3 months ago) have felt a lot better in myself.

Hope this helps.

Original poster
gigglewitch · 11/05/2009 22:12

thanks bella & lk

am a bit concerned about the mood side of this as I'm still on meds for PND - yes three years on and every time i try reducing them something comes up and hits me and I end up on them again.

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shootfromthehip · 11/05/2009 22:16

I have one (and have a terrible history of depression so was worried about it) and it has been great. I have none of the horribly heavy bleeding that I had before and am much happier.

The down side has been that I have had to go on acne medication as I have had the most terrible spots since getting it 1.1 yr ago. I will get another.

Flossyjim · 11/05/2009 22:18

I have one too. I still get periods (which my Gynecologist says is wrong), although I'm happy to have them as I'm so bloody fertile that I would panic if I didn't. They are much lighter though.

Have had it for just over 3 years, and am wondering whether if I had it removed, I would have more energy...
Any info would be helpful from others!

But with regards to contraception and lighter periods, I would definitely recommend it.

OldLadyKnowsNothing · 11/05/2009 22:18

Have had one for six years - really must get round to having it replaced, but DH has had the snip anyway. I've found it fantastic - spotting for the first six months or so, but virtually no bleeding since, also no PMT - well, maybe one day a year I wake up in that mood, but a massive improvement for me.

Original poster
gigglewitch · 11/05/2009 22:23

am feeling much more reassured - thank you muchly girls. And thanks SFTH, that really is what I needed to hear. Having had two lots of severe pnd and a history of reactive depression, I was worrying.

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Original poster
gigglewitch · 11/05/2009 23:05

how long does it take to "work"?

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OldLadyKnowsNothing · 11/05/2009 23:42

As a contraceptive? I think it's pretty much immediately, but the hormonal aspect can take a few months to settle in.

LovingtheSilverFox · 11/05/2009 23:49

Had one after DD1, have just had second one fitted after DTs (didn't ask if multiple births were a side effect ) DH originally requested I din't get another one, as he felt my moods were unpredictable after DD1, but my moods are up and down anyway. Have you discussed with your GP (or other healthcare professional) the possibility of it effecting your PND?

It does work pretty much straight away, although I did spot for a while after installation (sounds like double glazing!). Also the good thing is you can always have it removed again if you don't get on with it. As OldLady said you are best to give it a few months to settle.

StarlightMcKenzie · 11/05/2009 23:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
gigglewitch · 12/05/2009 00:48

I asked the SHO that I saw today and she didn't seem to understand what I was getting at [slight language issue i think] might need to chat to GP?

and sorry I meant the hormone bit, my system is so f-d up at the mo that there is no way i could get pg anyhow

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OldLadyKnowsNothing · 12/05/2009 01:28

The hormone bit does take a few months to settle in - in my case, about 6 months of irregular spotting, no "real" bleeds, and not much by way of hormonal horribleness. But it was a good few years back now, DH might have a different recollection. However, I am happy to repeat that, since the first 6 months "settling in" (and yes, it does seem like a long time when you're living through it) I haven't had anything resembling PMT (apart from the odd day, as mentioned previously). I'm actually stalling on changing mine in case I become a witch for the next six months.

Though, having said all that, I have noticed a falling-off in my libido recently. Anyone else had this as the Mirena ages? (I am 47 and my coil should have been changed a year ago.) I certainly had no libido issues when it was "fresh".

leothelioness · 12/05/2009 02:08

I have had one for just over a year and have loved it I get the occasional moody day and tender norks usually followed by spotting I have had the occasional mini period over the last year but not every month. I think it is great but it seems tohave made it more diffucult for me to loose weight (but that may be the lack of consistant exercise too) but all in all I am quite happy with it.

delphinedownunder · 12/05/2009 02:14

I had one for heavy periods too. After it was put in I bled for six weeks continuously - Dr (snappy old bag) said it would settle down - and started to suffer dreadful back and hip pains. Couldn't sleep, had to take loads of painkillers, thought i needed a hip replacement! Hair started to fall out and skin dried up. Went to see Dr and got an American locum who removed it straightaway - he said that some people are just wired differently. All symptoms dissappeared within a week - back to heavy periods, but ho-hum! $300 down the drain.

OldLadyKnowsNothing · 12/05/2009 02:30

Yes, everyone's experience is different, and it's important that the downsides are shown too, so thank you, delphinedownunder. (She says, like it's her thread. )

gigglewitch, ultimately you can only give it a try; for some of us it's brilliant, for others it's really shite; but please do allow the time. (Unless you share delphinedownunder's experience; I'd have it removed in that case too!)

fluffybummum · 12/05/2009 10:59

HI There, I'm a newbie so please forgive me if I get some of the Lingo wrong!
I am so pleased I found this conversation, I had the Mirena fitted 8 Months ago and although my periods stopped I have been like a PMT monster, my poor hubby and daughters are fed up. It's getting removed tomorrow
Also have put loads of weight on and am constantly bloated, it's not much fun! Saying that though, my best mate had the same coil fitted around the same time and she's ok with it, she is now suffering from depression but that could be unrelated. I think it's worth a try, as someone has already said, it can be removed if you have problems with it, better than the depo jab as that has to run it's course.

shootfromthehip · 14/05/2009 19:25

Starlight, sorry just revisited this thread- am on Isotretinoin- fairly heavy duty but a low dose. Am due to see the dermatologist on Tuesday. Am fed up looking like a teenager and not being able to wear what I like or go swimming. Rubbish.

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