Talk to me about mirena coil for HRT

[AnnabelleBronstein]

Hello, I’m on low dose HRT because I have Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. I’m late 30s. Currently gel daily and 10 days of progesterone tablets each month (200ml per day for those 10 days).

Due to thickened lining and awful periods still causing me trouble my specialist has recommended me having the mirena coil fitted. I didn’t get on with the progesterone when I first started to take it but have got used to it now and don’t have really any side effects from my regime. My question is, are the progesterone side effects via the coil better or worse than you get if you take it orally? I don’t want to go back to having bloating, extreme fatigue etc that I was having in the beginning.

I’m also terrified of having it fitted. If you use the coil as the progesterone in your HRT please share your experiences of it with me! Things I’m afraid of are the fitting (drs always have a hell of a time find my cervix during smears etc), weight gain, low mood etc. Also did your periods eventually stop? How long did it take to adjust?

TIA!

Hi there, I am using the merina as part of my hrt regime, along with evorel 50 patch (I'm post meno at 51). I had the merina fitted whilst under GA 3 months ago (had d&c/hysteroscopy also).
I totally sympathize, as I was also petrified about getting the procedure and the merina fitted, but thankfully all fine now. My Gynae recommended a merina etc due to lining build up. Had a bit of spotting/light period for a few weeks after, but now petered out to nothing ..and no notable side effects, just a few cramps after but paracetamol sorted that out.

Hi OP you’ll get loads of different stories on the Mirena here but mostly I think it’s well tolerated. I would have thought the coil would be better than taking progesterone orally as it’s more localised, so less chance of side effects - no expert though but suggest you ask this.

I had mine fitted mid 50s for horrendous periods - stopped them dead and no cramps or anything after it was fitted - went straight back to work after! The fear of having it fitted was way worse than the actually - there was a bit of a sudden pinch but that was all. I did take a couple of painkillers just beforehand though!

I was warned that I would never know when I’m post menopausal, and am also taking evorel 50 patches for bone health etc. Mirena and estrogen patch are supposed to me the best and safest ways of delivering HRT to the body

People are much more likely to post about bad experiences than good ones. Please bear that in mind when making your decision.

As a GP - with a Mirena - I have seen them transform women's lives. Thousands of peri-menopausal women each year used to need hysterectomies for heavy menstrual bleeding etc. Mirenas avoid 90% of these ops and are great as the progesterone element of HRT too. And no, I don't get paid to put them in, nor does anyone else in my practice. I recommend them because most women who choose them like them. Like any treatment, they don't suit everyone, but they suit the great majority.

Ok thanks all for sharing your experiences. I am sure the fitting won’t be as bad as I’m imagining. I will be very glad to see the back of my periods, so I hope that happens eventually to me. Seems an insult to injury right now that I still have to suffer every month!

Mirena has been a lifesaver for me from horrendous floody periods, I haven't had a period for 3years and no side effects, best invention ever!! The insertion was not too bad just 10 seconds of intense pressure and all over and done I felt fine and drove home. I did get random spotting for about 4 months but then absolutely nothing. For the last 12 months I've been getting worsening hot flushes, bone crushing tiredness and insomnia so am now 3 months into evorel 50 oestrogen patches which have put an end to all of these symptoms.

So absolutely highly recommended from me.

Just seen my GP talked about mirena coil fitted as been struggling with oral hrt thanks ladies for your post helped me feel more comfortable about having this done.

Other side of the coin.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/family_planning/3936528-Insomnia-Progesterone-Intolerance-Contraception-and-HRT

Can I ask how you are getting on with the mirena and estrogen, I'm waiting to get one inserted and am a bit apprehensive as oral progesterone didn't suit me so I really hope this works for me as I'm struggling with hot flushes and night sweats.

Yes me too OP!