Mirena plus estrogen patches

[WhereAreWeNow]

My GP has prescribed estrogen patches and I'm going to get a mirena fitted.

I'm feeling quite nervous about it all. It's mainly horror stories about the mirena making me worry it'll make me feel worse and I'll have to wait ages to get it removed. But I'm also feeling anxious (one of my many peri symptoms is out of control anxiety) about risks of HRT etc.

I'd love to hear from anyone else using mirena plus estrogen. Has it worked for you? Did it take long to feel the effects?
TIA

Hi, I've had a mirena for 6 years (on my second) I originally got it for heavy floods peri periods and my only regret is that I didn't get it years before. The insertion depends on who's fitting it, in my experience sexual health clinics and gynaecologists are far more adept than GPS because they do them all the time. Not going to lie insertion is not pleasant it's a feeling of pressure rather than pain and you will have period like pains for a few hours after.... but it's over really quickly and the more you can relax the better.

I had spotting and light periods for about 6 months and then nothing .. not a drop in 5 1/2 years it's been amazing.

Three years ago I started getting terrible flushes, sweats, anxiety and insomnia so was prescribed evorel 50 patches and it was miraculous, within 4 weeks I was symptom free and back to my old self, it's been nothing but a positive experience for me and I intend to use HRT for as long as possible.

As far as risks go transdermal HRT is the safest you can use it has no extra stroke risk and even prevents arteries from furring up. There is a tiny breast cancer risk (which is so small it's poses less risk than being overweight or drinking alcohol) but this is a risk/benefit you have to weigh up.

Mirena with patch/gel is considered the gold standard for HRT. Be aware that you may have to give it 3 months before you see any benefit.

Thanks @TinaWeymouthsBass. That's really reassuring. I'm going to the sexual health clinic so hopefully they'll know what they're doing. I was imagining sharp pain rather than pressure so that's good to know - I like to be prepared!
I know the GP is prescribing patches but she didn't say what kind/dose and I haven't picked up the prescription yet. I was planning to start with the patches as soon as the mirena is fitted but maybe I should wait for the mirena to settle first and see how I feel.
Do I need to take someone with me for the fitting? I'm sure I read that somewhere (in case of feeling faint or unwell after and needing help getting home) but now I'm wondering if I imagined it!

You can take someone with you if you feel a bit nervous, if you do feel faint they won't let you leave until you're ok. I've been to my appointments on my own, driven myself and gone shopping straight afterwards, many of my friend get theirs fitted or changed on their lunch hour from work,!
Honestly I wouldn't wait to start the patches as the mirena in itself won't make any difference to your meno symptoms it's function is to just keep the uterine lining thin.
You can even start using oestrogen only patches up to 12 weeks before you introduce progesterone (mirena) if you want to.

Brilliant. Thanks @TinaWeymouthsBass. I've got my appointment this Friday and the clinic has said no one can come in with me so I'll go alone. I'm hoping the patches will be ready to collect before then.

I was nervous about having my Mirena fitted but it was a doddle, and done by the GP. Honestly. I’ve had worse smears !
I did not have any pain after, just a bit of bleeding.
I had my first period about 4 days later and it was lighter but slightly longer.
You will be told to stick with it for 3 months, to expect some spotting, and I’d agree. Give it 3 months to settle in , for spotting to stop.

Thanks @GoodnightGrandma. I actually had a smear today and it wasn't too bad so if it's like that I'll be OK. I suppose I'm less worried about the bleeding and more worried by stories of pms/peri symptoms getting worse, weight gain, hair loss etc. But hopefully it'll be OK.

I've found the coil really effective. No more breakthrough bleeds like the implant and no side effects. It didn't hurt to have it fitted and the doctor explained everything - fab lady gynae doc.

Because of the coil my GP was very willing to prescribe HRT patches. Only started them last week but already the night sweats are stopping and the flushes are less frequent.

@WhereAreWeNow

Thanks *@GoodnightGrandma*. I actually had a smear today and it wasn't too bad so if it's like that I'll be OK. I suppose I'm less worried about the bleeding and more worried by stories of pms/peri symptoms getting worse, weight gain, hair loss etc. But hopefully it'll be OK.

Honestly, I was awake two nights before worrying about it. Don’t waste you time like I did.

Today's the day (mirena fitting) and I'm TERRIFIED!

I did it! It bloody hurt like hell but it was over fairly quickly. The nurse at the clinic said to keep taking the pill for the next 7 days but I think that's because the mirena doesn't start providing reliable contraception until 7 days later. But frankly, there's no chance of me having sex in the next week so should I just bin the pills and start on the estrogen patches?

@WhereAreWeNow I’m just about to start this, I’ll let you know how I get in! I’ve had a Mirena for many years and always got in with it well. My GO after long discussion has recommended another one fitted (current one due to come out) and supplement with estrogen cream. I’m 52 and full on menopause symptoms

Goodness bloomin autocorrect! Get on! And GP

Have a mirena coil in (it's my third one) and I started oestrogen gel a few months ago, it's helping enormously with menopause symptoms.

@cushioncovers that’s good to hear. I am struggling atm. Actually really worried about the coil change as my last smear was excruciating. It’s literally atrophied down there

Good luck @FVFrog.

I have this combination and it's been fine for me. A major problem with my menopause was flooding and the mirena put a stop to that.

I am on my third Mirena - absolutely love it, no periods since the first was fitted post partum. Peri menopausal and prescribed patches since January of this year. Took five or six weeks to really kick in but what a difference! Night sweats and raging anxiety largely gone. Dh has said that it has made a tangible difference. Plan to use for as long as possible.

How long does the sore, crampy feeling last? It's not as bad as it was yesterday kitted around 2pm yesterday) but I'm still clutching a hot water bottle and feeling fragile.

@WhereAreWeNow sorry you’re suffering, I’m not much help as had no side effects whatsoever after fitting, but sending sympathy. Take it easy and keep your pain relief up, hopefully someone else will come along with more insight

@WhereAreWeNow I’m on my second one - had a new one fitted on Thursday feeling a little less uncomfortable today - doesn’t help my period decided to make an appearance!!
Hopefully it settles x

Thanks @FVFrog and @Cantthinkofaname21. It's not too bad. It feels like period pains today. Manageable with hot water, ibuprofen and chocolate. Just wondering how long it will go on for...

Maybe a week in total OP. I have this combo now a year and it’s worked great for me!

Thanks @Eloisedublin123

Hi op cramps for me lasted 3 or 4 days.

Hi,
I had the mirena fitted last Friday. Period started on Sunday. It's now Wednesday and I'm unsure when I should start using the estrogen patches.
I feel it probably makes sense to let the mirena settle, let my body get used to it, and see how long the bleeding lasts before adding more hormones into the mix.
The GP didn't give me any advice about when to start the estrogen.
Those of you on mirena + estrogen, did you start both straight away or did you have a gap between mirena fitting and starting estrogen?