Mirena rather than tablets: any experiences to share?

[Isthisjustnormal]

My GP has suggested I consider mirena rather than my current 14 days on/14 days off progesterone tablets (which I AM finding fiddly to remember to take I have to admit. Any experiences good or bad to share? Having read a few threads I'm a bit nervous about getting it out again if i don't get on with it...

I didn't find it hurt when I had it out but I was euphoric my hormones are a bit all over the place but I feel like I've shifted a dark cloud! Worth bearing in mind..

I’ve recently swapped from 14 days of progesterone tablets to taking a 100mg tablet nightly continually (as opposed to 200mg for 14 days). This is only recent but I find so far I’m doing much better (I always felt a little shitty on the progesterone only phase, so now I take both constantly)

Hmm. I got a Mirena with practically no consultation 3-4 years ago when, at a PMB clinic I mentioned that I was worried that my progesterone pill wasn't being properly absorbed, and that I'd heard a Mirena would sort it- a (lovely) consultant said 'do you want one?' -I said yes; insertion wasn't, shall we say, 'comfortable', but job done.

I do fear removal, but it's doing its job right now (I get PMB, so I get scans.). But I know I'm not growing endometrial cancer.

So it's a bridge I'll cross when I come to it.

I know everyone is different but I wouldn't recommend.

Taking them out - ime easy. I'm on my third. First in easy, second in, not bad, third in really uncomfortable. But I will still try another when the times up. I never bleed. It's as close to cast iron contraception as you can get, awesome. Take simple painkillers an hour before the furtling appointment. ...

I have only heard bad things and problems about this device. I wouldn't have one.

@@IggyIggyIggy: interesting. Low moods and anxiety were a key peri symptom for me so that's not ideal...
@ZeroFuchsGiven: can you tell me why not?
@rempy: this is more in a HRT space than a contraception one tbh, pregnancy is low risk at this stage
@siblingrevelryagain: I didn't know that was an option...

I love mine - my first went in in 1993 and my last is in now as part of my HRT. I haven’t had a period or PMT for nearly 30 years.

When you ask on Mumsnet you get all the bad stories, and of course they are not right for some people, but do you think the medical profession would suggest them if most people wanted them taken out?

Highly recommended from me.

@Purplewithred: sure, but actually, understanding the worst case scenarios as well as the official NICE guidance is useful. And, tbh, I don't have faith that the medical profession record and take seriously the negative side effects that women report - in general, and for 'women's health' issues particularly: I've read Invisible Women too avidly...

Highly recommended, if depressing reading: carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/

I’ll be honest don’t even go there I had 10 months of utter agony with mine in the end I walked into A and E begging them for help two months later removed. I’m on eastrogen tablets for 14 days a month, keeps me regular and no pain now the odd twinge but that’s all.

I tried various types of oral contraceptives with different progesterones in them over the years and always felt depressed and muggy and kind of lethargic on them. I struggle with my own luteal phase when my own progesterone levels are higher.
I've been on a mirena for 4 yrs now with oestrogel & tostran gel. And it's good. I still feel a bit shit during my luteal/pmt phase thanks my own progesterone as I'm still in peri and getting periods, but the rest of my cycle is good. It took months for my mirena to stop causing daily spotting, but I hung in there and I'm glad I did. Still get periods, but they are more like spotting than an actual bleed which is great. Almost no protection needed, just a lillet mini occasionally. So much better than the flooding & awful cramps I was getting when peri started.

Really useful feedback: thanks both! When you say pain, @Holothane: stomach cramps or something else?

Stomach cramps periods pains that would last up 12 hours at a time utterly hell way to live.

I'm on mirena plus estrogen patches. I had it inserted in October. The actual insertion was pretty unpleasant but over very quickly. I think it really depends on the skill of the nurse/doctor, the position of your cervix, your pain threshold etc.
I've had a lot of on/off spotting ever since but no pain and the spotting is a walk in the park compared to my periods before.

I was very worried about how it might affect my moods and other side effects but it's been fine. I'm on a much more even keel now than I was before with out of control peri rage, insomnia and anxiety.

I intend to get another one when this one needs replacing, even though I'm dreading the pain of removal/insertion. The 5 mins of pain is worth it for me.

If you decide to go for it, I recommend a sexual health clinic rather than a GP. They just have more practice so are less likely to mess it up!

Good tip @WhereAreWeNow, thanks!

I had to swap for utrogestan to a mirena because the former didn’t stop me getting polyps. It’s been absolutely fine. Insertion wasn’t the best moment in my week but it wasn’t the worst health procedure I’ve ever had by a country mile.

It’s worked really well for me.

I did this! 3 weeks ago. I thought it would stop my periods, no prescription costs (for the tablets) and no more tampons/pads. I'm also on Estraderm patches. Insertion was fine, tiny ouch but that was it. Thing is I haven't stopped bleeding since 😫 I have my 6 week check in 3 weeks. I just hope it settles down as I really want it to work! I also have dull period pains around 80% of the time...

I am happy with the Mirena. Insertion uncomfortable but not too painful. No periods now, after months of spotting and cramps which is great as I used to flood. The only downside is being unable to lose weight even with lots of exercise - extreme 1.5 hr gym sessions at full pelt weights and cardio! but I am ok to be a stone overweight for the benefits so far...

I went for a hysteroscopy and had my mirena put in a few weeks ago. I was informed that I was OK to keep taking oestradiol tablets with that. Things have not completely settled down yet as I'm constantly weeping!

Im on my 3rd mirena coil and it works a treat for me. Yes it hurts having it put in but only for a few minutes then I have period type cramps for about a day or two then it's settles. I would definitely give it a try op.

I admit I haven’t read the replies but as another option you could take the mini pill every day and one utrogestan 100mg every single day instead. That’s what I do. And I have oestrogel for oestrogen.

I loved mine, after demanding to be sterilised at 22 ( they wouldn’t even consider it because women don’t have the brain cells to control their own fertility or recognise the finality of sterilisation, our ovaries scream at us to be irrational poppets … anyhow I rant/ digress) Mirena for me was life changing in a positive way, no issues and have had a fair few, they were so new when I started they fitted them under general anaesthetic! Think they are great but have heard horror stories.

I am on my third and final Mirena, as this one will take me through menopause, best thing
I ever did. No more awful flooding, in fact I don’t have periods, which is great. Bloody awful having them inserted though, if I am being honest, very painful for me but worth it when it’s done.