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Menopause

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Anyone late 40’s with a Mirena?

16 replies

RedPandaWanda · 07/02/2022 11:45

I’m 49 and think I’m in peri (even though my gp says I’m not because I don’t have night/day sweats but dismisses the dozens of other symptoms I do have🙄)
I have suffered with heavy periods caused by recurring uterine polyps for years now. I have had them removed 4 times but they keep growing back. I am very anaemic because of the heavy periods.
I am due to have an ablation on Wednesday but am having second thoughts as I am reading that I may not be an ideal candidate for the procedure because of the recurring polyps which can then regrown under the scar tissue causing post ablation syndrome.
I have regularly been offered the Mirena but turn it down as I’m wary of artificial hormones (never had them before) and the possible risk of breast cancer and the reported negative side effects.
However, I am now thinking this may be a better option than the ablation or at least to try before I opt for a more permanent procedure like the ablation. I also can’t carry on with anaemia and heavy periods.
Hopefully I am not that many years away from the menopause so won’t need the Mirena for years and if I deceive to go for HRT I can use it as the progesterone side of things?
Is there anyone on here in peri who uses a Mirena? How has it been for you?

OP posts:
Doidontimmm · 07/02/2022 11:48

Me, same age. No side effects at all, best thing Zi did, had mine around 6 years though. First year spotted for months all the time (very light) but ever since very light spotting some months and nothing the next. Stopped my pmt and heavy periods completely.

RedPandaWanda · 07/02/2022 11:53

That’s reassuring Doidontimmm thank you.

OP posts:
Abra1d1 · 07/02/2022 11:55

I'm older than that but had one inserted as the progesterone element of my HRT.

It's been great. Should have had a Mirena about ten years before I did. I read too many negative stories (not disputing that some women really don't get on with it).

iklboo · 07/02/2022 11:56

Hi. I'm 52 & had it put in last year. It's been bloody marvellous - no side effects and I can take the oestrogen only HRT (another godsend).

RedPandaWanda · 07/02/2022 11:57

Thanks Abra1d1 that’s been my issue, way too much googling reviews of the Mirena! Good to know it has worked well for you though.

OP posts:
RedPandaWanda · 07/02/2022 11:58

iklboo great, that’s good to know.

OP posts:
Plainandsimple · 07/02/2022 12:01

I’m older at 52 but have had Mirenas for over 10 years - best contraception ever! Like pp, some light bleeding in the first few months then period-free for 10 years. Now I’m moving into menopause I do get light/med flow for a few days, but I’m about to have my current coil changed (which is two years overdue) so hopefully that may stop and this coil will see me through menopause. My DM had horrendous bleeding at menopause and had a full hysterectomy so I’m hoping the Mirena will help me avoid that. I’d say go for it - fitting is a little painful for a few seconds (when gp measures the depth of your uterus) but no worse than a smear test Smile

CMOTDibbler · 07/02/2022 12:04

I'm 49, and I've had Mirenas since I was 28, just with a gap for TTC/pg. It works brilliantly for me, and I've never had bleeding on it which has made it hard to know how menopausal I am! But I do have night sweats.
This one went in when I was 44, so will stay in til 54

Change123today · 07/02/2022 12:07

Been life changing for me & I know for my best friend!! I think it really depends on why you have it done - both of us suffered heavy bleeds with periods. My cycle was so short that I would be suffering every 2/3 weeks. I had endo as well after many operations and pain recommended the coil - so wish someone had offered it sooner!
Yes I have put on weight that won’t shift - whether that’s the mirena or my age or lockdown! Who knows but it’s worth it! It took about 6 months to settle and it was a bumpy six months - recently had a new one and it was fine no settling needed!

I lead a normal life now - no worrying about flooding or being in high level pain!

You will find some people have really struggled with it but the alternative for me was much worse not being on it!!

poorchurchmouse · 07/02/2022 12:08

I’m 48, have had Mirenas for nearly 12 years (currently on my third). I used to have really heavy, painful periods and now I don’t have any- a little spotting once a month that I barely notice.

Theblacksheepandme · 07/02/2022 12:11

I'm 46 and had Mirenas since I was 37. Never any problems. I have just been prescribed HRT and need to get my existing one of 4 years replaced. I love the Mirena.

cheekychaplin · 07/02/2022 12:16

I went for an ablation consultation and ended up leaving with a mirena. The hormones act locally and I have had it 5 years now (having it changed next year as not needed for contraception) no issues and no periods.

RedPandaWanda · 07/02/2022 12:54

This is all reassuring, I think I may try to put my concerns about the Mirena to one side and give it a try. It's got to be wiser to try that as a first option before a more permanent solution such as the ablation?

OP posts:
Doidontimmm · 07/02/2022 13:54

I can honestly say so many of my similar aged friends have it with no issues it’s definitely worth a try.

hanahsaunt · 07/02/2022 14:03

I am 48 and had a Mirena for 20 years other than for two further pregnancies. I have had oestrogen patches for a year. All completely marvellous - highly recommend.

Leighcloon · 07/02/2022 14:07

I think i responded to your other abalation thread -- I'm 49, and had a Mirena coil inserted in the autumn while I was under general anaesthetic for the ablation (which I had for heavy menstrual bleeding, which had in fact caused my previous Mirena to dislodge!) Recovery was straightforward, and I've had no bleeding at all since. I started HRT last month, and just use an oestrogen patch to go along with the progesterone in the coil. It's been completely unproblematic so far.

And yes, I'd had the Mirena inserted in the spring to see whether that alone would stop the bleeding, and it did to an extent for a few months, before a huge bleed that pushed it out.

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