If you've had both a copper coil and a Mirena...

[smokingcarriageonly]

Not at the same time obviously 😀 If one doesn't suit you can that predict anything about the other?

Years ago I had a copper coil and it caused so many problems with bleeding that it had to come out within the year. Any point in trying a Mirena now?

I'm menopausal now and having a real problem tolerating Utrogestan (both oral and vaginal).

I had a copper one. Was awful. Heavy bleeding and it eventually came out.

Mirena years later and made a huge difference. No periods and not hormonal.

Yes me!
Had the copper coil from 2016, periods were longer and heavier (using super Tampax, and changing very regularly throughout the day), but I wouldn't say any more painful.
Had the copper removed and mirena inserted in Sept 2022 and periods vary in length (4-9 days) but infinitely lighter. I use regular Tampax and even then I could move to lights on some days. The odd cramp the day or so before but rarely on the day I start bleeding.

I was concerned about having hormonal contraceptive again (after coming off the pill in 2009), but OBGYN said it was actually helpful for peri-menopause. Mirena has such a low dose of hormones and it hasn't caused weight gain or any noticeable side effects for me.

The copper coil is non hormonal and your periods will come when they would usually but the copper can make them longer heavier or more painful. Or a combo of the above.

The Mirena has progesterone which thins the lining of the womb. So most women get lighter more infrequent bleeds (although can take 3-6m for your body to get used to it). So yes totally different and well worth trying the Mirena for the progesterone arm of your HRT.

Copper was hideous. Awful bleeding for weeks, pain and cramping. Had it removed within about 6 months.

Mirena completely different. No bleeding. Kept it for years. Wish I had just had it replaced instead of removed as I think it was keeping me hormonally stable without me knowing I was already perimenopausal.

I agree with above posters the copper coil and Mirena can’t be compared. The Mirena is much better should you suffer heavy periods, the reason why I had one, I am now on my third. If I am being honest, I have found insertion very painful each time, but it is worth it for the convenience. Good luck.

I had a copper coil for 10 years (changed after 1st 5 yrs). No problem at all with periods or other side effects. But insertion and removal... I found giving birth vaginally before the coils less traumatic just say.

Thanks for replies. OP maybe didn't make a lot of sense actually, as I no longer get periods I don't have to worry about heavy, painful periods so in that regard the Mirena can't be as bad. I hated (still do) the idea of something sitting inside my uterus though.

I agree about painful insertion - copper coil was painful going in and coming out - but I'm having a hysteroscopy under GA and I think they'd do one then if I ask. I am worried about having it removed if I don't like it, both the pain and availability of appointments. As I've got older I struggle more with the speculum and anything touching my cervix!