Peri-menopause, faulty mirena or something else?

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Posted in Women's Health yesterday but no replies, and feeling desperate.

Hi. I have a Mirena coil, it's my 2nd one, had it since late 2021 so shouldn't be wearing out just yet. My periods stopped completely with my first Mirena (once all settled) and it's been the same with this one.

Since February, I've had increasing bleeding which started as bloody discharge (sorry TMI) but is now apparent is the return of periods. This month was heavy (though not like my pre-Mirena flooding).
I've never had a cycle this short - I'm literally bleeding for 9 days and off for 16.

Along with that, I have terrible low mood, before AND after bleeding, anxiety and a complete lack of motivation. No energy, constantly exhausted. No confidence. Forget words mid sentence. Low level headache constantly, which gets worse before period. Bouts of crying. I'm 46.

I saw the GP, who is unconcerned about the bleeding, doesn't think I'm peri as my last FSH blood test was normal, and has referred me for an ultrasound for reassurance only. Won't even discuss HRT until I've had the scan which could be months.

I can't live like this... the bleeding is fine, but my mood is awful and I'm struggling at work and at home. I'm scared I'm going to lose my job and/or destroy my marriage.

I'd appreciate any words of wisdom or encouragement. Today I bought some well woman vitamins and iron supplements, not sure what else I can do!

Sounds very much like perimenopause. I’ve never had a coil but your symptoms sound almost identical to mine. I went on HRT & it really helped. Could you ask to see another GP? I’m no expert but my understanding is that the FSH blood tests aren’t always accurate at determining the onset of menopause. I really hope you get the help you need.

Sorry you are feeling so awful.

I agree with Chips, in that bloods during peri are reliably unreliable unfortunately.

The scan will determine the location of your coil, but obviously your symptoms need addressing.

GPS need to prescribe according to symptoms, not bloods. Print off the NICE guidelines and then book an appointment with a different GP. Is there a medic with an interest in menopause at your surgery?

Do your research and don't be fobbed off. If you are peri ( still having periods) then you need a sequential regime of oestrogen and progesterone. You have a coil in place, so you just need the oestrogen ( patches, tablets, gel or spray).

If the coil is out of place, it will obviously need removing and obviously a new one fitted or progesterone tablets prescribed.

Good luck 🤞

P,s the scan can also reveal any polyps, fibroids or cysts which may account for any bleeding.

Thank you both for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it.

Unfortunately, my GP surgery currently has no permanent GPs at all, only Locums who, while perfectly pleasant, appear to have no real interest in long-term care. That being said, I will look up the NICE guidelines and make another appointment, because I cannot go on like this.

What you you could do, is take the NICE guidance to the new appointment and request oestrogen gel. It's a good starting point, mainly because it's easy to adjust the dose ( pump dispenser). It is applied daily.

Patches are slow release, giving a more consistent dose of oestrogen over a few days and are changed twice weekly.

Best of luck.

Remember, bloods don't prove much.
They may want to take your blood pressure firstly and ask a few general health questions.