Perspectives and experiences with Mirena Coil

[Windblownwife]

Hi, due to severe perimenopause symptoms I have been taking HRT for several months. It's been helping a lot but recently the doctor needed to increase the dose due to a return of the symptoms. At first this was Evorel 75 patches and Cerelle tablets, and today I had the Mirena coil fitted to replace the Cerelle. So now I'm taking Evorel 75 continuously and have the MC. The nurses and doctors I have spoken to have all said nothing but wonderful things about the coil, saying it's what they all choose and a "wonder". I'm just at home reading the leaflet given to me on my way out, and it lists some common side effects including weight gain, depression, increased facial hair, inflammation, and acne among lots of other lovely things! I want to feel better but I wonder what your experiences are with this hrt/ combination.

@Windblownwife the fatigue has been the main side effect for me and I also get headaches daily which I never had before, except the day before my period.

I am feeling a tiny bit less tired now. Plus I've also added testosterone into the mix which I think is helping.

@Windblownwife so if dose is lower in coil I would think side effects are less than tablets. I wonder why you are feeling fatigued then? Perhaps it's something to do with settling down as I hear a lot when hrt is discussed.

My doc told me that my bleeding is likely my body needing to settle down but if I didn't want to wait for that to happen coil is an option. I get the feeling there is much to learn about introducing hormones artificially to the body.

I have 2 friend who are very positive about their coil but they had it inserted for mega heavy bleeding.

Does anyone know how long after periods have stopped due to menopause that a mirena coil can be used to manage post menopause symptoms?

You can use it straight away. As far as I’m aware the dosage of progesterone that a Mirena releases is extremely small as it’s released locally and not systemically, so it’s not like taking combined HRT orally. The Mirena is there to protect your womb lining from building up due to the oestrogen you’re taking rather than control menopause symptoms.
without a Mirena or oral progesterone this can cause serious problems as well as breakthrough bleeding.
I have had about 5 Mirenas and I’ve had no weight gain, and I gain weight easily as I can’t exercise. I was very worried about acne as I had it before in my 20s due to the progesterone only (mini) pill but this was also fine. No unwanted hair and this was something I was prone to too. My experience has been brilliant with Mirena I really wish I had one fitted years ago for problem periods.