50, removal of Mirena in Jan, what next?

[30not13]

I have an appointment to take out my mirena upcoming, and a bit of an MOT and chat about next steps.

They've indicated my bmi is an issue for some options but not actually specifically said what options I should be looking at.

Symptoms wise:
Brain fog
Insomnia
Itchiness
Joint pain
Whiskers!

I don't know if I have stopped menstruation yet due to mirena plus it might havemasked more symptoms.

What should I be asking 🤔

Get a new one fitted! If it works for you there's no reason to stop.

How long have you had the Mirena? I think if you are over 50 you might be able to keep the same one for longer than the standard five years - I would ask about that before having it out. I think I had mine for more than seven years in the end.

I did ask that, its been 4 years. I was led to believe on insertion that I might be able to keep it in for a few more years to see me over, but they don't recommend that now?
But yes I'll ask. I've had no issues with it post first few weeks so would be happier doing that.

Can I have HRT as well as that?

From what I've read if mirena is put in at 45y or later it can be left in until age 55 . When did you get it?

Mine was replaced last year (age 52), and they said it could last for seven years now

I had mine put in aged 45 & got a little card with it saying it’ll need replacing in 5 years.

You can have HRT in the form of a patch, gel or spray.

I still have mine at 54. My GP says it will do me for contraception until 55. If I was on HRT (I'm not yet), a mirena covers the progesterone bit. If I were you, I would have another one

The nhs page on the mirena says

If you're 45 or older when you have the IUS fitted, it can be left in until you reach the menopause or no longer need contraception.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/ius-intrauterine-system/

A Mirena now lasts for 6 years but if you have it put in at 45 or over you can keep it til 55 for contraception and then stop contraception.
It can be used as the progesterone part of HRT for 5 years. Some people get side effects with oral progesterone so it avoids that. It probably also helps reduce the small increased risk of breast cancer with combined HRT.
So if you are happy with it for contraception you can keep it. If you go onto HRT, and your symptoms could be menopause, then it needs changing after 5 years.

Maybe its a recent update:

https://www.icash.nhs.uk/news/2023/09/05/update-to-the-guidelines-for-the-contraceptive-coil

My friend has just had one fitted at 50, was told she can leave it in for the next 5 years.

Depends if you want it for contraception or HRT or both.

Can be left for 5 years as the progesterone part of HRT or up to 7 years as contraception, longer depending how old you were when it was inserted.

Thank you all for replies.

I was 45 when it was put in and yes still needing contraception.

I'll let you know how my appointment goes

Just to update I'm keeping in the coil and getting the combined patch

@30not13 if you’re having a Mirena you don’t need a combined patch, just an oestrogen one.