Pain and spotting but no periods

[Pamspeople]

Can anyone help me understand what's going on, I'm at the end of my tether.

Am 54. Had second mirena fitted five months ago, and have three pumps of estrogen gel daily. When I was between mirenas (only about 6 weeks) I started getting cramp like pain in and around right hip. Thought it was joint so saw a chiropractor who said joint seems fine.

Since new mirena, so much pain, especially in right low pelvic area. Spotting most days, severe pain maybe 4 days out of seven. No obvious pattern, monthly or otherwise. Worst in the mornings though.

Have had ultrasound which shows possible adenomyosis but otherwise normal.

I'm at my wits end, the pain is really getting me down now and nothing seems to ease it. Naproxen doesn't seem to help, the acid ones never helped with my heavy bleeding and pain through peri.

Could it be the adenomyosis, or maybe undiagnosed or late onset endometriosis?

How do I get any treatment, with the poor old nhs so knackered?

I've had painful periods my whole life and can't take it much longer. At least when I had a regular cycle I had a few weeks off, but this is all the bloody time. And no bleed to relieve it.

Any suggestions, advice or empathy very much appreciated.

I wonder if the 6 week break between devices caused a “Mirena crash”? And now on top of that you’re menopausal age going through the settling in period anew and all your hormones are royally scrambled? I’m in no way an expert though!!

Mine caused horrendous cramps for months when I first had it put in (like labour pains some days) with spotting daily and “I’m about to get my period” signs every few weeks for 5 months. Which is apparently “normal” and just bad luck (ah yes, that women’s health classic). Even now I never know what is my period and what isn’t.

From the FB mirena groups I’m in I’ve seen people who were fine instantly with their first but all hell broke lose on their second. So I don’t think you’re alone! Painful ovarian cysts crop up in these groups a lot too, and are known to be caused by Mirena, but I believe they can be transient so may have been missed when you were scanned - maybe ask for another scan?

My sympathies!! I am not a huge fan of my Mirena but loathe to remove it after all the hard work getting to this point!

Thanks very much for responding, I appreciate it. The scan was very recent so I don't think I'd get another but you're right, I had a good experience with the first mirena but it's not going so well this time! I will try and wait another month and see if it settles down, but I would happily have a hysterectomy tomorrow tbh, I just don't feel hopeful any more.

Thanks for your kindness