MIrena Coil and weight gain!!!!!! Anyone else have it?

[allthegirls]

Hi

I have had the mirena coil for just over a year now and have put on massive amounts of weight!! I have put on around 1 1/2 stone!!!!!! I go to the gym at least 3 times a week but try to go 4. i do a hard work out for an hour and am actually quite fit for a fatty!! But what is really annoying is the fact that despite all this I never seem to lose weight. Infact it is the oppposite the pounds just seem to creep on. It is really getting me down now. Has anyone else had the same problems with the mirena coil? I am going to get an appointment with the doctors hopefully next week but just wanted to hear from anyone else who may of had the same problems!

Hi,
i dont have the mirena as contraception as DH has had snip, i had this put in to help with heavy bleeding and mood swings. I am 44 and never had prob with weight issues before.. also been suffering with very bad lower back issues and fighting depression....shoot me now lol

ps im 44 x

In that case might be worth seeing if other options to combat the heavy bleeding are available.... can always get it put back in again after a break?

Ive convinced myself that is what i should do, told hubby last night and you should have seen the look of sheer horror on his face lol, thats until i told him it can affect my libido lol.
Going to try without it anyway, fingers crossed.

If it wasnt for finding this site and thread yesterday then id be none the wiser x

I am just so happy that I have found this site as I have been struggling to know why I have been having the symptoms I have. My relationship has been stressed due to my low sex drive and moods and I really now believe that it is due to the Mirena coil.
I originally questioned the coil only recently as I lost 4 stone from about Nov 09 to Nov 10, but have not been able to shift the last stone I want to fit into the healthy bracket. I have been going to the gym for the last 18 months and have started boot camp. I walk about 2-3 miles per day and the weight will not blooming well shift. It is getting so dis-heartening as I work so hard and am so fit now.
I decided after reading these posts and a few others that I wanted it removed. i went to the Contraception clinic where I had the coil fitted and had it removed today. I hope that I am now able to lose weight and my symptoms of low sex drive, tiredness and moods subside. The nurse did say it could take 6 weeks to 6 months to get a period and for the hormones to go out of my body.
I am not looking forward to having a period after having the coil in for 3 years, but I cannot put up with the weight any longer. This last stone has to come off as I am getting so fed up with it and the bloating :(
I thank all you lovely ladies for providing your experiences and I hope mine will help others too.

Finally had my mirena out six weeks ago.Just thought I'd give an update for anyone whose had weight gain and sore breast etc because of mirena.I've now dropped a dress size and a bra size ( and they aren't sore anymore) It's not a coincidence.I just feel like me again,and I'm sure someone out there knows what I mean by that.If you think it's the coil causing you're problems,go see the GP and get rid.I don't understand why they say the hormone is only released locally and shouldn't affect your whole body,when I've had painful boobs constantly for nearly two years.It's a horrid thing,and I'm so glad to see the back of it.

i had my mirena fitted in November, Im seeing GYN in 2 weeks to discuss having it out as it has not fixed the problem it was supposed to fix (heavy periods) - I still bleed a great deal, but over a looooooooong period (16 days last month) rather than in a short burst.

Ive also suffered depression, weight gain (18lbs), excessive vaginal discharge , 3 infections (Group B strep & bacterial vaginosis), as well as horrible itching (due to having to wear pads every day), sore lumpy boobs and spots.

I'm asking for an ablation, as my childbearing years are over.

Like many say, mirena is like marmite - you either love it or hate it. I am in the hate camp.

Hi all. First time I have posted on a site but could really do with some help. I too have gained over a stone in weight since having the mirena coil fitted. Unlike most of you though I have had mine fitted for lack of hormones (declared either menopausal or also been told I have dysfunctional ovarian syndrome!). Since having it fitted I have actually had a period (although told I wouldn't have any which was quite funny as it was 6 months or more since the one previously) and other symptoms have improved eg night sweats, hot flushes but the weight gain is really beginning to upset me. I have gone up a dress size (which is already begining to feel tight) and a bra cup size too (also verging on 2!!). I have only ever been this weight whilst pregnant and even though I am constantly on the go and have even taken up cycling 10 - 15 miles at a time I cant shift any weight. I am only 40 and 40 fat and frumpy is something that I never wanted to be. My GP also has told me that the weight gain wont be down to the coil.

Anybody else had a similar experience?????

Hi lehcar01.I know exactly how you feel.Gaining weight is vile when you are doing so much exercise and probably eating healthy.That was me before I had it out.I thought for a while that it was 'my age'( 45) that gaining weight,feeling moody and having spots all the time. It just makes you depressed about yourself.Get that Mirena out!Remember life begins at 40,and it's your life! Oh and my GP also told me weight gain was nothing to do with Mirena-how come I'm back to my normal size 12 within 6 weeks?( 14s had become very tight!) Is there not something else you could have as a complete alternative to mirena? Got to be worth asking.Good luck;)

Just had mine removed yesterday due to sore and massive boobs and 20lb weight increase. Doctor was not happy about removing it and didnt mind telling me- a lesser willed person may have left the surgery with their tail between their legs and gone to get some primrose oil!! She said she has fitted 600 merinas and knows of very few problems. Anyway I has it taken out-painlessly, so will wait and see if my Dolly Parton boos return to normal and my weight goes down x

I can't believe I'm reading this! I've been wondering if there is something wrong with my thyroid as I can't loose weight (keep putting it on in fact), I've no sex drive what so ever despite my dd being nearly 3.

I remember vividly the day that my gp put in the mirena coil and I was there to get a copper coil. For some reason my gp was insisting that the mirena was much better. I specifically told her I had bad experiences with hormonal contraception from before. She assured me no bad effects are associated with mirena. Why oh why didn't I just stand my ground and demand the copper coil?? I was a size 10 then and now I'm a size 16

Okay I've enjoyed the odd choc and glass of wine but I've always thought I put on a dispropotionat amount of weight compared to what I consume of bad things, AND I exercise 3-5 times a week! I'm also doing what is called an "intensive" workout programme which a personal trainer sat up for me. No real fat/weight loss despite this... I'm so upset right now thinking that the stupid mirena might be the cause of all this! If only I had stood my ground and demanded the copper coil!

I have had mine for 6 weeks.it's been hell I have put on 8kg in weight got sore boobs and I am so depressed. Everything seems pointless and I have no energy or motivation. It was so painful being inserted the only thing stopping me having it taken out is the fear of how much it will hurt. The doctors pushed for me to have a mirena against my better judgement and no I regret listening to them and not all the women on the Internet . God I have no idea what to do I feel trapped by fear

Please dont feel trapped- it is your body. The doctor made me feel like a naughty school girl when i told her i wanted mine removed but i stood my ground. Quietly reminded myself that i am an adult and will not be told what to do by a doctor who obviously is under instructions to fit as many coils as poss to save the nhs money against the Pill. 6 days later, i feel better already- i have lost 5 pounds,swollen boobs have gone, and i have had a period, which i feel has been waiting to happen for 2 years!

Thank you mumof .it's the fear of the pain and I have now become phobic about people routing around down there after so many painful procedures. I just feel in a no win situation medical blunders and no solution in sight. I have very heavy periods and don't want to go back to that as I was hospitalised and given blood transfusions.....but this is awful I bleed every day I'm fat :( and so bloody moody. It's the choice between the devil and the deep blue sea!!!! Shit shit shit

....

I love my coil, I dont blame any contraception for my weight gain either, there was a recent study that found no connection between the pill and weight gain. If you can cope with the pill then the coil is the same thing. Only those who have adverse effects with the pill shouldnt bother with the coil.

If your in your 30's then you will put weight on unless you cut down, follow a lower carb diet and exercise. I was a small size at 30 but by the mid thirties it started loading on and now I'm 16-18.

It did take a couple of months to calm down and now my periods are short and very light. I love it.

Hi, I had the mirena fitted 4 weeks ago and immediately I started with rashes and itching, first on my neck, then face, then arms. I've been prescribed steroid creams and 3 x antihistamines a day (normal dose 1 a day). It has now settled down on my face but still lingering a bit on my neck and arms. I also think Ive gained a few pounds, I normally dont fluctuate at all. My GP has agreed to remove it this week if I choose. Just not sure whether to give it a bit longer to see.

I am literally crying as i type this. I cant believe i have finally found someone who has had a rash because of the coil - Thank you JVL - I had my coil fitted in june of this year, since then i have bled everday up until about 6 weeks ago. Since then i have developed a rash on my stomach chest neck and face. It began with lumps on my face which have gone down but i now have a painfull rash everywhere else that feels like i am sunburnt. My doctor first said that i had urticaria which i was prescribed antihistamines for but 2 weeks later it didnt go away, my doc then said it is Pityriosis Rosea that can last anytime from 6-8 weeks to 6 months and nothing can be done about it! after reading this i am thinking it could be the coil. My life since having this thing put in has been horrible what with bleeding constantly during the summer and now this, i feel so ugly and depressed, i am going to have this thing taken out.

I searched Google for the topic of weight gain due to coil being fitted as I have put on a significant amount of weight recently. This happened to me years ago after having depoprovera injections and so I instantly recognised the symptoms. I have always been a size 8-10, I eat healthily and I wouldn't say I'm extremely unfit but now I'm struggling to fit into a size 12. I'm unable to get the injections now as I was on them for 5 years but the side effects of the coil for me personally are not worth it. Yes my periods have gone,I still get the odd spotting and discharge, but the mood swings and weight gain are the most difficult things to deal with. Definitely going to speak to my GP to get it removed!

Had the coil taken out friday (tho the doctor reluctant to do it) . My skin has now started to feel and look better. I cant believe i didnt do it sooner. i feel so much better and feel happier. going to research what other contraception i can use that would suit me. am glad i joined mumsnet

I am fed up with people who state that those who have put on weight through using the coil are using this as an excuse. Well let me tell you, i have been skinny all my life and never over eat, since using the coil my flat stomach has turned into a triple one and i have put on a lot of weight. for 5 weeks i went on a strict detox just water day one, only fruits and juice for 2 weeks, the remainder of the time cabbage, mushroom and tomato soup.I was lucky to have 5 weeks off work being a tutor, time spent to concentrate on my body. I did aerobics 2 hours each morning and went on three hour walks, and the weight did not shift, my knees and legs were bloated. I went back to the clinic saying that i look pregnant and asked if one could put on weight through using the coil. The nurse said no, I wonder how they can say this when many people must bring this issue to them, i read somewhere that the coil is the cheaper option for the NHS. which is why they try to promote it. i have been on the coil for about 6 months now and have found only in the last two weeks that i am hungry all the time - i am worried because if i have put on so much weight without eating much what will happen now that i am beginning to crave. I am going to get this bloody thing out of me. Talking about bloody, i have never bled so much in my life, i use to have light periods and now they are heavy and smelly and i experience discharge -so out goes oral sex out the window. i am 42 and need a replacement, any ideas.

I am fed up with people who state that those who have put on weight through using the coil are using this as an excuse. Well let me tell you, i have been skinny all my life and never over eat, since using the coil my flat stomach has turned into a triple one and i have put on a lot of weight. for 5 weeks i went on a strict detox just water day one, only fruits and juice for 2 weeks, the remainder of the time cabbage, mushroom and tomato soup.I was lucky to have 5 weeks off work being a tutor, time spent to concentrate on my body. I did aerobics 2 hours each morning and went on three hour walks, and the weight did not shift, my knees and legs were bloated. I went back to the clinic saying that i look pregnant and asked if one could put on weight through using the coil. The nurse said no, I wonder how they can say this when many people must bring this issue to them, i read somewhere that the coil is the cheaper option for the NHS. which is why they try to promote it. i have been on the coil for about 6 months now and have found only in the last two weeks that i am hungry all the time - i am worried because if i have put on so much weight without eating much what will happen now that i am beginning to crave. I am going to get this bloody thing out of me. Talking about bloody, i have never bled so much in my life, i use to have light periods and now they are heavy and smelly and i experience discharge -so out goes oral sex out the window. i am 42 and need a replacement, any ideas.

hi i had the coil fitted just on 4 weeks ago already im feeling bloated especially round my stomach im very slim so i look about 4 months pregnant im starting to feel down about it i have no other symtoms at the moment and im hoping this is only temperary as my body is getting used to the hormonal change can anyone reassure of this? i have got to get into my little black dress for christmas ps i also exercise but nothing is shifting at the moment.

Mirena and weight gain: I can't believe how many people appear to have had similar experiences, and like those who've already called for an investigation/class action, I feel this shouldn't remain hidden. I can list a number of symptoms, which (again, like many others) I thought were unrelated or "my fault": inexplicable weird feelings of sadness or ill-temper, restlessness/moodiness, massive weight gain with heavy limbs and occasionally EXTRA bloating on top of this (boobs especially), sleeplessness . . . Admittedly I've had a number of major negative life events (loss of my mother, home, and previous partner top the list!!) in the last few years, so it's easy to think there might be psychological reasons.

However! I also do all the things that keep me sane and sociable and which are recommended for anti-depression. I sing in a choir, I exercise, I walk my dog daily in beautiful woodland, I have a good job and a new partner, and my two almost-grown-up children give me little worry and lots of amusement and pride. I don't overeat, in fact I am very careful about portion control and we eat very little processed food. But the weight keeps on increasing and I do notice I have a sweeter tooth than I ever had before. . the Mirena coil. (I'm on my second, the first having been replaced without much thought by me, but in retrospect I see I've been gaining weight for years. . probably only the stress disguised it at first).

I've looked not only at this site (where, incidentally, I see this isn't the only thread dealing with Mirena-related problems) but also at Discovery, the Daily Mail health website, Nethealth and several others. Same stories everywhere, including Canada and the US. I'm used to weighing up evidence, and it seems to me pretty overwhelming.

I am 53 and therefore probably peri-menopausal. I see no reason to persist with something even if it's no more than LIKELY that it's the cause of the problems I'm experiencing. I'm appalled at the stories of bullying by GPs I've read today. I'm old enough to remember a book called Our Bodies, Ourselves (anyone else out there??) which among other things suggest that women could claiming independence and control over their own sexuality through contraception. Alas, what a delusion that proved to be. . .

I'll post again after I have the coil removed. Follow up is slightly lacking in the stories online.

I've had this coil for a year now and I train in the gym 5 days a week. My diet is very healthy I have cut everything out yet I still weigh the same as I did last June! I'm getting really down hearted and depressed about my weight and my personal trainer just doesn't understand what's happening! I have experienced bloating with the coil and have been thinking about having it removed! I get married next march and I'm not getting married this weight!
Is there anyone that has had the weight gain problems and had it removed? If so has it made a difference? I'm running out of ideas on what to do and finding myself getting obsessed with ways in which to lose the pounds!!

Get it taken out!

I've never had a problem with my weight. Had that thing fitted and gained two stones in two months! My doctor was soooo reluctant to get it taken out. She probably thought I was making excuses for eating too much cake! If it wasn't for how rapidly the weight went on, I never would have linked it to the Mirena.

Yesterday, I was looking back at a food diary I kept over the time I had it fitted/ taken out, and once it was out I immediately lost weight without changing anything. So much of it was water retention. It was crazy!