Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Women's health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Original poster

Mirena coil - how do you know when you reach menopause if you don't have periods?

26 replies

Windowlene · 26/10/2023 10:22

I'm on my second Mirena coil (have had them for over a decade). I don't have periods at all with this coil. But I'm now 45, and wondering how I will know when I start getting menopausal. I had a blood test and asked for my FSH level recently, and this was 7.7 ("normal"), so I assume this indicates it's not yet. But how will I know?! Many thanks in advance.

OP posts:
LadyOfACertainAge · 26/10/2023 10:25

I don’t think you do, but I don’t think it matters either. I’m 43 and having it replaced next month and the doctor said that I’d have the next one replaced and that would be it.

Original poster
Windowlene · 26/10/2023 10:28

Thanks @LadyOfACertainAge - good point that perhaps it doesn't matter too much. I just feel a bit weird about it, like I won't be as in touch with what's going on in my body as I should be. But I need the coil because it manages my endometriosis well.
Thanks again.

OP posts:
LadyOfACertainAge · 26/10/2023 10:31

It’s a fair enough question! I’m not medical at all, but in my head it’s releasing progesterone so a bit like HRT light? I’ll leave it in as long as it’s not causing any issues I think

BestIsWest · 26/10/2023 10:41

I didn’t know and had a blood test when I was about 52. Left the Mirena in for a few more years then went to on to HRT when I was 55.

Original poster
Windowlene · 26/10/2023 10:43

Thanks @LadyOfACertainAge - yes, perhaps it's a bit HRT-ish in a small way!
@BestIsWest many thanks. Was the blood test for FSH?

OP posts:
Dramalady52 · 26/10/2023 10:44

The mirena is terrific, you won't really notice menopause at all. I had to have blood tests to know that I'd even gone through it! I think I had a few hot flashes but that's it. Finally had mine removed at 57.

Original poster
Windowlene · 26/10/2023 11:02

Dramalady52 · 26/10/2023 10:44

The mirena is terrific, you won't really notice menopause at all. I had to have blood tests to know that I'd even gone through it! I think I had a few hot flashes but that's it. Finally had mine removed at 57.

Wow, this sounds both terrific and terrifying! I think I sort of want to know when it happens?! Although if it means fewer symptoms...
What blood test was it @Dramalady52 ? Was it FSH or something different?
Many thanks for posting.

OP posts:
Nokoolaidherethanks · 26/10/2023 11:07

I thought the same. 45 and as yet little/no peri/meno symptoms, no periods for years. Don't know if it's the Mirena or I'm just lucky or I haven't got there yet. But all around me friends of a similar age are talking about symptoms they're suffering. Mine's due to be replaced next year, I think that might be the last one that they just leave in for longer. Or maybe one more.

Dramalady52 · 26/10/2023 11:11

@Windowlene I can't remember what test exactly, the doctors just said do blood tests and then told me the result as "Yes, you are through menopause". I had a total of 4 mirenas and the last one was left for 10 years.

Mmmmdanone · 26/10/2023 11:12

I've had a mirena for 14 years. Im.54. I don't really care that much if I'm menopausal, as long as I don't feel anything, which so far I haven't.

Angrycat2768 · 26/10/2023 11:13

I was wondering the same thing. I'm 50 and have had a bit of hair loss and difficulty losing weight, no other symptoms. But I am worried about the oestrogen in relation to bone health. I have an appointment to speak to someone about it.

AngelsWithSilverWings · 26/10/2023 11:22

I've had a mirena since I was 35 as a treatment for endo and wondered the same. At 52 the hot flushes started. I also became very anxious and depressed. Was waking up numerous times of the night in a hot sweat too. When it got to the point where I couldn't cope anymore I went to the GP who prescribed evorel patches and recommend I get the mirena replaced earlier than normal. Menopause symptoms went away after a few weeks, low mood/depression went away and my anxiety , although still an issue isn't quite as severe.

BestIsWest · 26/10/2023 11:31

@Windowlene yes, for FSH. TBH I thought I’d been lucky and sailed through the menopause. It wasn’t until I was 55 and changed jobs that I really began to have problems. Mainly anxiety and sleepless nights, I never had flushes. HRT patches seems to help a lot.

BestIsWest · 26/10/2023 11:32

And like a PP, my last Mirena was in for about 10 years. I also have Osteopenia caused by parathyroid issues so the HRT helps with that.

Octavia64 · 26/10/2023 11:34

I didn't have periods due to the implant, but mirena.

I noticed menopause due to seriously unpleasant and repeated multiple times a night sweats that woke me up and subside the bedding.
Plus very nasty anxiety.

Hope you don't get the same, it was a pain!

mimiasovitch · 26/10/2023 11:47

Like the above poster I have the implant, and previously had the mirena, so haven't had a cycle for 20 years. I assumed I was in peri when the mood changes started - randomly wanting to cry for no obvious reason for example, and oh my word the brain fog. I'd be talking to customers suddenly unable to formulate a sentence. Happy to report that my gp listened and the hrt has so far been very helpful.

Iwillnotdancewiththedevil · 26/10/2023 12:05

I've had a mirena for many years but I was still hit strong and hard with peri menopause!! I'm very envious of those who have sailed through un-noticing.

As you say, periods weren't an indicator. For me, it was from probably about the age of 39... hair loss, chronic sleeping problems, brain fog, memory issues, lethargy... it's now the gift that keeps on giving and new things appear all the time. It's a joy.

RaininSummer · 26/10/2023 12:54

I didn't know when it happened as has a Mirena for 10 years until about 58. Now almost 61 so presume it's happened

VanCleefArpels · 26/10/2023 13:16

You will know if you have any of the plethora of unpleasant symptoms outside of stopping periods!!

LegoLady95 · 26/10/2023 13:40

I asked my GP and she said it doesn't really matter. If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of peri/menopause then you can ask for HRT if you wish (if over 45 I understand that NICE guidelines say you should be offered HRT on request).
If you don't get symptoms, then no problem!
I get no periods at all with my Mirena. Am just about to start a HRT patch due to symptoms. Age 48.

Ibizafun · 26/10/2023 13:42

I had a Mirena coil in through my menopause.. when it was removed a blood test told me I was over menopause but wile it was in I still got all the meno symptoms. So for people that don't have symptoms with the mirena, I guess that's just luck/genetics.

HowcanIhelp123 · 26/10/2023 13:45

A lot of people use mirena as part of HRT, the point is that you don't know as it relieves the symptoms 🤷‍♀️ if its working for you, keep using it!

BarnacleNora · 26/10/2023 14:02

I wondered this and actually removed my mirena a couple of months ago partly so I could find out what was happening (I'm 37 so probably a bit early but it was time for it to come out anyway so I just haven't had another one put in yet). In all honesty this is mostly because I still haven't let go of the dream of squeezing in one more baby before the old ovaries close up shop but as I'm chronically single there's more to worry about than just the menopause!
If I haven't met anyone in the next couple of years or so I'll probably admit defeat and get the mirena put back in to ride out the time until I'm finally done, no point having periods if I don't have to and if it helps alleviate any peri symptoms then even better

Paperbagsaremine · 26/10/2023 14:09

Late 40s, terrible night sweats, mood issues, aching joints and fatigue. Hadn't had a period for over a decade.
Got the GP to put me on Livial and mood-wise I felt "myself" again within an hour so I was happy with that!
It's still in - they made me get a replacement at 50. Haven't had a period in over 25 years now yay.

Alainlechat · 26/10/2023 14:12

I'm got through to 52 with a mirena with no real symptoms then they all hit (apart from anything do do with the physical period).

I had it removed as it's time was up and went onto HRT.

Swipe left for the next trending thread