Low iron likely caused by periods- mirena coil?

[blondie87]

Hi,

A few months ago, routine blood tests identified low iron/serum ferritin levels. The normal range is 30-336; mine were 15. I took prescription iron tablets for a month, then had a repeat blood test and they went up to 26, so improved but still outside normal. Had a prescription for another two months, retested and back to normal (just) at 33.

The likely cause of the low iron is heavy periods, so I booked to have a Mirena coil fitted. However, I’ve heard really mixed things about it, and I’d not even be considering it were it not for the iron. Just wondered what other people with more knowledge or experience could add to whether the coil sounds like a good cause of action or not?

Sorry OP, I’m currently anaemic and also low ferritin (5 on a recent blood test) and folate so I know how crap it can make you feel.

I had a mirena several years ago and didn’t have a good experience at all. I bled constantly (not a huge amount), enough that I had to wear a panty liner constantly and change it regularly but not as heavy as normal period bleeding.

I was also put on the mini pill at the same time to try and stop the bleeding (it didn’t work), and kept constantly getting thrush. I ended up having to take weekly thrush pills to try and get it under control.

I had a nightmare getting them to take it out. They were incredibly reluctant. I think I had it removed about 11 months after. I was still having problems every day. The bleeding and thrush cleared up almost immediately.

I know lots of people are very happy with theirs. But it was a complete nightmare for me.

It sounds like your body responds well to the iron supplements so could you keep taking a maintenance dose of those?

Have they tried you with tranexamic acid?

Iron infusion to get them up and then keep on the tablets to stay there. It's AMAZING.

I had one fitted for the same reason. I was having 2 heavy periods a month. Now I don't have any and I feel so much better, on much more of an even keel and less exhausted (I mean I'm a teacher with 2 young kids, I'm always tired!)

The Mirena saved me. My peri menopause periods were so heavy and I was SO anaemic. It was debilitating.

The coil stopped my periods straight away and I honestly feel like a new woman.

Yeah I got the mirena for heavy periods and they were worse for a couple of months then slow down and stopped.
My iron levels increased but I still have to keep an eye on it.
Floradix and spatone are miles better than tablets

I love my Mirena. When I first had it put in, I bled constantly for about 8 weeks if I recall correctly, but since then I haven't had a period in 5 years.

Do you drink tea? The tannin in tea reduces iron Absorption and people often overlook this.

My heavy periods (& bowel issues) actually resolved once my iron levels got back in normal range. I was on 3 iron tablets for 3months and then dropped to 1 tablet, which I still take. How have your periods been since your iron levels are normal? Good luck getting it sorted. I felt awful till it was sorted.

I had heavy bleeding due to diagnosed fibroids.
the mirena was sold to me as a miracle cure but it was anything but! The bleeding got heavier, longer, and I had cramps like id never had in my life before. I actually had days off sick from work it was so bad. GP kept saying it would settle down. It didn’t and after a year I had bleeding so bad I ended up at A&E and it hasn’t been seen since. It really affected my physical
and mental health.

Gosh thank you for all your responses. Sorry to those who have had a tough time either with the low iron or the coil.

@Physiologicalmalfunction I was looking at floradix; I will see if it helps!

@Stillplodding & @MiddleAgedDread that sounds really unpleasant for you, sorry to hear that was your experience. I hope you find something that helps with your iron levels/ you are recovering.

@LetsNCagain the tablets seem to have helped so I’m going to see if I can speak to a dr in the new year about a long term plan to see if there is an alternative to the coil.

@Pigriver , @AmateurNoun and @WalterdelaMare I’m glad you found the coil helpful. If I have it, I hope I react similarly!

@ArucanaFlower it’s funny you should say that, as most recent one was a bit better than when the iron was really low. I wonder if there’s any research around that?

I got mine for perimenopausal, heavy and seemingly constant periods. Few months of spotting which then slowed and now nothing. Such a relief and life-changingly brilliant for me.

I loved my Mirena no periods was amazing . I had it fitted before I had kids and wasn't told that there is an alternative that basically was smaller and more suitable . The pain was actually now that I've had a baby with no epidural for me the marina was worse was over in a minute or two but omfg the doctor thought I was going to pass out and I could barley walk to the car I literally shuffled. So just fyi if you've had kids should be fine if you haven't maybe look into the alternative to Mirena more suited to those who haven't had kids .

I still get period with mirena but theyve become very light, at most 1 half day of normal bleeding , all other days cant really call it bleeding.

I am still really undecided about it! Appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences.