Mirena coil for heavier, irregular periods and low iron at 39?

[Shines87]

Hello. I am 39, 2 kids, husband has had the snip. Recent years my periods have gone a bit out of whack, cycles varying length, heavier flow and I’ve been suffering with low iron for 18 months (had bloods/poop tests, I’m not ill). Dr has suggested Mirena coil. I’ve read about women using the coil to slow/stop their periods but it always seems to be extreme cases and women really suffering, like constant bleeding for weeks which would be horrible to manage. I’m bleeding for about a week each time now with 3/4 heavy days (flooding a super+ tampon after a few hours) and my cycle varies from 22-28 days. My reservation is that I’m thinking is it really bad enough to risk spotting/more irregularity/acne/headaches/etc and having a device fitted. I wondered if any ladies like me could share their experiences and if it changed things for them. Thank you ☺️

I had light but very painful periods in my late 30s which, after years of trips to the doctors, was diagnosed as endometriosis. Appreciate I had a strange combination but the consultant recommended the coil. I’ve just had the original removed and replaced and honestly it’s been life changing. I have barely had a period in five years and hoping it’ll be the same for the next five. It provides contraception and HRT for me as well so ticks a lot of boxes and I’d recommend it. Not an ad 😂

I got a mirena coil in my early 40's. Now wish I'd done it a good few years before that!

I got a Mirena last year and had been terrified about side effects after everything I read online but honestly it’s been great for me so far. Some light spotting for the first few months but since then no period at all, no acne (and I had significant hormonal acne well into my 30s so had good reason to be worried about this) , no headaches , no weight gain: loving it so far. I realise it’s not great for everyone but it’s definitely worth a try. You can always have it removed if it doesn’t work for you.

Thank you! I had no skin issues until I turned 35 and started with hormonal acne. Only just got it under control and got rid of the redness left behind so keen to avoid that happening again!

I had acne as well and have been on roaccutane but the coil hasn’t made any difference for me. I think you often only hear the horror stories.

as for weight gain I did put some on but it was into my early 40s when it happened. I’m on esteogen patches now and before Xmas did a calorie counting diet. Things have stabilised due to the HRT and I’ve managed to keep that off without being too strict - so don’t think the coil caused it, just middle age generally

Hey, I am a similar age and had the mirena coil in for similar reasons. I was concerned about the side effects you listed like acne, weight gain etc, and for me, I’ve not had anything. However, and I’m sure this is less usual, it’s not really helped with my periods. I bled/spotted pretty much constantly for the first few months. I’m month 7 and still spotting/bleeding 2 weeks a month. The literature says it usually settles between 3-6 months, and that after a year, 20% of women stop having periods. I’m hoping that it does settle as I know lots of people who have had a great experience with it, and aside from the bleeding pattern, I’ve been impressed with the lack of side effects.

Mine works really well for me and it’s great not having periods. You don’t need a long list of harrowing health conditions to be able to get one. It’s free and readily available.

I got one six weeks ago. I've bled everyday since, but a very very tiny amount and just now its finally tapering off to barely there at all. I'm hopeful its going completely!

Appreciate all of your replies thank you. I have been offered the coil by my GP, I understand you don’t have to be suffering greatly to have one but I just want to make sure I’m making the right decision by using it. My periods seem bad to me now but in comparison to other women they’re not that bad. I want to weigh up all of the potential positives and negatives that I could. As someone has pointed out though, it can always be removed. Thanks again!