How Long Do Mirena Side Effects Last
In many cases, unwanted effects of the Mirena IUD are not long-term. According to Planned Parenthood, common side effects such as spotting between periods and cramping typically get better in 36 months.
Meanwhile, a person might want to have some side effects of Mirena, such as lighter periods or none at all. Research suggests that these are usually long-term changes for people who experience them while using the IUD.
Serious complications, such as PID, typically develop shortly after the person starts using the IUD often within the first month. These issues are uncommon.
Speak with a doctor about any severe or persistent symptoms that occur during Mirena IUD use.
The Mirena IUD releases the hormone levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone. Levonorgestrel works by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus, which prevents pregnancy from taking place. This synthetic hormone can also prevent ovulation, though it does not always have this effect.
The Mirena IUD has several key advantages. It:
However, there are some disadvantages, such as the:
- insertion procedure, which can be painful
- possibility of unwanted effects
- small risk of infection and other complications
- symptoms that may occur after the IUD is removed
It can take some time after a doctor removes the Mirena IUD for periods to return to normal. Also, some people experience a Mirena crash, which involves changes to their mood, sleep, weight, and skin health.
Can It Cause Acne
It probably can.
A 2008 review looked at the safety and side effects of the Mirena IUD. It found that you were more likely to have acne after getting an IUD containing Mirenas main ingredient levonorgestrel. Kailasam C. et al. . Review of the safety, efficacy and patient acceptability of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.
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Do You Have To See A Doctor For Mirena Removal
To avoid possible complications, Bayer doesnt recommend women remove their own Mirena. A doctor or health care provider performs Mirena intrauterine device removal in a medical office. Most insurance plans cover Mirena IUD removal. The procedure should only take a few minutes. There are several reasons why a doctor will remove Mirena.
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How Long Does The Mirena Crash Last
It is difficult to pinpoint how long the Mirena crash will last once the symptoms begin to show. Since it is brought about by a hormonal imbalance, it is reasonable to suggest that the symptoms will dissipate once a hormonal equilibrium is restored. In essence, it will depend on how long a womans body will take to restore hormonal balance. The Mirena Crash can last anywhere from a few days to several months.
Mirena For Heavy Bleeding Perimenopause: Using Iuds
Our own ob/gyn Director of Health, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, is an advocate of the hormonal IUD Mirena® for women in midlife, so we asked her to explain the benefits and any risks.
Note: Dr. Rebecca particularly likes and recommends the Mirena® because it has been on the market the longest, so we asked her specifically about that brand of IUD. This information may also pertain to similar devices however, be aware that the information below is based on the Mirena.
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When To Call Your Doctor
When using an IUD, be aware of warning signs of a more serious problem related to the IUD.
or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
- You have severe vaginal bleeding.
- You are soaking through your usual pads or tampons each hour for 2 or more hours.
- You have vaginal discharge that smells bad. You have a fever and chills.
- You think you might be pregnant.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You cannot find the string of your IUD, or the string is shorter or longer than normal.
- You have any problems with your birth control method.
- You think you may have been exposed to or have a sexually transmitted infection.
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What To Avoid After Getting An Iud
Please abstain from vaginal intercourse, baths, swimming, tampon use, and menstrual cup use for at least 24 hours after IUD insertion. Mirena/Liletta, Kyleena, and Skyla IUD users will need back-up contraception to prevent pregnancy in the first 7 days after placement.
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Treat The Cause Not The Symptoms
Unfortunately, its an all too common story for women from a supposedly simple treatment option. In fact, hormonal IUDs have become a first-line treatment option when it should be the last.
Just like antidepressants are a first-line prescription when other lifestyle options should be first investigated.
If the real cause of the excessive bleeding or painful periods was treated in the first place, with natural options of diet, lifestyle and safe herbal combinations, this sometimes tragedy would be avoided.
Happy Healthy YOU has a program that addresses these imbalances and allows the body to heal itself so that painful periods and heavy bleeding are no longer an occurrence.
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Mirena And Your Hormones
Weve talked before about issues with birth control pills, and Ill admit that while they are one of the oldest forms of hormonal birth control, they are probably my LEAST favourite.
In 2020 many more women are aware of the concerns with the pill, and they are unwilling to accept the common side effects the weight gain, breast tenderness, mood changes, zero libido, migraines, and more. So whats a woman to do?
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Risks Associated With Mirena
You have less than 1 percent chances of being pregnant in the first year of Mirena usage. There is a risk of an ectopic pregnancy. In this kind of pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus in a fallopian tube.
It is possible to expel Mirena from your uterus as well. You are more likely to expel Mirena if you:
- Have prolonged or heavy periods
- Have never been pregnant
- Possible exposure to an STI
Warnings Of Kyleena And Mirena
Because both Kyleena and Mirena contain the same ingredient, levonorgestrel, warnings are the same.
- Kyleena or Mirena should not be used in patients:
- Who are pregnant or suspected to be pregnant
- With uterine problems, such as fibroids
- Who have acute pelvic inflammatory disease , a history of PID, or who are susceptible to pelvic infections
- With uterine or cervical neoplasia
- Who have breast cancer or other progestin-sensitive cancer
- With uterine bleeding of unknown cause
- Who have untreated cervical or vaginal infections
- With liver disease or tumor
- Who currently have an IUD inserted
- Who are hypersensitive to the ingredients
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What Are The Disadvantages
- Some people feel pain, cramps or dizziness when the IUD is put in or taken out.
There are some risks from having an IUD put in:
- There is a small risk of infection when an IUD is put in
- There is a very small risk of damage to the uterus
- A copper IUD might give you more bleeding and cramping during your period, but this usually gets better over time
- The copper IUD can cause an allergic reaction, but this is very rare
- The hormonal IUD might give you irregular or light bleeding
- The IUD can sometimes come out by itself . You can check the threads are still in the right place at any time.
How Does The Mirena Work
The Mirena IUD, like all hormonal IUDs, contains a synthetic hormone called Levonorgestrel, a progestin, that it slowly releases in your body over time. While progestin sounds like progesterone, it is not, nor does it behave like progesterone in your body.
Instead, the progestin released thins the lining of your uterus, the endometrium, so a fertilized egg would be unable to implant. This is one way in which women have lighter or absent periods while using a hormonal IUD.
It is also designed to stop ovulation by suppressing the production of two brain hormonesFollicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone . FSH and LH work together to mature an egg and trigger ovulation. They are also responsible for signaling the rise and fall of your hormones. It also thickens cervical secretions, making it difficult for sperm to make it to the egg in the event ovulation does occur.
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Denial Of The Mirena Crash Symptoms
In the midst of the dilemma, the manufacturer, Bayer, has refused to acknowledge the existence of the so-called Mirena Crash. It adamantly insists that its product is safe and any adverse health issues reported by the women have nothing to do with the Mirena.
Doctors have also refused to acknowledge that the IUD has any side effects and any symptoms since the symptoms were varied amongst many women they must have been caused by something else altogether. As if in the chorus, the medical professionals keep restating what the manufacturer Bayer says about the product.
Dr. Chachani, for instance, suggests that removing the IUD is unlikely to have such an exaggerated effect since the amount of progesterone absorbed by the body is low as to cause a hormonal balance when withdrawn.
Regardless, the panic ensuing has led to an avalanche of civil suits against Bayer. In a matter of time, what started as a rumor has virulently spread to become a national headline causing even more pandemonium. What is confusing is that in 2018 Bayer has paid out out-of-court-settlements in excess of $12 million yet they continue to deny the non-existence of the Mirena Crash. Other court cases are still pending in court today.
Possible Side Effects When Using A Mirena Iud
Although it has proven to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, the company that produces Mirena reports that users may experience the following side effects:
· Bleeding, pain or dizziness during or after placement of the device
· Device coming out after placement
· A small percentage of users stopped having periods
· Bleeding and spotting
· Heavier than normal bleeding
· Development of ovarian cysts
Some users may develop infections, pelvic inflammatory disease or perforation of the uterus. Perforation may occur if the device attaches to or goes through the wall of the uterus. This may cause scarring or infection requiring surgical removal of the device.
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What Should Women Do To Cope With A Mirena Crash
Women who believe they may be suffering from the Mirena Crash should speak to a doctor about their symptoms. The following recommendations may help with some of the symptoms of a Mirena Crash:
· Avoid smoking
· Engage in daily exercise
· Eat healthy foods
A woman experiencing uncontrolled bleeding, high fever or suicidal thoughts should seek immediate medical treatment at an emergency department of a local hospital.
What Is The Mirena Crash
When your doctor removes the Mirena IUD, your body must begin producing progesterone again. It could take some time for your body to recognize the loss of the synthetic hormone and begin producing sufficient levels of progesterone.
The sudden changes in hormones cause a hormonal imbalance. The hormonal imbalance could be linked to a variety of symptoms reported by women who have had the Mirena IUD removed.
The symptoms some women experience after removing the Mirena IUD are collectively referred to as the Mirena Crash. The symptoms can last for weeks, months, or longer. Mirena Crash symptoms reported by women include:
- Stomach pain
- Lack of interest in normal activities
- Fatigue
- Anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts
- Painful intercourse
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Drugs That Can Interact With Mirena
Mirena can interact with certain drugs. An interaction can cause one or both medications to work less well. In some cases, it could cause dangerous effects. Be sure to tell your doctor if you take any drugs that could interact with Mirena, such as:
- blood thinners such as warfarin
- barbiturates such as phenobarbital and pentobarbital
- steroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone
- antiseizure drugs such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, and phenytoin
- certain HIV medications such as ritonavir, atazanavir, and efavirenz
- bosentan
What Every Woman Needs To Know About The Mirena Crash
Michele Mirman | Product Liability | February 20, 2020
Almost 4.5 million women in the U.S. use an intrauterine device or IUD as their preferred method of birth control. Its popularity is second only to birth control pills.
Mirena, the most prescribed IUD in New York and throughout the country, may cause side effects referred to as the Mirena Crash.
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Unpredictable Or Just Plain Weird Periods
Other women dont lose their period and instead experience unpredictable, long and intermittent periods.
Studies have shown that as many as fifty nine percent of women experience longer periods. As many as fifty two percent get their period at a random time and about thirty percent spot.
In my clinical practice, Ive worked with patients who have spotted continuously for months after having their IUD placed. This warrants a trip to the doctor who placed it to make sure everything is ok, but this can be a side effect seen with hormonal IUDs.
And with progestin based contraceptives, you can still ovulate, which makes things even more complicated.
Who Should Not Use Mirena
Women who are pregnant or suspect they may be pregnant, should not use Mirena.
Patients with the following health conditions should not use Mirena
- Uterine abnormalities
- History of pelvic inflammatory disease
- Postpartum endometriosis or recent infected abortion
- Abnormal Pap smear
- Vaginal, cervical or genital infections
- Liver disease or tumors
Michelle Llamas has been writing articles and producing podcasts about drugs, medical devices and the FDA for nearly a decade. She focuses on various medical conditions, health policy, COVID-19, LGBTQ health, mental health and womens health issues. Michelle collaborates with experts, including board-certified doctors, patients and advocates, to provide trusted health information to the public. Some of her qualifications include:
- Member of American Medical Writers Association and former Engage Committee and Membership Committee member
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Literacy certificates
- Original works published or cited in The Lancet, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and the Journal for Palliative Medicine
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The Most Knowledgeable People Are Using It
IUDs are the most popular choice for female health care providers who do counseling around family planning, such as obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, and nurses. According to a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, of the health care providers surveyed who reported using contraception, 40 percent used IUDs. This contrasted with only 6.3 percent of women in the general population who used either an IUD or an implant .
Need help deciding if an IUD is right for you? Were available to talk through your options via phone or in person. Visit onemedical.com to contact your local One Medical office or to make an appointment.
Can Mirena Last 7 Years
Mirena IUDs are approved to prevent pregnancy for 5 years, and ParaGard IUDs are approved for 10 years. But studies show that they can actually last up to 7 years and 12 years, respectively, depending on your age. INSIDER spoke with two gynecologists about extended IUD use heres what you need to know.
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But There Are Potential Cons Too
- The insertion procedure can be mildly to moderately painful. I recommend that people take ibuprofen beforehand, says Dr. Brant. It doesnt actually help with the pain during the insertion, but it does help with the cramping afterward.
- With either type, during the first few months, you may experience irregular bleeding and/or cramping. You can continue to take 600 to 800 mg of ibuprofen every six to eight hours for this as well, Dr. Brant says. (NOTE: If the pain persists or gets worse and ibuprofen isnt cutting it, and/or youre soaking through a pad or more an hour, youll need to see your doctor right away.
- Irregular bleeding and/or cramping that hasnt gone away after three months may result in your doctor putting you on ibuprofen for one to three months to alleviate pain and decrease bleeding or temporarily prescribing birth control pills to help regulate your cycle.
- If you do get pregnant with an IUD , your risk of ectopic pregnancy is higher.
- Youll need to see your doctor for another procedure to get the IUD taken out.
- An IUD isnt recommended if you have an abnormally shaped uterus since placing it is more difficult and increases the risk of perforation.
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How Does It Compare With Other Types Of Birth Control
Dr. Rebecca: It is placed during a doctor visit and stays in place for 5-7 years, so for ease of use, it cannot be beat. It has less impact than pills on your systemic hormones, which tend to continue to do “their own thing” while the Mirena is in. In terms of efficacy, it is one of the best, as it does not rely on the human factor, and you can’t forget to use it! It doesn’t prevent STDs, so if you are with a new partner or have multiple partners. Quick menopause tip: condoms are still recommended.
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