I had it removed. If I had the stamina to do back flips, I would. I have never been so happy to have a body beginning to function as it is intended to (hello menstrual cycle). But to back up a little bit… in this post I mentioned my suspicion of the Mirena (inserted 3 1/2 years ago) causing my mental health plummet. Never did I imagine that at age 24, I’d find myself feeling trapped at the bottom of the barrel. I won’t get into details or dramatics, but for over a year I felt pretty crappy on most days. And my symptoms started to escalate last Spring. I thought I was losing my mind.
Some common side effects of the Mirena IUD are:
Decreased Focus and Concentration
Substantial Weight Gain
Heart Palpitations
Elevated Anxiety
Decreased Libido
Depression
Irritability
Migraines
Hair Loss
Fatigue
Acne
I experienced all of the symptoms that have been underlined… so much so that I decided to see a Psychiatrist. It was a very hard thing for me to do. The Psychiatrist prescribed meds pretty quickly, which I appreciated because seeing her was uncomfortable enough. But what bothers me is, what if I really didn’t have a problem and I wanted to abuse the meds? How would she have known? Anyway, I took the “happy pills” out of desperation for all of a week and ditched them because they had me trembling in my own home and made me feel like a sad zombie. I did not want to become dependent on them especially if I didn’t NEED them. I didn’t want to dig myself into a hole that I would not be able to escape from.
Before my whole experience seeing a shrink, I had read Mirena Horror stories as I did with Depo Provera, and I finally decided that the contraption had to go. All of the stories were hitting home. My *new* Ob/Gyn didn’t believe that the Mirena was causing these problems, but she accepted my other reason for wanting to have it removed… I wanted more children. She seemed super nice, but I see she’s the stubborn type. Thousands of women are not struggling from absolutely nothing! After she removed the IUD (it didn’t hurt), she told me that the Mirena contains the same medication as Depo. Seriously? Depo? Had I had that little nugget of info, I wouldn’t have had the Mirena inserted in the first place (by another Gyn). I’ve had such luck with contraceptives, I swear. At this point, I.am.done.
Done.
In a few days, I will be starting a detox to flush away any remnants of hormones. I’m also researching fertility charting. It sounds a little scary, but I have absolutely nothing to lose. I need to be more present with my bodily functions. I’m ready to roll with it, miscalculations and all ;-).
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Twitter: momfiles
I tell you what, all birth control methods are not a one size fits all deal. Glad you came off of it and hope your body can go back to normal. I actually go off the patch for a few months every other year to let my body breathe. Then again, that is sort of how Willie came about ;-)
Twitter: sheenatatum
HA! You do what you have to do and welcome the surprises. Mama has to stay happy to take care of home. I will just have me some babies and find sanity within. I am freeee!
I can relate to the detoxing. Water with lemon, foot baths w/ epson salt and hydrogen peroxide, dry skin brushing, infrared sauna… all these things can help you get rid of the toxins.
Scary stuff with the IUD, and yet doctors (even mine) continue to recommend them as safe. I hope you start feeling better!
Twitter: sheenatatum
Morgan, I haven’t heard of dry skin brushing. I’ll have to check that out! Feeling better already!
I’m so glad you figured out what was giving you all those scary symptoms! I also know how hard it is to go to a doctor and say “help me”. Good for you for taking that plunge :) Sending you a big virtual hug!
Twitter: sheenatatum
Elizabeth, thank you. It was SO hard. I just couldn’t believe that I was at *that point*. 14 year old me wouldn’t have seen it coming. I hope you are well. *hugs*
I am really so glad that you posted this. I have read other Mirena horror stories as well and this just helps with the decision. I’ve been toying with the idea of it as our form of BC, but after reading so many negative things and mostly all of them dealing with deep depression {and likewise} I’m going to go against it. I am already on an anti depressant and would hate to up my dosage. Depression runs in my moms side of the family and it would just be a bad mixture. So thank you again for posting your reactions. I am happy that you made the decision to have it removed.
Twitter: sheenatatum
Joanna, you are so welcome. Since you have found a dosage that works for you, I would avoid hormonal BC at all costs! I hear ParaGuard is a good choice… but you most likely will end up with heavy periods :(.
“@SheenaTatum: So about that Mirena… – http://t.co/IwCQGZVf“< love this post!
Twitter: kissmykitty
Good for you on insisting on its removal. It can be so frustrating and annoying when doctors want to insist on things being or not being because of X, Y, or Z. In the end what matters, I suppose, is that your doctor followed your wishes, but it sucks that she wouldn’t consider what you were saying. When many people are having similar experiences with the same type of medication or device, clearly there is something going on – and not just mass paranoid/hysteria, either!
On a semi-related note, I used Depo for birth control from March 2001 – November 2002. During that time period I didn’t get pregnant, but I also dealt with crazy mood swings, irregular periods, and a 50 lb weight gain. Not good! I stopped it in November of 2002 (last shot was that month), and required hormonal supplements to kick-start my period because things were such a mess afterwards. I haven’t used any hormonal birth control since then. After my daughter was born in October of 2004, my husband and I used a diaphragm for birth control. Then I got pregnant with my son (deliberately so, heh), and then I had a tubal ligation after his birth in 2006, and my husband had a vasectomy this past March – hormone-free forever birth control here, whee!
Good luck with flushing out the residual hormones and fertility charting. :)
Twitter: sheenatatum
Jenn,
I’ve read some stories of doctors refusing to remove an IUD because “it was too early”. Like they have attitudes over it and everything. Really, how hard is it to remove the thing? Either way they get paid :-/.
When I was on Depo, I spotted like crazy and my libido was pretty much non existent. I’m using an app on my phone for charting and it is SO cool. I’m so excited, lol.
PS: congrats to you for listening to & hearing your body. Those were some yucky symptoms you were having, so I’m glad you free of that. I meant to say this before but got all caught up in my own “innards.” LOL!!!!
Twitter: sheenatatum
Tracey,
Haha! Thank you!
Whew!! Everything sounds scary!!! I was a birth control pill taker since age 17 (for horrible menstural cramps), then later in my 20′s I switched over to getting the shot in the butt every 3 mos. I was really happy with both methods; was always terrified of getting anything put “inside” or I implanted. I have a 24 year old son & always used to want more kids when he (& I) were younger, but it didn’t work out that way. I stopped all b.control when I turned 35 (cause I smoked – I know, bad girl) & the doc wouldn’t give them to me anymore. Shortly after that, my periods stopped altogether, went to the doctor to find out why & he said the golden words: you are post-menopausal. I had went thru ‘the change’ w/out knowing at age 43 (5 years ago now).
Twitter: sheenatatum
I was put on BC at 17-ish for cramps too. When I started college, I switched to the Depo booty shot (lol) on campus because I couldn’t remember to take the pills or always get to the pharmacy.
Wow, that’s crazy that you went through menopause without knowing. I mean, some people really struggle during that time. I guess the BC was good for something, huh? :)
Oh my gosh, I’m so happy for you!!
I had a tubal done after my last child, and they’re so common I never thought in a million years I’d have to deal with all of the things I do now, and I know it’s permanent. You learn to live with it, but you’re just like, “WHOA!” that you have to… Good for you, recognizing the symptoms and taking the necessary steps to get back on track.
And double good for you (and thank you!) for sharing your stories so others might think twice, or at least do a lot of research, before making a similar decision.
Just another note, I had the Depo for years and the side effects were awful. My OB/GYN wasn’t convinced it was the Depo. I had affects after I quit for a bit too, so I contacted the company and got a slew of letters stating I needed doctor approval to make such claims. Well, I was just trying to let them know, but they made it pretty clear they were only interested in protecting themselves from potential lawsuits (I can only assume from the air of their letters) rather than actually wanting to know the negative side effects that were resulting from their drug. It was all very eye-opening and very disheartening.
Twitter: ClumpsOfMascara
Long comment alert!
This post really hits home for me because for the first time in my 27 years, I am on birth control. I started Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo the first of the year. But only to help regulate my period. My period has been irregular for some years and my gyno recommended that I go on the pill. My husband and I aren’t ready for kids and if I had it my way I’d practice the fertility awareness method to prevent pregnancy. This was a tough pill to swallow (haha) because I am severely against pumping unnecessary hormones in my body. And the reviews of Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo did nothing but frighten me even more. I saw a ton of testimonials from women saying they suffered depressive and suicidal thoughts while on this pill. Needless to say, I’m giving it a month before I get off of it completely. Granted, I haven’t had any major symptoms (oh, except that nonstop spotting thing) but mentally, I just REALLY hate being on the pill. I get emotional when I think about. I have been avoiding it like the plague since I was a teen and feel just awful about being on it now. My husband is iff-y about FAM and condom-use but it’s either that or we’ll be the black version of the Duggar family because I sooooo won’t be on birth control ever again.
So yeah, kudos to you and many blessings on grabbing on to your mental and physical health.
Twitter: sheenatatum
OMG how did I miss replying to your comment? Or maybe because I commented on your birth control post…
Anywho.
I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo from 16-18 (bad cramps), I believe, and it didn’t give me any side effects that I can remember. I just couldn’t remember to keep taking them so I got on the Depo shot. I started reading about side effects short and long term and I thought I had poisoned myself. I thought I was gonna be infertile for 6 years! I got off and 3 months later, Jayden made himself comfy in my womb, lol.
LOL @ the black Duggars! I don’t even want the ParaGard (no hormones). That thing may get lost and I will not be having anyone digging all in my business trying to get it out. The anxiety I felt before getting my Mirena removed was enough. I was scared it was gonna be stuck.
Twitter: MommyFactor
Glad your putting your health first and took steps to feel better. Im not a fan of certain type of birth control when it can affect women so gravely. Feel better soon!
I really dislike that women are so uniformed about it. If things are going to possibly affect you in such drastic measures, you have the right to know!
Twitter: sheenatatum
Nikki, Rosey, Exactly! I just don’t understand why doctors are so stubborn and oblivious at times. We pay them and entrust them with our health and they leave us misinformed. It’s so important to research beforehand. I wish I had done so. Sidenote: I’m feeling much better!
Thanks for sharing, Sheena. It really makes me wonder how much of the depression women experience is from some hormone issue from B/C. I did depo for the first year after my oldest was born in 1998. I was 20 and experienced something like a 9 month period. — No thank you. Then I tried pills, and they made me so sad. Even though my doc said “no more kids” I am now using a calendar, my body’s signals, and good old’ fashioned Naturalamb to keep from getting pregnant. When I am consistent with this, it works every time. I’m just not ready for a tubal yet (my doc keeps pushing). I think that’s something you should be VERY sure of before you commit to.
I’m sure lots of gals appreciate your honesty, and I hope you get back to normal soon!
Twitter: sheenatatum
You know Linsey, I look at mental health issues in women differently now because we truly don’t know the “why”. It’s sad that birth control are major contributing factors. I spotted for what seems like forever on Depo. I was 20 as well. I’m using a fertility app on my phone now and it is so on point with my body and the OPK tests I’ve taken. I’m so excited! Naturalamb… oh my *giggle*. I am loving this discussion.
Definitely feeling you on the no BC thing! I haven’t had symptoms as bad as you but I definitely don’t care about those that I have experienced. And I’ve tried several times.
Natural Family Planning is not so bad. It’ll take you a few months to start noticing all the changes i.e. cervical mucus, basal body temps, changes in your cervix, etc. but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love the uniqueness of your body. It’s doing so many things we just don’t even pay attention to on a daily basis.
My hubby and I are using NFP and condoms to keep the babies at bay! We have 3 and haven’t completely ruled out another in the future. I’m so much more comfortable with our decision and though people think we’re out of our mind to be trusting a chart, I know my body and I’m happy that I’m not having to deal with the side effects of BC.
P.S. There are alot of apps on iPhone and Android that you can download that are excellent!
Twitter: sheenatatum
Rebekah,
I’ve downloaded an app on my phone and it is so accurate. It has all the bells and whistles from basal temp, cervical mucus, weight, when to have sex, next dates for fertility and period. It even has a pregnancy tracker. I’ve taken OPK tests on my ovulation day and they’ve come back positive. I think I have a keeper!
Mirena IUD Side Effects | Mirena Horror Stories | Depo Side Effects http://t.co/RnbDK6zB via @sheenatatum
I thought I’d was skipping the side effects by opting to go the tubal ligation route. Biggest mistake of my life. I’ve had three blood transfusions in three years due to heavy bleeding. As soon as I had the procedure done my cycle completely changed. My doctor suggest a hormone shot to stop the cycles all together – Lupron. It works but the side effects – no thanks! I felt like I was pulling my hair out piece by piece. I was do moody. It was like I was in a self- imposed jail. Needless to say I stopped getting the shot. I’m looking into natural alternatives for heavy cycles.
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
Stesha –
I, too, had three transfusions in one year for heavy bleeding. My own nightmare story a three-unit transfusion in the emergency room (no rooms available), and upon my release they handed me SIX depo-provera pills with a cup of water. “This will keep the bleeding to a minimum.” Off to home I went …and the bleeding got worse. Ten hours later I was BACK in the emergency room. They couldn’t believe I was back. They did a blood count …and I had LOST THE ENTIRE THREE UNITS! In ten hours …..
At that point I’d lost nearly ALL faith in the medical community. A friend advised me to try Progest, a natural progesterone cream. I did. The bleeding stopped. STOPPED. This took 3-4 days. To me, miraculous …I had suffered from extreme bleeding for too long. Please research this product. I do believe it saved my life (and allowed me to say NO to the hysterectomy they were insisting (“It’s your only choice”) I have).
Once cancer, etc, has been ruled out as the cause of extreme bleeding, it’s time to research what’s called estrogen-dominance.
Twitter: sheenatatum
*jaw drop*
Us ladies have it so hard don’t we? If it ain’t one thing it’s another. Getting my tubes tied is something I don’t think I could ever do and I am so spooked now. I’m sorry you ladies have had to deal with such traumatic results :(. You two may want to look into consulting with a Homeopath for some natural solutions to stop the heavy bleeding.
Wow! So sorry to hear that. My quick story was I had the Implanon and had a period for 3 months straight (then 3mths off which was heaven). Was told to give it time, went a year and a half. I was given a nuvaring to regulate me and I immediately went crazy. I had all the symptoms you described but within 2 days of putting it in. I knew I had to take it out when I became suicidal and would cry every hour. I felt relief almost immediately! My original gyno heard I had it and she told me her horror story which was “I can survive w/o sex” and depression. We switched me to Mirena which hasn’t caused me problems yet, but I’ll keep my eyes open.
Thank you for your courageous story and good luck with family planning!
Twitter: sheenatatum
Laura,
OMG I’m so glad you got the NuvaRing removed when you did. That is crazy! We all react differently to BC and I’m hoping the Mirena doesn’t give you the problems it gave me.
I’m so scared of birth control. I took birth control pills briefly in college and had some pretty nasty side effects (including rapidly declining vision! my eyes got so bad I had to get a new prescription twice in a year.) I stopped taking them after I realized what was causing it all. I’ve been scared of birth control ever since. It just feels so weird to me, taking hormones.
When I was dating my husband we used only condoms at the beginning and the rest of our relationship used nothing! (except timing). I ended up pregnant after us dating for 4 years and had just been engaged, hadn’t seen each other for awhile and weren’t being quite as careful. Now that we have kids I’m not afraid of getting pregnant but I’m still afraid of birth control. I’ve heard so many horror stories. I really want to try natural family planning, my aunt has had great success with it. After reading this, I think it just confirms my not wanting to take any kind of birth control.
Twitter: sheenatatum
Mandey,
That’s so scary. I already have horrible vision. You’ve given me yet another reason to never ever touch BC ever again. I think it’s totally worth a few beautiful babies than to walk around afflicted with so many side effects.
So about that Mirena…:
I had it removed. If I had the stamina to do back flips, I would. I … http://t.co/K4cnUGgI via @mommydaddyblog
So about that Mirena…:
I had it removed. If I had the stamina to do back flips, I would. I … http://t.co/ZOkszkZC via @mommydaddyblog
So about that Mirena…:
I had it removed. If I had the stamina to do back flips, I would. I … http://t.co/8gUp2ulz via @mommydaddyblog