1 year and I had it removed
December 30, 2009Towards the end of November I realized that I was depressed. It came on slow, so it took me a while to put things into perspective. At first I was sad around the time of my period. Then it stretched into the week before. And then it was the week before and after. Finally I was in an emotional pit for two months. A lot of staring, wanting to stay in bed and a wicked temper.
I knew that depression was usually either hormonal or situational. Current feelings aside, I was very happy situationally. That left hormonally. I’d never done well with other birth control (pills, ring, patch) as they always depleted my sex drive, but I’d never responded with depression. So I went through my blog, reading over the last year and figured it was the freakin’ Mirena.
So, short story long I decided to have the Mirena removed. My Doctor tried to talk me out of it, seeing as how it was super effective and had four years left on it. He pointed out that research hadn’t proved that the Mirena caused depression. I thanked him and told him I’d take my chances.
While the insertion was painful, the removal was completely painless. It literally went like this:
DOCTOR: Cough.
ME: (cough)
DOCTOR: Okay, done.
He told me I’d have a period in 28 days. But by 28 days he must have meant the next day, because I woke up with cramps and the heaviest flow I’ve ever experienced.
But the depression lifted almost immediately. 6 weeks and 2 periods later and it still hasn’t returned. I’ll take it.
Dear Mirena – thanks for not letting me get pregnant. Of course, that might have been because I spent the first six months bleeding and the next six depressed. It’s hard to say…
How do you feel after the mirena has been taken out? Is there any severe bleeding or any bleeding at all? How long did it take your body to adjust or get back to normal
Hi Kita,
Physically, hormonally and emotionally I feel great now that the Mirena has been removed. The depression has completely lifted and there were no symptoms of anything else to take its place. The only bleeding I experienced was connected to my period, which was heavy for the next four days and then stopped completely a few days after. There was no bleeding or discomfort in the doctor’s office or anything like that. The doctor said that my body would adjust immediately since the hormones were being removed, and not added. And for once he was right. It was pretty seamless.
-CK
Well thats good to hear! Its been two months for me since I had it removed and this is my second period and for some reason I am running like a faucet its going on day number 9 for my period and I cant figure out why its still going strong, I feel like its some after effect from the mirena. My first period wasnt this bad, it was only 5 days long and a normal period for me only lasts 4 days. Hopefully, this will be over sooner than later its beginning to make me feel very weak
Dear Person,
I have had the Mirena for a year. I had a twin birth, and the doctor suggested the Mirena to me. I have tried the pills and they make me depressed, and gain unusal amounts of weight. The past two months with the Mirena I have been experiencing sharp cramps and abdomenal pains, and spotting. I called my doctor and he said there was nothing to worry about, unless I was bleeding a lot. I think there is something not right with the Mirena. I can’t get my doctor to understand what the problem is and he is trying to talk me out of it, but I really want to have it taken out. Do you have any advise for me?
Hi Venesha,
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I also had a hard time getting the my doctor to understand that I wanted the Mirena out. He felt that all of the symptoms I complained about could have been caused by anything. He tried to talk me out of it too, claiming that there was no better form of birth control, but it was a really rocky year for me. I’ve never regretted having it removed.
I’d say if YOU think it’s causing problems, go with what YOU think. I’m not sure just how much they really know about the Mirena, anyway.
-CK
I just had my mirena inserted today & wish i would found some of this info before i got it done today. My dr. sounded like was a piece of cake so i had no worries really. Well after it was all done only took few mins~~ I felt really dizzy i stayed at the drs office for over 2 hrs i am still not sure how i got home i drove but i dont remember driving. My vision was kinda blurry. Right now, I still feel weak, dizzy worst headache & very tired.
I’m so glad to read these posts. I’ve been depressed like I never imagined. Got Mirena after my second baby. Was diagnosed with post partum depression, but now I’m really thinking it could have been Mirena all along. I’m calling my obgyn in the morning!
I hope everything works out, Melissa, and that your doctors are supportive. I know a lot of women who’ve had wonderful Mirena experiences, but I’m still so grateful that I had mine removed!
Wow this is like reading my own story. I had a baby 5 months ago. I had a depo shot before leaving the hospital and the Mirena inserted 2 months ago. My daughter was born 16 weeks premature and I was a little emotional the first 3 months (who wouldn’t be), but the last 2 months I’ve been like a crazy woman. I have an appt with my OBGYN in 30 minutes because I thought I was suffering from postpartum depression, but now I think it’s from the Mirena. I’ve had 2 other children and never felt like this afterwards. I am a raving lunatic some days. Emotionally I feel like I’ve had the worst PMS I’ve ever had in my life for the last 2 months straight!! I think this thing is coming out.
I’m so sorry, Angie! That sounds horrible. I can’t imagine juggling that kind of depression with three kids, two was hard enough. I just remember how suffocating it felt. And helpless. I hope everything works out for you. Good luck!
Omg, I am SO happy to find out it’s not just me! Had Mirena inserted in May 2011. It is now 6 months later and I’m an emotional wreck! At first I thought I was just having a bad month with PMS but then I realized that it was happening every month and getting worse and worse. This month is the final straw. I spent ALL weekend in bed, so depressed I could barely peel myself up to eat and shower. I don’t usually cry easily at all but I’ve cried almost every day this week! One day I even felt like life was hopeless and not worth living! Not to mention that I started breaking out like a teenager after the first month. Get this thing outta me! I’m calling to make an appointment to get this thing removed ASAP!
Good luck, Shannon! I hope everything works out and that you start feeling better soon!
Oh Shannon! I feel the same way!!!! I had my PJs on ALL day yesterday and only got up to eat…or did I? No I didn’t! I had a smoothie and went back to bed! I spent all day in bed on my laptop! Doing what? Facebook! FIVE hours on FB! WTH is wrong with me? OK…I showered at 7 PM, put on clean PJs and ate dinner at 8 PM which consisted of TEN Ferrer Rocher chocolate candies! This depressed, hopeless person is NOT me! It has to be the Mirena! Yes I have PMS about a week before my period but THIS goes wayyyyy beyond PMS! This has become AMMS…All Month Menstrual Syndrome! I will not spend 2012 like this! I’m so glad I found this site!
I am sitting at my laptop trying to figure out why I can’t sleep. I’ve been awake since 3:55 AM and it’s now 7:13 AM! I have terrible headaches nearly EVERYDAY! And I want to cry for three weeks out of the month! I’ve had my Mirena for almost 3 years…after baby 3 because I never wanted a ‘surprise’ like that AGAIN! Now I am depressed A LOT! I can’t focus! I’m angry and I have NO energy! And the WORST…I’m indecisive! I don’t know if that’s related to Mirena but I haven’t been able to make a decision without second guessing for about 2 years! Should I do the laundry or clean the kitchen! Consign these clothes or just Goodwill them? Feed the kids or let them eat cereal for dinner! Dinner!!! Oh boy! What’s for dinner?!?! That causes me such frustration! See I’m off on a tangent! Now do you see what I’m dealing with? Looks like I need to call my OB/GYN today!!!
I hope you’re feeling better, Veda Speaks! Everything you’ve experienced would be overwhelming if you dealt with one symptom at a time, but all together and with three kids? You must be one super strong woman!
PS: If removing the Mirena helps with indecisiveness I’ll be totally jealous because I haven’t made a quick decision since…hmmm…middle school? High school? Elementary?
I have an appt scheduled for Jan 23rd. As for the indecision, I hope removing the Mirena will help me make a decision! I’ll let you know!
You sound just like me. Mirena was my last option too, as hormones screw me up like nobody’s business, and due to complications after baby #1 of 2, condoms feel like friggin sandpaper. I would have got my tubes done but the Powers That Be were reluctant as I’m only 22….then I found out it causes rather severe hormone stuff ups too, and stopped asking.
Soooooo Mirena it was….yeah, only the worst decision ever. Nearly one year on exactly and our marriage is now at breaking point. I don’t feel a damn thing for anyone, not even my kids. I’m in robot mode and the thought of my hubby touching me, let alone having sex, makes my skin crawl. I’ve also had not a single spot of blood, and although I’m not missing the SAVAGE PAIN of heavy periods, I’m sure that can’t be good for me, right?
I tried to get the beast out a few months ago but, of course, it had to have disappeared somewhere inside me, and I’m now on the (long) waiting list to have it removed, perhaps surgically, at the hospital. In the meantime, I’m going down to the chemist today to see if I can get St John’s Wort, then I’m going to harrass the hospital – starting to have fleeting thoughts of leaving, and even ‘permanent’ leaving, if you get the picture.
Can’t wait to have it out, thanks so much for documenting your (excellently written) journey; helps me feel like I’m not alone. Please cross your fingers for me that I can get it out soon, and that our marriage does not suffer any permanent damage…
K
It’s lost? The whole thing? And they’re making you wait? I’m so sorry, K. This is beyond upsetting. (And I know we don’t know each other, but please shoot me an email if you ever want or need someone to talk to about this stuff. I won’t have all the answers, but you are certainly not alone in this.) You can reach me at ck(at)badmommymoments(dot)com.
You said that you found out that having your tubes tied causes “rather severe hormone stuff ups too” What do you mean by that? I was never told that there could be any side effects to my tubal ligation other than possible ectopic pregnancy. My hormones have been screwy my whole life I would intentionally do something to make that worse. I chose to have a tubal because I have had 3 sons, all while on birth control, and they are absolutely the best things in my life but I didnt want another surprise especially after three difficult deliveries and a newly learned family history of thyroid disease.
Hi there, thought I would update
I FINALLY, after fighting for several months, got the mirena removed 6 days ago. I cried with relief! I felt quite bloated for a few days, like when you have your period, but that stopped today and now I feel lighter than I ever have done! I had gone up from 52kg to 59kg in a year ; doesn’t sounds like much but that was heavier than I ever had been (apart from when I was pregnant). I havn’t weighed myself yet but I’m really hoping I will start losing weight again now.
I’ve been having bad headaches almost every day that don’t seem to go away with painkillers – perhaps withdrawal type symptoms? I only had mild – moderate bleeding for a couple of days, with no cramping. I am SOOOO happy to finally be free! I had to go on citalopram in January, all because of the mirena – the Drs of course denied that it was causing my depression and advised me to leave it in and see a therapist. I ignored them!!
Mia – try researching ‘post tubal ligation syndrome’. My auntie had it and then had to have the mirena put in to control her heavy periods. I don’t mean to scare you but I would want you to be aware of possible hormonal effects of a TL.
I have an appt. tomorrow to have mine removed! I have gained a serious amount of weight and had severe depression. I also have acne that is worse than I ever had as a teenager. I’m nervous about what to do for birth control from here. I don’t want to do anything permenent yet but I really don’t think I want any more hormones. I’m really hoping the depresion and wieght gain will be corrected with the removal. I must admit I’m a little nervous. It makes me feel a lot better to see these comments and know that the mirena is most likely the cause of this depression. Thank you for being so candid – it has really helped me to make the decission to have it removed! Here’s hoping it turns out well!
Good luck, Priscilla! I hope that removing the Mirena solves these issues for you. (Keep me posted!)
Just read the whole year of Mirena and I keep trying to be optimistic about mine. I just got it 2 days ago, I spent more than 5 years on Depo and I loved it! It evened me out moodwise, no pms, a little weight gain but nothing drastic (mostly my breasts got bigger,) no periods, great skin. I quit the Depo because I had teeth issues, root canals, cavities in front teeth and a couple removals that I could only attribute to the Depo.
I spent a year without any BC just condoms, I’m in a long term relationship without any kids (never been pregnant) This past year with a normal period was horrible, PMS like crazy, panic attacks, mood swings, depression, feeling like my relationship was over, that I decided enough was enough, I needed BC so I researched everything, the implant isn’t available and I wanted something long term and I suck at remembering pills. So I got the Mirena, my partner has good benefits so the cost was less than $40.
The insertion was uncomfortable but not tot he extent that some make it out to be, I felt a little nausea but I had drank 3 cups of coffee in less than 4 hours (nervous) and it hurt to bend over after but so far 3rd day in and no blood, a little after period type mud but I’m not too far off my period ending so that’s normal. I’m keeping track of my progress when I found your site. Fingers crossed that my experience is a good one. Thanks for sharing your experiences. (sorry my post is so long)
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story, Chicky82. I’ve known many women who’ve had good experiences with the Mirena – here’s to hoping we can add you to that list!
PS: I’m totally jealous of those benefits!
Just an update: I’ve had mine over a month and except for a couple of odd periods (light, muddy colored and not at regular time) I’ve never felt better. I’ve been able to find the strings no problem and unless I lift something really heavy I don’t feel anything. I’ve had my checkup and everything is in place and looking good. I feel calm and no depression, panic attacks and my relationship is great, we are looking into buying a house
I wish the Mirena worked for everyone as it’s great for me so far.
[...] One year and I had it removed [...]
I just had my second Mirena inserted. My first was fine, no pain at insertion, very little bleeding, etc. The nurse practitioner (femal) at my OB’s office did that insertion. The actual OB (male) did the removal and insertion of the second, just a couple of weeks ago. OMG, the pain that time was horrible! And I bled for a week after. I didn’t have to be on my period for either insertion. I don’t know if this time is any different from last time. I hope I get the same good results as I got for the last five years. Just wanted to share. Thanks for creating this forum.
Thank you for having this! I haven’t felt like myself in a long time. Flat at times, unhappy, detached from my beautiful, amazing children and wonderful husband. It’s got to be the Mirena.
Last month I was more depressed than I ever have been in my life. I even told my husband It would be easier to die than to live like this. What? Who the heck said that? I am not that person. I have nothing to be so depressed about. I am not bipolar either. I have perspective on life. I am the laid back kind of girl. It’s got to be this Mirena. So I’m afraid if I take it out. I already have three kids. What do I do? Maybe there is some truth in Natural Family Planning?
Hi! I read your blog with mouth wide open! it was so recognisable!
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i’ve had my mirena removed for about 2 weeks ago after suffering depressionlike moods, having no energy for nothing at all, no libido and always tired!!The pil wasn’t good for me, every period 3 days eating nothing but ibuprofen because of severe headaches! mirena seemed to be THE SOLUTION but now i know it wasn’t. i haven’t had a period since the removal but i already feel better: less tired, not so down anymore, libido is going up
Only one more thing for me to say: NEVER AGAIN!
I have had the mirena for 48 days and stopped bleeding for 3 of those days
ive been depressed,moody,cramps,feeling sick ect I hate and will be getting it taken out as I dont feel as tho it has done me any good and to have to use tampons every day many times a day has become very exoensive and as for the “light spotting” well mine was not light ever at times I thought it was gone it turned out not to be 
hate mirena .just thought id share that as all other ppl ive spoken to swear by it