Mirena For Too Long

I have had Mirena for a little over 7 years. I know I need to get it removed but that is not possible for me right now. Lately. I have been experiencing strange periods. They are bright red one day, practically black the next. I will have two or three days that go from heavy to light and then disappear. Two days later, it starts all over again. I thought this might be normal at first, especially since I didn't have a cycle for almost three years before getting Mirena inserted. However, this has been going on for two to three months. I also have cramping in the lower abdominal area that does not coincide with the bleeding. Intercourse is also painful at times and I have experienced cramping and bleeding afterwards. I considered menopause but I am only 31. I also know I am not pregnant because I use other precautions and took a test when things got "strange". I guess I just wanted to know if this is normal or if there could be a problem.

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REPORT

Hi, MBmore! Sorry about the problems you're having, I know they are very concerning and annoying.

Mirena contains a synthetic form of Progesterone that's called Levonorgestrel and it works by preventing ovulation. When ovulation doesn't occur, enough natural progesterone isn't produced.

If you're Mirena is no longer releasing enough into your body, then this type of issue can happen.

It is the estrogen in our bodies each month that causes the endometrial lining to build and the MMPs needed to break it down to proliferate. Progesterone is what suppresses them and prevents bleeding. Normally, once ovulation has occurred and no pregnancy is detected, our natural progesterone level drops off severely, it stops opposing the estrogen and MMPs, so our monthly period is allowed to commence.

And to put it basically, after you've used some synthetic means of contraception such as the Mirena for a long period, your body is just not used to being allowed to ovulate each month anymore, so there isn't enough progesterone being produced now to oppose the estrogen and MMPs.

All of the symptoms you're experiencing are the ones that women 35+ experience from estrogen dominance, once they enter the perimenopause phase, due to the fact that they start experiencing anovulatory cycles where no progesterone is produced.

So right now, you've gone estrogen dominant. It may take a few months for you to actually start ovulating and producing your own progesterone, again.

However, there are other health issues that could cause such bleeding, so you should consult a doctor to have them checked out.

In the meantime, supplementing progesterone back into your body may help. There are creams containing natural progesterone that are available over the counter in most health food stores or vitamin/supplement shops. Once again, this is something you should consult your doctor about to make sure it is safe for you to use, but many women use it quite successfully to treat issues such as PCOS/PCOD, PMS, perimenopause and menopause.

Some women that used hormonal contraceptives for very long periods of time, as in 10+ years, end up with permanent hormonal imbalance that never settles on its own. They don't tell you all of this stuff when you're taking them and, to be honest, most doctors don't even know that much about the long-term effects.

Are there any other questions or comments?

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I also have the Mirena. One thing- WHY do you still have it in? It is no longer effective after 5 years. What you may be experiencing can be expulsion or migration of the IUD! You need to get ot removed. ASAP!! There are NO more benefits from having it in you- just bad side effects!! I would go to your OBGYN ASAP!

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hedda1227, i know the risks and understand that Mittens no longer protects me from pregnancy. I have not chosen to keep it in, i have no choice. My husband lost his job, we in turn lost our health insurance. No insurance andno job means no money to see an ob/gyn. It is unfortunate but i will have to continue to wait until i can afford it. Thanks for your post!

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So so sorry!! Can u find a Family Planning clinic or a free women's clinic? I actually had to get my copper IUD removed at a free clinic due to financial circs. back in 2003! Best of luck- hope your side effects stay minimal!!

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Hi I have had the marina in now for nearly 6 years as they said as long as I'm not having a period it's still working I have now started having a brown distance and my urine is a dark yellow also I have vaginal itching and the discharge smells please help

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Re: Tan (# 5)

I have actually had the mirena for 6 yrs getting it removed Tuesday but I have had strange periods the whole time they never went away and I developed severe anxiety

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I am getting my Mirena removed on Tuesday after 6 years and I would say 6 months after I had it put in I started experiencing anxiety and now have severe anxiety and panic attacks. Has anybody else had this happen and will the anxiety go away after I have it removed?

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I am 40 years old and got mirena inserted 3 months back for heavy periods due to hypothyroidism, occasional bleeding, sometimes more bleeding and cramps...very confusing. Can I take regestrone 5 mg now?

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