Menopause due to Mirena

[veryearlymenopause]

I have a long hard story about my experience with the Mirena IUD.  I had my Son March of 2006.  He was a true blessing as he helped me mentally, emotionally, and physically.  I was very concerned about birth control after I had my son because I did not want to get pregnant any time soon.   I did not at all have any post partum issues it actually seemed that my hormones were even for the first time in my life.  My doctor suggested that I have Mirena inserted as it was good for 5 years and I wouldn't have to worry about all of the typical problems that birth control brings.  I wanted to do a lot of research because this was going to be a new part of my body and I was nervous, so I started out just taking the pill until I read all of the information possible.  In February 2007, I had Mirena inserted.  I had my period solid and heavy for 3 months, then did not get it at all.  In mid June, I noticed that I was feeling a bit down but blew it off thinking that I was just stressed.  All of a sudden I started to feel exhausted, wanted to sleep all of the time, I started getting severe hot flashes and night sweats, these funny brain tremors(can't even describe how bad that feeling is), losing my hair, mood swings, and absolutely no sex drive(my poor husband, he has been wonderful).  I went to my regular doctor who tested me for all sorts of things the big one being Thyroid, but everything came back normal.  Sleeping was non existant with the night sweats which made the mood that much worse.  I finally went to my OB in the beginning of November who did some tests on me and said that I was experiencing menopause.  I'm 25 and my son is only 1 1/2.  No freakin way!  He put me on Hormones (which by the way can cause every cancer in the book) and said that I will feel better within a day, but did not want to take Mirena out.  I said ok and went on my way.  I talked to many people for advice who told me to get it taken out right away and go off of the hormones.  I did that 2 days later, my OB asked no questions and I stopped taking the hormones.  I have noticed no change in how I feel, I still get hot flashes and night sweats, am still tired all of the time, losing hair, my skin is very dry and thin, I could go on forever it is only getting worse by the day.  I am strongly convinced that having Mirena in has caused the Menopause, I have had it out since the middle of November and the symptoms have gotten worse.  So my question is, has anyone or is anyone going through the same thing and does anyone know of a class action lawsuit against the makers of Mirena as there was nothing in their information that said this was going to happen.  I appreciate any feedback to ease the stress on me and my family and hopefully get some of a normal feeling back.

Thank you.

[SaraDRussell]

Im 27, i went threw early menopause at 26 due to the mirena.... I got it placed after i had my daughter and had it removed in OCT 2015 to try for a 2ed baby... It is now NOV 2017.. I was put on meds and had all the test done but nothing has helped... I havent had a period sense it was placed in 2012... Even after removal 2yrs ago... Still Nothing..

[LilyMila]

If you asked me about Mirena last year, I would have told you that it is awesome.  I am 37 and have two kids.  I had Mirena inserted in 2013 because husband and I decided that we don't want more kids.  I stopped having periods on Mirena and experienced no unpleasant side effects until September 2015.  I started to experience menopause symptoms such as extreme fatigue and hot flashes.  I had two tests to  measure estrogen and FSH and they both confirmed that I have the hormone level of a menopausal women.  Since I was perfectly fine before Mirena (regular period, very mild PMS, no infertility or any other female problems), I became suspicious of Mirena.  Maybe I was the small percentage of the population who have adverse effect on Mirena.  I had it taken out in October 2015.  I was planning to go on hormone replacement therapy until my period started in Jan 2016.  I even had an ultrasound to see if I have any kind of growth on my ovaries causing abnormal estrogen production and everything came back normal.  We will see if my body will cycle normally from now on.    

I can't find any papers from Pubmed regarding progestin (active ingredient of Mirena) causes early menopause.  There was one obscure paper done on animals regarding progesterone receptors downregulating estrogen, but I can't seem to find it again.  I do wonder if some of the rare side effects were deemed statistically insignificant during the research phase of Mirena.  Regardless if you think my experience was proof or anecdotal evidence, having irregular period before the normal menopause age is a sign of trouble.  Mirena stopped my period all together for two years, so I couldn't monitor my body until the symptoms became too obvious.

[MissP78]

I'm 38 and have had these same symptoms, with confirmed menopause by my OBGYN . I have had these terrible symptoms since I was 33, and right after the birth of my son in 2012.  I had the Mirena out in Oct. 2012, and started having symptoms of menopause and infection 3 months later. I thought I was going crazy, but when I went to my OBGYN she confirmed my estrogen and FSH levels were low and I was in early menopause at 33! I have no hx of early menopause in my family at all. The symptoms really have not gone away, while I have tried Bio Iden. HRT, and hormone patches, natural tx, etc. I have gained 30 pounds, maybe more, have no sex desire, sleep probems, loosing hair, and brittle hair, hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness is awfu! My hair is turning gray more so now as well, plus I just basically have no energy, or happy feelings like my old self. Its sad and makes me so upset. My doctor says it is not related to the Mirena, but seeing all these other posts make me believe otherwise, We all need to contact the maker to complain. Can someone post the contact info to start this process??
Thanks to all of you and I pray for this IUD to be taken off the market to prevent other young women from facing this as we have!

Melissa P.
North Carolina

[Mrsobshaw12]

Well, well, well look at what we have here. I'm 32 years old, I have a 15 yr old, an 11 yr old, and a 5 month old. After my second child I had the mirena put in for 3 yrs. The whole 3 yrs I bothered with bacteria infection, dizziness, hot flashes,night sweats, no periods, forgetful, joint pain, and more more more. I kept going to my OBGYN complaining of all this and he kept saying you are ok, Blah Blah Blah........ Since I had it taken out I still have the same problems. I got married in 2012 and we decided we was going to have another baby. Well, of course I don't have periods so I don't know when I'm ovaluating. My OBGYN suggested that I take some progesterone and yes it worked but after the baby my body went back the same way. I do think this cause menopause!!!!

[chr6istine]

I'm a 37 year old mother of 1. I'm due to have my Mirena replaced in another month. Overall I've been very pleased and had no major problems that I thought were associated with the Mirena.  But after reading this I'm seriously wondering if I'm going through menopause.  

I've been researching causes of my weight gain in the past year which is over 40 lbs. The thought recently crossed my mind that maybe it had something to do with my Mirena because I'm in my 5th year with it. That's how I came across these postings.

I too had blood work done to check my thyroid and kidneys because of the excessive weight gain. I was bummed to find out that all my levels fell within normal.

I'm experiencing many of the same symptoms:
headaches 
excessive bloating 
excessive weight gain 
no response to exercise 
hair loss 
insomnia 
acne 
anxiety 
joint pain 
itchiness
extreme chronic fatigue 
breast tenderness 
hot flashes 
night sweats 
memory loss 
brain fog 
migraines 
vaginal dryness
numbness in hands

[Joybells1]

Omg, I am so distressed reading these posts. I have all the symptoms as mentioned by previous women. I have had my Mirena 5 years now ready to be removed. I had no idea the symptoms I was experiencing were related to this device. Most recently it has been the headaches, hair loss, not having the ability to get out of bed because of constant loss of energy and constant tiredness, no sex drive for the past 4 years. Is there any hope of really restoring our natural vitality and health. No more artificial remedies!!!! I live in the UK. What can be done? Can you pass on the info for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy please?  HELP!!!!!!!!!!

[IamTiggerToo]

This makes for an interesting read. I just turned 43 in December of 2014. About 4 weeks ago, I began experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. I wasn't quite sure what was going on. I have had mirena for the last 10 years. I went to the Drs. last Friday and had blood work done since I haven't had a normal period for the last 10 years. My levels (in all areas) are so low she is running my blood again in two weeks. this kind of leads me to believe that she doesn't even believe the results.

At this point I am in Post Menopause. I am really not sure if it is due to the mirena or what, I honestly haven't asked my mother when she went through it since all the research I have done has pointed to it being pretty much hereditary. But I am beginning to wonder now if it is related to the fact that I have had mirena for so long.

[Essquay]

Thanks to all those who have endorsed their experiences about mirena. I had been to ObGyn to get rid of my heavy bleedings and PMTs right after 5th day of having periods. Now, I guess I have to give up the idea of taking in mirena. I guess, going through PMT for almost 20 days every month and going through several pains and feeling sick all day through would be far better than taking in mirena. Thanks again.

[Chima7]

Sorry to hear all y'all are having so many problems. I have had my mirena for about a year and haven't had any of the problems all of you are talking about. It has been the only thing I've tried that curbed my heavy bleeding problems. My quality of life has improved significantly. I think there is a disproportionate number of complaints on here because the women who have mirena and not experiencing problems are not likely to go seeking out posts by others. So, I think it's important to keep that in mind.

Additionally, I've found through my research into posts across multiple websites that the overwhelming majority of women with complaints had it placed after giving birth. I firmly believe that in that time after a woman gives birth, because her hormones are all over the place, the mirena just makes everything even worse. But for women Luke me who have never been pregnant but have severely anemic cycles, it works pretty good with less issues. So, I think that's also something to keep in mind.

[Mandie1985]

Hi, Thought Id add my story to this blog. I was 22 yrs old on the Mirena for just over the five year mark. Reason being is the string they cut too short and couldn't remove it by hand. So they went in by surgery like getting a abortion done. Very scary i tell yea. Before the Mirena i had normal 5-7 day periods each month not to heavy but great with no cramping. Had the Mirena put in had adominal pains not extremely bad but there. I talked to my doctor she said they would go away. I believe they didn't cause i felt them but was now getting used to it being there. I had one normal period on the Mirena then after Non Just odd spotting here and there. Doctor said its ok it happens to some people using the mirena. But no doctor told me it wasn't a good thing. So i felt insured i would be ok. Then like all of you i got night sweats, chills, dizzy, breast tenderness, depression, moodyness, headaches. All tests my doctor did on me came back normal. Since the removal of my IUD i ended up worse with symptoms. They told me i would get a my regular period back. Nope still isn't back i have a period once a month for one day and its very light. No signs and pains to know i'm getting it either. Now i have heart palputation's ,anxiety, panic attacks, chills, joint pains, headaches, dizzyness, nausea, Dry mouth, dry vagina area, no libido, insomna, breast tenderness, Tired all the time. I've had tests after tests done due to my symptoms. Ext. Ekg, blood work after blood work, abdominal ultrasounds, xray's , ct scan on my brain. Doctor tells me my hearts healthy, No debetes, circulation is good, blood work comes back normal, urine sames came back normal, no internal infections, no bleeding or tumors in my head, Thyroid is good. So now what? I requested to get my hormones tested plus another pap test. Im now 28yrs old. Have been having unprotected sex with my partner for awhile now cause we want another child but together since my two girls are from another father. His two kids are threw another relationship. I know now that all this is due to the stupid mirena Yes it sounds good yes i was ready the possibility's of the mirena moving to other parts of your body but i had xray's and ultrasounds yearly to check the where about's. But no where at all does it say you can get preimature menopause. I'm 28 to young to go threw it and plus i wan more kids damn it.I pray to god that this isn't want it is. I will make Brayer pay for what they have done. To ruin someones life so young. I really feel for you guys that are much younger then me.

[Debbymid4]

OMG!! I cant believe what I have just been reading. I am 38 and have had mirena in for last 5 years and am about to have it taken out as its due. I have been experiencing all of the menopause symptoms just more frequently now which has made me investigate further. I am gob smacked!! seriously I put the exhaustion, low libido mood swings weight gain and all the rest down to my busy stressful life. Now Im sure its this bloody mirena.
I am experiencing really bad anxiety to the point its making me sick, I have gained 20 kg in past couple of years, hot flushes, electric shock like symptoms, tingling, cranky, cranky and more cranky. I am lucky I have 4 beautiful daughters and a partner that's still around, I would have hit me on the head a long time ago. I am so disappointed that I am going through menopause and its because of this stupid bloody thing.
I am in Australia not sure if anyone else here is experiencing same.
Deb April 2014

[Poggle15]

I had a Mirena coil for 5 years. I had it removed as my partner and I were hoping to start the family we had crafted our lives towards. I was a healthy 37 year old at the time. Although my periods had been almost non-existent while the coil was in, they returned for 3 months after it was taken out. Tragically for me, they then stopped and blood tests confirmed that I was peri-menopausal. All my hopes of having a family have been dashed and this has totally changed my life. I am distraught, as I had worked so hard to be in the right position to be able to have children and this dream has been cruelly taken away from me and my partner. I am convinced my premature menopause is entirely due to the Mirena coil. None of the women in my family have started the menopause before their mid 50s. However, all the medical professionals I have spoken to have told me "it's just one of those things" and that there is no explanation they can offer me. I am still extremely emotional about my situation, but if someone else would take the lead in taking legal action, I would get my act together and stand firm with you. I am from the UK. My premature menopause has been the biggest tragedy of my life.

[Mirenavictim]

Ladies,

I had the Mirena IUD for 8 months, had all of the horrible symptoms many have mentioned. It has now been out since September 2012, and my preliminary blood tests just came back suggesting a strange imbalance - my LH levels show POST menopause (while I actually still menstruate), but my FSH levels are normal. Further testing being done in my coming cycle.... I'm 43.

[SarahBern]

I am 31 and just found out through blood work that I am postmenopausal.  I have a couple of doctor appointments coming up, one being the removing of the IUD next Thursday.  If I get proof that the postmenopausal and whatever else I have going on with me (interstitial cystitis) is caused by the Mirena IUD then I intend on filing a suit.  We should all get together and file some sort of Petition against this drug.  I have been in the legal field for 6+ years and know that I could get some legal help.  AND if I find out that I can't have any more children, there will be hell to pay.

We all need to stick together ladies because this is unjust!

[Janie0]

I have the exact same symptoms as you. I also have weight gain and numbness in feet. I always have been thin and now having a problem trying to keep weight off. Bloated too! I'm on my second merina and am making an appt to get it out. I had no problems with my first one but six months after this one I am realizing all the symptoms are related to my second insertion. I even had my primary care doctor do blood work. All is fine but I am miserable.

[Wizzer70]

I am 43 and had my 1st Mirena IUD put in about 7 years ago now due to Estrogen Dominance and I had no Progesterone according to my OB/GYN.  I was moody, crying at the drop of a hat and basically wanted to pack up my bags and leave my entire family!  After dealing with the bloating, cramping issues for about 6 weeks after insertion I felt a whole lot better and thought this was the best thing ever.  I had it replaced about 2 years ago and then started to have weird symptoms - Swelling in my hands and feet (got put on a diuretic), hair was falling out big time and then things calmed down a lot so I ignored the symptoms....until the last 4 months when I have been soooo tired that I can barely function!  I have experienced hot flashes here and there (I'll be sitting watching TV and just start to sweat out of the blue) then other times I will be freezing, headaches all the time (some migraines), bouts of insomnia, bloating when I eat anything, weight gain...the list goes on.  I thought I was going through menopause and had blood work done, but they say "NO" on that one.  Had my thyroid tested but am told things look normal there and all my other blood work looks fine.  My hormone levels are:
Estradiol (E2) - 73
FSH - 3.0
LH - 2.1
Of course, I know something isn't right just due to how I "feel" and I have already seen one Endocrinologist that totally blew me off and so my story continues to find answers!  I have to say that now I have read all these posts, I am concerned as to what will happen if I have it removed!  I'm done with kids, but this sounds all too familiar with what everyone is describing on here.

[MVRSA]

i just had my  mirena removed, God i wish my dr never recommended it. i am 42 in full menopause, night sweats hot flashes, headaches, feeling awful. my mom went into menopause at 55 and my 52 year old sister has still to reach menopause. i am in south africa and would like to know if someone here has started legal action against the manufacturers?

[TNLady1]

I too had early menopause after having the Mirena for about 2 years! I went to the dr. It was confirmed, I called Bayer, but it all happened 5 years ago in 2007. Has anyone sued Mirena for this? Please advise! What is the first step? I'd like to know before calling a lawyer.

[shekinaglori]

I also had the Mirena a few years back, I kept getting infections, so asked my doctor to remove it.  Upon removal I never received another period, went to my doctor at 37 years old he said I was going through the pre-menopause stage.  I linked it with mirena, because I just felt in my gut, that it was this that ruined the natural stages of my life.  Both my sisters who are older than me are still getting periods.  I hate that Mirena aged me and altered the way God created me.  

[LynnReneeLoudermilk]

Do NOT use the Marina IUD. I just had mine removed yesterday. I was having SEVERE hot flashes for approximately one year. The hot flashes decreased immensely, after it was removed. I NEVER considered that the IUD was causing this until after it was removed and I started studying up on it on the internet. Other symptoms I experienced were: headaches, fatigue, increased anxiety, insomnia, depression and joint pain. Please do NOT use this. In many cases, it has caused early menopause and infertility in young women. This is a BAD drug.

[jemiam]

I just found out today that I am going through menopause!  My husband and I have two beautiful children but were hoping to have another.  After missing my period for 2 months I was hoping the call from the doctor that I was pregnant instead I was told I am going through menopause!  I had a feeling it was from mirena...now I know it was.  My hearts go out to all of you.  Mine is certainly broken.  I am going to research some sort of action.  

[Meg0409]

This discussion is breaking my heart, and has literally had me in tears. I'm 27 years old, and had my mirena inserted July 2009, two months after my daughter (who is now 4) was born. When I first had my mirena put in everything was fine aside from heavy vaginal bleeding after it was first put in. I've noticed gradual changes since February 2013. My symptoms are as follows: (I would have never associated these with my mirena)

*Vaginal Dryness (it's literally like the sahara desert down there)
*All day hot flashes... (I'm always running hot regardless of what I wear, or them temperature.)
*Night Sweats (My poor boyfriend freezes at night because I have to have the AC and a fan on me at night--he compares our home to a meat locker because its so cold)
*Joint pains, especially in my knees (pain, swelling, and constant cracking)
*Irregualar periods (I never know when they are coming, how heavy or light they will be, or how long they will be... I've had them be 2 weeks early, 2 weeks late, very heavy or very light... my periods always lasted 5-7 days, now they usually last 2-5 days...)
*Mood Swings (I'm surprised no one has slapped me for the crazy, irrational things I say sometimes, but it has been emotionally trying on the relationship I have with family, friends, and my boyfriend)

I'm going to my OB tomorrow for my "well womens" exam, and I'm afraid I won't be able to talk about this issue without crying. I won't be heartbroken if my child bearing days are over, but I'm far too young to be going through the life change... this is not normal, or natural, and I'm angry because no one warned me that pre-menopause was even an issue... If you know someone with and IUD, please share these stories and information.

[frcs]

Wow. Your story is strikingly similar to my own. I had my first Mirena inserted in 2004 at age 34. In 2009 I had that one removed and the second one inserted. I remarried a few years ago to a man who did not have children previously (I did), so I had the Mirena removed recently to begin looking into our options. I am a very active and healthy 43 year old woman who had 2 healthy pregnancies at very young ages. I cannot say that I haven't enjoyed the convenience of not having a period in 9 years, but I was not prepared for my doctor's office to call me with my blood work results to say that I am in full on menopause!!!!!!! No wonder I've been waking at night so hot that I cannot get back to sleep the last few months. I do not know what to do now. I still need to research my options, but after reading your post, I felt I could really relate. Some of the symptoms I just thought were me, but perhaps not...

[Chalay]

I also had the Mirena inserted after the birth of my 1st child at 28.  During the time that I had the Mirena I experienced hot flashes constantly as we'll as exhaustion!!  Three years later we wanted to start trying for a second child and I had the Mirena removed.  My cycle was spotty and eventually just stopped.  I was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency.  My dreams of giving my child a sibling are gone.  After reading this blog I would like to pursue legal action.

[Louison]

Me too... Got menopause at 35 after 5 years of Mirena - can we go for a class action? I'm in Quebec/Canada. Good luck to all of you. What a waste...

Ps. Also i got thyroide problem not long after. You?