Last summer I was finally starting to feel better. My energy had increased, my mood was stable, things were finally looking up.
My husband and I talked about the possibility of another pregnancy, but the postpartum depression was still too vivid in our minds to risk again. Still, we weren't ready to give up 100% on the idea of a future baby.
I visited my doctor to discuss an IUD (as I have clotted previously, the pill was out for me). She suggested I try the Mirena, an IUD that provides a very low daily dose of progesterone. I was told to expect that with the Mirena I would eventually no longer have periods (sounded good to me).
I had the Mirena installed on a Friday. By Saturday morning, it was clear that something was very wrong with me. I was in tears, angry, anxious. I felt like I wanted to crawl out of my own skin. I felt like I just didn't want to exist anymore.
My husband asked me if the dramatic return of my PPD symptoms could be related to the IUD. I hadn't even considered that! After googling for a few hours, I came to learn that Mirena wasn't for everyone. There were far more potential side effects than I had been warned about.
Searching for the product monograph online, I was shocked to find a clear warning that the Mirena IUD could re-trigger depression in women who had a history of the disease.
I was angry with my physician for prescribing me something that had undone nearly a year of healing. I was angry with myself for not doing the research on possible side effects myself before making my choice.
I tried to have it removed over that weekend, and I couldn't find anyone who would take it out!
First thing Monday, I was back at my doctor's office to have it removed. She apologized and told me that she hadn't considered the effect on my depression. I appreciated her honesty, and was just glad to get the damn thing out of me.
It took several months for my moods and my body to get back to where it had been pre-Mirena.
Many women use Mirena and have great experiences with it - to them, I say "wonderful"! I was not one of those women. I'm writing this post today to alert women who have a history of depression of this potential side effect of Mirena.
Please Note: I have updated this topic - Sept. 2010
Thanks for this, though I take the pill (and am single). I'm surprised your doctor wasn't a little more on the ball, though. That's really a shame and I'm glad she took it out ASAP.
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard about that side effect, but it does contain progesterone so I'm not surprised really. It's good to know, so thanks for sharing your story. Some women say their appetite increases, others say they get nasty acne. Hormones are fascinating. I'm also sorry about your miscarriage. That sounds like it must have been very difficult for you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteOh also -- You could always try the copper one if you still want an IUD.
I have bipolar 2 disorder. I was diagnost a year ago my husband says since I was diagnost it has gotting worst.I know my body and since I have gottin the meraina IUD it has gottin worst so I decided to see if others where haveing the same issues.Now that I see that you are I dont feel so stupid.I am going tomarrow to have it removed,thank you guys so much you dont know how much you have just helped me.(AND TO ALL WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM IT BECAUSE IT WILL HURT YOU MORE THAN HELP YOU!...)
DeleteI had Mirena in for almost 4 years, prior to this I had been a very optimistic, happy-go-lucky woman. Over the past 4 years I have turned into anxiety ridden, depressed, hopeless hermit. I have been diagnosed with bipolar 2, ADD, and anxiety all since I have had it put in. I recently had it removed, and while the fatigue has receded I am still dealing with the fogginess and anxiety as well as mood swings and am now trying to taper off all of the medication I have been put on to deal with the side effects. The worst part of all of it is that no medical professional will take you seriously, and says there is no research to back up the many many claims. Anyone researching Mirena should do some serious homework, listen to other women, those both with good and bad experiences.
DeleteI had the EXACT thing happen, I'm 23 just had a baby in january and suffered really bad postpartum depression which is weird because I have never before had hormonal issues. I got the Mirena IUD after my PPD was gone 6 months later and with the next couple days i got my depression and anxiety back. I gained 25lbs in 4 weeks and lost any libedo I ever had. I got so depressed I knew somthing was really wrong, there was no reason for me to feel that way about my life. I actually took the IUD out myself, I know that is really dangerous to do but I was not in the right state of mine and knew I had to get it out. After reporting to my doctors who is a huge advocate of IUD's and so am I, she said she has seen this issue 3 times in her career. For some reason there are women who have an extreme hormonal reaction to hormonal BC. I can not do the pill either. I can say 6 months after all this I do feel sooo much better if anything I am having a little trouble getting the weight off but I think that has to do with my diet as well.lol
ReplyDeleteThank You so much for bringing this to light! I struggle w/ depression.... I've had my Mirena for 10 mons....my depression has recently flared up! The depression never went away, but it's worse now....even w/ my antidepressant. We just wonder what to use now...I'm a 'fertile Myrtle'.
ReplyDeleteLow-Vision Momma
Hi Low-Vision Momma,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you've been feeling lousy with Mirena. You might consider trying the copper IUD. There is no progesterone in it, so it doesn't have the same side effects. It took me a while to start feeling myself again after getting the Mirena out, so don't be surprised if it takes a few months to start feeling better again.
Good luck!
I have had my mirena iud for about a year now and I am with you only just now realizing how crazy the hormones have been making my mood swings, I am diagnosed bi polar. Plus pretty severe acne. Im getting it removed by Friday
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if the removal made a difference? Thank you.
DeleteWondering the same.
DeleteI Hope it does. I'm having mine removed in a couple weeks. I can't take the constant depression and mood swings! My temper has been horrible. I used to be a nice person! I want my old self back. I don't even recognize who I am anymore. I have also had weight gain, especially my chest. I was already a D, but now I'm a double to a DDD! Plus I'll be talking about something and forget simple words or phrases and can't remember the word to explain something. I have a total brain fart! I have had my Merina IUD in for a little over a year, and I'v been struggling with all of these symptoms since about 2 weeks after the procedure. The memory loss has been in the past 6 months. I will post after I have it removed. I'm praying that I'll return to normal soon after...
DeleteI got tired of waiting and did it myself and I feel so much better with it out because I also have bipolar and it was hell.Meraina should be restudied and give better sideafect information. Should not be recaminded to weman with mood disorders because all bipolar meds are affected by this I.U.D.
DeleteYou removed mirena yourself???
DeleteThank you so much for this insite. I got my mirena in last March, bled for 5 months, and the weekend after I stopped bleeding, I had MAJOR depression set in. My depression included a suicide attempt, cutting, and many hospitalizations. We found a doctor many states away that seemed like the answer, he got my medication lined out I felt good for a while, but now it is back. My husband was wondered all along about the Mirena, but me thinking it has just the slightest amount of hormone release I thought there was no way. Getting to my wits end, I finally googled Mirena and depression. I am getting it out on Monday, I was wondering if you would be able to answer some questions I have. How long did it take you to feel better after the removal? Was it a progressive feeling better, or was it like all of the sudden you felt better? Did you do any labs to see your hormone change or did you just go by mood? If you could answer these for me that would be wonderful. If you wouldn't mind you can email me if you would like, erinmooney07@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing, you have no idea how much this may have helped me!
Oh my goodness - i am so glad you posted this article. I have the IUD since December - and after having it in for four months and living through some high stress periods - i'm finding myself feeling the same as I did with my post-pardum depression. I have to get to the dr. right away.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if the removal made a difference? Thank you.
DeleteI have had the Mirena IUD for over 2 years. My periods are so lignt, but I now know that my serious acne condition that began after insertion is due to the IUD. I will have some scarring. Yet, the depression (especially during my cycle) has been extremely difficult. I'm having it removed soon.
ReplyDeletei also have the Mirene IUD, and thought i was just crazy with all my mood swings. i didnt really believe it was my BC but lately ive been thinking about it alot and it isnt normal for me to be grumpy everyday and i cant go 2 days without fighting with my poor boyfriend. i had post partum depression after having my youngest daughter last year. i have 3 kids and ive never had depression before so after my third baby is a bit odd. i thought things would get better for awhile and they did. for a few days and the depression would come back again and it seems to be getting worse everyday. i just cant keep going thru this everyday. i just want to be happy and normal again. sometimes i think i will never be happy..but i found a simple solution thanks to you ladies..the first thing im going to do tomorrow is call my dr and have it removed STAT! thanks everyone for your comments very helpful!
ReplyDeleteI was beginning to think I was going crazy, but now I see I'm not the only one. I had the Mirena for 5 years and 4 months. After removal, I had bad cramping, and severe headaches. My menstrual was much heavier than normal, and I have got the WORST depression EVER! I am driving my husband insane, our relationship is on the verge of disaster, and I don't know how to control the depression. It is so difficult to explain to anyone what I'm going through. It's great to know I'm not alone here. My man is really strong, because I've been having the depression for almost a year now since the REMOVAL of the IUD in June 2012, and he is the one that gets all the crap. I don't want to get on any medication, because that will only cause more problems, and offer more side effects. My sleep patterns are screwed as well. I basically sleep 15 hours a day. That is insane. I love my kids, but don't even want to do anything with them. I have to force myself to get out of bed everyday.
DeleteI had my IUD removed almost 3 years ago.. I still have no sex drive, problems with moods and all symptoms you said you have.. hoping it will go away because its hurt my family life..
DeleteI am so glad to have read this! I has the IUD put in last monday. I feel I am not my self at all!! I feel like crying, angry, annoyed, fatigue, and like I'm in a fog! I've had a headache everyday this week.. I can not wait to have this removed MONDAY! I am so angry that the doc. would put this in me and knowing the side affects! I even warned my doc. that I could not go on the pill because of this very reason! I really feel so bad!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I've had my Mirena for less than a month. I have been very anxious and can feel depression setting in, which hasn't happened since I got divorced. I decided to google Mirena and depression and I CAN'T BELIEVE how much has come up. I wasn't warned of this at all! I'm not feeling myself and there is no other reason for it. I think I'll have it removed at my follow up visit. This really makes me angry because my doctor told me the hormones wouldn't affect me because they were localized.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I've suffered depression and anxiety for years and healed and have been in a "happy place" for years - through two pregnancies.
ReplyDeleteGot the Mirna in three weeks ago and within a week I was crying for no reason, feeling low, hating myself, feeling sorry for myself and thoughts of suicide set in. Thankfully, I'm familiar with these feelings and am able to understand what is going on. But I've suffered with endometriosis for 15 years and looking for relief. I don't want to get the Mirena removed.
Still sitting on the fence on what to.
I have had Mirena in for less than a month also and I've started feeling depressed and am having mood swings. I also have trouble remembering things. I have always had a problem with depression but the only other time I have felt this crazy was at the beginning of my pregnancy. I have made sure I am not pregnant. I was very apprehensive about getting Mirena put in but it seemed like my only option as I am breastfeeding. Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives? I was told I could also use the shot or a different pill but my past experience with the shot was massive weight gain and the reviews I read about this alternate pill were even more horrific than Mirena. Please help! I'm afraid the depression will just get worse.
ReplyDeleteWOW, i cant believe all these comments, i've had it in for 5 years, and kind of just grin and beared it, but now looking back i see the decreased libido, the WEIGHT GAIN ( i go the gym, eat light and still fat fat fat), problem is i dont know an alternative, and i dont want to get pregnant, arggggh
ReplyDeleteI understand how difficult it can be to find reliable birth control. Before my Mirena experience, I had 5 years of worry-free birth control with the ParaGuard copper IUD.
ReplyDeleteIf the IUD works for you, you might want to consider ParaGuard, as it does not contain hormones. I wish I had just stuck with it and never bothered with Mirena.
I had no idea of the side effects with depression and Mirena. I'm getting it removed tomorrow, I have never felt so awful physically and emotionally. Why didn't they warn me of this?
ReplyDeleteMy feelings of suicide have heightened dramatically, anxiety is through the roof, I feel tired yet it is hard to fall asleep at night as my mind is racing. So many horrible feelings. My Doctors have dropped the ball on this one. I'm livid for the waste of money and time and pain I have endured. I can hardly function.
One more thing..Thank you so much for posting this thread. I feel more in control now realizing it's the Mirena causing this. What else could be causing the dramatic modd change and full on feeling fo depression in such a short time span. I had Mirena inserted the 17th of March, the last 3 days have been the worst. My partner has noticed a change in me as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful that there is an answer to ridding these feelings and that's to remove the I.U.D. as it is very apparent that there can be serious side effects with women who have had a history of depression and have decided to use Mirena. They need to include this information in the pamphlet. I read it from front to back and never was informed of the possible side effects If I have or had depression.
I'm so angry at my doctors and hope no other women suffer what I have been through the last few days. Can't wait for the removal and hope to be feeling non suicidal again. How awful.
Thanks again and good luck to all the Mirena users who are depressed out there.
Thank you for this post. I recently went through this experience with various versions of the pill after not being on the pill for a long time and then getting very bad cramps. No physician or gynecologist would believe me that it was affecting my moods and leading me into a depression, they just wanted to know if my cramps were less painful. It was finally my psychiatrist who put a stop to it all and told me to stop taking the pill I was on. I have been getting better since, but that was a year ago. There has been talk of an IUD, but I am going to do my research very carefully this time. I really appreciate your post.
ReplyDeleteman, thought I found a gold mine...no chance of pregnancy, light to no periods, etc... I have 6 kids and this seemed like the answer for hubby and me time without permanent measures. within hours of insertion, I became an emotional mess, cried 3 days straight, nothing tastes good, I have no desire to eat, no desire for sex, I am naseauated whether I eat or not, I for no reason have tears running down my face (embarrissing the hubby - church, stores, doctors), my OBGYN said it's all in my head and I need a good counsellor, my GP wants me on anti-depressants...the OBGYN also prescribed Ambien to cure the lack of sleep...have you read its side effects - and you want me to take this when I'm responsible for 6 little kids...the GP agreed with me not to take it. Today is day 28 and praise God I found these sites yesterday...I am supposed to go in for the 4 week check up, but it is coming out TODAY! Now that I know I'm not crazy, I am thinking just a bit straighter (concentration on this thing SUCKS)... there were a few days where I was ready to put my kids up for adoption so they could be raised by someone who would smile at them and be able to care for them. I can't wait to get my life back... my hubby just wants me to smile which I haven't done in over a month. Anyone who is considering this, if you get any symptoms that aren't normal to you, think about removal right away as from what I've read it only gets worse (especially around 2 years).
ReplyDeleteMy wife is in bad shape.. she has never had a history of depression.. only anxiety. She is depressed and has anxiety and hi heart rate. we finally had it removed a few weeks ago but she seems to be getting worse. how long before some of you ladies started to feel better? was it gradual or all of a sudden? Please help us!
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry to hear that your wife is feeling so poorly.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a few months to pull out of the depression. Does your wife have a doctor or a psychiatrist? She may benefit from some medication to help her get through this rough time. Anxiety is the worst. I hope she feels better soon.
Thanks for your response Penelope. We have an appointment tomorrow to see a psychiatrist. She is on depression meds right now, she had a few good days so she stopped taking them... probably a bad idea. Hopefully she can get back on track. It seems like everybody recovers after Mirena is out so that's comforting. Thanks again! -Ryan
ReplyDeleteI would like to say thankyou, Firstly for making me realise I should never have doubted myself. I have had the Mirena for 5 Months now, I'm 28 and Bi-Polar, the side effects of these Hormones have driven me into severe depression- affecting my personal life and work. I went to the doctors a couple months ago because of the incredibly painful acne that has now scarred my back and face and asked about having it removed back then- but its "all worth it" apparently. I got this bloody thing because of Endometrosis and not once was I warned about the effects of Depression even though i was taking anti depressants given to me by the same doctor!... I feel completly stupid for putting such blind faith into my doctor. Made an appointment for Monday to get it removed. So Thankyou for giving me faith in myself back :D
ReplyDeleteI feel for each of you who have been through this evil mirena experience. This is my 3rd one. The first two were fine, but this 3rd one has messed me up bad. Im so depressed and angry all the time. Ive gained weight, and Im always sore in my back and abdomine. Im constantly tired and the acne, ugh,the list goes on. Finally after reading the side affects and reading numerous posts about the mirena, I went to my OBGYN to have it removed. When he went to remove it, he couldnt find it. He did an ultrasound to locate it and the dang thing moved what looked liked 3 miles from it's origin and implated itself in my uteran wall. That explains my pain. He couldnt get to it and said he would not even try without putting me out because it would be just too painful. So, I have one week to go before my surgery date. I cant wait to start feeling like myself again and not have to wonder if all this pain and depression will put me out for another day. Im missing out on my kids because of all of this nonsense, but there isnt a lot a can do until this thing is out! I cant wait. I cant say that the mirena is horrible for everyone, since this one is the 3rd one I had and the only one giving me these side effects, but certainly do your homework on it before you get one. It's nasty if it just doesnt agree with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for posting this. I had my mirena less than a month and almost immediately started seeing my depression return. Now a few weeks into it my depression is so very severe. I'm going to call to have mine removed tomorrow. The doctor knew about my unable to take birth contorl or projesterone as it makes me suicidal but thought mirena would not cause the problems. Even the emergency doc on call today said it was a very very very rare side edffect. Looks like from all your stories it is not so rare. I've even been on antidepressants but it seemed as soon as I got mirena they just stopped working. How long after I get it taken out would I expect to see improvement? I've treid asking the doctor but they have no idea. I'm also planning on calling bayer the maker of mirena to see what they say.
ReplyDeleteI am getting my Mirena removed tomorrow. I had it for a year, and just like someone above, I bleed for months (probably 9-10) and when the bleeding stopped, the depression set in. I don't want to live. I have gained weight. I don't care about anything. I am exhausted and snippy. My hair has fallen out by the handfuls, too, and my breasts are sore all the time. I am so glad I am not alone.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get this out of me!
This is exactly how I feel and what I have been going through. Going on 20 months with the Mirena. I am scheduling its removal. Thank you for posting.
DeleteIn the almost 4 months I have had Mirena, I have had weight gain, depression,moodiness, acne, lethagy, generally feeling miserable. I had no idea it was related to the Mirena! I have tried anti-depressant medication for the first time in my life- desperate for reasons or explanations of why this was going on.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading about all the experiences of people using Merina on this site and many others- it seems the Mirena is to blame. I went to my doctor to have it taken out today. The doctor said he had never heard of these side effects in 8 years. I find that very hard to believe- or maybe women do not relate the depression, weight gain, anxiety etc etc to the Mirena (like I didn't or anyone else did)
What a lot of trauma. Complaints should be made to the company and the FDA to get warning labels or at least information about what this drug does to people. It's terrible.
I had all the same symptoms! Got it in 2011, I had never had any symptoms of depression. I ended up in the hospital twice in one year at age 38! Had no idea what was going on with me and someone said that they read some blogs online, so I read them all and was amazed. Of course I asked my OBGYN and she said that it is definately not the Mirena, hmmm. I finally made an appointment to remove it tomorrow! I also gained 40 lbs in 2 years, have always been very thin and also have major acne! I will see how i feel after I get it out :)
DeleteI am so grateful for the honesty being shared on this site. I have always been an ultra happy person, famous for my big laugh. However after my first child at 38 I experienced postpartum, self doubt. Just before she turned one I was prescribed with anti depressants. The following week I became pregnant with my second child. My syptoms disappeared and after my second child was born I seemed to be doing well. Tired of course but ok. When she turned one, my husband and I decided that the Mirena IUD would be a good choice for birth control. I really struggled with two small children, sleepless nights and the changes that this new life seemed to have on my mental health. I began feeling very depressed, anxious, edgy and unable to control my anger. I had to speak with a doctor because this side of myself was new to me and I associated it with a depression and difficulty adjusting to the challenges of motherhood at such a mature age. I hated taking the medication and it didn't seem to help all that much. After a year and half, I finally stopped taking my meds and have had the support of my husband and close friends in trying to help deal with the depression naturally but I was scared of the rage and agitation that would surface so quickly. I have tried to deal with this using meditation, time-outs (for me) and wondered if maybe I was just like other members of my family who exhibited disfunctional parenting and emotional extremes.Maybe I was just like my mother after all. However, I just couldn't let go of the reality of who I have been my whole life and this new me, new mom just wasn't me. I longed and cried, even screamed for the happy self, the positive person I have been my whole life. Last week a close friend of mine discovered that her IUD was the cause of her own personal struggles. a lightbulb went off. I had never considered that my IUD could be responsible for my situation, neither had my doctor. Without these shared stories I may have never believed that it could be something so simple that was responsible for turning my life upside down and impacting not only myself but my husband and children too. I am calling my doctor today. I finally have hope and don't have to accept a life long struggle with depression and emotions that don't reflect my true self. For the first time in 3 long years I am looking forward to tomorrow. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi I read your story and cry as it is so similar to mine. I ended up splitting with my husband and now on my second mirena and can see patterns appearing. I am tiedof being down and my kids taking the b runt of it. I dont know what it is like to be a normal happy mum. I think i have wasted their childhood and a marriage. Please tell me how long it took for you to feel normal after having it removed.
DeleteFeels so great to read this , I have had mirena since early may and recently with going back to school full time and getting my son used to daycare my deppresion has come back in full force....I feel so much shame in admitting that its back and I feel so lonely. Wanting to crawl out of my own skin is the perfect way to put it. Thank you for posting this
ReplyDeleteI got mirena put in about august time... September I started feeling more anxious..it went on and on...didn't realize they were anxiety attacks..beginning of oct I was hospitalized for Suicidal tendencies. I'm diagnosed with PPD. BUT, why would I be sooooooooo happy with my life up until 3-4 weeks after mirena was placed? It just doesn't add up.. I've lost all feeling for everyone and everything that I once loved. It sucks. I'm only 18 years old.. I'm having mirena taken out immediately now. I see a psychiatrist, I've never had depression up until I had this evil thing put inside me. Everyone please pray for me.
ReplyDeleteI too started having strangely worsened depression after the bleeding stoppped! I knew my body was telling me something so I had it removed! I was on it for 7 months. I am just ready to be back to myself. Wish it would hurry up and wear off!
ReplyDeleteWow. I Had the Mirena placed in late September, which happened to be about a week before I starting a new job. I have been on wellbutrin for over a year for my newly diagnosed depression. I will honestly say that I felt the happiest I can ever remember very shortly after starting the medication.
ReplyDeleteOver the last several months though, my depression has creep-ed back. Sad to say, now with full force. I have been to my psychiatrist several times to try a different medication regimen, but so far nothing is working. I am so frustrated and confused as to why my antidepressant would just stop working after being so extremely effective. I have mostly been contributing the depression to the stress of the new job, but it is so hard to say since both changes basically coincided. I am desperate to feel better at this point. I feel like I am on the verge of losing everything that is important to me because I just can't deal with life right now. My brain is not functioning the way it should, I have a horrible memory, can't make decisions and basically just feel stupid. This of course leads to me having horrible anxiety and depression on most days. Being in a fog, as someone previously mentioned, pretty much sums it all up. have been on the fence about this but just made my appointment to get the mirena out tomorrow morning. Praying it is part of the puzzle that leads to me feeling better again. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your posts. Is extremely reassuring when you find other people who have dealt with the same issues.
Ive been reading up on this, unfortunately
ReplyDeletemy i thought i was depressed because my husband and i were having trouble and seperated that was over a year ago and slowely its gotten worse, i pushed everyone away went on anti depressants with no luck, i had no idea it could be the mirena. My depression was gradual. It ruined my life, lost my husband, lost my best friends, lost my job, cry almost every night and blamed myself for everything, i dont know anyone with the mirena and ive had it for 2.5 yrs looking back thats when all my problems started, getting it removed next week. But the damage is done my life has been ruined and i just dont know how to fix it. I cant wait to get it out so hopefully i can feel normal again... I just dont know if its possible
I've read all the comments WOW!! I came across this site looking for information about merina as I have had it in for 5 1/2 years. In that time I have slowly lost my life (so to speak). Depression slowly crept in I have been on depression meds, anxiety meds, had many problems with my boyfriend which has resulted in a seperation after 10 wonderful years. I have moved away from all my family and friends, trying to start over. trying to get my happiness back. And now I'm reading that it could all be related to the birth control I choose over 5 years ago!
ReplyDeleteSince the first visit to obgyn after it was inserted the strings were not visible, and have been told that its ok because the pelvic utrasound shows it is there, right where it should be. I went to my 2nd Dr. appointment in a week yesterday to have it removed, the result of that was a whole lot of pain, cramping, bleeding (by the way I have not had any bleeding for 5 years) and if I want it out I need to have surgery. she said it is 98% effective for 7 years....and it wont hurt to leave it in longer. I was dumb founded by this, I should just leave this piece of plastic in my body forever?? I am really afraid of having the surgery but now I really want it out to see if that is how I find my happiness again. Has any one had the surgery? would you share your story with me? THANKS Tina you can send to GFtina@live.com put surgery in subject line please(so I don't selete by mistake) if you don't mind.
I have the same situation... I have Mirena for 4 years and my depression started at the same time. I never linked it together but once I suspected it, I asked doctor if he can remove it. Anyway, I need surgery now...How was your surgery? Is your depression better now?
DeleteAs awful as I feel to hear all of these stories it makes me feel good to know that I am not alone. I have had my mirena IUD in for two years coming up in March- I've been alright but lately I've been having depressed like thoughts- lack of energy quick to anger and that is not like me. I am a stay at home mum and away from my family but I love my life and overall have no complaints- I live in Ontario -thought maybe the lack of sunshine and Vitamin D might be it but these feelings are too severe! Anyways this is what I got when I googled depression linked to IUD's and it really hits home for me! Thanks ladies- just goes to show we know more than we thought about our bodies when we listen to them- and good luck with your surgery keep it posted if you come back on this site- thanks
DeleteI have been really thinking and researching this and have just come to the conclusion that I am going to have the surgery done, I am scared but I really want to get back to me!! hope it is worth it especially since it will put me back into debt. (which I just crawled out of) thanks for all the comments.
DeleteI will let you all know how it went, when it is all over
Tina
I try to sleep all day if I can&pray I dont wake up. I felt fine before I had the mirena put in. even with my history of PTSD. My doc refuses to remove it in less then 2yrs. Because of how risky it is for me to get pregnant again.,unless she ties my tubes, she said. I just hope I maje it that long. I have 4kids&refuse to take antideoressants anymore because they trigger my anxiety attacks
ReplyDeleteWow. All I have to say I wish I had researched more. I was fine and happy a few months ago. Slowly got foggy and then the depression kicked in. I went to three hospitals and no one wanted to take this thing out. It's evil. Thank good for my babies. They get me out of bed every morning. I just want to wake up and feel normal again
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about these awful experiences! I got mine in about a month ago, it was a very painful insertion and I've had cramps almost daily since which I expected but it is the other side effects that I wasn't prepared for. Starting about four days after insertion I felt really bloated and had gained about 3 pounds. I havn't weighed myself since, but my clothes no longer fit me, and I can feel the excess fat accumulating around my abdomen and hips, which is an unusual place for me to gain it. Starting about 2 weeks ago I began to feel severely depressed. I had been diagnosed with depression years ago, but had been feeling really good for about the past year and hadn't needed to take my antidepressants. I now cycle between severe depression and anger, almost like PMS symptoms. I think I will plan to have mine taken out this week. Ladies for those of you who's doctors refuse to remove the IUD I would suggest getting a second opinion, doctors are not allowed to refuse treatment based on their own personal beliefs and you have every right to demand that your body be returned to normal when you want it to. All I can say is that I'm so happy to have a good GP, I honestly would throw a full on tantrum screaming and would refuse to leave the office if she wouldn't remove mine when I asked. Please don't give up!!! if you want yours removed be more forceful with your doctor of find one who will remove it.
ReplyDeleteI have the Mirena for almost 2 years now,and my depression started about the same time,i had no energy just wanted to sleep all the time,cry for no reason,suicidal though ,i work part time and it is a struggle just to think i have to work, i even went to the Dr for all kind of test,nothing wrong,so i went to se the crazy dr,i am been on medication for my depression for almost 2 months,it was working fine,but the depression came back, i been depressed for a week now,and decided to give the Mirena a second look, i just made an appointment to get it removed before i jump in front of a bus,Mirena is BAD.i'll keep you posted girls.
ReplyDeleteHi girls the previus post is mine,so I do not have to explain again what I went thru the last two years,and besides depression I had every simptom describe in this blog,I am 40 years old.I got the Mirena removed on June 01,(the OBGyn did not want to remove it because she said that that it wasn`t possible that the Mirena was causing my depression and everything else,so i told her that if she did not remove it i would to do it myself) i got my period 3 days after it was removed and it have not stop bleeding but i don`t care,so it`s been 10 days without the Mirena,and i am feeling great, the fist 4 days i felt kind of dizzy but it went away,i am taking medication for depression but i lower the dose so i can quit taking the med too(i have never been depressed in my life,well some times i feel down for a day or two,but nothing like this ,so i hope i can stop taking it in about 3 more days,I spoke to my regular Dr and my Psychiatrist today and I told them about my discovery and they said that is possible that the Mirena was causing my depression and everything else.The Mirena can work for some women just fine,but if your mood changes and any of the symptoms describe by the blogers,remove it.The only reason I am alive today is because my only daughter,she is 22 years old.I will update in 3 or 4 months. Esther
ReplyDeleteI have had the mirena in for about 6 months and I have never been so depressed and anxious. I feel really down all the time and i don't know why? I have being getting bad pain near my right ovarie. I have to get an ultrasound done and I have had a history of endometriosis. I am going to ask my doctor to remove the IUD and hopefully my mood will be better
ReplyDeleteI have had my Mirena in for 7 months now and I have never been a depressed person, despite some major tragedies in my life, I have always been able to cope and get by. I am a person who likes a challenge and likes to live life to the full but at the moment, I can only deal with seeing certain friends, be in certain social situations and I have a feeling like I want to escape normal life, like its just too much. I am 24 and young and I have no desire to go out. I have always had a small issue with body image even though I am not fat at all and lately, its been bringing me to tears. I have gained weight and have been exercising and eating a lot of salad and it has not seemed to help. I have started taking a natural anti anxiety and anti depressant, which is not really helping. My worst time is when i have had some stress at work, the drive home, i just want to cry. sometimes i cry on my way to work or at times when i am feeling down for no reason, I just ball my eyes out. My poor boyfriend keeps asking me what is wrong and my first response is I dont know. There is nothing circumstantially wrong at the moment that would make me feel this low and make my cry all the time so I have started to think that it is the Mirena. I tried several pills and they also had this affect on me. I do not have a history of depression, just normal sadness when things go wrong but I have always been able to overcome it through conversation and exercise and being in nature. After reading through many blogs and sites, it seems that I am not the only one who feels this way after having the Mirena. I am looking into having it removed and having a copper coil inserted instead. I would love to hear a response from some of you to see if any of this sounds familiar
ReplyDeleteYES. this sounds so familiar. I too have no history of depression. It has taken me a long time to come to think Mirena has anything to do with it though. I had my Mirena inserted a few months after starting a new and difficult job. I just thought I was reacting to the stress of work and my doing more things that I am not that good at (reading and processing quickly, making a decision fast). I cried on the way home from work. cried in the shower before work. couldnt sleep.
ReplyDeleteAnyway went on an anti depressant that helped only a little. I now think this Mirena thing may be what I should be focused on. I am looking forward to making this decision to remove it. Down side is my heavy heavy flow will come back but I will happily make that trade.
THANKS everybody for sharing your stories. It really helps me. I think it is an unusual response. Most people love Mirena but it is not right for everyone, doctors should be better at explaining this side effect.
I've had my coil for 3mths now. I have a history of mild depression, but for the past 3mths I can't stop crying, and feeling rubbish. I have now realized these mood swings started just after having my coil fitted. I am definately going to have it removed, I can't seem to function as I used to.THANKS to everyone for posting all this information.
ReplyDeleteI have had my Mirena IUD for about 6 months now and have increasingly watched myself go downhill ever since. The only good thing about it has not been having much of a period. Because I was very reluctant about it in the first place, I did extensive research before considering to take a chance with it. I had been on the pill for years with no problems, but was told that since I was over 35 and ocassionally smoke, that I could absolutely NEVER take the pill because of possible stroke, clots, etc. Although I am working on quitting smoking, I felt in the meantime that I had no choice but to to try Mirena.I was diagnosed years ago with depression and anxiety disorder and have been on anitdepressants and treating it, for the most part successfully. With depression, there are always set backs and ups and downs, but I always know how I feel and how to help myself when I am having a bad time with it. Ever since the Mirena, I have noticed feelings of depression x10 along with other side effects...I have had intense feelings of rage, helplessness,worthlessness, haven't cared about anything or anyone. I have no sex drive, I get frustrated over the smallest things, no motivation, a horrible attitude and outlook on everything! I want to sleep or lay around all the time and the feeling of wishing it were "all over" and that if I didnt see tomorrow, it would be okay with me and that I wouldnt be missed at all. At first I thought that maybe I needed more medication from my Psychiatrist, so he upped my dosage and still no improvement! The worse my attitude and feelings got, the more I zeroed in and began to do more research on Mirena and depression. WOW, I couldnt even begin to read all of the posts and blogs from women JUST LIKE ME and with some if not all of the same symptoms!!! It was like so many of the posts were taking the words right out of my mouth or acting out the same scenes from my life! What a relief to finally know that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel, especially before I hurt the people I love or hurt myself!Over the past 2 weeks, I have been the worse ever! Maybe the extra stress of the Holidays? Maybe some financial issues or a rough patch with my boyfriend?? Yes, all of the above, but nothing that would make me try to overdose on xanax New Years Day like I did! Thank God I slept it off and WOKE UP!!! First thing this morning, I called my Pyschiatrist made an emergency appointment for this afternoon, then made an appointment to get this nightmare device out on Friday! I can hardly wait to be free of it! I am anxious to speak with my gyno at my appointment to ask why there is not more attention or warning brought to this product and patients with existing depression or other severe forms of mental illness. This is serious!!! Who knows how many other women out there, that are otherwise healty, have been suffering or even gone to the extreme of suicide at the depths of their despair and didnt even know why because most of these doctors swear by this IUD and refuse to believe that there are any side effects!(I'm sure the kick back they get from the drug company is nice in padding their wallets too) My ENTIRE medical history was right in front of my doctor's face when he did my proceedure! LADIES....do your research and TRUST your gut instinct! You know you better than anyone!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to know I am not alone. I had the mirena placed in Feb 2012, didn't really think much of it, but I have had moments where I have had panic attacks, no idea why. I blamed it on plaquenil which was started for my mixed connective tissue disease, so the medicine was stopped, but I am starting to think that wasnt the case because it has continued to happen, this week almost everyday. I am foggy headed, dizzy, anxious and just not my normal self. I went to have the iud removed on Friday but they were unable to grab the strings so ultrasound guided on Thursday to remove it...ready to feel myself again, I really hope this is the answer to my worsening issues. My IUD is definitely where it should be because I had an ultrasound last month to check placement. I would love to hear from people after having it removed to see if they are feeling better.
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DeleteWell, it's been 3 months since I had the Mirena removed. Despite some other issues and heartache I m having in my life right now, I feel 100% better!! It took a little while, but I m definitely seeing a huge difference in my moods and how I handle things...also in the way my body feels. With the Mirena, I always felt bloated, tired and depressed. I actually feel better having a period now (believe it or not). I am currently not on any other form of birth control, actually kind of scared to try anything else! LOL Hope you've been feeling better too??
So you mean to tell me you had the IUD in for a measly 4 days and it took your body "months" to get back to normal?
ReplyDeleteI highly doubt that was the fault of the IUD.
It is amazing to such useful information at one place. I was looking for the same information from a long time, at last I found it. Thanks for such innovative and amazing information.mirena recall
ReplyDeleteHowever, in some cases, complications may require more invasive procedures to remove Mirena, especially if it has become embedded in the uterus or migrated.
ReplyDeletemirena iud side effects
This may result in the need for risky surgery to remove the Mirena IUD, and may leave women with painful and devastating side effects from internal scarring, infection or damage to other organs.
ReplyDeleteMirena WILL trigger Depression!!
ReplyDeleteWhy? Here is the science behind that:
Seratonine is Destroyed by Projesterone.
Our happy chemicals are literally broken down by the hormone Projesterone.
Ever wonder why you may have felt horribly depressed while pregnant?
This is why... The hormone released to help you carry your baby also destroys our bodies ability to have peace, happiness, energy and joy.
Take it from me, who has MDD, it will undue all the progress you made climbing out of postpartum depression.
I had mine removed after 1 month and I am still not back to where I was:(
I must add; however, I had my IUD removed only yesterday. The Dr told me that I should expect to feel better in 2-4 weeks. I am riding this out and waiting for another sunny day!
DeleteHas anyone been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in the duration of having Mirena in for years?
ReplyDeleteyes, and I have never had any history of it in 38 years! also gained 40 pounds in 2 years and have acne, I am now 40 and I am getting it out tomorrow!! My doctors said that it is not the Mirena, hmmm
DeleteIve had this in going on 4 years. I'm 42 and was just in mental hospital. Ive always had depression but never as severe as last four years. I have hope after reading this but I'm pissed too. Ive seen many doctors and none put two and two together. My family has suffered too with me being sick and not being able to explain why. I just about gave up and something told me to look this up. I'm shocked. I have wasted four years of my life trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with me. I wonder how many suicides have happened from this. I get mine out in 3 days.
ReplyDeleteI completely can relate to your situation. I became so out of control emotionally I was hospitalized twice following the insertion of my Mirena. I never thought of the link, but hormones play a HUGE part in anyone's functioning. I guess I should have expected it- messing with natural biological functioning of my body. I will get mine out on Halloween of 2013- one scarey project! I pray it is a positive recovery!! p.s. I got it put in at 42..it's been 5 and 3/4 years.
DeleteI am also facing Mirena complications and need the help of the good doctor that can help me to overcome this complication so if you are having any information related to the good doctor then please tell me.....
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