Does Mirena IUD...
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Does Mirena IUD...
| Sat, 04-29-2006 - 9:27am |
Cause any weight gain or make it difficult to lose weight? How about depression?
I've had a horrible experience with Depo in the past and I guess I'm wondering also if this is going to have that same effect due to it having progesterone.
My Dr's first pick is Mirena, but she said that she'd be willing to put the Paragard in place, however that caused a lot of bleeding. Has that been that been true for the people on here that have used it?
Thanks for any help or advice that you can offer,
Lisa

Well, this is only my experience, but I think that having Minera in place made it more difficult for me to lose weight. I had tried depo prior to using Minera and I gained A LOT of weight (probably in the 50 pound range). When I stopped taking depo, I lost about 35 pounds without a lot of effort. Then, I got into a relationship, got the Minera and my weight began creeping up once again. I figured the weight gain was a result of my lifestyle and not my BC; so when my ex and I split up, I kept the Minera and really focused on losing weight. I did not have much success. I actually ended up having the Minera removed and I lost 4 pounds in the 2 days after that. It might be a coincidence, I don't know, but it seemed linked.
Anyway, now I have the paragard IUD. I have only had it for about 4 weeks, but so far it has been great. The insertion did not hurt much at all and I've lost some weight. I haven't completed a full cycle yet, but so far, I don't see why it would be an issue.
It sounds like we've had pretty similar experiences. I let my doctor talk me into getting the minera because I was afraid of extended periods and heavy cramping. Now, not to say that the minera was the worst thing or anything, but I wish I had just trusted my gut and completely avoided the hormones. I've never had any issues with heavy bleeding or cramping, so I don't really expect a dramatic change now that I have the paragard.
Hi Lisa,
I had the Mirena IUD inserted in December of 2005. I have had no problems with gaining weight or losing weight. I just have seemed to have more acne problems on my chest. I have had no problems with depression either.
Megan
I recently switched from the pill to Mirena, and I've lost 10 lbs without trying. I didn't gain any weight on Depo though, so it may not effect me the same way.
Allison
I think with Mirena having hormones it's going to affect every woman differently.
I've had it for several months, got it after having my fourth child, & I've been steadily losing my baby weight. I don't normally struggle with weight gain or loss anyway.
I've dealt with depression in the past & so far I've had none with the Mirena in.
Hope you make the best decision for you :D
Bree
Hi,
I got the paragard in Feb. Since then I have had two periods and my experience has been great. My periods are about 4 days long with two what I would call moderate days, super tampons, nothing extreme I don't have to change my tampon once an hour or anything just like normal. The cramps are almost non existant maybe a few the first day of my period that's it. I hope that helps you out. For me I wanted the paragard because 1) it was hormone free and 2) it last for 10 years big selling point for me.
Good luck with what ever you choose.
Brianne
I had the Nova-T IUD (non-hormanal IUD, like Paraguard) and my periods didn't change that much.
My periods are normally 6-7 days long, which stayed true when I got the IUD. Although, I would bleed quite a bit heavier for days 2 & 3, and then it was very light the rest of my period.
I've never had issues with weight gain and loss, so I can't help you there. Depo just made me crazy and moody, but no weight gain. :|
There are many stories about both types of IUDS (hormones and none), good and bad. It really depends on the lady and her body.
Good luck with your choice.
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>>>Cause any weight gain or make it difficult to lose weight? How about depression?<<<
Hi there,
I went from depo to Mirena after severe bleeding, severe cramps, loss of libido, mood swings etc. I never gained any weight on Depo, and I haven't gained any weight on Mirena (I've had it for nearly 3 1/2 years). After coming off depo it took a long time for my system to recover (around 18 months), although being on Mirena helped to lessen the side effects immediately. I regained my libido, don't have mood swings, next to no period, no cramps. It has worked really well for me.
The difference with Mirena is that the progesterone doesn't go through the blood stream, and instead acts directly on the uterus, thus reducing the likelihood of the problems you have had with Depo. A number of women on this board that have used Paraguard have experienced heavier periods than they would otherwise have. Some have had problems with heavy bleeding, and for others they have really enjoyed not having any hormones in their body. As with any birth control, every individual is different.
Good luck with your decision.
Jan