Mirena and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Lor...
• February 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I was considering changing over to the implant because the insertion process sounds easier, but after reading those reviews... I think I'll stick to my Mirena. All in all, I love my Mirena. It will be 4 years this month since I've had it. I haven't had a period in over 3 years. Occasional spotting. Rare cramps. I haven't noticed any mood changes or acne or anything else people are reporting. My bf has never noticed when we have sex, and there is no discomfort for me before or after. The only thing I would say was not very pleasant about the Mirena is the insertion. Probably the most painful thing I've ever experienced thus far (32 years old, never been pregnant/given birth). Lasts a sec, though. All in all, highly recommend :)"

• Ann...
• January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I chose the Mirena IUD since it is a localized hormone birth control. I am giving it 5/10 stars because although it did not affect my mental health, I had multiple negative symptoms. The vaginal odor and discharge I had were horrible for my sex life and my self-confidence - there was nothing I could do to make it better. After speaking with my gynecologist, she mentioned that the strings from the IUD can cause repeated infections and odor since they collect and hold bacteria. I am now one month off of the IUD, and everything is back to normal: no odor, no infections. I mentioned to my gynecologist that I also never had acne before having the Mirena IUD, and she said that was also a very common side effect. The acne, infections, odor, and discharge were all negatively impacting my life. This birth control was great for the fact that it was very effective. I never had to worry about getting pregnant. My periods were lighter, but they were very inconsistent, I never knew when they were coming."

• SJa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 8, 2015

For Birth Control "The Mirena worked for not getting pregnant and no periods. However, it gave me debilitating cystic acne. It started within 3-4 months after getting the Mirena inserted. I went to several doctors and dermatologists who all insisted that the Mirena was not the cause. I spent thousands of dollars on acne prescriptions and countless depressed days due to the severity of the acne. As a woman in my mid-thirties, it affected my career as well as my personal relationships and self-esteem. This went on for the next 5 years. I didn't have the Mirena removed on its expiration date and noticed that after about 3 months after the expiration, my skin had miraculous improvement. I had the Mirena removed and have never suffered a breakout since."

• Nol...
• August 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 22, no prior children, I have endometriosis, and was told Mirena was the best option. The implementation process was hell. The worst pain I have ever been in. I fainted and had to have a friend pick me up. I left it in for 10 months. Within those 10 months, I'd gained 18 pounds (on a 5-foot-tall person, that's horrible), I was moody, had the worst cramps, hair loss, acne, horrible headaches, the appetite of a sumo wrestler, and didn't want to do anything. I felt lazy and borderline depressed. They don't tell you those side effects for obvious reasons. Yesterday, I finally had it removed. Being traumatized by having it put in, I about made myself sick with nerves. The removal was quick and painless, and I already feel like myself again."

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

For Birth Control "If you're having side effects, believe that they are from the Mirena. I got mine in October 2018, ever since then, I have been miserable. I didn’t notice much, nor did I think it was the Mirena until one day I kept on noticing a pattern: around the time my cycle is supposed to come, I get these horrible symptoms, and this has been going on for 7-8 months now, with nothing getting better. I had enough and went to my gyno to remove it, she agreed to remove it but could not locate the string. It’s in place. I am so stressed out over this because of the fear of what it’s doing to my body or what it might continue to do. I now have to wait until October to be put to sleep so they can find it and then remove it, ugh! I am really suffering. These are the symptoms I am having: IBS, and I feel like it’s linked, severe depression & anxiety, back pain, cramping, dizziness, eye dryness, ovarian cyst, cystic pimples on my face & acne, obsessive & racing thoughts, numbness in my feet, and the list goes on. The only good thing is that I am losing more weight than gaining because I am so stressed."

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

For Birth Control "If you're having side effects, believe that they are from the Mirena. I got mine in October 2018, ever since then, I have been miserable. I didn’t notice much, nor did I think it was the Mirena until one day I kept on noticing a pattern: around the time my cycle is supposed to come, I get these horrible symptoms, and this has been going on for 7-8 months now, with nothing getting better. I had enough and went to my gyno to remove it, she agreed to remove it but could not locate the string. It’s in place. I am so stressed out over this because of the fear of what it’s doing to my body or what it might continue to do. I now have to wait until October to be put to sleep so they can find it and then remove it, ugh! I am really suffering. These are the symptoms I am having: IBS, and I feel like it’s linked, severe depression & anxiety, back pain, cramping, dizziness, eye dryness, ovarian cyst, cystic pimples on my face & acne, obsessive & racing thoughts, numbness in my feet, and the list goes on. The only good thing is that I am losing more weight than gaining because I am so stressed."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2018

For Birth Control "21 y/o old. 5'11'. 160 lbs. I got Mirena to start a job in a pharmacy. I didn't feel like asking my coworkers for my Sprintec monthly. Remembering back, insertion was a very deep pain felt intensely for 4 seconds, lightheadedness for 15-20 minutes, and bad cramping for 2 hours. Periods: stopped as soon as inserted. Weight: I lost 25 lbs in the few months after. That could have also been due to my new job. My job included standing and no time for eating. My mood: haven't had swings like I would with Sprintec and when I was getting periods. So how about 11 months in now? I have acne again. Like 5-8 pimples at a time. That has started in the last 2 months. So that is my 11-month update. Worse complexion is my biggest complaint. Having my one-year checkup in 2 weeks. Think I'll get a Rx to fight acne. I have had a different experience than most of the women on here so that's why I felt like sharing. Finding the right BC is hard, but I think you can do it. I did. Good luck, sister."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I am kind of upset at the negativity that I have seen posted: bad acne, cramps, weight gain, low sex drive...all of which I was afraid of. However, I admit that I have been breaking out a bit more, but I started washing my face twice daily, and it has subsided a lot better with occasional breakouts. I was told in the past that chin acne is due to hormones. My cramps are bad only when I spot (only happens once in a while). I'm not saying they are comfy, but are better than before I was ever on birth control tabs. I believe that I have actually lost weight, not due to Mirena, but due to work, etc. You need to stay active anyway, so who can really say that it's the birth control? However, I do believe that the NuvaRing caused mine. My sex drive is actually increased too:)"

• Gio...
• October 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Decided to try Mirena after baby #2. Inserted February 2019. Insertion was painful but expected. Period bleeding reduced to nothing after 3 months. Give it a 4 for doing that, but the rest of the side effects are overwhelming. The first 3 months were awful with mood swings. Extreme sensitivity, crying spells, extreme anger, couldn’t handle the children or spouse anymore, patience disappeared. Extreme fatigue to this day. At 3-month check-up, my OB convinced me to keep it longer, saying symptoms should improve with time. Now, 8 months later, still very emotional, and it increases with intensity a week before my period. Also have horrible bloating and developed hormonal and cystic acne. Just now having weight gain. Gained 11 lbs these past 2 months, as much as 5 lbs in a week because of bloating. I was 119 lbs before the IUD and now 130 lbs. I have not changed diet or activity. Clothes I just bought 2 months ago no longer fit me. I’m considering having Mirena removed."

• Gio...
• October 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Decided to try Mirena after baby #2. Inserted February 2019. Insertion was painful but expected. Period bleeding reduced to nothing after 3 months. Give it a 4 for doing that, but the rest of the side effects are overwhelming. The first 3 months were awful with mood swings. Extreme sensitivity, crying spells, extreme anger, couldn’t handle the children or spouse anymore, patience disappeared. Extreme fatigue to this day. At 3-month check-up, my OB convinced me to keep it longer, saying symptoms should improve with time. Now, 8 months later, still very emotional, and it increases with intensity a week before my period. Also have horrible bloating and developed hormonal and cystic acne. Just now having weight gain. Gained 11 lbs these past 2 months, as much as 5 lbs in a week because of bloating. I was 119 lbs before the IUD and now 130 lbs. I have not changed diet or activity. Clothes I just bought 2 months ago no longer fit me. I’m considering having Mirena removed."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 3, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Mirena since November 2018, so I’ve had it for 2 years now. I get very mild spotting every once in a while and cramping periodically, similar to before I got it inserted. I can’t speak to the bleeding after insertion because I don’t really remember, and I got an abortion at the same time, but I don’t think I bled for long. I also had acne before, so I don’t think it got any worse, it may have gotten a little better even. I’m not sure I would get the Mirena again once my 5 years are up. I had it placed for free because of research they were doing, and I was happy to have the free birth control because I hadn’t been on any for a while. I’m sorry to hear some people had quite severe bleeding and mood changes! I hope mine is okay for the next 3 years."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I wanted to love this birth control sooooo bad, but no. I got the Mirena back in September 2020. The second week of having it, my hair was falling out. I called my doctor, she told me to take hair, skin, and nail vitamins and wash my hair in biotin shampoo and conditioner. And she will see me at my one-month appointment. Went to my one-month appointment, she saw my hair thinning in the front and a bald spot. She told me it will grow back, it’s normal... well, the second month of having the IUD Mirena, my hair was falling out more. The bald spot got bigger. My face was covered in acne. (Also, I have not gotten acne since high school.) I have lost almost 8 pounds. And PMS like crazy. Bleeding lasts forever, feels like. I finally called my doctor to get it taken out. I had it for 3 months. My doctor told me it would get better the longer I kept it in. I told her, nope, that this thing was out of me and to burn it!!!! So ladies, please, please, please be careful of what birth control you get. Every body is different."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had the Mirena since March of 2015. It was a painful insertion. Since then, I've had migraines on a regular basis, acne, and decreased sex drive. I don't know if I should call them periods, but for weeks at a time since the insertion, there's the old super dark brown blood discharge. My OB-GYN put me on some medication for the bleeding, but it hasn't worked. I plan on getting it removed within the next couple of weeks."

• ken...
• October 5, 2013

For Birth Control "Mirena has been good for me. When I got it in, I cramped for the first hour, and then I didn't feel much after that throughout the first week. Mirena has cleared my face from acne, I lost 12 pounds, and has stopped my period completely. I haven't had a baby before, so my doctor gave me something to dilate my cervix. I took a Tylenol extra strength thirty minutes before, and the insertion felt only like bad cramping. I always used to forget to take my birth control pills, even with an alarm. Mirena is one of the greatest things I've done. It works so well. The only thing I would say is a downfall about the Mirena is that I am a little more emotional now."

• JMC...
• August 27, 2013

For Birth Control "Insertion: December 17th, 2012. Kids: None. Age: 26. Previous BC: YAZ, Ortho-TriCyclen. I had/have a few ovarian cysts and medium flow periods for 4-5 days before Mirena. Insertion hurt like a serious mother (WOW), but it was 2 minutes of my life. I bled very lightly for about 2-3 weeks after, and since then have not had my period. You have no idea how AWESOME THAT IS. Insurance covered most of my Mirena. I had to pay the pre-insertion appointment and doctor's fees, etc. Only side effects for me include acne (which some might be attributed to me starting to work out a lot). Best decision I've made in a while."

• Kel...
• March 3, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had the Mirena for 3 months now and have not stopped bleeding yet. I have constant cramping and have recently developed bad acne and feel low energy due to the cramping and blood loss. I would not recommend."

• Mou...
• April 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried this because hey, who doesn't love 5-year birth control that you basically forget about? It was absolutely awful. The insertion experience was excruciating for me. I passed out on the table and vomited. I gained 35 lbs in 7 months despite counting calories/working out. I had extremely bad anxiety/depression, I would walk into a place and immediately start pouring sweat. I got terrible acne all along my jawline and back. Extremely low sex drive, and I was so emotionless I felt like a robot. I was on the IUD for about 7 months then decided I couldn't handle these issues anymore. The removal was easy, I didn't even feel it. Since then, I've lost weight, acne cleared up, sweating went away, and I have emotions again. Would not recommend."

• Ali...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2024

For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "GIVE IT TIME. Everyone is different. Best thing I did! Maybe this will help someone. Prior to the coil, I suffered terrible PMS, heavy periods, felt like I was dying, felt suicidal, panic attacks increased tenfold, it was unbearable (I do think I have endometriosis, but I haven't been tested). I got the coil, but I’m under general anaesthetic as I have a tilted cervix and could not bear a third attempt of the pain I experienced when they tried to fit it. When I came around, I had terrible cramps and was bleeding. I bled and suffered cramps for ten months straight, had bad skin, and sore enlarged breasts. I had numerous checks to ensure all was well-it was. I had always heard that within three to four months, it will settle. I am here to say that isn’t the case with everyone, so if you don’t settle within four months, give it time before you remove it. You may be like me. After ten months of hell, nothing except a light spotting of brown-tinged discharge when I wipe."

• Fri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I caution you against using the Mirena IUD! In the span of approximately 1 year: I went from always being acne-free or at 1 pimple a month my entire life to getting several big zits at a time!! Mild phantom period pains each month while on the IUD. Gained 10 pounds in just that 1 year! The insertion was bad! On the plus side: immediately stopped my periods! I got it because I had horrible periods: even a little cough or bending over gave me extreme pain + I'd bleed through a super tampon w/in ~2 hrs. No mood changes via IUD, so I was my usual non-moody self. Removal was a breeze! I had it taken out 6 months ago & I am hoping these acne scars will go away. I'm still getting zits every week! No other method ever gave me acne (pill, shot, etc.). I do think birth control in general intensifies my sugar cravings. Normal recent blood work results. I'm looking to get a Focused Ultrasound Fibroid Treatment & I will use NuvaRing or Advil until then. Thanks for reading."

• Per...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I went to my doc because of heavy bleeding and horrible cramps. Have PCOS and polyps. Had a hysteroscopy, D&C, removal of polyps, and had the IUD placed. All as a way of stopping the excessive blood flow (anemic as a result). Bled for 20 days straight. Then had the same period as before, no changes. I'm now 4 months out, and I'm having a period every 2 weeks. This one I'm on now is so bad that I'm headed to the ER. I have been passing huge clots for 2 days now (like golf ball size and larger) in addition to passing enough blood to fill two overnight extra long/heavy pads in about an hour to two hours. I've also developed horrible acne. I do not trust my doctor. She acted like this was the perfect solution to my issues. Not."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted in April 2011 as a treatment for endometrial hyperplasia with atypia and uterine polyps. The hyperplasia was gone at my 3-month biopsy and the polyps cleared by my 6-month biopsy. I am 41 years old and have never had a child. My periods used to be heavy and now are very light for one to four days, only needing a liner. The main adverse side effects that I have experienced are breast tenderness a couple of days a month, more clear discharge throughout the month, and a little more acne. I can live with them knowing that the hyperplasia has been treated. I have even been able to continue losing weight. I would definitely recommend Mirena as an alternative to using Megace, which is the normal course of treatment."

• Kat...
• August 25, 2013

For Birth Control "I have two children and am on my second Mirena. The first one was great for the entire five years. The one I have now is different. I have bloating and cramping often, severe mood swings, anxiety and panic, and acne breakouts on my back. I am thinking of having it removed. The positive thing about it is I have no bleeding."

• cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena about 3 weeks ago. I'm 21 and have 2 children. The OB told my husband that he would feel the strings and no intercourse for 2 weeks. Well, the bleeding has been nonstop, slightly heavy. I'm not really sure if I like it or not. My OB, by her own choice, had to numb me and give me a shot for pain right before I had it inserted. I'm not really sure if this is normal. I have acne now, I haven't had it since I was 18. I've gained weight, and I get sleepy very easily now."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2019

For Birth Control "My experience was not a good one with Mirena. I had high hopes because I heard so many great things about it being helpful for heaviness, which was my reason for getting it. Immediately, I bled on and off for months. I couldn't tell if it was a period or an in-between flow. It was constant. Discouraged with it, I asked my doctor to remove it, and she advised me to give it a year. Well over a year later, still no change. I developed a vitamin D deficiency, which was so concerning my doctor put me on a 50,000 milligram prescription. I also developed chin and jaw acne, weight gain (which is impossible to shed), hair loss, a rash on my arms, pretty severe depression, and exhaustion. Needless to say, after many inquiries to remove it, I finally had it removed today. I would not recommend Mirena."

• Cle...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 28, 2016

For Birth Control "Only reason why the Mirena gets a star is because I didn't get pregnant. Extreme pain on implantation, and I have a high pain tolerance. I experienced extreme dizziness, headaches, mood swings to the point of breaking down once a month, cystic acne, headaches, and extreme bleeding. Constant cervical irritation and bloating with no sex drive. Would never recommend it, even though it did its job. I was convinced it was misplaced based on the horrible constant symptoms. When I went to have it removed, the nurse acted as if my symptoms were crazy, she had never heard such a thing, and my IUD was placed 'beautifully' and tried to convince me to keep it. I could have killed her. Finally, got it removed and I'm back to being a healthy 28-year-old."