Mirena and Bloating: What Users Say

• OB ...
• October 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I am an OB nurse, married with two children ages six and three. I chose the Mirena after suffering severe migraines on the pill. I interviewed several OB doctors at my job and my pregnant patients about their form of birth control prior to their pregnancy and decided to give the Mirena a try. I had the Mirena inserted in early May. Insertion process was very painful. It reminded me much of mild labor contractions. After the insertion, I had mild cramps for the remainder of the day. For three weeks thereafter, I experienced light spotting and wore a pantyliner. For the next four months, I would spot beginning the same day each month for a week followed by a regular light period two weeks after the spotting subsided. It is now five months after insertion and I did spot for less time but no period came. Rather, I experience symptoms of bloating and increased appetite as if my period is going to start but without the period. I am most happy to report NO migraines and I lost weight! My mood and libido have remained the same. I cannot feel the string I was instructed to check for monthly, and no complaints from my husband. I did experience some hair loss and noticed my complexion is not as clear, but overall, I am satisfied with the Mirena and recommend women to try it, especially if you want a low-maintenance birth control method."

• Sar...
• January 30, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 47 and got the Mirena because I have very heavy bleeding during my periods. After insertion, I bled for 44 days. Then none for 11 days, and on my next period, I started bleeding again for (as of writing this) 27 days. Overall, I have been bleeding for 71 days out of the 82 (almost 3 months) that I have had the Mirena. While I appreciate the medium/lighter bleeding, the non-stop bleeding has been miserable. It has also been very brown and jelly-like (like the end or start of a normal period). I tried to wait it out, but it just isn't stopping, so I have an appointment in 2 days to have it removed. On a side note, I had bloating and cramping/pinching feeling for the first 3 weeks. I almost had it taken out after the first month, but my doctor said to give it 3 months. The bloating and pinching did subside. I did feel fine emotionally, no depression, and didn't have any weight gain or skin problems with Mirena. Just removing it because of the non-stop bleeding."

• del...
• August 9, 2009

For Birth Control "I'm 27 years old and the mother of two boys. I had the Mirena inserted one and a half years ago. The insertion was fine, mild cramping, but for the last year and a half I have experienced depression, bad acne, weight gain of about ten kilos, mood swings. Six months ago once my periods stopped altogether the symptoms got worse. I began having stomach cramps, nausea on most days, painful breasts and diminished libido and when it was supposed to be that time of the month my abdomen would bloat. I had Mirena removed last week and feel like a new person. I'm already losing weight and all the other symptoms have vanished."

• Liv...
• October 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I had my Mirena inserted in March 2017 because my husband and I didn’t want any more kids. The insertion wasn’t bad, it didn’t bother me. I had irregular bleeding for about 2 months, then no more periods. I had a healthy sex drive that crumbled with Mirena. I thought it was unrelated to the Mirena, my doctor said it couldn’t be the Mirena. I couldn’t lose weight and always felt bloated. My skin was constantly breaking out with acne. My husband and I agreed for him to get a vasectomy. I had the Mirena taken out in August 2019. I didn’t even feel him take it out. A) I started to lose weight and that constant bloated feeling. B) My sex drive is back to what it used to be, I felt broken for over 2 years. C) My skin is clear. D) I have energy and lost that feeling of depression and fatigue. Listen to your body, everyone is different. My doctor tried to convince me to keep it in, but I chose what was best for me. Some women love it, some hate it. This is my personal experience with Mirena."

• Win...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted in January 2019. It is now February 2020. The thin brown spotting is constant every day. I’ve ruined every pair of underwear I own. I’m not sure how much weight I’ve gained...maybe 10-15 pounds. I’m constantly bloated. My skin looks ok but not as good as before...not broken out...just different. The only benefit from this thing has been birth control. I tried to give it a chance but have come to the decision to get it yanked. I’m 40 and will be considering a tubal ligation. I can't win with hormonal birth control!"

• Rom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’m peri-menopausal, 49-year-old, and have had very heavy bleeding for the past few years, which got progressively worse until last year when I had an ablation and Mirena inserted in December 2020. We’re now in May 2021. I bleed 20+ days with a break of maybe 8 or 9 days. Starts with spotting for a few days, followed by a period, then more spotting. My sex life with my partner is non-existent. I get PMS symptoms, sore breasts, bloating, constipation. I don’t bleed as heavily as I used to, but it’s just so prolonged I’m sick of it. I’m calling my GP this week to arrange removal."

• Jhr...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 21, 2020

"This... omg, this has been enlightening. 1.) 30+ lbs. I have gained almost 50 lbs, but I lost almost 20 again. I have literally been working so hard to lose weight. 2.) Acne? Yes! Bad, bad cystic acne. 3.) Pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness on one side of my body. 4.) Infections. 5.) Mood swings/depression. 6.) Cramping/bloating. 7.) Stomach pain. 8.) Pain/cramping after sex. 9.) Low birth weight/premature birth of my daughter. 10.) I am honestly shocked, devastated, and determined to remove it after finding out this is all from Mirena. This is my 3rd Mirena, and I went from the 120s to the 170s and now am back to the 160-ish. I have been through so much with this, it’s unreal. Don’t do it."

• Gee...
• January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "The implantation was super fast and easy. Just a little pinch, mild cramping. Very effective, easy, worry-free method of protection! My menstrual cycles were barely a cycle, and I was so happy to feel the freedom of no heavy bleeding or clotting! Negatives, unfortunately, A LOT of bloating and weight gain occurred for me especially in my 4th year. I noticed a change gradually over the years, then recently it was super rapid. Yesterday, I had the Mirena removed. Again just a little pinch, and mild cramping. Ahhhhhh my body was saying thankful because immediately I felt better! Today, I am down 9 pounds! YES, that’s the honest truth, 9 pounds gone!!!!! :) I’m so thankful I listened to my body, noticed the changes, and made the decision to remove it! I feel so much better! I encourage all to research before making a decision. Most importantly, listen to your body! If you don’t feel right, something's off, go see your Dr! Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy body! :)"

• Anonymous
• October 5, 2010

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena in for almost a year! I was so tired of birth control pills, and my sister had it put in and loved it! So I thought this was finally my answer to contraception. Well... over the last 10 months, I have had acne (on my back, arms, face, everywhere), and I have never been one to get acne. I have had cramping off and on, weight gain, and my stomach has been bloated up like I am pregnant. Also, I have experienced anxiety and loss of energy. All I want to do is lay around. I am getting it taken out ASAP."

• Tar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I thought I'd throw a positive review out there. I've read so many negative ones. I'm 19 years old. I've never had children, so getting it put in wasn't very pleasant, but not terrible. I got the Mirena because I was bleeding for almost a year straight, very heavily. The only negative side effects I've had so far are bloating, cramps, and moodiness, but they went away after a week or so. I've had no weight gain whatsoever. I've actually lost a few pounds... Yay! My sex drive has actually gone nuts (in a good way), and my periods have stopped! That's the main thing I'm happy about. I was tired of bleeding all the time. I'd recommend the Mirena to anyone."

• Les...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Mirena was the best decision I've ever made for my reproductive health. I realize some people don't have good experiences, but it has been truly amazing for me. I had it placed 4 years ago, and I will definitely get another after this. Insertion was painful, no doubt, but after a few days of cramping, I have had no issues at all. My period is almost non-existent, I do have some hormonal acne, which I also had prior to Mirena-it hasn't gotten worse, but it hasn't improved either. I still get monthly period symptoms like bloating, but no bleeding. My sex drive is the same (quite high), and I have so much peace of mind with Mirena. My partner has never felt the strings, and I can't always find them either, but every time I go to the doctor it is exactly where it's supposed to be."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I had my Mirena for a little over a year. I was constantly bloated horribly for the first 9 months. I had no periods, that was the only pro to it. I never had zits before this but got cystic acne on my face horribly. I had horrible anxiety that made me feel like my neck was swelling and I couldn’t breathe. I had an erratic heartbeat randomly that would make me feel like I was going to pass out. Worst of all, I was losing my hair so bad I ended up with a tennis ball-sized bald spot on the top of my head. Once realizing this had to be the cause, I had the Mirena removed. I am glad to say that all of the horrible symptoms I had above went away after I experienced what is referred to as the Mirena crash. I would NEVER recommend this to anyone!!"

• May...
• April 3, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I just got the Mirena 2 days ago. I was very worried, but it wasn't too bad. I do feel some bloating. I had cramping and some spotting, but the spotting has stopped already. I was able to walk/jog after the insertion. I'll re-post after a few weeks, so far so good."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2020

For Birth Control "Was no pain getting it put in or taken out. I removed it after two months. Gained weight, snappy, low sex drive, highs and lows, and really made me feel crazy and hungry and bloated. I wasn’t myself at all. Totally altered my mood. It did not work for me."

• hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve only had Mirena in for about 3 weeks, so things could change, but honestly this has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m 24, no children, and have been on birth control for 11 years. I’ve tried all sorts of different brand pills as well as the shot, and every single one was terrible and made me feel terrible. I gained an insane amount of weight, horrible mood swings, bloating, everything. So far, Mirena has been the opposite. I am so much less bloated, I never feel tired or lethargic anymore, my skin is in the best condition it’s ever been in, and my mood is stable. With that being said, insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I am covered in tattoos and piercings, and I screamed and cried during the procedure and sat on the bed trying to catch my breath for another 5 afterwards. The cramps were absolutely debilitating the first two days. But after that, hardly any spotting or cramps so far. I’m glad I got this despite the reviews!"

• Sav...
• February 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I got this IUD about 2 months after my second son was born in December of 2017. My husband said that he could feel pinching while we had intercourse. I went and got it checked, and the doctor said she would shorten the strings. I had ALL THE SYMPTOMS (headaches, nausea, diarrhea, fever, cold chills, bloating, cramps; but no period). This lasted for months, and it happened around the time I should have gotten my period. I’ve had only spotting. Well, fast forward to YESTERDAY (2/24/2020), the doctor says she CAN’T find the IUD and cannot even FEEL IT! All was GREAT until she couldn’t find it! I’m scheduled for an ultrasound next week to see if they can find it! I actually enjoyed this birth control. Side effects because, hey, let's be honest, this isn’t supposed to be in our bodies! My periods basically completely stopped! I just hope it didn’t embed itself."

• Uni...
• March 5, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted in January 2015 (I was 35) for endometriosis. POSITIVES: No unexpected pregnancies, my period stopped completely within 6 months, and cramping from my endometriosis virtually ceased to exist. *AMAZING!!* NEGATIVES: 1) Complete and utter exhaustion (bed by 9 PM and by 6 AM, I literally drag myself to the shower because I'm still tired). 2) Depression. 3) Mood swings. 4) Sjogren's Syndrome diagnosis. 5) Significant joint pain. 6) Constant headaches. 7) Constant bloating. 8) Autoimmune disorder. 9) Weight gain! I've always been an obsessively health-conscious individual. Spinning, lifting daily because I'm vain, let's be honest. At the time I had my IUD inserted, I had visible abs... Now, I have a pot belly, 'thick thighs,' some back fat, and my calves have gotten bigger (WTF?!). My routines have not changed, and I've weighed my food since I was 25, eating the same thing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The ONLY change that's occurred since is the Mirena!"

• But...
• January 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted after my child was born. He was six weeks old at the time, and I was 36. Since then (a year ago), I have gained 12 kg (no change to my diet, etc.), have back and pelvic pains and inflammations all the time, and no sex drive. My marriage is struggling, and my moods are absolutely horrible. The gynecologist does not want to remove it as he swears by the Mirena and thinks I am overindulging and just full of nonsense. I feel horrible, bloated, and moody 100% of the time. I need some help, please."

• Im...
• September 25, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have issues with heavy bleeding as a result of Mirena IUD being inserted 18 months ago. My bleeding issue has completely been gone. I get a very light period every month and am very happy with that. Since my bleeding was so heavy, my other option would be a hysterectomy. My frustration is the weight gain, I've gained 15 pounds since this was placed. I'm only 5-2, and I work out every single day and watch my carbs and take a very low-calorie diet. In spite of this, I still continue to gain weight. I have constant bloating and terrible water retention. All my weight is in my stomach and thighs. I have an appointment this week to get it removed, however, I'm scared of having the heavy bleeding again."

• Cha...
• March 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena a week ago, and so far, it's been good. The insertion hurt, but it took like five to ten minutes. The first two days, I felt a little bloated and heavy in the tummy. But from the third day on, I never felt a thing again. I was running five miles these days, and my tummy feels well. The only thing is that I have been spotting lightly since insertion. But I know that it's a common side effect, and I just have to be patient. I think a lot of dissatisfaction stems from the insecurity of not being able to have sex with the constant spotting and your partner potentially losing interest. I felt that way at first, anyways, but my boyfriend told me he still loves me and told me to stock up on pads and be patient. I felt loved and relieved."

• wan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 16, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I suffered such heavy periods, used to soak through overnight/maternity pads within minutes on a bad day, so you can imagine how life limiting it was. I was 48 yo, had 3 kids. My gyno suggested a Mirena, thinking it would last 5 years, lasting me through until menopause. I was put under whilst it was inserted. My periods have since been irregular, spotty, unannounced, but a lot lighter. To the point I'd wear either a panty liner or small pad. But it did change my life in that I could finally do things! Bad points: my hair has thinned, I now suffer from depression and anxiety, am constantly bloated, can't lose weight. But I thought it to be worth it as I could do things if I could find the energy, that is. Today it changed."

• ver...
• October 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I recently had my second Mirena inserted. I had my first one for 6 years. I had a little bit of spotting for the last year or so, perhaps due to the hormones reducing. I had gained almost 60 pounds since my first insertion. But it was gradual, and I never attributed it to the Mirena. I recently went on a low-carb diet...started exercising, and voila, 40 lbs lost in a 3-month period! I guess it wasn't the Mirena after all. When I got my second one inserted, I gained 5 lbs of water overnight and bloated something fierce. I began to worry, what if I start to gain again? Well, I gave it 2 weeks, I'm down on the scale lower than ever! I'm a happy Mirena user."

• Oil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "Got the Mirena put in back in July of 2015. The insertion pain was the worst, I thought, and I spotted a little bit afterward. I’m now on year 4, and I’ve been thinking about getting it taken out early. For the last week, I’ve been super bloated and just feel gross. Anyone else dealing with this?"

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 48 years old, have 3 teens, and don't need birth control because my husband had a vasectomy after our 3rd was born. I've been having very heavy, bad periods, and the Mirena was recommended by my OBGYN to help get through the next 5-6 years of menopause and bad periods. I got the Mirena inserted a month ago. The first few days were fine, no symptoms. Then the spotting began, definitely more significant spotting, almost like a steady period, which continued for 20 days. I could have stuck it out if that would lessen, but the worst was the horrible low back pain and incessant bloating. Also very moody and tired. I was taking 2-3 Advil every 3-4 hours, and it barely helped. I had the Mirena removed after a month; happier to go back to heavy periods in order to feel good most of the month. I've had it out for a week and am still experiencing horrible low back pain. Hope I'm back to normal soon."

• Aly...
• September 12, 2013

For Birth Control "Insertion was painful. I was bloated for a month. But I didn't bleed at all, and then everything was fine after a month. I love Mirena. No side effects. You cannot get pregnant. You don't need to get Plan B. It is a miracle for me. I'm getting a new one put in because my boyfriend felt like the strings were razors, so my doctor is putting a new one in with long strings because mine were cut. Also, if you want to get pregnant, just have it removed, and within 2 weeks you can get pregnant. I would rate this an 11/10."