Mirena and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I have issues with hormones any time I have been pregnant or been on birth control. I get every bad side effect possible. I was hopeful for this one. I had it in for a month and had severe headaches, cystic acne (literally all over my face & no wash would make it go away), constantly felt light-headed/dizzy, nauseous, zero sex drive, horrible mood swings, my period lasted 12 days and I was constantly bleeding, horrible stomach pains randomly when I moved certain ways. This medication made my anxiety & depression worse. So bad that I couldn’t be around my 4-year-old son because I’d get so anxious I'd have a panic attack. One day at three weeks of having it in, I had such a bad panic attack over literally nothing. I had to lay down in a dark room with a fan on me. I got so worked up I passed out. Do your research. There are a lot of harmful things that can happen when being on the Mirena IUD that they don’t tell you at the doctor. Do your research!"

• She...
• June 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena IUD placed 7 weeks after my second son was born. I heard good things about it from the girls I worked with. They told me they loved it. Placement was pretty painful, even though I just gave birth 7 weeks prior to it. I bled constantly for 2 and a half months. After that, the bleeding only happened when my monthly flow was coming. When it came, it was pretty heavy and would last 7-8 days. My periods were right on schedule monthly. Then I started feeling fatigue, anxiety, massive mood swings, depression, insomnia. I had to push myself to get out of bed and take care of my children. Around month 9, I started getting blurred vision. I had blurred vision when I was on the pill after my first child was born. I knew it was the IUD causing all this. I had it removed 2 days ago. I spotted a little after removal. But now have a full heavy flow. My mood has changed a lot already. I’m calmer like I used to be. Not 100% back to myself yet, but removing it was the best thing I did."

• 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."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm looking for reviews to see if I made a bad decision. I'm 46, and I had the device inserted on December 4, 2019, to help reduce my heavy periods. Well, today is February 17, 2020, and I'm still bleeding! Every day!! I'm so tired of using Kotex and tampons, I don't know what to do. Plus, I have acne and some emotional instability. I had a visit with my doctor on February 7, and she said to give it another month. Well, we'll see. I'm leaning towards having it removed in a month, yet I'm so eager to have no more periods!"

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2010

For Birth Control "I first would like to thank all of you that posted comments. After reading them, I felt I'm not alone. It's not just happening to me, there is nothing wrong with me. I'm 34, with one child and had Mirena for 5 months. The insertion was almost painless and the first month was fine. Right now, I have gained 10 lbs, loss of sex drive, have headaches, back pain, insomnia, constipation, hair loss and general depression - OF COURSE that's going to cause to have mood swings. I'm waiting on an appointment to have it removed. ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT is that I had suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my child 4 years ago and honestly I was worried that these side effects (especially depression) were a sign that I was still not okay."

• 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."

• lav...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 22, 2020

"I would not recommend Mirena to anyone. I gave it 1.5 years, and it has made me depressed, anxious, overly emotional, hurts my relationships with friends and family. I am irritable, have a complete loss of sex drive, and feel disconnected from the people around me. It has been long enough, and my period, although light, is abnormal and lasts for a month and then doesn't come back for months. I have pain with sex, pain before period, and an increase in depression before period."

• CRA...
• March 5, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Let me say, I had some light bleeding after the first month. Now I have had no periods. I'm 41 years old. I have had the worst periods since I was 16. My mood swings have stopped, and my skin is amazing. Look it up. It also helps with acne. I am so grateful. It really does work!"

• Aub...
• February 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I love my IUD for many reasons. A lot of these reviews are just based off of the initial side effects and insertion. While I admit it was mildly painful for the first 24 hours and the spotting lasted 1-2 months, I am now 3 years in, and couldn't be happier. My period is 95% lighter and lasts only an hour, I never get cramps anymore, and I am comforted by the fact that it is so reliable! No weight gain or mood changes, and my skin is still clear. Some people say these cause infertility, but that is not true. IUDs have undergone many, many clinical studies which show that is not the case! Don't let people on here scare you :) If you want the facts, go to a credible source."

• Anonymous
• April 29, 2009

For Birth Control "I've seen so many negative reviews of Mirena online that I just wanted to share my positive experience. For the past 10 years of my life, I have had horrifying periods. I have stage 4 endometriosis and a blood clotting disorder that would leave me in bed for days in excruciating pain every month. Since getting Mirena, my life has changed incredibly. I do have some of the side effects such as mood swings, slight memory loss, and acne, but my period now lasts one day and barely hurts. I have had it for 3 months, and I will gladly deal with the side effects to continue benefiting from a life with significantly reduced pain. It's not perfect, but after years of experimental treatments with no success, I can honestly say that this works."

• Hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have a 10 cm fibroid, which has been held responsible for sudden, large bleeds that I was having. These bleeds were unmanageable and could strike at any time, causing my clothes, shoes, and carpet to be soaked with blood. I had read about Mirena coils and hoped it would work for me. It was inserted by a gynecologist following a hysteroscopy to check that nothing else was untoward. Insertion was slightly uncomfortable, but I had no pain afterward. That was 6 months ago, and I have not had any further bleeding, no mood swings, and as I am probably peri-menopausal, no symptoms of menopause either. An added bonus is that I no longer have periods due to Mirena, so holidays are no longer ruined. It has saved my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 2, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Absolutely wonderful experience with my Mirenas - I'm now on number two! No periods, no mood swings, no lethargy, I just feel in great health. If you are wondering if the Mirena is for you, I recommend trying it. It seriously changed my life - I now have a life rather than being hostage to my hormones!"

• Sey...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "In Oct 2020, I had lost so much blood during my period that I had to have a blood transfusion (3.5 bags). Afterwards, my gyn-ob gave me birth control pills w/ estrogen to regulate my heavy periods. It made my blood pressure go through the roof. I also had swelling in my legs, feet, and ankles. So in March 2021, I decided to have the Mirena IUD inserted. I was still bleeding heavily when my gyn-ob inserted it. It was a bloody mess. Mind you, my vaginal area was sore from all the bulky tampons that I experienced such a stinging sensation. Now fast-forward to July 2021, I'm still experiencing heavy bleeding at times. I'm constantly having to wear panty liners. I get headaches and strange body aches monthly. I've gained weight in the back of my neck and belly. I once had clear skin but not anymore. I've been hiding behind a mask the entire time. My mood comes and goes. I'm contemplating removing the IUD. I was miserable before the IUD, and now I'm miserable with it. This dilemma has ruined my livelihood."

• Nes...
• December 9, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So after 17 years of horrific monthly periods due to my endometriosis, I finally had enough. I have 'microscopic endometriosis', surgery won't help. So after everything, my specialist recommended an IUD. I was very skeptical because I have tried hormonal birth control in the past, and it made me really moody, with insane mood swings that cost me the love of my life. But after consulting with multiple doctors, they explained that the hormones are directly in the uterus and don't affect your moods. At first, I bled for like 2-3 months. It was awful. The pain was awful. But I stuck it out, it was my last option. I'm so thankful I did. After 6 months, periods stopped, pain stopped, and my life has been pain-free for 5 years. Love Mirena!!!"

• Coo...
• January 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I had Mirena for a year. Insertion was a small pinch and not bad at all. I spotted the whole time I had it in, experienced more headaches, lower back aches, and cramping. The spotting wasn't really a lot, but I always had to wear a liner. My sex drive was low, and I would get panic attacks and have horrible mood swings. I also gained like 15 lbs. I had it taken out today, so I am hoping I feel better. My husband is happy I am getting it out, he said I just wasn't the same with it."

• aca...
• January 2, 2012

For Birth Control "I'm 25 years old with no children, and I have Mirena. I absolutely love it. The pill gave me acne, weight gain, mood swings, and nausea. The NuvaRing gave me blood clots. Mirena has been a dream. Insertion was no worse than a bad period cramp (again, I've never had kids, and it didn't hurt that bad), and I spotted for a few days. No biggie. I've had oily skin and acne my whole life but am able to control it. Mirena has made it no worse at all. I work out every day and have even been losing weight. So, Mirena has not made me gain weight. I just want to be a positive voice out there for Mirena. Before I got it, I read message boards, and it almost discouraged me from getting it. Thankfully it didn't because it's been the best birth control ever."

• Jea...
• June 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted two years ago, after I had my fourth child. When it was inserted, I did not feel anything at all, I even had to ask the doctor if she was finished, lol. For the first year or so, I had unexpected periods-some short, some long, some heavy, most very, very light. For a short while, I was able to predict when I was going to get my period because my mood swings would go crazy. Now it's been two months that I get less than a day of periods. It is only a little spotting done. I feel good, I have not gained any weight, no pain, no more mood swings. It does not interrupt my sex life with my husband. I would recommend Mirena to anyone."

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Tried pill form birth control for a few years before getting off of it because it caused some strange mood swings/anxieties. Felt better off birth control for 1 full year but decided to try Mirena because I was getting my period after like 10 days from stress/etc. I took 4 Advil the morning of, and the procedure was a bit uncomfortable, but it kind of reminded me of getting an ear piercing... it's painful, but it's not like the worst type of pain ever. I just did a lot of deep breathing through it. Had cramping for a few days, but just keep the Advil pumping! Discharge in the beginning, but pretty much smooth sailing now 2 months later. It's great!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena put in 6 weeks ago to help control heavy periods. The actual procedure was uncomfortable, but not 'painful,' although I did take paracetamol and ibuprofen beforehand (as recommended). Week 1, I had no symptoms at all. Then, week 2, I started to bleed. Now at week 6, and I haven't stopped bleeding since week 2. When my 'period' was due, I had double the duration of my normal cycle (where a tampon was required), but the other weeks have been pad only. I haven't had any mood swings or cramping that are any different from before Mirena, so I'm going to bear with it and hope I come out the other end with the intended result... lighter periods. Watch this space!!!"

• NoB...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 27 with no kids. I do not want kids and never have. I wanted something long-term that was more reliable than the pill and wouldn't mess with me in the way the shot does. I've had Mirena for several months now. At first, the cramping was odd and painful, nothing I couldn't handle, it would happen sporadically and would subside after a few minutes. A few months into it, it's pretty much gone. No periods and minimal spotting. It was literally, for me, 'stick it and forget it.' I'm very happy with it. No weight gain, no acne, no mood swings. I'm still my regular self. For the insertion, I was really scared, and my OB gave me something for nerves. Honestly, it just felt like a deep cramp. I didn't feel the pinch, but it's different for everyone."

• Jul...
• January 2, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have used Mirena for 12 years so far. The first insertion was very painful; my doctor explained that the cervix can tilt, and that is why it was painful. Mild discomfort for two or three days and very light spotting in the first year or two. From then on, no pain or spotting. Occasionally, I have had light spotting after sex. Subsequent insertions by female doctors were pain-free. Having had incredibly heavy, painful periods of 14 days and longer, using tampons and pads at the same time and still having embarrassing leakage, having a Mirena is wonderful. I was anemic and exhausted most of my time before Mirena. Oral contraception made me emotional, and I felt so unsettled I came off them after a few months. I haven't had PMT or menstrual cycle-associated issues since my sixth month or so with the Mirena. My quality of life improved immediately without the fortnightly worry and pain. There are positive outcomes using a Mirena. I would highly recommend giving this IUD a trial at least."

• Bal...
• October 18, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Got my Mirena inserted in April '19, today is Oct. 17, roughly over 6 months. So far, all the days were nothing but one horrible pain covered with never-ending bleeding. I will dismiss my headaches, almost like horrible pressure and cystic acne (always been envied of my skin), nausea, mood swings, insomnia, feeling depressed, and lack of libido. However, I can’t believe that something that small could put me through this hell. What else can this be called if for the past 6 months I didn’t wear a pad maybe for 5 days tops? This past week it got so heavy and long with so many huge clots, I feel more insecure than I’ve ever had on my worst period day. My spouse is very supportive, but it’s me that is losing patience with it and about to lose my marbles. Will call my gyno the first thing tomorrow morning to have it removed and won’t leave the room until I see it outside my body. I refuse to be so naive as to be told to wait months to see results. Will keep you posted once I have it out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 15, 2012

For Birth Control "Thank you for these reviews. Finally, I realize that I am not crazy. I have had the Mirena for almost two years. Insertion was almost painless, and at first, everything was wonderful. Slowly, I have noticed awful side effects: mood swings, hot flashes, panic attacks, left arm swollen, insomnia, and too many more to count. I have been to the hospital on four separate occasions, thinking I was having a heart attack, it turns out it is stress from all the other health problems. I am having this removed. I hope everything returns to normal soon."

• DMa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 45 and never pregnant (my husband of 17 years has a vasectomy, so pregnancy is not the issue). Got my Mirena on Nov 6, 2015, to control heavy (gushing) bleeding every time I get my period (which was quite regular and predictable). I have bled pretty much continuously since Nov - have had maybe 10 days total where I didn't bleed or have brown discharge. Cramps hit randomly and are severe. It's seriously starting to affect my marriage too - mood swings, constant bleeding = no sex, arguments because of no sex, etc. Called my GYN office today and told them I want this OUT - waiting to hear back from their nurse. I'd rather bleed heavy for 2 days and know it's coming than to maybe bleed or spot or cramp at any given time. NEVER AGAIN!"

• Mic...
• October 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I decided to switch from the pill to Mirena because I was not great at remembering to take the pill, and I am 21 and not ready to have a baby, so I wanted something I could not forget to take. I went online and read reviews and almost did not go through with it because, even though there were some great reviews, the bad ones terrified me, especially because I had a lot of problems on multiple birth control pills before (depression, mood swings, sore breasts, etc.). The initial procedure for me was not bad at all, and the pain was less than a normal period cramp. Since then, I have had no pain and no adverse side effects, and I have nothing but great things to say. So much better than the pill, and honestly, the best decision I have made about bc."