Mirena and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2010

For Birth Control "I have had this for about 5 months now. I had NO IDEA others were going through the same things I am. I am tired, moody, and have gained about 25 lbs. I have been working out more and couldn't figure out what was going on until now. I am dry during sex, not in the mood most of the time. Acne has been pretty bad, didn't know why that was either (don't usually have acne). For a few weeks now, my body feels like it is pregnant. The moods, tired, etc., but all tests say not pregnant. It makes me uncomfortable to have so many things going on."

• 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."

• tin...
• January 26, 2010

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena for about 2 years now and have had nothing but problems with it. My hair is falling out. I have gained weight. I don't want to have sex. I'm depressed. I now have anxiety attacks. I haven't had a period since getting it but I would rather have one than be moody all the time!"

• 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!"

• End...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started Mirena in 2016 for endometriosis causing ovarian cysts. As far as birth control, I use it as a secondary method, but it's been effective. I've had no periods and maybe 10 episodes of light spotting in almost 5 years, none of which lasted more than one day. I've had a few noticeable cysts in that time (some abdominal tenderness), but nothing like the pain I would have prior to insertion. For treating my endometriosis, it works as it is meant to. The bad: within 2 months of insertion, I gained over 20 lbs. I've steadily gained weight around my abdomen since. Not all has been related to Mirena, but I have gained about 50 lbs in 4 1/2 years, and I know that Mirena is a huge factor. My cystic acne had also gotten worse, but I'm not sure if it's related. I'm due to get Mirena taken out in a few months and am looking into alternative treatments as I don't want to continue to gain weight."

• Fre...
• February 8, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the Mirena inserted on Nov 23rd, 2020. I have already had a tubal ligation, so I didn't need birth control. This was supposed to help reduce severe menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding. One week after insertion, I developed edema in my legs. I thought this was normal and would go away once my body adjusted to the Mirena. It is now Feb 8th, 2021, and my whole lymph system is swollen. I've gained 11 lbs in fluids. I'm exhausted and out of breath all the time. Before, I was in decent shape and worked out 5-6 days a week. I've bled every single day since it was inserted. The stomach cramps are terrible. Just a general feeling of malaise. Diagnosis is lymphadenopathy, but the cause isn't determined yet, as they haven't been able to schedule my tests due to COVID, I guess. I had no issues until a week after it was put in. Now I'm falling apart and want it out ASAP. Terrible, I wish I had never gotten it."

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2014

For Birth Control "While I enjoy not having a period and knowing I am protected from pregnancy without having to take a pill every day, I am having my Mirena removed Thursday. I have only had it for 6.5 months, and in that time I have had a constant dull back pain, uncontrollable acne, and I have also gained 25 pounds. Mirena is just not for me."

• My...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "At 51, I have uterine fibroids and was experiencing super heavy bleeding for months at a time. My doctor recommended Mirena and I unenthusiastically agreed to it because my other choice was a hysterectomy. When younger, I had a terrible experience with the pill (made me really depressed, which otherwise I am not). I had Mirena inserted 4 months ago and love it. I put on a bit of weight at the beginning, which I have mostly lost already. The heavy bleeding is gone. I still wear a pad because I spot once in a while, but before I was using Depend because the bleeding was SO HEAVY. My mood is okay, no depression or any similar symptoms. No acne. Insertion is painful but quick. The discomfort goes away immediately. So far, Mirena is okay for me."

• 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."

• Cri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2020

For Birth Control "7 months since insertion. Pros: no pregnancy so far, don’t have to remember to take pills or shots, etc., no condoms. Cons: irregular, erratic bleeding, cramping, back pain, damn near growing a beard, no sex drive (and my husband is hot), weight gain, depression, anxiety, angry all the time, no motivation, a deep desire to lay in bed and sleep all day, every day, months of bleeding, an altered sense of my normal reality. Overall: I hate it!!! I want to feel like me again, but the doc keeps saying to wait it out. What am I waiting for?.... complete loss of confidence and self-worth?"

• 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."

• Mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena for about a month. The insertion was easy, and it took my very experienced OB about 5 minutes. It honestly felt like a pap smear. I also have 3 kids and a retroverted uterus for what it's worth. Unfortunately, I have had spotting every day since. I hope it stops soon because I have no other side effects. No weight gain, acne, etc., and my sex drive has actually increased (weird, right?). So if you are considering having a Mirena inserted, my advice is to try it and see how it works with YOUR body. Yes, you can read the horror stories on this site and others. People are much more inclined to share a negative experience than a positive one. Talk to your doctor and look at actual peer-reviewed studies."

• 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! :)"

• twa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 13, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was 42 when I first got the Mirena. Had it put in to control my heavy periods. It took at least 6-8 months of still getting a period and off and on spotting before it completely stopped. I have had it now for 5 years and just recently had it removed and another one put in. I am now 47, and this one will take me into the menopause stage of my life. Other than some cramping after insertion and, of course, weight gain, I have been happy with my decision."

• luc...
• January 23, 2016

For Birth Control "This is my experience so far for anyone considering a Mirena coil. I ummed and erred for months because of negative reviews, and my concerns were: 1) Would insertion hurt? The answer was no, I've had more painful cervical smears than the insertion of my Mirena coil. 2) Would it mess with my monthly cycle? Yes, it did. I bled constantly (in an array of colors!) for the obligatory three months that the GP told me to wait until my body got used to it. Then it was another month before I finally went back to my GP and said, 'Help.' She gave me a progesterone pill and told me to take it for a month. I only took it for one week! It did the job, I stopped bleeding and have gone on to a normal cycle. My periods only last a couple of days, do not hurt, and are light (just a smear of blood). I am 47, and compared to the heavy periods I was having before, it's a walk in the park. 3) Would I put on weight? No, not so far. I feel thinner around the middle. 4) Would I lose my sex drive? No, not so far. I was worried about this, however, I am happy to say that I have noticed no difference. Sex is just as welcome and enjoyable as before. 5) Would I get spots? No. The doctor told me that this was less likely because the hormonal content is tiny and localized to the womb. She was right. All in all, it was the right decision for me. I am very happy. I hope this post helps others."

• 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
• 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."

• Haz...
• January 3, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have dysmenorrhea. I have had Mirena for almost 5 years, due to get a replacement at the end of this month. It has been great - no periods, increased libido. I did get some angry red pimples on my chin, which cleared up with antibiotic cream from my GP. Have gained weight, but this is undoubtedly due to my terrible diet and lack of exercise! My GYN said I could leave it another 6 months, but I have been feeling moodier/libido decreasing the last couple of months, due to the hormones waning. Mirena is the best thing I ever tried, I got it to try and stop my very painful periods, and it has worked!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had Mirena since April of 2016. I will finally be getting it removed next week. Benefits: *I haven't gotten pregnant in 3 and a half years on my Mirena. Consequences: *I bled for 11 months after having it inserted. *I gained back 60 pounds that I had worked two years to lose. *Lifestyle/diet changes, intense exercising with a class, and drinking only water for over a year has helped me to lose 2 of those 60+ pounds. *I have extremely irregular periods now. Sometimes 2 in one month (lasting 1-2 full weeks), and sometimes no period for 6-10 weeks at a time. *For two years, I have dealt with fairly constant/daily 'cramps' and pain I used to associate with PMS. *For a year now, I have dealt with breast tenderness and pain. *For the last six months, when I lay on my stomach, it feels like I am being stabbed just below my abdomen. My OBGYN says every single one of my symptoms is normal. I am miserable."

• Bes...
• April 7, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Well, after I was told I needed Mirena for heavy bleeding and being anemic, I was scared to death. The reviews of this medication can scare anyone out of trying it. I had my tubes tied 8 years ago and did not need birth control but was told by my OB-GYN that it was less invasive than an ablation, which I really did want. I decided to give it a go! My OB said not to be scared, that every woman will have different reactions to this! I needed to have day surgery to have this inserted as my cervix was closed up too much to have it put in the office. Well, it's been 6 weeks and it's been great. I spotted for 10 days after the procedure and nothing since. I was scared of weight gain, hair loss, and acne, but nothing has changed! Please give it a try!"

• 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."

• Rez...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena for 3 months. In those 3 months, I experienced the most horrific symptoms ever, and it was definitely the Mirena as I didn't have it before, and I was tested for many other things, which all came back normal. I got it removed today, and almost instantly my lower back pain disappeared, along with constant cramping, and even the headaches I started getting from it have subsided today! I became HIGHLY, dangerously anxious on this thing. I got into a severe manic depressive state on it, had such bad anger problems and outbursts over nothing, not to mention the weight gain and sudden migraines/headaches, joint pain, and pressure in my skull! I am actually furious as to how much this messed me up, but I know not everyone had bad experiences on this, which I find so shocking due to the things it did to me."

• zja...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I just got my second Mirena inserted today - I will seriously never do anything else. I've tried other methods (patch, NuvaRing, pill), and nothing compares to Mirena if you want longer-term birth control! Yes, it is fairly painful upon insertion, but it lasts for only about 40 seconds max, but it is so worth it! Both times I didn't have bleeding or cramping afterward. My first time I didn't even have spotting, my periods just completely stopped for all 5 years. I am crossing my fingers for the same this time! I never had weight gain, and my skin was amazingly clear. For those who are interested in low-maintenance, long-term birth control, I cannot recommend Mirena more!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the Mirena IUD for 5 months now, and so far, I've loved it! I haven't had any weight gain or acne symptoms that everyone talks about in their reviews. I bled for maybe three days after the procedure and haven't had a period since. The procedure sucks, but it's bearable. It felt like intense cramping for maybe a minute, then it's over. I suggest taking 800 mg of ibuprofen before and after because I did have cramps and dizziness for the whole day. I switched to Mirena from oral BC because oral BC made me absolutely crazy (crying at every little thing, irrational, emotional, blowing up at people for no reason, etc.). Ladies, don't let the reviews scare you because every body reacts differently. You truly have to try it out for yourself!"