Levonorgestrel and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Hea...
• September 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I previously had the Mirena and loved it. My Gyn said they switched to Liletta and it would be the same experience. WRONG! I’ve gained 10+ lbs & am constantly bloated. I’m more active & have a better diet than I’ve ever had. My skin looks like I’m going through puberty. I’m emitting a smell that is god-awful. I have no energy, no libido, constant mood swings, reflux, nausea, and I just feel like an alien in my own body. I chalked it up to turning 30 this year coupled with the weirdness that COVID has brought, but in the back of my mind, I’ve known there is something wrong beyond that. I’m so glad I found this forum and know that these changes are caused by the IUD. I would rather manage periods than become a different person like I have been. Everyone is different but for me, there is a HUGE difference between the Mirena & Liletta IUD and I cannot wait to get this thing removed & get back to being myself."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 30, 2021

"Kyleena is the BEST THING I EVER DID!! There are a ton of bad reviews but don’t let them scare you. I was on the pill for three years but they made me depressed, I gained weight, I’d get migraines, they made my acne worse AND my periods were TERRIBLE!! When I’d get my period before I had Kyleena, I would bleed for 7-10 days and it would be excruciating for the first 4 days. I wouldn’t be able to even move! So I switched to Kyleena. The migraines went away, after the first month, my skin cleared up, I lost weight, my mood was better and my first period was miraculous. I literally was only in pain for an hour. Period lasted about three days, was super light, and the weirdest part is is that even though I was still bleeding, THERE WAS NO PAIN!!! The procedure hurt a little but not quite as bad as I expected. I was not lightheaded, I felt totally fine, and the light cramps only lasted about a week. I’m so thrilled I finally found the perfect birth control. Sex is also wayyy better!"

• Mel...
• April 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I had my IUD for 1 year and 9 months. The good part is I did not get my period much, but of course I panic because I always think I’m pregnant lol. Anyways, while using Kyleena... my mood swings were crazy. I was super mean to my husband, I had severe depression and anxiety, and acne. I gained so much weight with it, and IT'S SO HARD TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH KYLEENA. Also, vaginal dryness was awful, I constantly had yeast infections, tears, lost so much hair... and my sex drive decreased. Overall, I did not like it, I got it removed today I just couldn’t handle it anymore."

• Coc...
• September 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I have seen a ton of 10-star reviews from girls who made the review a week after getting it inserted. Please give it more time until you leave a review because the side effects come in the long term. I had the Kyleena for 2 years, and at first, I convinced myself I loved it, but I was so wrong. The insertion was god-awful and inhumane. After insertion, I had my period for 90 days straight. A few months went by, and I loved the IUD, but then the real side effects started coming. I became extremely irritable, had terrible mood swings, and had suicidal thoughts. I became depressed, had horrible insomnia, had trouble concentrating, and really bad brain fog. I gained a lot of weight despite eating the same amount, and my boobs grew 2 sizes, and when I got the IUD, they deflated, and now look horrible. I got an ovarian cyst, had bacterial vaginosis, uterine spasms, and cramps so bad I would scream. The doctor cut my strings too short, so I had to pay $3000 out of pocket to get it surgically removed."

• 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."

• Ano...
• October 14, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, I promised myself that I would do a review once I started my period to calm some of you ladies who are freaking right now. I took the pill probably about 45 minutes after unprotected sex. A week later I started spotting, so of course, I was freaking out thinking it wasn’t my period. It was very light spotting, but my cramps were AWFUL! I was shaking, they were so bad. The bleeding lasted 5 days, so I was hoping it was my period. A few days later, I experienced every pregnancy symptom in the book.. headaches, nausea, exhaustion, sore boobs/nipples, weight gain, cravings. You name it! It felt like the most stressful few months of my life.. this month I was 6 days late on my period and FINALLY started! This pill does have side effects for some people! Not all.. but! If you take it before 72 hours, I promise it works! You’ll be okay, I promise.❤️"

• 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."

• MLa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I got Liletta about 3 years ago. Very painful insertion but pain went away about 1 hour later. My next two periods were unbearable. Like I thought an ovary was exploding and I couldn't walk or breathe. I have been having pain on and off every week that is similar to endometriosis pains with light bleeding. I have PCOS and I told the doctor and they said it would be fine, but I'm starting to wonder about it. I have no sex drive, feel tired all the time, and have a mental fog that I specifically remembered starting around the time of my insertion. I also gained about 15 pounds. The cramps radiate out from my ovaries to my back and down my thighs. My doctor keeps telling me it's normal... I want to get it removed as soon as possible."

• ali...
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "First, insertion was extremely painful. I am comparing it to a Paragard insertion about 10 years ago, a breeze. I had Paragard for 8 years with no issues, and do not have kids. I opted for Liletta last month. I've noticed such a dramatic shift in my mood and personality for the worse, as well as bloating and weight gain. What makes the side effects even more dramatic is that I have been working out really consistently (running 10 miles/week, yoga, strength), which would normally lift my spirits and mitigate any winter blues, but nope, I'll get off the treadmill and feel on the verge of tears for no reason. It's affecting my work and my relationship, I want it out asap. I've also been crampy and spotting for the entire month since it was inserted. I realize that part is meant to be normal, but it's like insult to injury taking all the other side effects into account. The pros are: I'm not pregnant. Worth it? Not at the cost of my relationship and mental health, and physical well-being."

• Nic...
• June 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I had Liletta inserted after my last baby. The doctor told me it was the same as Mirena, but it is NOT. I didn’t have any problems with Mirena, but three months after Liletta insertion, I got Telogen Effluvium and lost a lot of hair. (More hair shedding than I have EVER experienced.) I gained weight, and my libido is completely GONE! My hair is continuing to fall out. I had my hormone levels checked twice, and my estrogen level has dropped so low that it barely registers on the charts. My doctor told me that could be from the Liletta suppressing my estrogen (and progesterone) production. Those are two VERY important hormones for a woman, especially for hair growth, skin, nails, etc. Nothing like having a birth control that basically puts you into a menopausal state LONG before you are due for that. After having this awful device in me for fourteen months, I am finally getting it removed tomorrow! I do NOT recommend Liletta to anyone and do NOT let your doctor tell you it is the exact same thing as 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!"

• Mia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 20, 2020

For Birth Control "Okay, I’ve never written a review, but I wanted to, so I could maybe help someone out. I was on the pill for 3 years before I got my IUD. It honestly just seemed easier to go on the IUD so I didn’t have to take a pill every day. I’ve had my IUD for 8 months, and it is the worst thing. I got such bad acne. It reminds me of when I was in high school. It was extremely painful acne as well. I have also gained SO MUCH weight for literally no reason. I have the exact same diet that I did before. I get such bad cramps now, and I never usually got cramps. I also have extreme back pain that is sometimes unbearable. I get moody and lightheaded all the time. It also amps my anxiety for sure. I’m getting it out in a week, and I’m so excited. I want to go back on the pill."

• 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."

• blu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla in for 6 years: I replaced it once after 3 years. After reading all the horrible reviews of IUDs, I hesitated getting one for a full year. I eventually took the plunge, out of fear of becoming pregnant. Insertion was uncomfortable, but bearable. The majority of the time, I forgot I had the thing in. No cramps, no bleeding, no acne, no weight gain-zero side effects. I know my experience is in the minority, but I wanted to leave this review so others could see that not every person has issues with IUDs. My experience was overwhelmingly positive."

• P G...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Kyleena now for a year after being on Depo-Provera for 5 years. I have extremely painful periods, and I stayed on Depo because I was scared of the pain coming back (despite my horrible depression, weight gain, and acne). I made the switch to this IUD, and the only bad experience so far was insertion. My doctor suggested prescribing a pain reliever for before the appointment, but I was dumb and didn’t accept it. Ask your doctor for pain pills for those first couple of days, and enjoy your pain-free uterus! I also have lost almost 20 lbs of Depo-Provera weight as well! Not every experience is negative."

• Bre...
• January 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta for what will be 3 years this month. Overall, it has done its job, seeing that I have not gotten pregnant. The pros for this birth control for me would be shorter and lighter periods, less severe cramps, and bigger breasts. However, what made me write a review on this site was seeing that so many women also experienced some of the same cons. I’ve had terrible depression and anxiety since starting it. Granted, I am naturally a very emotional person, so for the longest time, I thought it was just me. But reading these posts and thinking back on the last 3 years, I can see that my emotions have been ten times worse than usual. I’m easily stressed now and overly anxious. I also feel extremely unmotivated and lazy and have had so many random negative thoughts. As if that’s not already enough, I’ve gained so much weight (went from 130 to 170)."

• 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."

• Csm...
• March 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on dozens of birth controls, pills/rings/patches, you name it. Whether it was depression, anxiety, an increase in aura migraines, or weight gain, I felt like Cinderella but having to search for my own damned glass slipper. Well, I got Kyleena about 1.5 years ago to help combat endo. The first month was unpleasant, but I stuck it out. Flash forward, I don't get a period (score!), hence my cramping has reduced substantially. It hasn't prevented the growth of some cysts, but without depression, anxiety, weight gain, or migraines? I'm a major winner. One downside is a little bit of acne around my jawline/chin occasionally. For 5 years of worry-free birth control? I’ll take it. Will it be the same for you looking for your glass slipper? Who's to say. Honestly, all our bodies are different, and what fits me is not a one-size-fits-all. I never write reviews, but I love this IUD. Do your research, but don’t let bad reviews discourage you. I almost did, and that would have been a big mistake."

• Lil...
• October 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my Kyleena IUD in Sept 2017 when I was 18. The insertion sucked, I did stay at the doctor's for nearly a half-hour because I was going to faint. I was menstruating when I got it inserted, I'm not sure if that made a difference. The periods for the first six months were regular, but heavy. Then, starting 6 months after I got the IUD, I experienced regular but light periods. With the IUD, I have had very little cramping when before my cramps would keep me home from school or work. After I had my IUD for about 2 years, my periods have completely gone away. I have been having unprotected sex (same partner) for two years, and I have never had a pregnancy scare. My boyfriend has felt the strings, but it doesn't bother him nor me. Since getting the IUD, I have gained weight, but I know it's not from Kyleena. I have the same acne as I did before I got it. I plan to have my IUD removed in July 2021, and I am dreading the removal."

• MLP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I never write any reviews. I feel like I have to after 2 years of using Kyleena. The side effects are way too much for anyone to handle the pain. In the past, I have had gallstones, 17-hour labor, a 10-pound baby, and never had this much pain in my life. Also, the bleeding was out of control and spotting all month. No sex drive, depressed, an overwhelming sadness like life is not worth living, weight gain, acne, anger, thought I was pregnant, vomiting, breasts hurting, truly unstable. The doctors wanted to put me on antidepressants - no way! I should be happy: new wed, new home, new car. WHY DO I FEEL LIKE THIS??? I decided to remove Kyleena and put in a copper IUD. OMG, now life is great, periods are normal again, having amazing sex, no issues, feeling happy, feeling amazing. Everyone told me it was stress, and in my mind, NOPE... IT WAS MY KYLEENA IUD... no more hormone IUD ever again. Be careful, ladies."

• 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."