Levonorgestrel and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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!"

• Med...
• November 18, 2019

For Birth Control "In med school, I learned IUDs were so great-reliable, easy, can't be felt once it's in, covered by insurance, and 'locally acting.' I switched roles and got to be the patient. It has been the worst medical experience of my life. In just 10 days of having Kyleena, I was in the deepest depression of my life with extreme tearfulness that was interrupting work. I have lost at least 25% of my hair. I have gained 10 pounds, bled every day, have extreme cramping, bloating, back pain, and breast pain. This device needs to be recalled and taken off the market. It is obviously not locally acting to have all these side effects. After 7 days, I told my doctor the symptoms. She recommended I start anti-depressants, which is bad practice to mask all the symptoms with more drugs with their own side effects. I would also need pain meds, muscle relaxers, diuretics (for bloating), hair growth medication, acne medication. My advice to every patient is not to get this implanted!"

• 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!"

• ora...
• July 31, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 51. Had it inserted 2 years ago. I never felt a thing. Did not take ibuprofen prior to. It was quick and painless. I bled for a couple of weeks after. Slight cramping for a few days. I do still spot. Nothing major. Gained a few that I can't drop. That's my age too. Not to blame Mirena. Very glad I did it. Should also take me through menopause. Positive experience."

• GGa...
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "Had the IUD inserted in March 2018. It wasn’t terribly painful. Even though my cervix had a crazy pinching sensation, I didn’t experience the wooziness or the fainting, which is ironic because I have POTS disease. I had level 8 cramps for a few weeks and was spotting and having irregular heavy flows on and off for the first 6 months. I sort of stopped spotting, but my irregular periods just lasted longer (2-3 weeks) and went 2-3 weeks waiting for my next irregular period. I gained weight, had hair loss, got acne on my face, scalp, neck, shoulders, back, chest, and randomly on my stomach. Went to a dermatologist, cycled through many products, stopped using scented anything and oil-based products. Nothing helps. My libido slowly decreased to zero. Mood swings. I am unmotivated to do anything; sports, exercise, cook (yet increased appetite), etc. I can no longer say this is worth it. I’m hoping my body can get some relief from all these side effects once I do."

• gmb...
• December 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted 5 months ago and am still having very heavy periods with horrible cramps. Periods are lasting about 3 weeks, and then I only get a 2-week respite before it starts again. I've also gained quite a bit of weight these past 5 months. Thinking about having it removed. After reading and hearing others' comments, I have noticed that those who have not had children are having more issues and side effects than the women who have had children."

• 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."

• Pat...
• December 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted 3 years ago. Only a little cramping after insertion, periods stopped within 2 months, no acne, but a little lower back pain and weight gain. Mirena is still worth it, though. Very happy with this product."

• 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."

• Pay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I would never recommend the Liletta to anyone. I gained 20-30 pounds in the first couple of months after insertion and have had the worst time getting rid of the weight, even after removal. While on Liletta, my moods were drastically changed. I experienced sad, dark, and depressing thoughts. Normally being rather optimistic, I knew something was very different about my mood. I experienced an unpleasant, strong vaginal odor all of the time, which was embarrassing. Just every terrible side effect imaginable. Just a week or two after removal, most side effects are gone... except this pesky extra weight. DON’T DO IT, LADIES! Love your lady parts and don’t feed it poison!"

• EmJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I thankfully did not have any of the extreme side effects of weight gain, constant bleeding, or severe acne. I actually did not bleed at all after the initial insertion (which ended up making me more paranoid than I anticipated). However, I had constant nausea to the point where there was not a single day where I was able to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner because I always felt so sick. The worst part, though, is that my mental health completely deteriorated. I constantly felt anxious and depressed and did not feel like myself at all. I had two full-blown anxiety attacks on my honeymoon and started seeing a therapist until I realized it was potentially linked to my IUD. I had my IUD removed about a month and a half ago and went back to hormonal pills, and everything about me has completely gone back to normal. Each person is different, but I personally would never use this again."

• sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena about two months ago because I wanted to get off the pill and got talked into a hormonal IUD. My birth control pill never gave me too many issues, but I just wanted to switch. The insertion hurt sooooo bad, and I took ibuprofen before. I cramped for about 5 hours after. Since the insertion, I bled for about 3 days, and that was it. However, I have been getting the worst migraines, and I have never gotten them before. My irritability is extremely high, and I have lost my sex drive. I also have gained weight since having it and have been working out five days a week and eating healthy. Nothing seems to be working. I'm considering going completely off birth control because of this hassle and see how my body reacts. Very disappointed."

• Yet...
• January 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena in Dec 2014. I was taking the mini pill for years. I get classic migraines and can't take estrogen birth control. I had missed some pills in Sept 2014 and had an ectopic pregnancy. Once my body recovered from that, my doc suggested Mirena. I always read 'horror' stories about it, but after what I just went through, I decided to give it a try. I'm 36, with 3 kids, so not having to worry about birth control for a couple of years is great. The insertion was uncomfortable, level 5, but over and done quick. Spotting about a week. Periods are so light that I barely need a pad. I haven't noticed any weight gain or acne. No issues with sex, and I think my libido has gone up. Thus far, I'm REALLY satisfied and wish I had done it sooner."

• 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."

• In ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "It was absolutely horrible. I gained a lot of weight and acne, and I was in so much pain all the time and depressed. The doctor told me to wait it out when I continued to explain all the pain I was in and how much hair I was losing. It was like the doctor didn't care in any way to hear what I was saying. I have zero idea why they push it so hard on patients and really push for you to keep it in when you are telling them how bad it is. I finally had enough after three years, told my doctor to get it out of me. She went on about how amazing it is for me and how it is helping with my pain from endometriosis. I stopped her in her tracks and said no, take it out now - I have lived with it for three and a half years, and it does not help. I am in so much pain all day, every day, and swelled out like I was six months pregnant. Oh my goodness, when it came out, all the pain went away instantly, and the swelling did the next morning. Yes, it helps with not getting pregnant, but there is a lot of bad that comes with it."

• ZEN...
• June 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my 1st child in November 2014 and got Mirena in January 2015. I spotted for the 1st month and a half. I've had cramping, no sex drive, lack of energy, acne, hair itching, and gained 20 pounds in 4 months. I finally got Mirena removed today, 6/17/2015, and I already feel better. No cramps. I've been able to work from 5 am to 1:30, go to the gym, go shopping, and play with my baby without fatigue. The RN was giving me a hard time and stating my research is wrong and Mirena doesn't make women gain weight due to such low hormones, but I told her everyone's body is different, and this was not the right birth control for me. I told her even all my coworkers that have it right now are experiencing the same issues, so what does that tell you? She acted like she had an attitude because she couldn't talk me out of removing it, but I don't care, it's my body, my choice. I hope that this helps someone. If this is what it costs to not have a period, I'd rather have mine!"

• Ken...
• February 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm a 20-year-old woman who has never had kids, and I'm here to tell you how to get an IUD so you don't have a terrible experience like some of the people who rate this drug badly. Don't listen to the bad reviews! They will just freak you out. Plus, complications are extremely rare, especially if you ask the doctor (not a nurse) about his/her personal stats. Side effects like moodiness, weight gain, and acne are impossible! Less than 1% of the drug gets into your bloodstream, so it can't have the same side effects as most birth controls. The cervix softener and ibuprofen really help with pain, while lorazepam helps relax your muscles. Make sure you take them! It will hurt like a strong cramp, but it is brief and worth the 99.7% protection, plus no periods."

• Agr...
• September 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I lost 3 years of my life due to using a Mirena. In 2015, I got the IUD. A few months later, I sought help for depression. I had become deeply depressed and in such a dark place. I had had some depression before in my life, but this was a deep depression that made me question my existence. My depression got worse over the next 3 years. My doctor put me on an antipsychotic to help with depression. I gained about 45 lbs from the antipsychotic. My depression got worse, and I was at my lowest. In 2018, I looked up Mirena on the internet and saw many stories and studies about it being linked to depression. I talked to my doctor, who assured me the progesterone in the Mirena was localized and could not be the cause. In November of 2018, I had it removed. Around January 2019, I was a completely different person! I had lifted from the cloud of darkness. I returned to the person I was in 2014, before the Mirena. I have been depression-free ever since having it removed."

• Nev...
• May 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Kyleena inserted in May 2018 shortly before my 28th birthday. Over the next few months, I suffered from insomnia, tremors, unexplained rashes, joint inflammation, hair loss, unexplained weight gain, hot flashes, and night sweats. I couldn't lift my legs to climb up stairs, my ankle began to give way, and over time I gradually lost the ability to feel certain muscles or certain areas of my skin, and it sadly just became my life. After 2 years of tests coming back fine, I got the IUD taken out. Almost immediately, I could feel blood effectively pumping for the first time in years, I began to regain sensation in the muscles that were numb, including my pelvis. I was able to work out without feeling like every bone was cracking and every muscle tearing, the joint inflammation and swelling began to subside, my skin was clearing up, and my hair was finally starting to grow again. It was the worst 2 years of my life, and I can only hope that I'll recover to the point where I can enjoy my old life."

• Ven...
• April 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had it since September 2014. I am 40 and have had problems with heavy bleeding, frequent periods, painful cramps, and depression during PMS since age 35. This has been great for relief of all my symptoms. Until my doctor mentioned this, I was looking at having a D & C done. I have had no weight gain, I actually lost 5 pounds. Some spotting in the beginning, but very light periods now. No more depression the week before my period. It was a very positive experience for me."

• 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."

• SWL...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2019

For Birth Control "Weight gain on Liletta!!! I had been on birth control pills since I was 15, except when coming off my two pregnancies. I am currently 37 years old and have been experiencing high blood pressure. My doctor suggested the Liletta IUD. Insertion was okay. It cramped for maybe a minute. I had bleeding for 1 week. The only pro is that I haven’t had a period in 1 year since the insertion. The big negative - I gained 12 pounds in 6 weeks. I am very active. I exercise 5-6 times a week. I monitor my macros. My diet has not changed. I’ve had blood work done to check my thyroid, etc. All clear. My body has never fluctuated in weight like this. It continues to climb in weight, and now I am heavier than I was at 9 months pregnant. I’ve had enough. I will be calling the doctor in the morning to have it removed. This is a major side effect that is not listed. That needs to be changed."

• Dan...
• June 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m one of those who decided to get the copper IUD in, regardless of never having kids. The whole year I had it in, I had the worst pain from periods and more blood flow, which was expected. But I also spotted the whole year when I wasn’t on my actual period. So, I decided to take a break and just accept my doom. Hate the pill, IUDs are horrible (I thought), and I haven’t heard anything good about the others. Well, I decided to see a new gyno, and he suggested Kyleena. I was very hesitant. Best thing I ever did! The insertion was a breeze compared to the copper IUD, and my period I would only have one bad day with cramps, which was bearable and normal. Blood flow is minimal. I didn’t experience acne or weight gain, but I have never struggled with acne my whole life, so that might be why. I got my IUD on 4/1/20, and it is now 6/4/20. My period has pretty much stopped by June, I only have spotting. We will see how it continues, but so far, I love it!"

• syd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have now had my IUD for about a year and a half, and while it is not perfect, it's been a great improvement. I had super terrible periods: extremely heavy, terrible cramps, hormonal migraines. Because I have migraines with aura, I'm a bit limited on which BC I can take, so my Dr. and I decided on Kyleena. The insertion itself was fine (I took ibuprofen before, like recommended), but I had pretty bad cramps for a week after, nothing that some pain relievers and a heating pad couldn't handle, though. Now, my periods are longer (about a week and a half compared to 5-6 days), but so, so much lighter. I really just spot on and off for a week and a half (compared to before, where I was so heavy, I was anemic). I still have cramps, which can get pretty bad, but they don't last as long. Zero issues with weight gain or acne. And the actual birth control protection is great, never have to worry about it. Overall, I highly recommend!"

• Keb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2023

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena since 12/17/2020. During the insertion, my gynecologist was really nice, but when I tell you it was the worst pain I experienced. I am not lying. The whole way home, I could barely move because of the pain. Then once I got home, I didn’t move and slept for basically two days because of the pain. Now, over 2 years later, I have noticed how my body has changed. I gained a lot of weight, with no change to my diet. I have literally no energy for anything. My sex drive is non-existent when I genuinely used to enjoy it. Now, I could go weeks without it and not even care, which has affected my relationship some. I honestly just feel like my whole body is out of whack. Like my hormones have affected everything. I am breaking out worse than I did during my sophomore year in high school. I tried everything to fix it, but it’s hormonal, so nothing is fixing it. I am moody and always tired. And oh my, the cramps I get randomly are awful."