Adventures of Mel

So This is the Dreaded Mirena Crash (and Burn)

IUD or intrauterine device

Written by

Mel Lockcuff

in

Experiencing and coping with the Mirena crash, following removal of the Mirena IUD. Symptoms, feelings, and helpful tips for getting through it.

IUD or intrauterine device this recipe

The Mirena IUD… All I can say is never again. Ever.

I used Mirena for a very long time. And yes, I’m experiencing the Mirena crash at this very moment and have been for the last week and a half, though I really didn’t know exactly what I was experiencing until I started to do a little more research and reading. 

I can say that I wish I’d researched the IUD more before deciding to go down that path. I wish I’d been more concerned about my health when I was younger, more concerned with living a more natural lifestyle.

Now that we do care more, we’re also getting a little older; I’m no spring chicken. And though my family may be shocked to read this (if they read this), we’re also planning to try for another baby (more on this in a near future post, I promise).

We weren’t going to tell anyone and just keep our secret all to ourselves, but Dan and I both decided maybe I should write about this and share my story.

Mirena removal side effects seem to be something that many women experience, but if they’re like me, they may not fully be prepared for them or even know they’re coming.

What Causes the Mirena Crash?

In short, the Mirena Crash is due to hormone imbalance following Mirena removal.

Now that I’m experiencing the crash, I’m seriously wondering if some of the problems I’ve experienced while having Mirena as a form of birth control have been due to that little foreign contraption hangin’ out in my uterus. So many things make a lot of sense when I think about it.

For the longest time, I’ve woke up with night sweats, had severe abdominal pain and issues with what I thought was my colon (nothing found on colonoscopy and other tests), mood swings, hair loss (you wouldn’t believe the amount of hair I’ve cleaned out of my brush time and again), weight gain that just seems stuck no matter how much exercise or eating right I do, etc., etc.

Mirena Crash Symptoms

Symptoms of Mirena crash can include the following:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • General malaise and feeling of just not feeling good

Since having the Mirena IUD removed about a week and a half ago, I’ve crashed (and sorta burned). Well, not literally, but I’ve honestly felt like it.

Headaches

Oh my word, the headaches. I can honestly say the only headache I’ve had that’s been worse than these headaches was due to altitude sickness because they’re killer.

No amount of ibuprofen or essential oils help. Nothing. It’s like I’ve gone cold turkey, and I just have to wait for the pain to subside, and it eventually does, but it can last all day.

The pain is all over my head, even in my neck. I’ve even had pain shoot up from my shoulder/neck area to my head. Awful.

woman experiencing a headache, one of the Mirena crash symptoms

Fatigue

I’m sooooo tired! I could sleep 12-14 hours straight.

Well, I can’t, but if I could… So tired.

Mood Swings

One minute I’m fine, the next I feel like I’m raging inside. Well, raging is what my boys call it when you get angry, so I’m going with that.

I’m irritable and grumpy.

Anxiety

I think this has been the worst of it all. I wake up at night, can’t go back to sleep, and feel this elephant of anxiety in my chest, mind, and spirit.

I can’t put my finger on exactly why I’m feeling that way. There’s no reason to feel anxious.

I mean, I have the normal deadlines for work, the normal family stuff going on, the normal chores and stuff that need done, but nothing out of the ordinary. I can’t put my finger on why I’m so pent up and worked up!

It’s like doom, gloom, and anxiety all rolled up into one tightly wound little package. It’s got me feeling like I’m going C-R-A-Z-Y!

And until I learned about the Mirena Crash, I thought I was going crazy.

General Malaise and Feeling of Just Not Feeling Good

I’ve almost felt like I’m coming down with something.

It’s just a general feeling of not feeling good. It’s yuck.

So, What Am I Doing about It? Mirena Crash Detox

(Disclaimer: If you’re experiencing Mirena crash symptoms, please do your own research, and talk to your health care provider. This is simply my own experience.)

Citrus fruits on a cutting board with a knife

Honestly, I’m just waiting it out and taking a few steps to help myself go through a bit of a Mirena detox.

  • I’m using my essential oils for emotional and general well-being, and I’m so glad I have them.
  • Drinking a lot of water. My water bottle helps me stay well hydrated.
  • Eating more citrus and berries and trying to eat things that will hopefully help me detox just a bit and get through this. My favorite blueberry spinach smoothie and tropical fruit smoothie are just what I’m craving.
  • I’m on a food-based prenatal vitamin.
  • Also, I’m exercising every day, sweating it out; and let me tell you, exercise does wonders for the emotions and for building up a feeling of strength.
  • I’m using my calming bedtime foot rub to both help with feeling anxious, and it helps my restless legs and arms.

From what I’ve read, I think my body is just freaking out a bit, trying to get back on track, and figure out what is going on and what it needs to do.

Hopefully, this won’t last much longer; most people say it lasts for a short period of time, about a week or two… A select few have gone longer or more long term.

I’ve also read that it gets better with menstruation. Can’t say I’ve ever looked forward to that ’til now. Oh but I do.

I honestly feel like I’m on the tail end of the crash. Yesterday was better, today is ok, tomorrow can only go up from here.

Why Share All of This?

I can’t tell you what to do in your personal life, nor do I want to; but I do want you to be aware.

Do your own research, study up on things before you say yes, know what you’re putting into your body.

Get to know your own body. Don’t ignore problems.

Ask your health care provider, and don’t be afraid to go to your visit armed with a whole list of questions.

Your health really is in your hands.
Grab on to that responsibility for dear life, and don’t let go.

Of course, I also write this to share my story and relate to others who’ve experienced it, as well.

With that said…

Have you experienced the dreaded Mirena Crash? What has been your experience?

IUD - Mirena Crash and Burn - Symptoms and Mirena Detox

Comments

215 responses to “So This is the Dreaded Mirena Crash (and Burn)”

  1. oCTAVIA

    I had Mirena for almost three years.

    Positives:

    No period after the first year
    No need to take a pill everyday “set it and forget it”

    Negatives:
    Recurrent BV (4-8/year)
    Itchy and scratchy vagina at times
    Anxiety through the roof
    This past summer my depression was so bad I attempted suicide

    After having the device removed within two days I felt better.

    About a week ago now, I started having nightly panic/anxiety attacks. Two nights ago it was so bad, I started to shake all over and visited the ER.

    They diagnosed me with anxiety.

    I have a general feeling of not being well, mood swings out the ying yang, I don’t have any appetite, the first three days of the last miserable seven I threw up, smells have been making mr nauseous, crowds have been scaring me, and my life has been severely interrupted.

    I wouldn’t recommend Mirena to my worst enemy. This has been the ordeal from Hell.

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      Octavia, I’m so sorry you’ve experienced all of this. It really was quite the experience, though it seemed to get better for me after a month or two. I hope you’re doing better. I definitely encourage you to find a doctor who will listen, or a primary care provider, so they can help you. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

      Reply
  2. Chelsie

    I had my first Mirena placed after giving birth to my second daughter. I loved it! I didn’t have to worry about periods and didn’t have to concern myself with remembering to take birth control. I felt great and was very pleased with my decision. My IUD came out (on its own) after about 1.5 years. I conceived within two months, and knew I wanted to get another once my baby was born.

    Everything went fine when my next one was inserted, but things were more difficult in my life at that point. I thought my weight gain/acne was due to stress and depression, and never considered the fact it could have been somehow related to my IUD. My husband just had a vasectomy in July, and I was planning on speaking with my doctor about getting my IUD removed once we were told he was sterile.

    I never got that chance. After about 4.5 years, my IUD came out (on August 14th). Again, it wasn’t planned. I’d been feeling anxious for several days before then, not really being able to pin-point the cause of it. We’ve been talking about buying a house, we have less time together since I started working 5 months ago, and I thought maybe I was just getting worked up about life – but I just couldn’t get away from the crushing anxiety.

    This past week has been hell. I feel unsettled all the time. My heart will race, even when I’m just sitting. I keep trying to tell myself calming things, to talk myself down, but nothing I’m doing is working. I’m having anxiety attacks at work, feeling it when I wake up in the morning, and when I go to bed at night. I’ve dealt with anxiety before (and do on a fairly regular basis), but it’s never, ever felt even close to this before.

    I feel like it has to be related to the Mirena. I’ve never been through this before, and I’m struggling with the crushing weight I’m feeling. How long did it last for you? I have an appointment with my doctor on September 14 (which will be a month after my IUD fell out), which was the soonest I could get. I’m not sure how long I can handle working, taking care of my kids, the apartment, and my husband all while feeling this way. Please, any advice other than to wait it out? I’m pretty desperate at this point…

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      Hi Chelsie, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this. I would recommend trying to get in with your doctor sooner. Have you ever considered a midwife at a birth center (our local birth center does regular exams), or maybe a naturopath? I wouldn’t really feel comfortable giving advice because I know everyone is different, but I do want to encourage you to hang in there. Mine has gotten better. I’m still dealing with a few after effects, still the anxiety somewhat. But it’s gradually lessening. I did a lot of reading, and things I read recommended drinking lots of fluids, eating certain things to help flush the toxins out of my system, etc. But I’d definitely encourage you to call your doctor and see if they can fit you in any time sooner, just to make sure this is really what’s going on.

      Reply
  3. Taylor

    I got my mirena in January and from the moment I got it, I regretted it. Always tired and extreme fatigue. All I wanted to do was sleep. My sex drive completely went away as the months passed. At the end of June 2015, everything started going to crap out of nowhere. Mood swings, anxiety, depression, back aches, migraines, and tachycardia. Around the second week of July, my heart rate elevated over 150, just sitting still. I ended up going to the ER by ambulance. Scariest night of my life. The next 3 weeks were complete hell. In and out of the hopsital, doctor office, cardioloist. Keep in mind I’m 21 years old… I was dealing with major depression and panic attacks which led to me having to quit my job. I have always been the happiest person. Never felt any of these emotions in my life. I didn’t even feel like myself. My boyfriend finally did research and read all of the horror stories about the Mirena. We both wanted it taken out ASAP. First week of August I had it removed. I still don’t feel 100. Like you said, I am having a general feeling of doom and anxiety when I have nothing to be anxious about. I’m very tired and still have the headaches. I’ve noticed I’m having a lot of muscle and joint pain. I’m just praying to feel better. Physically and mentally. I don’t even remember how I felt before all of this but I’m praying I can get back there. I’m leaving it all in God’s hands. ♡ Prayers to all of you. Hopefully this will pass soon.

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      Taylor, hang in there. I know this feels like it’s never going to end. You are not alone. Prayers to you that you will be feeling better and more like your old self very soon! I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this.

      Reply
  4. JoAnn @ Whimsicle

    I’m so thankful for your post. I had my Mirena removed three weeks ago because I was having horrible monthly headaches, constipation and mood swings. Since then I feel like I have been unwell non stop with heart burn, nausea and the like also, having uncontrollable feelings of anxiety. Then on Friday I had my first panic attack..ever. My heart was beating so hard. I’ve been finding other stories from women online who had mirena removed with similar symptoms. I’m feeling calmer now knowing what may be the cause of my sudden onset of anxiety. Thank you !

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      JoAnn, thank you; I’m so glad it could be of help. I know exactly how you’re feeling, truly I do. Mine has eased quite a bit, but I’ve still had a few lingering effects. Hang in there, and know you’re not alone!

      Reply
  5. Kylee

    Hope all is well with you. I just wanted to write you since I am ahead of you by a year although it doesn’t sound like your crash was as bad as mine I had severe problems- heart, breathing, blood sugar, cognitive, pain (inflammed), anxiety, emotional chaos you name it I had it. My symptom list was off the chart crazy. My entire body crashed. I had zero medical support as most women coming off this hormonal train wreck do. I had mine removed late June 2014, and crashed 1.5 weeks later. I was not better until late August/September and now August 2015 I am still not 100%. I remember almost nothing of last year and still have some memory problems as well as a few other symptoms still. I see a compounding pharmacist who is very knowledgeable about hormones, we met last September. She had my hormones tested via silva (not blood or at least make sure you have a knowledgeable person interpreting the results) obviously I was severely low in progesterone. I take 300 MG of bioidentical progesterone after ovulation every cycle, which costs me over $60 a month, plus many different supplements about 30 pills a day to help relieve my symptoms and naturally increase my progesterone while lowering my cortisol. Overall I’ve spent around $1,000.00 fixing me! It’s been a long and extremely emotional and physical battle thankfully my amazing husband stuck with me through it, I have read way to many divorces because of this. Please email me if anyone needs support and/or advice.

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      Kylee, I’m so sorry to hear about your experience; it sounds like quite the ordeal! I have heard a lot about compounding pharmacists, leading me to think about that, especially when I begin to experience menopause. I’m really glad she’s been able to help you. I think that is a lot of the problem… is that it’s hard to get doctors to listen when it comes to things like this, especially if it involves anything to do with pharmaceuticals. I hope that you continue on the uphill; be sure to stay in touch! I am really thinking I’m beginning to come out of the woods on this. I’ve experienced a few more things since I wrote this (heart/breathing), but I’m beginning to feel more like myself.

      Reply
    2. Rosie

      OMG – I’m sooo glad to have found you – I’m in England, UK – I had my Mirena out 14 days ago after 13 years and I have been so worried I’m dying!!

      I feel so poorly, nausea (just like morning sickness), extreme fatigue, night time panic attacks, anxiety, loss of love of life – so similar to you.

      I at last got my GP to admit that my hormones are to blame as I’ve had the fake hormone pumping into me every day for so many years and it’s suddenly been taken away. Why, oh why, did I trust my doctor all these years; looking back I’ve never been myself since I had it put in after my 2nd was born – I lost my mojo and became an anxious person. I kept being told I was suffering from anxiety because I was now a Mum and wife. In my heart, I never believed I had anxiety – now I know the last few years of malaise have been down to Mirena side effects.

      Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing – I’m 16 days into Crash and pray I’ll feel more human when my period comes or soon thereafter!

      Reply
      1. Mel Lockcuff

        Rosie, I’m so sorry to have not answered before now. And I’m so sorry that you’ve had to go through this. I really hope that things are going better for you now. I myself have been very sick the past 2 months with severe morning sickness and finally seem to be turning a corner now. Whew! I pray you are feeling better!

        Reply
      2. Amanda

        Completely hear you Rosie!! My GP made me think I was going mad because of my Mirena side effects. They absolutely refuse to accept the hormones have a wider rather than just localised effect!!! Had the most awful year with it in and now day 3 of the crash and feel like I have lost my soul as well. We have all been so mis- and uninformed. Feeling very let down by everyone who convinced me to keep it in even after I asked for it out at month 4 and the total lack of acceptance in the medical profession about the wide ranging and very consistent reports of horrible side-effects. Hope you and everyone else here has overcome the crash now and are the road to amazing health and happiness!

        Reply
    3. Emma900

      Hello. Your comments ring true to me. Had my coil out 4 weeks ago. Was fine for two weeks and then on the first day of my period my world fell apart. Adrenaline surges, palpatations, unbelievable fatigue, diorrhea and vomiting, felt like I was dying. I have had that for 11 days now and it’s starting to settle but I’m terrified it’s going to happen again next period. I’m convinced it’s a progesterone crash after having Mirena out. Doctors won’t agree. They think it’s anxiety! I’ve never had anxiety and I’m 42 and very happy. Help!!! Advice needed about when this will end.

      Reply
      1. Mel Lockcuff

        Oh Emma, I’m so sorry! Maybe find another doctor you can talk to?? Sometimes it’s hard to get doctors to listen, but hang in there. I pray you’re feeling better.

        Reply
        1. Emma900

          Hi Mel. Thank you for your message. I can tell you that British Doctors will not hear anything negative about Mirena. They love it! I thought I would give an update. After the terrible crash 2 weeks after the removal of the Mirena, i felt dreadful for much of the following week and then things have gradually improved. I have had another period since and I was terrified that I would crash again but I didn’t! I have been tested for all sorts of things at the Doctors; thyroid, adrenal tumour, infection, anaemia and all have come back normal. My Doctor still refuses to think what I have been through is mirena-related, however, she said that hormones are “funny things” and does think I have been through a hormonal blip. I am virtually back to normal but still get the odd pang of anxiety – not because I am depressed – because I am just terrified of all this happening again to me. Hopefully this is the end of this nightmare and I will be OK. I just pity all the women out there that are going through the same.

          Reply
          1. Mel Lockcuff

            Emma, thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I feel the same way for all the women going through similar.

    4. Ash

      I would love to hear if you have any advice on dealing with the anxiety/depression aspect of the crash. I had the mirena removed a month ago, and I’ve been having panic attacks and crying often. Thanks!

      Reply
    5. Ruby Malik

      I am going through the worst time of my life with Mirena crash syndrome… none of the doctors in UK heard about it . I am going through all the symptoms it listed in the web. After reading your experience I am happy that it will pass and know what to ask my doctor to test … oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol. Thank you and God bless you.

      Reply
      1. Mel Lockcuff

        Ruby, I’m so sorry. I hope you get to feeling better very soon!

        Reply
    6. Andrea

      Hi, I had the Mirena in for approximately 2 years to stop Heavy Bleeding. I had it removed as was having 3 periods a month on it. It was 1/2 way out anyway. The the “Crash” 1/1/2 weeks after. Not expecting this. No one warned me. Emotional, anxious, bleeding 6 out of 7 weeks and so tired, depressed, you name it I hadn’t it.!. I rang many hospital staff etc…. and not much help. Finally went to GP who has put me on BC pill to stop bleeding. I am booked in for an Abulation next week. Any advice for coming off BC pill and back to normal body? God wish I never said yes to that Mirena. It was only because couldn’t handle more blood and that’s was the only option they gave me. Cheers Andrea Auckland NZ.
      Only when I googled realised other woman experience this. Thought I was going CRAZY!

      Reply
      1. Mel Lockcuff

        Andrea, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this. But I’m really glad your GP is helping you. I don’t have any advice for coming off the BC pill, unfortunately. But I wish you all the best.

        Reply
    7. Angel

      Hi can you tell me some supplements you are taking

      Reply
      1. Mel Lockcuff

        Hi Angel, I would rather not recommend supplements; but really, right now I’m not taking any since things have changed for me personally.

        Reply
  6. Nicole

    Thanks so much for writing this post. I have had Mirena for over 7 years and am getting it removed on Monday. I just turned 32 and my husband and I want to start trying for our first child, and I am hoping it won’t take a crazy amount of time for my body to re-adjust. I wish my 25 year old self would have been as concerned as I am now about living a natural & healthy lifestyle. If you have any other tips for making the transition a little easier, I would absolutely love to hear them.

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      Nicole, thank you! I hope the transition has been smooth for you. My first month was the most difficult, with all of the physical symptoms. But it’s gradually gotten better, if that is any consolation. I truly hope your experience has been positive. I know what you mean. It took me too many years to come to the realization that I have to take better care of myself and be more concerned with living a more natural lifestyle. If only I’d been this concerned 12 years ago… Live and learn, I guess. Let me know how you’re doing; Just want to encourage you.

      Reply
  7. Sarah

    I’m so glad to have found this. I’ve had my mirena out for over a month now, but for the last several weeks I’ve experienced mood swings, increasing depression and unbelievable fatigue. I have NEVER battled depression, but I feel like I have nothing left to give. I have the best son in the world, but I started feeling like I just didn’t even want to be a parent anymore. And I have loved being a mother. We all have our days, but this has gone on for weeks. It only occurred to me within the last few days that these might be side effects from mirena. It has been driving me crazy. I feel isolated and uninterested in life and friends. I can’t tell you how encouraging it is to know that I’m not alone, and that this “mirena crash” is a very real thing. And that it ENDS. Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      Sarah, you are NOT alone. I’m so sorry to have taken this long to get back to you; we’ve been out of town and I’ve been offline just a bit. I just want to encourage you to hang in there, even to talk to someone about it, your doctor or midwife and maybe a trusted friend. It’s a very real thing, and from everything I’ve read, countless women have gone through it. I had no idea until I started thinking and looking and reading; then the pieces started to come together for me as to what I was actually experiencing. I hope that you’re starting to feel better. The first month was the most difficult for me, but it’s gradually gotten better, if that is any consolation. Of course, this is my experience, and everyone is different. Let me know how you’re doing; I just want to encourage you! Hugs!

      Reply
  8. Sara merritt

    That sounds absolutely terrible and I’m glad that you’re on the tail end of it. The hair loss and fatigue you mentioned are something I experience with my hypothyroidism. Have you had your thyroid checked recently?

    Also, let’s say congrats on the baby plan! (We are trying, too. One last ditch effort in my 35th year. Here’s to the “spring chickens!!”)

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      Sara, thank you; it’s been an experience, that’s for sure. I’ve had my thyroid checked and things seemed ok, but it might be worth checking again.

      Congrats to you guys too! Oh, that’s so exciting! That’s how I feel about this, one last ditch effort (and we are so trying for a girl). Here’s to the “spring chickens!!”

      Reply
  9. NichOle

    I had all of that the whole time I had the mirena! It was awful. I wrote about it at http://www.butterscotchsundae.com/the-complete-mostly-unadulterated-story-of-my-troubles-with-the-mirena-iud/

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      Oh Nichole, I’m so sorry you went through that. It sounds like it was a horrible ordeal, especially having it removed. I agree with you, definitely listen to your body; I know I’m trying to be much more aware now… If anything, having Mirena taught me that. So important.

      Reply
  10. Rhonda B.

    Gosh, that sounds awful. I hope it wears off quickly.

    Reply
    1. Mel Lockcuff

      Thanks, Rhonda! On the tail end, so things are definitely looking up.

      Reply
      1. Ami

        Iv just removed my Mirena just under a week ago n since then Iv been feelin just how u described… It’s been awful, an at the minute I can only describe how I feel is hopeless an sad an angsty !! For the past few nights Iv been so anxious an upset, havin odd dreams, waking up evry 20minutes.
        Also while I had my Mirena I suffered from almost as soon as having it put in with migraines bad stomach pains an an excruciating pain in my right leg down to my knee.. Used to happen just before my time of the month (which were almost non existent after the first year, the only upside Iv had).
        I was due for mine to be removed next June but decided we were going to try for a baby an Iv heard horror stories about removal so I read up m decided to remove my own.

        Since Iv removed it tho I feel like a totally different person n it’s got me worried.
        Also I had a lot of stomach problems since havin it fitted.. Had allsorts of tests even a camera in my stomach but never found anything so they put it down to ibs in the end.. I was wondering did you’re stomach trouble get any better?
        And did u ever encounter panic attacks an chest pains while using it? As that was another thing they never worked out for me.?
        Sorry for the long message

        Reply
        1. Mel Lockcuff

          Hi Ami, Ugh, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. I ended up getting pregnant just a couple months after removal. My symptoms were short-term. I really encourage you to get in touch with your doctor and tell them what is going on and your concerns. I hope you are feeling better soon!

          Reply
      2. SaLly

        Thank you so sooo much for sharing your story! I only had mirena for a month but when i took it out (Monday) the next night (Tuesday) i had body chills and my teeth would chatter non stop for about 20 mins. The next day (Wednesday) i started throwing up everything I ate or drank. This went on till the next morning (Thursday).
        The OB never replied my call, she thought my pain with Mirena was unrelated to the IUD since it only releases hormone in the uterus. The PCP thought it might be an infection though i have no fever just the constant throwing up.
        It is horrible, I had hyperemesis in both my pregnancies and for that reason alone i wanted to find a reliable solution to avoid childbirth again.
        But this is definitely not it and it is noce to know I’m not going crazy and the pain and all isn’t ‘just in my head’.

        Reply
        1. Sarah

          I had my Mirena removed almost six weeks ago and started getting sick to my stomach later that week. Thought I had a bug, but it happened again a few days later. I’ve spent the last almost six weeks dealing with tons of anxiety for no reason, fatigue, and sudden and intermittent nausea and diarrhea and occasionally vomiting. Only the blandest of foods seem to not aggravate my stomach, but I’ve begun losing weight due to improper diet and intermittent sickness. I spoke to my doc, got tests done (which all came back normal) and she said if it was normal then she was chalking it up to general anxiety! I feel dismissed. I can’t live like this, it is disrupting my whole life. I see her again to follow up in a couple of weeks and I won’t allow it to just be anxiety. I struggled with anxiety in the past and this isn’t just anxiety. There is a definite problem and I was fine before the Mirena was removed. I thought it was beginning to balance out and the symptoms taper off, but I got sick again last night and I was so uncomfortable and woke up multiple times to sit in the bathroom and hope SOMETHING happened so I could feel better and go back to sleep.

          Reply
          1. Mel Lockcuff

            Sarah, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this! Find another doctor who will listen. If you feel that something is not right, keep asking questions. I hope you feel better very soon!

          2. Lindsay Prichard

            I’m having the same, terrible vomiting and diarrhea with period post removal. Can’t keep my regular antidepressants down. The emotional lability is so intense. I’m worried my doc will be dismissive. I think they probably have been pushing them bc of pharmaceutical company pressure and don’t want to believe the side effects. What could a doc actually do to help? Anyone have tinnitus too? Causing crazy ear issues that make me puke more.

          3. Katie

            Hey!
            Did you end up getting through it?
            I’m going through it now 😢

          4. Mel Lockcuff

            Katie, I’m so sorry. I hope you are feeling better soon.

      3. Lynne Hamilton

        Omg! This is the worst. I got my mirena taken out 6 days ago and all Iv done is bleed so heavy constantly. Now I’m gettng huge blood clots. My moods are horrendous, I feel absolutely terrible, can hardly keep my eyes open, my head is bursting with pain and my whole body aches, and I’m so cold!
        Thanks for writing u post, as I was seriously considering going to hospital but now I’m just gonna wait it out til I get better. Hopefully not long, this is horrendous!

        Reply
        1. Mel Lockcuff

          Oh Lynne, I strongly encourage you to go to the doctor and get checked out to make sure everything is ok… You may have something else going on. I hope you’re doing ok.

          Reply
      4. Trisha

        I just came across your story, as I’m just now learning about this horrific “Mirena Crash”. Thank you so much for writing your story.

        I had mine in for exactly four years to the day. Then all of a sudden I began to bleed heavily everyday nonstop. I begged my obgyn to remove it, but instead, she doubled up and put me on the pill as well. It did stop the bleeding but I still wanted it out because I was having severe abdominal pains. A month later, I switched dr’s, and had the Mirena removed that day.

        The very next day is when my personal hell began. I instantly began, what I described as, hemmoraging. Passing HUGE blood clots all day every day, which went on for months. I also got HORRIBLE cystic acne which has since scarred my face, and has yet to stop. I fall asleep at the drop of a hat in the middle of the day, and I now have INSTANT urges to urinate. If I’m not in a restroom within seconds, I will pee my pants. I’m now on month 6 of this, and so beyond done. I’m only 41. Not sure how much more I can take.

        Reply
        1. Mel Lockcuff

          Oh Trisha, I’m so sorry. I would definitely encourage you to stay in touch with your doctor and let her/him know what’s going on with you; and if it takes finding a new doctor, don’t hesitate. There may even be another underlying problem. I hope you start to feel better soon.

          Reply
          1. Becky

            THANK YOU so much for posting and sharing your story. I have felt terrible for years, 8 years to be precise. Had the Mirena in, took it out, and straight away put another right back in. I had this last one for 3 years. I have been in and out of doctors, ER’s, Urgent Cares, trying to figure out what is going on with my body. So, for the past 6 months I have had CONSTANT migraine type headaches, loss of vision, pain in my left eye, feeling faint, and then I went to the ER on the 4th of June, my 40th birthday, with numbness in my face, heart palpitations, slurred speech, (sounds like stroke, NOT a stroke). Doctors sent me home with NO diagnosis. I got my Mirena taken out on the 7th after reading about ALL of the HORRIFIC side affects that the Mirena has caused MANY women. NOW, I read about the crash after trying to figure out what is wrong with me and why I feel like DEATH. I just want to sleep. UGHHHH!

          2. Mel Lockcuff

            Becky, I am so sorry. I hope that you start to feel better soon. Don’t give up on the doctor; even if you have to keep trying until you find one who will listen. There may even be something else going on. I hope and pray you’re feeling better!

        2. Rebecca Curtin

          This is me. Terrible bleeding and vast amount of clots. I hope it didn’t last too long for u or you have hopefully recovered. I had mine pulled 3 months ago. Dreadful.

          Reply
          1. Mel Lockcuff

            Rebecca, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this. I would definitely encourage you to speak to your doctor about your symptoms.

      5. Kate

        I have gained such comfort in reading other woman’s stories including all of these in this feed. I have written this to share my story but also my concern for woman that think this is a wonderful easy solution to birth control or have been encouraged by dRs to use it. I had my Mirena for 5.5 years (since 2014). It took 4-5 months to settle in and for cramping and bleeding to stop but was reassured by my OB that it’s worth persisting with as it lightens periods and stabilises mood and is localised hormones and very safe. Once it settled in I thought it was great and even promoted it to friends. I am now writing this after experiencing the most devastating 2 months of my life that I now know is a merina crash after removal and have also now realised that I’d been living with symptoms for 5 plus years due to the merina. I have now spent a lot of time and money understanding Mirena complications and the Mirena Crash since it’s removal and cant warn people enough that this product should be banned and has devastated me. While in place a developed strong anxiety and pain throughout my whole intestinal tract. These symptoms gradually developed so I didn’t relate them to the Mirena but after loads of investigations, tests, colonoscopy, endoscopy, physcology sessions etc I did query the Mirena being the cause only to be told it’s highly unlikely by numerous doctors. My Mirena expired so got it removed and 2 weeks later the crash hit. I was overwhelmed with crushing anxiety, panic attacks and mild depressive feelings along with brain fog, shaking and occasional headaches and a very sore throat that came and went. I have not been able to function, be left on my own, have interest in normal activity or care for my children let alone myself. I have not been able to work and have been overwhelmed by the extreme effects I was suddenly hit and consumed with. Doctors thought I was having an anxiety episode as I had presented for years now with moderate anxiety (likely the Mirena). Through research and other woman’s posts,blogs plus my naturopath I have now learnt why this has happened. The Mirena stops your body from producing progesterone (in the brain, adrenals and ovaries) and gives you an artificial form. It’s not localised hormone at all and is then not metabolised the same as your own progesterone hence why symptoms like gut,mood etc can occur while it’s in place and then when it’s removed your body is thrown into a severe imbalance that can take months to rectify. On a positive my gut symptoms totally resolved after removal but I’m still very much trying to heal and recover from this debilitating crash and feel super frustrated that anxiety and gut issues that I’ve had for 5+ years could also have been avoided. Dont be fooled that it’s an amazing thing. I too had this opinion as yes it’s good to have light periods and not think about contraception but how it works, what it does to your own hormones and then the risk of a crash after it’s removed is very scary and devastating. Please don’t be fooled by it or the medical profession (who actually dont know a lot about its impact due to following manufacturers “bayers” advice. I will also add that Bayer – the drug company has a huge number of lawsuits against them in relation to Mirena Complications including the “crash”and the FDA are being pressured to remove this item. This has been one of the worst experiences in my life and I feel scarred from the experience. Thousands and thousands of woman around the world report exactly my story also. This won’t happen to all users but it’s not the miracle product you may think it is. You are at risk of symptoms while it’s in place and if not, symptoms when it’s removed. It’s not healthy for your bodies production of progesterone to be ceased completely. I hope this warns people and or helps others avoid what I’ve experienced or give comfort to those going through what I’m going through as I’ve seeked comfort in reading other woman’s posts also to realise I’m not going crazy. I’m gradually getting better but it’s taking a long time with acupuncture and naturopathy to balance my hormones but I know I will get my life back soon.

        Reply
        1. Mel Lockcuff

          Kate, thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m so sorry you are dealing with all of this but so glad you’ve been able to seek the help you need to get through it. I hope you begin to feel so much better very soon.

          Reply
    2. Minkeyfun

      Welcome to life without hormonal consistency.

      Reply
    3. Autumn

      I had my MIRENA pulled 3 days ago after 9 years (didn’t have insurance for a while so it stayed way too long) and holy cow. The crash is awful. I’m so glad I found this. I thought I was just crazy.

      Reply
      1. Mel Lockcuff

        Autumn, I hope you are feeling better soon!

        Reply
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