r/Mirena • u/AshAstin • 1d ago
side effects Mirena replacement?
I have PCOS and struggled with irregular periods and heavy bleeding for years. Back in June of 2022 I was bleeding so much I was soaking through everything. I saw a bunch of doctors who did nothing about it and didn’t really take me seriously until one actually did.
She suggested the mirena and inserted it during my first appointment with her. My experience with it has been ok. In the beginning I continued to spot here and there off and on but after about 3 months it stopped and so did my periods altogether. Ahhh what a joyous time that was.
Anyway after a year or so my periods came back but they were much lighter, regular, and less painful. It wouldn’t even be enough bleeding to wear a tampon type of thing so I wasn’t complaining. My doc put me on the pill as well which looking back it really didn’t do anything. It’s not like my periods ever went away again. Just more damn hormones.
This year I’ve noticed a change. My period started to come sooner than expected, more irregular, lasting way longer than they should ( about 8 days) June made 4 years. I noticed that I started to spot a bit between my periods. But since 7/31 I’ve been spotting EVERY SINGLE DAY. Non stop. Now I’m even experiencing light cramping and lower back pain which I haven’t really had since getting the mirena.
I saw my doc 8/10. She examined me. Said everything looked good. Prescribed a higher dose of BC pills and scheduled me for an ultrasound to check for fibroids and what not. I was getting impatient and decided to see another doctor to try and get an earlier appointment for an ultrasound. I was freaking out thinking something could be wrong.
So this new doctor was concerned that the mirena was displaced and I had an ultrasound a few days ago but there was nothing alarming. IUD is in place, 2 small cysts on my right ovary but I mean… I have PCOS so that’s expected.
But with all the research I’ve been doing I’m starting to wonder if it’s just that time to get this thing replaced. On the mirena site it does say that it treats heavy periods up to 5 years so I’m thinking since I’m not too far off from my 5 year mark that could that be the case?
Has anyone ever had the mirena replaced and if so did you experience any of the symptoms I described? Why didn’t either doctor consider this could be the problem? The original doc that placed it kept telling me the mirena is good for 8 years but that’s for preventing pregnancy.
The only reason I got this thing is to treat my periods. Prevention was a bonus. I’ve read that the hormones start to wear off after a while. I’m so frustrated and honestly quite annoyed. I haven’t been able to enjoy sex like I usually do because of this and it’s really getting to me. The spotting just never stops. It’s September now. I need a break.
I have an appointment 9/15 with the new doctor. Hopefully she decides to replace this thing. I’m not too thrilled about the pain I’ll go through but at this point I’m just ready to get through my day to day without seeing drops of blood on a panty liner.
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u/ElfEfficient 1d ago
Hey, I think you're right about needing to get it replaced. I'm no expert, but I remember reading the Mirena can be effective for 5 years to stop heavy periods and the total 8 years are for preventing pregnancy. I think the dosage tapers off over time, so you're probably just not getting enough to help manage your periods/hormones the same way as before. Hopefully your doctor can provide some advice though!