How to Naturally Eliminate the Side Effects of the Mirena IUD, Such as Bleeding & Weight Gain, and Overcome the Mirena Crash
WHAT IS MIRENA?
Manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Mirena is a small flexible, T-shaped plastic IUD device. This device is placed in the uterus where it slowly releases the synthetic female hormone levonorgestrel, a progestin birth control hormone that has been proven effective 99% of the time in controlling pregnancy for up to 5 years.
Mirena was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000, and in 2009, the FDA expanded Mirena’s approval to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women already using an IUD. With their approval, women thought it was safe and would also make menstruation less of a nightmare.
Unfortunately, for most women, the FDA’s approval was premature. The Mirena IUD not only created discomforting symptoms like heavy bleeding, cramps, hair loss, skin eruptions and weight gain but for some severe anxiety, mood swings and depression, with very little warning. Although women seeking this form of birth control were cautioned by their doctors as having “possible yet not probable” side effects, many women found these slim side effects were actually quite common.
Since the Mirena, I have been an emotional wreck. I feel depressed all of the time, despite taking antidepressants for over a year now, I am anxious, have to force myself to complete any task and I am at my heaviest weight ever, 160 lbs… I feel irritated all of the time and explode for minimal reasons. My uncontrollable emotions are affecting my ability to be the wife and mother I want to be. (anonymous–http://lifeaftermirena.blogspot.com/2008/02/so-you-think-your-iud-is-causing.html)
Even worse, for some women, Mirena proved dangerous. Some experienced life-threatening side effects such as perforation of the uterine lining which can prove fatal, infertility from pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and sepsis (spread of infection in the blood). In some, the device had moved from the uterus and embedded in other parts of the body such as the uterine wall or abdomen and required difficult surgery to remove.
If you are reading this article, you may be one of Mirena’s unfortunate victims.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF MIRENA
As you now know, numerous side effects have been linked to the Mirena IUD Implant. The Mirena Detox Program shows how to eliminate side effects of the mirena IUD such as bleeding and weight gain.
Weight Gain: Weight gain, mostly water weight along with bloating is very common, even when there’s been no change in eating habits.
Changes in bleeding. More than one in ten women experience uterine/vaginal bleeding, including spotting, irregular bleeding, heavy bleeding, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea, especially during the first 3 to 6 months. Generally, periods get lighter and don’t last as many days once the body adjusts, however periods may remain irregular. In some, periods stop altogether which in some cases may indicate pregnancy. Pregnancy is especially likely in cases of a partial or complete expulsion of Mirena.
Pelvic and/or abdominal pain may occur.
I had issues with my period, as it was irregular and I believed the Mirena would take care of that too. 3 July 2012 I had it inserted. It was torture, it actually felt like I was giving birth to twins. For about 3 weeks I had the most painful cramps and bleeding. I contacted my doctor and he assured me that it is quite normal as the device may take up to 3 months to `settle`.
It has now almost been a year, and I have menstrual cramps every day of my life, I still bleed 2 weeks at a time, abdominal cramps when the menstrual cramps are gone and I firmly believe it has an effect on my efforts to lose weight. (http://curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1707572).
Cyst on the ovary, and PCOS. More than one in ten women experience ovarian cysts while Mirena is in place. For most, they are harmless and usually disappear in a month or two. However, cysts can cause pain and may sometimes require surgery as happened with Mandy. Mirena FDA warnings state that symptoms of ovarian cysts aren’t always present. However, patients may experience pelvic pain or dyspareunia if they develop ovarian cysts while using Mirena. Dyspareunia is defined as painful sexual intercourse that can result from medical or psychological conditions.
Recently, I have experienced pain during sex. Not just pain, but sharp pain on my cervix. My husband isn’t that big, and whenever he did hit my cervix, it’s not painful, it feels really good, but now, it’s this horrible pain. After sex, my stomach is bloated up, and hard as a rock! For 3 days now, my stomach is hurting right at the bottom, and it hurts to walk and sit. Whenever I go to the bathroom, well, it hurts a zillion times worse! (Ginger–http://lifeaftermirena.blogspot.com/2008/02/so-you-think-your-iud-is-causing.html)
Fibroids are also a common side effect in some women.
Since then, I developed submucous leiomyoma, uterine fibroids that have developed in my uterine cavity. I have been diagnosed with having multiple fibroids that have grown from 2inches-7.4 inches which is almost the size of a soft ball. I’ve had one miscarriage and have been told that where it sits I may not be able to have another and if I am lucky enough I’ll have to have the baby through C-section. (Jen-http://www.mirenaside-effects.com/more-mirena-side-effects/
All in all, according to statistics,
- 50% of women experience excessive uterine/vaginal bleeding
- 24% of women experience amenorrhea
- 24% experience inter-menstrual bleeding and spotting
- 8% experience abdominal/pelvic pain and ovarian cysts
MIRENA SIDE EFFECTS
GENITOURINARY
- Bleeding
- Irregular cycles
- Infertility
- PMS
- Tender breasts
- Severe cramps
- Inflammation of cervix, vulva or vagina
- Early menopause
- Leucorrhea
- Vaginitis
- Dysmenorrhea
- Breast pain
- Abnormal pap smear
- Decreased libido
ENDOCRINE
- Insulin resistance
- Low energy
- Weight gain
- Water retention
- Unusual hair growth or loss
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Fatigue
GASTROINTESTINAL
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
DERMATOLOGIC
- Acne
- Itchiness
- Skin irritations (such as hives, rash, eczema or itching)
NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Brain fog
- Neurological issues
- Brain damage
RESPIRATORY
- Upper respiratory infection
- Sinusitis
- Shortness of breath
CARDIOVASCULAR
- Hypertension
- Palpitations
CANCER
- Breast
MUSCULOSKELETAL
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
PSYCHIATRIC
- Sexual dysfunction and low libido
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
MENTAL
- Foggy thinking
OTHER
- Rapid aging
Some women experience only a few of these symptoms while others will experience most of them to a lesser or greater degree.
WHY DOES MIRENA CAUSE SIDE EFFECTS?
Females produce two important hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Optimal reproductive function requires a balance in the concentration of the two hormones. But Mirena IUD throws this balance off. Mirena produces a sustained release of the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel suppressing natural progesterone and confusing the endocrine system. As a result, the body overproduces estrogen, leading to Estrogen Dominance. This imbalance increases causes weight gain, causes skin breakouts, PMS symptoms, heavy bleeding, cramping, sleep difficulties, low sex drive, headaches, and irregular or no periods and increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer, miscarriages and infertility.
Massive weight gain: Hormone imbalances weaken digestion and slow down metabolism, causing you to burn fat less efficiently and ultimately you gain a lot of weight. Hormone imbalance also leads you to crave sugar and carbohydrates, greatly adding to weight gain and making it hard to control food intake. It is nearly impossible to lose the weight without addressing your hormones first.
Depression: Very low progesterone levels cause you to feel depressed, moody, and dull. And in fact, the Bayer product monograph states at page 7: “Psychiatric Patients with a history of emotional disturbances, especially the depressive type, may be more prone to have a recurrence of depression while using Mirena. In cases of a serious recurrence, consideration should be given to removing Mirena since the depression may be drug-related.” Note how this is almost a direct confession that the device creates hormonal havoc.
Reduced sex drive: Lack of optimal levels of progesterone can result in the binding of free testosterone and this reduces sex drive. This can also interfere with building lean muscle mass, strength and energy.
Premature menopause: Hormone imbalance can cause early menopause.
Breast Cancer: Increased estrogen increases your risk of developing breast cancer. A little later in the article, I present several testimonials in which breast cancer has occurred following insertion of the Mirena.
Rapid aging: Hormonal imbalances wreak havoc in your body, overwhelming your immune system and endocrine system and causing you to age much faster.
The Mirena Crash – After Mirena is Removed
Because there are now so many testimonials about possible adverse effects from Mirena, many women choose to have it taken out and use other contraception. However, most are not warned by their physician that removing the Mirena can initially worsen symptoms and cause the “Mirena Crash.” This happens because the body is neither getting synthetic progestin, nor yet producing enough of its own innate natural hormone progesterone and this greatly affects mental and emotional health. And it happens as well because the synthetic steroids that Mirena produces are fat soluble, meaning they tend to deposit in fat and adipose tissues and linger after Mirena removal.
Most do report symptoms to go away once hormones rebalance but some women are not so lucky and report chronic conditions and permanent damage.
Several months after I had the Mirena inserted after my fourth child, I developed a persistent tendonitis in my right wrist which continued for over a year, even after a cortisone shot. During the summer of 2009, I had recurrent strep throat and multiple antibiotics until I had an allergic reaction. During that time and afterwards, I had constant malaise, low-grade fever, bad hair thinning and rapid weight loss… Then in October of 2009, neurological symptoms emerged. I had vertigo, very spacey head, spaciness, tingling, chills, shakiness, severe fatigue, hands falling asleep at night, night wakings in a panic (adrenaline rush), anxiety during the day and a horrible weakness in my right arm.
Finally, I had the Mirena taken out. My wrist cleared up within a week. My weight has stabilized and my thyroid tests are normal as is blood work for lupus and MS. I still struggle with weakness in my right arm which now includes my right leg… dizziness sometimes but no vertigo… mild shakiness… occasional adrenaline rushes at night… a microvascular circulation disorder called erythromelalgia, as well as autoimmune disorder. Diana http://www.curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1707572
Three months post removal, the blurry vision and foggy brain are constant and consistent… The anxiety attacks, back pain, and weak hands come and go… However, I do notice a definite improvement in a sore back as it’s now not all the time. There’s VAST improvement in my mood. Thankfully I have GREAT days again where I find myself singing while I’m wiping the kitchen counter…days where I want to have a tea party with my kids. In that way, I feel like I am starting to get ME back… slowly. (Proudmama–http://www.curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1707572)
HAZARDOUS MIRENA SIDE EFFECTS
At this point, many of you are probably aghast at the horrendous side effects from Mirena use. It gets worse. In some cases, Mirena has created side effects that are dangerous, even life-threatening. Let’s look carefully at these hazardous side effects.
Pregnancy Side Effects
While Mirena is 99-percent effective, women can still become pregnant during use and this results in severe side effects. As a result, women typically have a Mirena pregnancy surgically removed. If not, they risk a possible septic abortion, a form of miscarriage accompanied by serious, life-threatening infection of the uterus. Some women also report infertility after removing Mirena.
When my husband and I decided it was time for a second child 2 years later I had it removed. It has now been 4 years and still no baby. I just recently went to the doctor who said it can’t be from the mirena but I know it is. (Jen–http://www.mirenaside-effects.com/more-mirena-side-effects/)
Perforation and Migration
One of the most dangerous side effects of Mirena occurs when the device migrates from its original placement position in the uterus. Though Bayer claims this is a rare occurrence, a study published by the Department of Radiology at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center found it to be a “frequently encountered complication.” When the IUD migrates, it can perforate the uterus and enter the abdominal cavity, pelvic, bladder or blood vessels where it can cause pain, infection and damage to intestines and other nearby organs. It is a serious condition that requires surgery to correct and, in some cases multiple surgeries to safely remove the device.
I had the Mirena coil fitted November 9th 2012, I awoke with severe pain and was told that it was my body’s way of dealing with this alien device. The doctor none the less and with no further checks sent me home. By Friday the 16th November 2012 I was having it removed! I had suffered severe abdominal pains, which increased when urinating or moving therefore had been bed ridden… The doctor could not find the device and after many scans and an X ray, it was found to have perforated my uterus and within my abdominal cavity. I had further issues following but the pain had subsided. My waist line had increased from 29 inches to 47inches in the matter of weeks. (Anonymous– http://www.curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1707572)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a severe bacterial infection that affects the uterus and other reproductive organs is another possible side effect of Mirena. If not treated quickly, PID can lead to serious problems, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy or constant pelvic pain. Serious cases of PID may require surgery and, in some cases a hysterectomy or complete removal of the uterus is needed. In rare cases, infections that start as PID can even cause death.
Symptoms of PID include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- High fever or chills
- Pain during urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge
- Tenderness or dull pain in the stomach or abdomen
A woman is at highest risk for PID shortly after placement—especially within the first 20 days (reduced thereafter) and if there is presence of a vaginal infection at the time of placement.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related Mirena side effects also include ectopic pregnancy, a serious condition that can lead to infertility and which is reported in about half the pregnancies that occur with Mirena. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg fails to attach itself to the uterine wall and implants outside the uterine cavity—typically in the Fallopian tube, but also in the cervix, ovaries, and abdomen. Ectopic pregnancies cannot carry to term, and should be surgically removed. If not, and the organ ruptures, the mother can suffer life-threatening hemorrhaging and severe organ damage.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a hormone-sensitive type of tumor and the Mirena is a hormonal contraception. As a result, FDA warns women who currently have breast cancer, or have previously had breast cancer to not use the Mirena. However, because of estrogen dominance, a known cause of breast cancer some testimonials from women indicate a connection between Mirena use and breast cancer even without risk factors.
It was suggested that I try Mirena to correct irregular bleeding. I was 51-years-old. My doctor assured me that the Mirena only delivers hormones to the uterus and it would be perfectly safe. Nine months later, I had three cancerous tumors in my left breast and had to have a radical mastectomy. One was 5.5 Cm.! I faithfully got my mammograms every year since I was 40. I will always believe the Mirena caused my stage 3 cancer! (Paml—https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/73/topic/749856?oage=1)
I had a Mirena IUD placed in April 09 and I had 7-8 cm tumour that I found myself in July, 2009. I believe that sucker grew overnight. I also believe there is a connection b/w BC and the Mirena…. I would love them to do an investigation and see if there’s a direct link to the mirena and BC. ! (Chalex—https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/73/topic/749856?oage=1)
I have a 2 year old and a 13 year old and have the Mirena in 3 different times. Most recently right after my 2 year old was born. I have NO family history of breast cancer and am still in shock that I had a ridiculous 10 cm tumor! Can’t help but wonder if mirena may have contributed… (Melissa35—https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/73/topic/749856?oage=1)
Silicon Poisoning
Part of the Mirena contains a silicone compound that according to the manufacturers can’t enter the bloodstream. Yet, in some testimonials women have reported silicone levels three times over the abnormal limit. Apparently this can happen in those cases where the device malfunctions and the silicone holding cells breaks apart and enters the bloodstream. When this occurs, poisonous toxins stream through your bloodstream and lead to a slew of neurological problems, including numbness, tingling, headaches, poor balance, visual problems, and autoimmune disorders.
Two months after removal, I crashed. I had all the cramps, bleeding, hair loss, acne, headaches and severe aches and pains throughout my body for 9 long weeks with massive anxiety thrown in. Over the course of a year after removal I experienced three major crashes like the above. I am now 2 years after removal. I feel pretty good, but I still get aches and pains and apparently I will always have celiac disease. And I still get sinus issues and blurry vision occasionally. I have proven silicone poisoning from Mirena and that is why I crashed so badly—my body was trying to get rid of the silicone still in my system. (Laura H.– http://www.mirenaside-effects.com/more-mirena-side-effects/)
Congenital Anomalies
Long-term use of Mirena can cause congenital anomalies, specifically masculinization of female genitalia in fetuses. This can still occur after discontinued use of the Mirena warns the FDA.
LAWSUITS AGAINST MIRENA
Not surprisingly, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Mirena’s manufacturer. Nearly 500 federal Mirena lawsuits were consolidated in multidistrict litigation in the Southern District of New York alone.
Migration and Perforation
Most lawsuits claimed that the company failed to warn the public that the device is prone to spontaneous migration and perforation of the uterus, while many woman went to far as to claim that the drug manufacturer knew of the dangerous risks and released a defective product.
Here are some samples.
Device Migration Case
In 2008, Miriam Cruz filed a Mirena lawsuit as the device had caused her severe pain years after implementation. Bayer claimed that the Mirena would not migrate unless it had been improperly placed during placement. Cruz noted that she did not suffer until several years after placement, evidence that the device did in fact migrate. Cruz claimed that Bayer did not properly inform her of such risks and failed to properly represent the product.
Spontaneous Migration Case
A 24 year old women was required to have the Mirena device surgically removed. However the device had migrated into her abdominal cavity and the surgery was unsuccessful, necessitating a second surgery to remove the device from her abdomen. In her Mirena lawsuit settlement, she demanded compensation for time, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Migration through Fallopian Tubes
Melody Williams filed a Mirena lawsuit claiming that Bayer Pharmaceuticals was guilty of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and failure to warn patients of dangerous side effects. Within a year of implantation, Williams started experiencing severe abdominal pain and cramping. The device had migrated through her right fallopian tube and required surgery to have it removed. Her first attempt to remove the device was unsuccessful, resulting in an infection and further surgical procedures.
Misinformation
Plaintiffs also accuse Bayer of using misleading advertising, concealing the harmful side effects and misrepresenting the benefits of Mirena. For instance, in one a Mirena representative claimed that Mirena would add “simplicity” and “intimacy” to relationships when the product’s warning label stated that at least 5% of clinical patients experienced:
- Decreased libido
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Depressed mood
The FDA researcher also concluded that claims made by the Mirena representative suggesting Mirena helped users “look and feel great” were false, considering commonly-reported side effects such as irregular bleeding, ovarian cysts, back pain, weight increase, breast pain or tenderness, and acne. Mirena’s claims to eliminate “monthly routines” were declared false as well, as users were instructed to check monthly if the threads attached to the product were intact.
HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME YOUR MIRENA SIDE EFFECTS & REGAIN YOUR HEALTH
If you are one of the many unfortunate women reading this who have suffered from the Mirena, you can get your health back. The secret is to adopt a healthy lifestyle to restore and rebalance your hormones and counteract the toxins produced by Mirena, one that is rich in antioxidants and healthy nutrients, along with detoxifying agents that help your body eliminate the Mirena remnants.
A great program for this is The Mirena Detox Program, a simple, step-by-step, science-based program designed to rid a woman of all the symptoms and agonizing side effects caused by the Mirena IUDs and help her fully restore her hormonal balance, and get her health and energy levels back. You will learn how to heal your body and hormones naturally with food, herbs, all-natural supplements, exercises and lifestyle rituals and changes based on solid scientific research.