My Mirena Crash Story

12/14/2015

Mood: 3 Months Strong

If you wondered where I was at the end of last week, the answer is barfing. Horrible stomach bug, still don’t really feel great, it is what it is. Such circumstances do seem to line up with today’s blog topic: my experience with the Mirena and Mirena Crash.

The number one reason that I’m writing this post is that in the insanity of the last three months, finding solidarity through forums and articles written by other women going through a similar experience has been a source of constant comfort. To put it bluntly, I had a Mirena for two years and thought that I loved it, until I realized that my body didn’t. I did not notice any side effects because they developed super slowly. This appears to be a problem for many women with the implant. When side effects show up years after insertion, they don’t associate them with the IUD. Even my doctor had never heard of the Mirena causing so many problems, but with the speed that my OBGYN agreed that I should switch forms of birth control, it was clear that this is not an isolated incidence.

Since the first noticeable issues of the IUD lasted a month or two before removal and crash symptoms have lasted for three months now, I’ll just divide this by symptoms rather than a standard timeline.

Dissociative Head
Dissociative head is something that I made up. The name, at least. This symptom is a lot like being high all the time. You feel slightly out of body, the world looks a bit more sharp, like a coloring book, and you’re generally uneasy because nothing feels normal or ok. I noticed this symptom over the summer and it terrified me. I was sure that there was something wrong with my brain, and as someone with lifelong anxiety I couldn’t go a day without thinking about tumor possibilities. There was no explaining the way I felt or why I felt it all the time. After about a month and a half, my father informed me that a family friend had just been urged to have her IUD removed as she was developing bizarre skin growths, something that the dermatologist couldn’t explain but that her gyno quickly and quietly noted might be linked to her Mirena. She got the IUD out and her mend began. How did we not hear more stories like this? How did her dermatologist, and my doctor, have no idea that this was possible, while our OBGYNs did? Needless to say, I looked online and found that many women developed bizarre symptoms after long periods of having this kind of IUD. Our friend had her Mirena for seven years. I had mine for two. And now I viewed the world like it was a movie set, through a dissociative haze, and I was scared out of my mind.

Enter removal and The Mirena Crash.

The Mirena Crash
This isn’t a symptom, perse, it is all of them. After having my IUD removed, I wish that I could say that everything went back to normal, swift and painless. Oh no, that would be too easy. What followed has been deemed the Mirena Crash by those who have come before me. It is an intense hormonal crash, an amplification and diversification of symptoms that frightens spouses and puts the sufferer out of commission. While my symptoms have somewhat calmed, I am still feeling most of them after crossing the threshold of three months. Dissociative head? Still happens on and off. It’s even happening as I type now.

Fatigue
The exhaustion of the crash is unbelievable. I work as a freelance writer and after writing for even four hours I find myself totally exhausted. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is. I haven’t made any art that I’m proud of in months. I am exhausted by going to the theatre because I have to sit at attention and only going to the bathroom at the intermission. (Crash digestion BLOWS). The fatigue is an everyday problem. Though the first two months I literally had trouble being out of the house for more than two hours, I still feel lesser fatigue today.

Depression, Anxiety, & Panic Attacks
If you regularly experience any of these, hold onto your hat. On the Mirena Crash, you will achieve new heights and new lows. It is the worst. But it is so so important to remind yourself that it’s the hormones, not you. In the past three months, my anxiety has been on par with the worst it has ever been. For a year in high school I had to set five minutes alarms to prove to myself that planes overhead weren’t going to drop bombs on us. Especially during crash months one and two, I flinched every time a plane roared overhead. Anxiety is no fucking joke. Unfortunately, anxiety and hormones work together in a way that is perpetually fuelling. Anxiety exacerbates symptoms, the scary symptoms give you more anxiety. Depression is upped and panic attacks are likely. If you might be experiencing a crash in the near future, prepare yourself and prepare those around you to aid you on your mend. I have seriously upped my meditation game, and for me that has helped. Find ways to tap into your inner peace if you can.

Skin & Weight
Silver lining, some of the symptoms you didn’t know were associated with your IUD will start to fade during the crash! High on that list for me were acne and weight gain, which is now weight loss. Here is a picture of me at graduation, probably the heaviest I've ever been.

I attributed it to beating the eating disorders that I’ve struggled with for seven years, a thing I did accomplish this year and a topic for another blog, but apparently most of that gain was related to hormones. Proof? Here’s a sick selfie I took mid-November.

Yeah. Seriously. Diet? Nope. Exercise? Fatigue, remember? And I work as a freelancer, so I sit for a living. Yet the weight has fallen off me as the leaves have fallen off the trees. Important: this is not about weight loss and I was happy being the previous weight, if it was my natural weight. However, clearly, it was not. Go figure, IUD.

The Smorgasborg
There are so many symptoms that flitted in and out of my crash, so I will throw together a list of them here:

Ear pain.
Grinding teeth, so jaw pain and sensitive teeth.
Headaches of all kinds.
Pins and needles.
Weakness.
Shakiness.
Minor balance issues.
Reactions to smell and food, not unlike those of a pregnant lady.
Mood swings like woah.
Bad dreams.
Sensitive stomach.
Dizzy spells.
And probably more that I can’t remember at this particular moment.

Light at the Tunnel’s End
Because I still am not 100% better, I had a full physical and a blood panel done last week to make sure that it is all crash-related and not a serious ailment. Turns out that I have the vitals of an ox and blood that’s just like any healthful 20-something’s. The doctor believes it’s just the crash, and so do I. And here’s the thing, I may still be exhibiting crash symptoms but I am much more functional than I was even a month ago. It does get better, that can just be hard to remember when you’re in pain all the damn time. I also know that some women are fine and happy with the Mirena. Hey, I hope so! More power to ya! But if you think you might be experiencing anything above or if you just feel that something is off, it might be time to switch to a new form of birth control.

People’s bodies are different, this is just my experience.
I’m doing pretty well, looking pretty svelte, and healing a little bit more every week. Take care of yourselves, my cervix-having friends. And if you need a crash doula, I’m totally here for you.

-K

159 Comments

Merel

4/18/2016 02:08:43 pm

Whoaaaa thanks for your post!! I've had my mirena in for 5 years and the trouble started: panic attacks, hairloss and weight gain. Never linked them to my UID. Went in therapy for the panic attacks and Dissociative Head (couldn't describe it any better), my UID has been removed almost a week ago and I'm feeling anxious all the time. Like going crazy, want to run away and hide at home on the couch.

How are you doing now? Hope the crash didn't last too long!! Going to finish reading your blogs :_

Kayla

4/18/2016 02:21:16 pm

Hi Merel, I'm glad that this could help in any way! Unfortunately, the crash has different lengths for different people. I'm now 7.5 months past extraction. My energy is really improved, almost 100%, but I still have hard days (especially around the mid-point and end of my cycle). The anxiety is the main thing I'm still dealing with, because that's something I had independently of the Mirena issues. Some days it's fine, some days I still feel like I'm in the worst of it.

But the reality of it, and the most important thing to remind yourself when you have to go through it, is that it will pass. You will get better. Even if it feels pretty endless when you're in the middle of it.

Best wishes during your recovery!

-K

Fifi

6/28/2017 09:59:06 pm

Please please tell me how long your crash lasts I'm at 4th and still suffering about depression please let me know please .
Thanks

ana

9/18/2016 09:06:32 pm

Hi, I had my mirena removed last 14th july 2016, and my period still does not appear,,,,, muy moud goes and comes....my skin is better and that´s all!!!...Anna.....the weight is the same by now.....

Nancy

7/18/2016 03:35:36 pm

Hi there, I had my mirena removed June 23, 2016 right after I started to spot. I'd say for about a little over a week, did the experience any crash that soon as my period usually comes around early July even while I had mirena I had a light one. I would say 3 weeks out I noticed extreme fatigue, sore books, cramping, and maybe even ovulation as I know what it looks like. Could I be crashing during my ovulation.. or probably doesn't matter when it hits you huh? I've felt like sad, and down and moody. I'm thinking it's what I've heard of all this time, The Crash. Please tell me there's light at the end of the tunnel. I took it out for reasons of feeling like crap on it, moody, not so much depressed but I had my days so I don't know if I can pinpoint point it all on that. I just knew it wasn't for me, and my Dr pressured me to just give it time. 2 years later I was over it. Do you usually experience it right around your menstrual, like do you know when to expect it? Your blog was really helpful in understanding what to expect. So thank you.

Carissa

7/18/2016 06:22:10 pm

I'm so happy to hear you're doing better after removal! I stumbled upon this post, because of, well, you probably guessed it- the combo of googling mirena crash + nausea + dizziness + headache and all that fun stuff led me here. I'm almost 2 months post-removal and didn't have any symptoms prior to today, but all of a sudden came down with the symptoms I mentioned and am trying not to let my anxiety get the best of me. I can't help but think even though I'm mid-cycle and 45ish days post-removal, Mirena could have something to do with this considering I've never experienced this before. Thanks so much for writing about your experience, it's definitively comforting to know the potential Mirena has. Best wishes!

Emma

7/24/2016 12:19:17 pm

Thank you for your post. I'm just over 2 months into removal and still really struggling with my crash. It's really reassuring to see you've noted symptoms such as ear ache, grinding teeth, bad dreams and pins and needles as all of these things have made me uncomfortable and I never would have associated them with Mirena removal but I am slowly learning that any new symptom (including a new one this week - nerve pain and burning) is likely to be linked. Like you I've definitely had issues with anxiety throughout my life but I really can't wait to get through the next few months and start feeling better/stop my regular sobbing! Wishing you all the best.

Alici

7/27/2016 01:07:25 am

Hi thank you for this post, I had my Mirena removed June 16th started another birth control a week later but since removal I have been a wreck, it feels comforting to know there's other women out there that I can relate to because everyone around doesn't seem to understand

Michelle

10/27/2017 09:40:19 pm

Omg. I got mine removed on October 11 and still going through this Mirena Crash it’s been up and down as well with me and hoping and praying we will all go through this quick! I actually went to see the Nathropathic Doctor and she’s helping me to balance my hormones and I just want this anxiety to go away !

Misty

8/16/2016 10:04:59 pm

Just had mine removed yesterday. Had it for over a year even though weeks into it I felt like a crazy person and believed Mirena to be the cause.

My PCP actually recommended me to get it out because of all the issues I was having with my body.

Today I noticed I was easy to become emotional almost to tears emotional. And since my Mirena I've been unable to cry or feel deep sadness. I've been feeling super out of touch. So I kinda welcomed the feelings I was feeling today. But I'm thankful to read your post so I can be aware of what may happen as my body adjusts back to normal.

Martina

8/22/2016 10:50:19 am

Hi. I am having my merena removed tomorrow morning at doctors recommendation. I have had it in 15 years and have been terrified to have it removed because I had a terrible time having it inserted. After reading up on other people's experiences I have come to realise a lot of physical problems I have developed in past years could possibly be because of the merena even though doctor thinks it can't possibly still have hormone left in it after all these years. I am in menopause now at age 48 and have started hrt 2 months ago due to terrible night sweats and emotional torture and doctor has started me on low dose because he suspects hormone could still be present in my merena due to the fact that I have not had periods since a year after it was fitted. I can't believe I have never associated my awful memory or anxiety or joint pains( which I take strong painkillers for many years now) with the merena and am hopeful there is light at the end of the tunnel after tomorrow even though I am physically sick of the thought of having it removed I am keen to get it over with and the possibility of feeling much better in the future. Thank you for all the info and personal experiences.

Jess

9/29/2016 11:38:14 am

Thanks for the great article! I'm 2 weeks post removal and I'm a hot mess. I've had the panic, unbelievable bleeding, headaches, flu symptoms, the list goes on and on... The very worst for me though is stomach symptoms - I feel like my heartburn, bloating and nausea are constant. Like constant. I'm wondering if you, or anyone else, went through these tummy troubles, and have any suggestions for Relief. Luckily, I knew going into it that the Mirena crash was a thing- I'm here to say the struggle is real. I'm okay with pacing myself out for hormones to regulate, and everyone says it could take months, but this nausea is horrible! I don't want to live on Tums and Pepto, and the only foods that soothe are relatively unhealthy - I don't want to gain even more weight. I know it's not about that, it's just that none of us want to pack on the pounds, right? So, any suggestions for relief of these belly woes? Thanks for any input at all, and for the great take on your experiences!

Allie

1/18/2017 05:57:29 pm

Hi! I am 2 weeks post removal and prior to getting it removed I started drinking fresh juice and tumeric shots with lemon- i haven't had any tummy tissues. Not sure if this would help or not! But figured I'd pass along. I do still have headaches and jaw pain and anxiety but I had those symptoms while I had the mirena in- new to me u. General but hoping now that it's out, they too will go away. How are you feeling now?

Alex

11/6/2016 12:05:08 am

I can't thank you enough for this post. I had mine removed a month ago and the anxiety, nightmares, panic attacks, etc. are going strong and make me feel like a crazy person who gets dizzy a lot. So glad I'm not alone! Thank's again. Cheers to the cervix owners out there!

Natarsha

11/7/2016 09:34:18 pm

After having the IUD for 2 years I had it removed 5days ago and oh boy has the crash hit!
My anger is through the roof- I am usually an extremely calm, patient and tolerant person. Since having it removed I feel like I want to scream, I have zero tolerance for anything, the smallest thing sets me off. I feel possessed.
The fatigue is ridiculous- this is something I had while the IUD was in. My Dr couldn't diagnose why I was so tired, I asked if it could be my IUD and he looked at me like I was crazy. My bloods and thyroid tests were fine except slightly elevated sugar levels.
My sex drive- well I don't have one. The thought of having sex with someone repulses me. I had a happy healthy sex life prior to the IUD. I wonder if it will ever return.
Prior to removal and reason for removal was what I can best describe as a year long flu. This past year I have experienced sinus issues, a bad ear infection that caused hearing loss in my left ear for about 1.5 months (it's finally back), the migraines were unbearable at times, the fatigue drives me insane- I don't have to do anything yet I'm exhausted. My energy levels are depleted. The weight gain, the bloating- I looked 4 months pregnant! The mood swings, the immense depression- I took leave from work to stay in my room for 2 months because I couldn't function. The anxiety/paranoia I'm constantly thinking people are talking about me, about the way I look. My self esteem has fallen to an all time low. I hate everything about me.

I broke down yesterday after having to hid myself away in fear I would burst with the amount of anger I was feeling. I was a ticking time bomb. I just want to feel normal!
5 days post removal and I got my period day 1. It has been quite heavy with blood clots. My hormones are hitting me at tremendous speed. I want this to be over so I can live a normal life again.

Amanda

1/5/2017 01:03:29 pm

I have had, and I am still experiencing a lot of the same issues you are. I have YouTubed different meditations, finding some I love and dislike both, but have tried to take a time out when I'm feeling like falling apart or ripping someone's head off. It's hard with have a family but I've had to just tell them I have to take a time out and will be back! It helps! I hope you can find some relief soon! Try to stay positive! Good luck!

Neisha

6/21/2017 06:17:26 pm

I'm with you on that I had the mirena in about 2 years I got it removed Jan2017 now it's June 2017 and the crash just started I got it so bad I had to go to my parents house thank god it's summer time for my kids I just want my life my husband will come home from work and I'm in the room crying and I can't tell him why I'm crying because I dont even know why myself anxiety is so bad, serve depression, my head feel so weird, brain foggy and the list goes on and on but just praying I have a good husband and support System from my family/mom just waiting for the light and thank you for your story

Chelsea Thomson

11/15/2017 07:48:15 pm

This is exactly what I am experiencing right now. It’s been 8 days since my mirena removal and I’m struggling big time. I see people saying it last months for them. I don’t think I’ll surive this for months long. I hope you are doing better now. Xo

Amanda

11/10/2016 12:20:57 am

I'm glad I'm not the only one going through this. I had mine removed Oct 12 and I've been crashing since. The fatigue and nausea have been the worst. The last week hss been hell. Thank you everyone for sharing.

Amani

5/14/2018 07:08:55 am

Feeling calmer knowing that i am not alone, i am 50 years I had the mirena for 3 years to control heavy bleeding and thick uterus linning
I had removed on May 5th, 2018by sugery because it shifted its location , i suffered a lot having it in weight gain , hypertension, high cholestrol, mood swings and headaches
A week after removel feeling not ok , having nausea , anxcious , high blood pressure even with the medicine, what is funny is that i complained a lot to my gynacologist about the mirena and he says it is the best thing for me , untill the the i had the iud removed, i hope this mirena crash finish quickly me and my children and husband are suffering , i am not myself

Cristina

7/14/2018 05:26:47 pm

Hello, I'm 40 years old and just had my Mierna removed almost a month ago. My OBGYN had told me to have mine put in for the same reason as you. I have had my tubes tied for 14 years now. I also have had depression, anxiety and mood swings like crazy not to mention the worst headaches i have ever experienced. I was just wondering if your back to yourself yet? How long did it take? And do you recommend anything to get thru It? My husband and kids are waiting for the day I am truly back to myself. I too am waiting for that day, to be headache free!! Thanks for any info. Glad to know I'm not alone in all the feelings and symptoms.

Koie

12/4/2016 02:07:11 pm

I had my Mirena removed Oct 16 and I still havent had a period. My body hurts all over like I have consistent muscle cramps. Does anyone else have a headache that feels like a vise is squeezing your brain. I feel like I will never recover from this hell.

natalie

12/9/2016 02:28:16 am

I had merina for 8 months recommended by gp for extreme heavy periods. cannot take combined pill due to dvt and a double dose of mini pill didn't stop my periods...then again neither did merina had one every 28 days. but merina coil has made me so sick. I had it removed last week. about 8 weeks after having it my skin became so bad I have always battled my skin but this was unreal. at 36 I was battling teenage acne. I started to have a whooshing sound in my ears and blamed it on wearing headphones when I exercise. I started getting constant headaches and over the last 4 months have suffered with constant anxiety and feel in a state of panic about everything. I am a single mum who works full time and cannot afford time off but 8 weeks ago I became ill.in work to the point I was sent to hospital with the symptoms of a stroke...but they put this down to a severe migraine attack. I have never had a migraine in my life. 2 weeks ago the same this happened severe headache dizziness more like vertigo extreme anxiety panic attacks pins and needles down my legs and arms jaw pain tinnitus muscle ache foggy head confusion and my head feels like it's packed with cotton wool earache stomach ache nausea and vomiting...for ten days and still going on it's hell. I had my merina out last week and now waiting for an appointment with a balance clinic in thr hospital. I was at the very end of a period at the time it was removed but within a day I had a full blown period again with huge clots (sorry for tmi). I have the worst fatigue and now feel like I have flu every muscle is hurting and I still have headache dizziness my eyes feel dry and sticky and my stomach is agony and I still have nausea. but each day it's getting abit less. Merina is the cause of all this the amount of cases I have found of people presenting at hospital with the symptoms of a stroke or MS or some other neurological disorder and they all had merina. I am hoping am on the road to recovery now but I am still.of work and terrified of getting into trouble and also terrified what damage that evil thing has caused. it should be banned. I appreciate it might be great for some women but the side effects are not known enough it is ruining people's lives.

Karly

12/27/2016 11:46:27 am

I really needed this article. I had my Mirena in for about 3.5 years and had it removed 12/12/16 to try and conceive. I've experienced fatigue(extreme), anxiety (I am naturally prone to anxiety but it's been unbelievably heavy), skin changes(my forehead is suddenly dry), terrible and vivid dreams, mood swings, and my sex drive is back full force. I feel like I'm pregnant but it's just not realistic to have pregnancy symptoms after only having the iud removed 2 weeks ago. I truly didn't realize how much of an effect it had on me until having it removed. The past couple years my anxiety has been worse than ever, social and general. Constantly making up scenarios in my head and all of the what ifs kept me up at night. I'm really wondering now if it was all the IUD..? I'm an emotional roller coaster right now, I'm hoping this straightens itself out soon. thanks for posting this article and sharing your story, it feels good to know it isn't all in my head.

Carolyn

12/28/2016 01:52:55 am

My God... at last i found someone with the same feeling... that Euphoria i feel, that High i couldnt explain.... the terrible smell of iud... all the shit i had with it. I thought i was crazy.!!!

Allie

1/18/2017 06:01:47 pm

Oh thank goodness for this post. Did anyone while on the mirena start having severe anxiety and maybe TMj symptoms. My whole face hurts- I didn't think I was grinding my teeth- I got one of those fitted mouthguards and wear it when I remember. But my neck, jaw and face are always hurting- dull achy pain. Never had this before the mirena. Hoping now that it's out, I will start to feel better. Any one with similar experiences please reply!!!

Jennifer

1/29/2017 04:26:07 am

Yes! My jaw and mouth are always hurting which ends up giving me migraines. My anxiety gets so bad that i clench my teeth which makes my mouth hurt and it's been worse since i had my iud removed 4 days ago.

Allie

1/29/2017 09:13:17 am

Hi! Ok so I've had mine out for 3 weeks and I honestly notice a difference! In a good way. I have been using Advil, doing yoga and drinking tumeric (helps with anti inflammatory issues) and even tho I still clench it's definitely not as much. So glad I got this thing out ! Hope that helps!

Carrie

3/15/2019 09:39:40 pm

Hi ladies...this is a while ago, but I'm wondering if you all remember how long it took to get back to normal? I'm day 3 in...just seem exhausted so far.

Sonia

2/20/2019 04:31:03 pm

I’m almost 3 months post removal of skyla and was diagnosed with tmj disorder :( neck pain, headaches, ear pain, sinus pressure, dizziness, nausea and the list goes on and on. I’ve never experienced anxiety and depression before and this crash is just driving me crazy. I’ve been to every doctor possible and every test comes out fine. I’m just waiting for this to pass and hope it’s soon!!

natalie

1/19/2017 01:49:48 am

I am now 7 weeks post removal my periods are back to normal but I still have dizziness most of the day I have had a permanent headache for 7 weeks, jaw pain earache neck pain. I am under neuro and ENT waiting for a Mri. I reckon it's all down to that evil coil. X

natalie

1/19/2017 01:52:12 am

Hi Karly, just wanted to say years ago I had a copper IUD...I was pregnant less than 3 weeks after removal xx

Karen Moore

1/26/2017 04:26:57 pm

Hello from Jacksonville, Fl 😀
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I am a soon to be 40 y/o mom of 4 boys who had the Mirena placed in 2014. My Gyn at that time sung its praises.
Little did I know that little bit of plastic was poison!
I experienced horrible headaches, terrible mood swings, anxiety, to the point where leading up to the time to have it removed, i would almost cry everytime i had to drive over a bridge.
I even resorted to try to remove it myself!
Needless to say it had attached itself to my uterine wall and i had to have it surgically removed 11/2016
I thought i had avoided the whole crash thing but it has caught up with me just this week, i have been extremely tired, can't sleep, irritable...
I can really relate to the disassociative head thingee... that is the worse symptom to me.
But i am going to go to the health food store to see about what is good for detox for hormones...
Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer

1/29/2017 04:20:03 am

I had my first mirena iud for 5 years and no issues. Second mirena iud 3 years and that's the one that started affecting me negatively. I had no idea that my developing symptoms all linked to the mirena until i saw an ad on tv about all the symptoms and as they were naming them off, i had all the symptoms and more. I had dizzy spells, hearing loss, extreme hair loss, cysts, numb swollen hands (which my doc had no clue what was causing it), severe anxiety attacks that felt like heart attacks, unexplained crazy mood swings, weight gain, upper and lower back pain if i stood up for longer than 5 minutes and it was all linked to the mirena. What did it in for me was the extreme hairloss and monthly yeast infections so I had mine removed 4 days ago. Since then I've experienced endless exhausation, anxiety issues nonstop, light yet constant bleeding and today i noticed after urinating I wiped with a baby wipe and my skin seems to be coming off in blood tinged clumps, it's not a blood clot but my actual skin! I figured there would be side effects after I had the iud removed, but my skin? Really? Has anyone else experienced their skin coming off after wiping after having the mirena iud removed?

Jennifer

1/29/2017 03:43:41 pm

Okay so I did more research on the skin issue that I noted above and it's not my skin that's coming off it's my flesh from the inside lining of my uterus where tbe iud was poking and scraping me. Apparently that's happened to alot of women to include myself and they say that it will stop eventually but that my uterus is cleaning itself out. Gross but but common in women who just got the mirena out. So if any of y'all have or had the same issues, it will eventually stop. Though I do not know if it's a problematic issue.

Jennifer

3/30/2017 09:16:21 am

Just an update. It's been 2 almost 3 months since I had my iud removed. I started taking coconut oil vitamins to cleanse my body and help give me energy naturally which I feel really helped. I also am taking the Centrum women's vitamins to help regulate my body. The hairloss that I noted above has stopped. I'm not sure whether it's growing back or not since my hair has always grown at a slow pace. I've started to lose some weight so I take that as a good sign. My periods are regular now but a lot heavier than what they were before I even decided to get the iud to begin with. My moods have been going crazy lately, even worse while on my period. I go from happy to angry to so sad that I feel empty inside for absolutely no reason at all. So I went to see a mental therapist because I've been acting and feeling so crazy lately and he thinks that the iud removal triggered symptoms similar to post partum depression. So he has started me on meds that will help stabilize my mood swings and help with the depression. I was already on anxiety meds before this visit so he's kept me on that as well. I can't say whether the depression meds are even working at this time since it's only been 3 days since I started them and I just got off my cycle as well. On the upside my hands stopped swelling, tingling and feeling numb. Also my balance seems to be getting better. I don't find myself getting dizzy or falling over much any more. Also my flesh did stop coming out of me about a few days after the post I had done above. My back pain is almost nonexistant except for during my cycle. So now I can go for walks without having such horrible pain and stiffness in my upper and lower back. I no longer have any cysts and barely any yeast infections. I've had 1 yeast infection since the removal whereas with the iud in I had them every month constantly. I do also take a probiotic mixed with a prebiotic mixed with cranberry for healthy urinary tract that I picked up from cvs. I believe that is helping with the yeast infections. I hope this update is helpful to someone out there. I will post again if my doc can help me get these crazy mood swings and depression feelings in control.

Jennifer

1/26/2018 02:21:23 am

So last update, i hope my story has helped someone. It's been a year since I've had my Mirena iud removed. I decided not to continue the depression meds that my doc put me on because it was causing too many negative side effects. I instead stick with taking the women's centrum to balance my body. The iron in it helps with my dizziness and the other ingredients just help with my overall health and energy.. I've learned that these "yeast infections" that I had with the iud weren't yeast infections at all but instead Pelvic Inflammatory Disease that was caused by the iud. Mine is so far progressed that I couldn't have babies if I had decided to which is a bit depressing but I can live with that. I've only had one PID episode since my iud was removed. I no longer have unexplained migraines. I only have dizzy spells when I forget to take the centrum vitamin for more than a few days. Every now and then my lower back will hurt if I walk too much but it's not unbearable. Now the only time I have mood swings at all is during my cycle. My hair is starting to grow back now that I've started taking this vitamin for hair skin and nails. My biggest worry now is getting my right eyebrow to grow back. Thank God I didn't lose all of it, it just had significantly thinned out. Also, I haven't had an anxiety attack since last October. I haven't developed any more cysts and the last one I had went away about 7 months ago. My hands only swell now if I sleep on them every so often and I hope I haven't forgotten anything or repeated myself but my energy is back and Im almost feeling completely back to normal.

Raeandthesea link

3/29/2017 09:47:49 pm

During my 4 years on the Mirena, I had been experiencing hair loss, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, heart racing at rest. No doctors were able to identify what was going on. I thought that this all might be caused by my IUD, so I had it removed.
Let me just tell you that getting it taken out was a million times more painful than getting it put in. (And getting it put in hurt pretty badly).

I got my Mirena taken out 3 months ago and was so nervous having read all of the terrible stories of the "Mirena Crash". With this in mind, I started seeing an acupuncturist and Chinese Medical Doctor who helped me regulate my hormones ASAP. The Mirena had messed them up so badly, I hadn't had a period in 4 years! This is not good for your body. She got my period back after less than a month of seeing her, and was able to get me back on track so that I did not experience ANY of the Mirena Crash symptoms. The symptoms are caused by the imbalance. The Mirena produces a synthetic progesterone, so when its removed, your body doesn't remember how to make progesterone (because it has been relying on the IUD). The causes a GREAT imbalance leading to the awful symptoms of the crash.

I would recommend anyone not to get the Mirena in the first place. If you are getting it taken out and are nervous about the crash like I was -- get your booty in to an Acupuncturist/ Chinese Medical Doctor to get your hormones leveled out ASAP.

Along with weekly acupuncture, she gave me herbal supplements, and put me on a health supportive diet. I would recommend this approach to anyone.

If you want to read more about this, you can contact me on my blog.

https://raetnix.wixsite.com/raeandthesea

Take care of yourself and put your health first! Xx

Jana

4/12/2017 12:24:56 pm

Hello ladies! I am a 32 yr old mother of 3. My youngest child is 4 yrs old. I got the Mirena inserted 6 wks after giving birth to her. It was ALL LOVELY in the begining. Then SYMPTOMS began that i NEVER contributed to the Mirena IUD until THIS YR 2017 after doing intense RESEARCH. I swear ladies I HAD EVERY SINGLE symptom! Gained 40 lbs, almost instantly (6months +) SEVERE Depression (6months+++++) it increased as the yrs past. Dizziness i sas running into things walking side ways (Vertigo) 3months++++ I began having VERY LITTLE PATENTS very tempermental FLIP at the drop of a dime. (3months++++) the + btw means it got worse😱😱. Anywho my hair started falling out 3yrs in ive ALWAYS had a head FULL OF THIIIIIICK CURLY HAIR. Acne (face,chest,back,shoulder) outta this world that itched like crazy.....rash on my neck & chest. High blood presssure the last cpl wks. Im telling you this med had me losing myself foggy memory. Horrific HEAD POUNDING HEAD ACHES(endless) Sleepy for days and days (hand n hand with unexplained Depression) then there would be days i was up like a Crack head😱😱😱and i Dont do drugs. Well an occational drink and smoked cigg. Anywho i quit smoking cigg and drinking this yr (JAN2017) to see if the side effects would end. No LUCK. HOWEVER after having the Mirena removed No more head aches as i had....think the minor head aches i have now comes from Seasonal Allergies. NO longer dizzy, NO longer Depressed i can finally ENJOY MY LIFE AND KIDS AGAIN!!!! Everything went back to normal. Only i am still constipated...dieting is regulating that however. I know i instantly lost at least 5lbs its been out ( THE MIRENA IUD) for 1 wk tomorrow I FEEL AMAZING. I WOULNT RECOMEND AAAANY1 TO GET THE MIRENA. MY DOCS TRIED TO MAKE ME THINK I WAS INSAIN WHEN I TOLD THEM OF MY PROBLEMS. NOT REALIZING I DID MY RESEACH AND WAS FULLY AWARE OF MY BODIES NORMAL FUNCTION. THEY DID BLOOD WORK MRI AND ALL WHEN I HAD THE MIRENA FOUND NO CAUSE FOR MY SYMPTOMS. THEY PROB. GET PAID THE LONGER I KEPT IT IN. I NO LONGER HAD INSURANCE SO THEY REFUSED TO REMOVE THE FORSAKEN IUD.

~TRY IT AT YOUR OWN RISK I HAD TO PAY 390$ outta pocket to have this DEMON SEED REMOVED. IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY (OF CORSE) and they knew it would Be. Ive since realized that this Birth Control was NEVER TRUELY SAFE ANYWAY as it stops the NATURAL FLOW of our menstruation.

Be safe ladies
#1 know your bodies Norm.
#2 listen to your institutions

Paige

5/31/2017 01:01:33 pm

How long does this normally last? I've got bad anxiety anyways that was the main reason wanting the iud out to see if it was the cause of my anxiety problems. I got mine taken out 2 weeks ago and for the last 4 days I feel as if I'm going crazy! The dizziness is awful stomach cramps nausea heartburn heart palpitations moodiness and my anxiety is through the roof! The dizziness or lightheaded feeling I'm experiencing is the worst.

Paige

5/31/2017 01:03:53 pm

Was there anything that seemed to help those that experienced some of my symptoms? Especially the dizzy lightheaded feeling.

Allie

6/21/2017 10:06:52 pm

Hi Paige- has your anxiety calmed down? Mine did a little more each month post removal. Keep us posted

Paige

6/28/2017 10:36:18 pm

I still get the dizzy lightheadedness not sure if maybe it's just due to anxiety alone

Fifi

7/3/2017 06:22:26 pm

First of all I'm sorry because my English is not good because I speak only French and thanks so much for your stories that make me happy at least I'm not the only woman that suffering after removing the bad merina.
I removed it on 9th of March and I still have depression despite I take antidepressant.
Please please please can you tell me when the crash lasts ?
It's normal that depression doesn't finish until now ?
You can email me please
Thanks so much

Crystal Matthews

7/25/2017 09:17:46 pm

I thought i was losing my mind...mood swings like crazy amd got something like the flu...dizziness...brain fog...lots of crying...had 4 mirena over last 13 years and loved it...till i had it removed for surgery 7/17/2017...thank you for all of your posts because nothi g feels worse than feeling like your in this alone😞😢😊

Wendy

7/31/2017 09:42:16 pm

Thanks for this. I feel like I'm losing my fucking mind. It's been about 6 weeks since having my iud removed and this is some of the worst anxiety and depression I've ever had. Glad to hear there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Allie

7/31/2017 09:56:50 pm

Hang in there! It gets better! Took me honestly 6 months before I really started feeling like my old self. Anxiety is much better, no more heart palpitations. I did get diagnosed with hashimotos (thyroid) disease. I wonder if the two are related in any way. Any way, good luck! Keep us posted.

Heather

9/14/2017 07:05:25 pm

Hey there!
I'm so happy to have found your blog because I've been going through absolute hell with/post Mirena. The one symptom you mentioned, the "Dissociative Head" is one I've been battling for weeks and by far is the scariest to me. How long did it take for you to shake this awfulness? It's my senior year in college and the high feeling makes it so difficult to focus :( I just want to feel normal again.

Hope

9/25/2017 02:38:54 pm

Hi, I am so glad to have found this post. I had the mirena inserted in March to combat heavy periods and all seemed to be going well for the first 2 months, other than cramps. Over time I developed fatigue and almost constant dizziness. I also suffered from several migraines with aura, where I partially lost vision in both eyes! Having never had migraines before this was awful and I feel dreadful for people that suffer regularly. Around the same time I noticed all of the glands in my groin were swollen and a few in my neck. At the time I was worried this could be something sinister and underwent a huge amount of blood tests and scans which all concluded they were 'reactive glands', but no one could figure out what they were reacting to! I also started to get acne on my face, really big painful swellings along my jaw line which would be there for weeks on end. I developed anxiety, which was really strange as I have never suffered from this before. Finally after hours of googling I came across people with similar stories to mine and they blamed the mirena. The more I read the more I believed this could be the source of my problems. I had the coil removed a little over a week ago, initially all of the symptoms got way worse which I believe to have been the crash! But around 9 days post removal the dizziness has improved a lot and I feel generally happier. Also my Sex drive has come back with a bang! The glands are still swollen and I continue to be observed by the hospital, but I am confident that all the symptoms will ease off over the coming weeks. I even think there may be silicone toxicity causing this? Has anyone had anything similar? If it hadn't been for posts like this I may still have the dreaded thing, and with the doctors denying all side effects I could have been stuck like that for 5 years!

Thanks again!

Dee

10/9/2017 09:10:46 am

Did anyone have a low grade fever in addition to all of these other symptoms?

Allie

10/9/2017 10:19:33 am

I did, had a very low grade fever but during the first days of the crash which resolved quickly- hard to say if it was related or not but I remember reading that it was common to feel like the beginnings of an infection (achy, just blah). If it's higher than 100.5, I'd go to an urgent care/Primary care doc to rule out its nothing bacterial/viral Flu season is quickly approaching!! Hope you feel better soon! And just an update; I've had the mirena out now for 9 months now and I've never felt better. It took a good 6 months for me to get rid of anxiety aches and pains, TMJ symptoms, dry eyes etc. At 6 month removal mark and after some other testing, I was diagnosed with hashimotos/thyroid autoimmunity as well (which is another common thing I'm seeing in us mirena women- I encourage everyone to request the autoimmune testing for thyroid if you feel like you have those symptoms which match very closely with the ones we've all experienced here) I started to eliminate gluten from my diet and it's made a huge difference in just the way I feel (I don't have celiacs). Any way figured I'd share my success tips With the hopes it can help someone else!! Xoxo

Dee

10/9/2017 11:15:12 am

Thanks! I've had every test done possible, but nothing coming back. I had the IUD for 4 months. A month or so into having it, my family noticed that I started becoming anxious. In the beginning of September, I started having panic attacks. I had the IUD removed immediately. About two weeks after the removal, my anxiety is much more manageable and I've not had any panic attacks. Two weeks after removal, I could barely get out of bed, flu like symptoms, and a low grade temp. After reading everyone's comments, I'm thinking I went through the crash. I also had my period during that week. Once it was done, my family noticed that I peeked up. On another note, I also have hashimotos. This is not a new dx for me. Removing gluten was crucial for me! Thanks for the response!

Jill

1/8/2018 04:08:57 pm

Hi!

I am so glad to have found this post... I think it may have saved my life! I had the Mirena inserted around 2 years ago and could not believe how great it worked for me. I had been diagnosed with Adenomyosis and suffered debilitating cramps, back ache and menstrual mirgraines. Soon after the mirena was inserted my periods stopped as well as all symptoms which had been crippling me. It's too good to be true I thought?!

I was right. Around 1 year ago (1 year after insertion) I started with these headaches which were so painful, they were like mini migraines. I have had them EVERY day (over 1 yr) since as well as this god awful feeling I can only describe as 'Brain fog' like many others on this post, a lot of the time during my day to day business I feel like I'm drunk or high and generally just not with it, so much so that it has started to effect my career. Both of these symptoms have led me down a path which I wish no other person has to go down, I wake up on a morning and the first thing I do is to google my symptoms and convince myself I had a brain tumour or some other life threatening illness, before bed every night I think about not waking up and what happens if I die in my sleep. I believe the coil has caused this anxiety and depression which I am having to fight every day now...

Luckily I have a great support network around me, but it is only in the last few weeks that I have started to convince myself that all of this may have been caused by the Mirena coil - the more I research it the more I am convincing myself... I have made an appointment to have it removed. Time will tell....

Danyelle

4/6/2018 12:20:18 am

Hi, just wanted to say you are so not alone. Im only 25 with 3 children. I have had all symptoms listed above especially the dizzinessm and anxiety. IT IS NO JOKE.Im almost at 6 months post removal. WEIRDLY, my attacks only happen at night so i go all day trying to keep busy with my children because if i just sit still and think, ill start thinking about night time and dreading it. What makes it even worse is my fiance is an overnight truck driver so i feel even more alone when it happens. I think the worse thoughts like im going to die and hug my kids extra tight before we go to bed smh. Ill just be glad when this is all over. I have a new doctor in my new state now and hopefully she can help. Because the doctors in my home state didnt wanna hear anything about these effects being from the mirena.

Lindsay

1/14/2018 01:58:37 am

Thank you SO much! I am in week 4 of the crash and wondering if I'll ever feel normal again. This was SO helpful.

Tracey

2/27/2018 06:57:59 pm

Help me please, I had my Mirena removed last week and I think I'm going crazy

Kelly

3/18/2018 08:45:59 pm

You are not going crazy. Remind yourself that it's the hormones! Take Epsom salt baths and try and go for walks.

Kelly

3/18/2018 08:43:25 pm

Hey ladies.

I had my Mirena removed December 8th 2017.
I'm now three and a half months post removal. I had my Mirena for almost two years.
I have a little bit of a positive update.

My symptoms have been:
Anxiety (BAD and out of the blue)
Depression
Pins and needles in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
Night sweats
Insomnia (this has been my worst symptom)
Nausea and sensitivity to smells
Lost 25lbs and wasn't overweight to begin with
Muscle aches and fatigue
Knee pain and shoulder pain (which I've never had before)
Debilitating fatigue

The pins and needles were bad the end of the first month, not as bad this last month. It was scary though, I was convinced I had some awful condition. Finally realized it would come days before AF then go away.
The night sweats are gone (knock on wood)
The anxiety still random. No particular place in my cycle, just random adrenaline rush.
Depression hits in waves as well.
Weight loss has leveled out
The insomnia seems to pop in right when AF stops, and gets worse until it starts again. Last month I had three straight weeks of less than 4 hours a night. I seriously thought I was going to die from sleep deprivation. So far this month, the fatigue has kept the insomnia from getting as bad as last month.
The joint pain is significantly less, but still relatively random.
Nausea wakes me up at night.

Overall, I'm seeing a big improvement, but definitely not back to myself just yet.
I bought some Internal Harmony progesterone cream. I use less than the recommended amount everyday a week before my period. I am using essential oils to help balance my hormones (I have NO idea if they work, but I was desperate), I'm drinking a ton of water, trying to exercise, and Epsom salt baths.
Good luck ladies. It does get better. Take care of yourselves.

Cinthya

1/4/2019 10:11:14 pm

Hi Kelly,
Going through the crash right now. The crash hit me about 4 months after removal. I wanted to ask you how did you deal with depression? Did you take any pills? did you get counselling? or a change of routine? I feel like depression is very hard and so debilitating, somedays I just want to run to the doctor and ask him for medication, but I know that it doesn't work on everyone.
Hope you are feeling better.

Amy

5/21/2019 03:43:25 pm

Hi Kelly,

Was just wondering if you had any updates on how you're feeling?

TIA!

Michelle

3/27/2018 07:43:59 pm

Hi all,
I’ve had thre Mirena for 4 years and stared to get symptoms. Wired discharge towards the end, which has now normalized, pain in my cervix where the coil was sitting when it was pressed.
The biggest issue I’m having is dis-association feeling and it’s driving me nuts. I feel like I’m losing my mind. I believe it was and is a side affect. I otherwise feel healthy. It’s been 7 months since removal and feel like it’s never going to go away. It helps to know I’m not the only one who feels this way, but feel it should be gone now or getting better. Crossing m fingers this is all that is wrong with me, it’s difficult to go on with daily life some days.
Thanks for listening to my vent!!

Kelly

4/4/2018 08:52:32 pm

Just an update.
Starting my fourth AF.
The neuropathy/numbness in my toes came back for only a day this time! Nausea is slowly going away. Anxiety is SEVERE a few days before AF but almost non-existent the rest of the months. I have a lot of fatigue during the day, but that could be because I cut out all caffeine and I'm still adjusting. I'm getting boob pain and nerve pain all over, but AF just started, so I'm thinking it will go away in the next day or two.

At the risk of jinxing myself, the insomnia was gone ALL MONTH! So even if I get waves of it here and there, I'm less worried these things are permanent.

I was able to wean myself off of my progesterone cream, but think I might use half the dosage to try and ditch these last lingering symptoms.

Keep up the fight ladies! I'm definitely seeing an improvement every month.

Kiki

8/19/2018 11:12:32 pm

Hi Kelly, I am on my 3rd month and I am experiencing almost 80% what you went through. I thought I was going crazy and had some serious health problem, went to see doctor twice already, they keep saying I am fine. Some symptoms come and go, but my energy level is still not back to normal yet. I don’t want to go out like I used to. I feel weak mentally and physically. Are you all back to normal now? How long did it take you?

Danyelle

4/6/2018 12:05:20 am

Hello! So glad i ran across your post you really gave me hope! I got my Mirena inserted July of 2017 after the birth of my 3rd baby. It was cool at first, end of September, boom! Dizzy out of nowhere, short of breath, tingling/numb hands and feet even chest discomfort, hair loss, acne. Of course in thinking the worse. 2 ER visits with all normal tests. Got mirena removed oct 10. I then got pregnant and had a miscarriage with added even more to the crazy hormones. I am now 6 months post removal and i still have headaches and anxiety symptoms here and there. Ill just be glad when i feel 100% back to normal again. No one seems to understand. Every doctor i see hit me with the same line, "well your mirenas gone so thats not it". Then i have to bring up the thousands of women on online blogs telling there stories of exactly what i'm going through. I guess if nothing is resolves with my new dr ill have to see a hormone dr

Kelly

4/6/2018 04:29:10 am

I started vitamins, Epsom salt baths, and bio identical progesterone cream that I got at a vitamin shop. Helped a lot.

Cameron

4/17/2018 11:50:31 pm

Thank you all for sharing your stories of the Mirena and Mirena crash! I'm now beginning to think that I'm not losing my mind after all. My Mirena expired in November 2017. Due to a hectic schedule and then having the flu in January, I just had my Mirena removed 2 weeks ago at the beginning of my Spring Break from teaching. I had honestly planned to have another Mirena IUD inserted at the time of the removal of this first one. Luckily, my dear friend and mentor suggested that I not replace it after all. She was appalled to hear that I had stopped having my periods. She said "that is simply not how your body was made." After much thought, consideration, and research, I agreed with her. I had honestly enjoyed having the IUD these past 5 or so years - lighter/no period, no pills to remember to take each night. But after doing my research online, I realized that the IUD may be the cause of my weight gain (especially recently) and the inability to lose weight even with change in diet and exercise. After the removal of the IUD on that Monday two weeks ago, I immediately had my period afterward for a week. The Wednesday of that same week I began to have a sore throat and cough that just wouldn't go away. On the following Sunday I returned to Urgent Care since the cough and congestion had not improved. I was then diagnosed with an ear infection. I took antibiotics for that, but I began to have awful upper mouth and jaw pain. At first the antibiotics seemed to help the first part of last week - Monday and Tuesday. But by Thursday my cough had returned, and I was coughing up horrible green mucous. Thursday and Friday nights my hands were so swollen that I could barely remove my wedding rings. And by Friday my ankles and feet had swollen. Now I can't even put my rings on my finger, and my face is swollen. I returned to Urgent Care last night to see if anything else was medically wrong. I cannot afford to miss another day of school. I am now on steroids, finishing my Cefdinir antibiotic from the other week, using the pearl things to help with my cough and a stronger allergy pill. Only today after seeing my therapist did I realize that all of this may be due to the Mirena crash. After reading all of your posts, I'm going to call my GP tomorrow. Have any of you experienced this swelling? If so, for how long? Do you have any suggestions to get rid of it? I'm sorry that I am so long winded. I believe that I am also experiencing some of the insomnia as well. I would truly appreciate any help or advice that you could give! :)

Kelly

4/22/2018 07:17:31 am

My hands and feet would swell. That symptom took about two months to resolve. I had a chronic sore throat (but no mucous).
TMJ seems to be par for the course with the Mirena crash, so a lot of us have the jae pain. I'm in month five of my recovery and still get the jaw pain.
Insomnia was my worst symptom, but I was free of it for a solid month, but alas, it's 4 am and I'm up.
What's helped me a lot, is exercise, Epsom salt baths, drinking TONS of water, vitamins, and topical progesterone cream.

Sparrow

4/18/2018 02:36:29 pm

Hi everyone,
I got my iud (liletta, not mirena, but it is the same hormone) removed about a month ago. About two months prior to that I had my first panic attack, and have had them once a month, like clockwork, since then. My emotions are all over the place right now. The craziest mood swings I have ever had. I have gone from being the most adventurous person I know to being too scared to try anything new or do anything. Too scared to make any long term plans because I just because I feel good about something now doesn't mean I'll still feel the same when it actually comes time to go through with the plan.

I had never had a panic attack or really any anxiety before all of this started, and when I had my first one I thought I want dying. I thought I was having a heart attach, my heart was racing so fast. I called an ambulance and was rushed to the emergency room where I was informed that there was nothing wrong with me and sent home.
It was not until a month when I had my second panic attack that I started researching and learned about the mirena crash. All the symptoms I read about described what I was going through perfectly, so I decided to get the iud taken out. My doctor kept trying to convince me that the symptoms were not related to my iud, but I maintained that I wanted it taken out. It has been about a month since I've had it removed, and it has been all ups and downs. I am looking for doctors who know about this issue (even just one who believes in it would be a start) My most recent panic attack was much less severe that the past ones, and I feel like I am anxious less often and less severely, however there are still plenty of moments of bad anxiety, particularly when I'm already feeling tired. The one piece of advice I have to offer is try CBD oil. Or at the very least read about it or ask someone who knows about it. It helps ease my anxiety very well.
Best wishes to everyone.... we will get through this <3

Kelsey

5/2/2018 01:50:34 pm

Thank you all for sharing your stories of horror and hope! It truly is helpful to know I'm not alone in this. I had the Mirena removed 6 days ago and, holy shit, I didn't think it would be like this...
Mood swings, anxiety, anger/rage, depression (crying for hours), hopelessness, back pain, fogginess, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, FATIGUE....oh the fatigue, the list goes on.
I am married, a mom of 3 active boys, I work fulltime and I really do not have time for these outrageous symptoms!! My husband doesn't want to be anywhere near me when my emotions take a turn for the worse and my kids just want mommy to be happy and don't understand why she's not. The fact that this may go on for months is super concerning, but I do have things like long walks with the dog and yoga that have helped calm the anxiety and emotional roll coaster thus far so I'm hoping it gets better from here! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers for quick healing and getting back to normal sooner than soon!

Kelly

5/3/2018 11:21:22 am

I'm on month five. Most of my symptoms have gotten better, but this month the joint pains have dominated. My period is due today, so I'm just assuming that's why. The anxiety was okay all month up until a few days ago.
I did a ton of heavy duty yard work this week, so I think I'd be hurting anyway, but the darn hormones exacerbated my problems.
My insomnia had almost disappeared (this was the worst one for me) but the past week I woke up a bunch, but still an improvement from sleeping 0 hours out of 36.

Good luck with your balance. Things that I think helped me:
Exercise
Water
Epsom salt baths
Vitamins
Magnesium
Kevita ginger and turmeric probiotics (really gross tasting)
And I got Internal harmony progesterone cream.

Nikki

5/10/2018 10:33:09 am

I can't believe after all the reading I've done, this monstrous BC is still on the market. I, like you, felt like Mirena was doing great. No period. No spotting. No period symptoms, except the occasional mood swing around the time of what would have been my cycle. Life was great! I had it placed 6 weeks after my son was born in 2011. I had my second one placed just over a year ago. I started noticing hair loss about 6 months before having the second one placed. Hair loss intensified after having the 1st Mirena replaced. I googled symptoms (big no no) and thought maybe I was having thyroid issues. I also noticed thicker blonde hairs showing up around my chin area, serious bouts of fatigue, cystic painful pimples under my chin (I've never really dealt with acne so this was new to me), mood swings, heavy anxiety, along with the hair loss. I went as far as asking my boss for a headset at work, believing the pimples below my chin were from the work phone I talked on daily. I also changed my pillowcase more frequently, thinking maybe it had to do with the oils from my hair or something. After all that, still they show up. It takes a couple weeks for them to completely go away after one shows up. Usually there are multiple at a time. After 1.5 years noticing hair loss I had the Mirena removed on May 7th. I'm only a few days out from it being removed. Yesterday I was very emotional, crying over absolutely nothing. I did what you recommended and reminded myself it's just hormones. I've warned my close circle of friends/family about the possible "crash" side effects and everyone is super supportive and kind. As you said, good for those who the Mirena has worked out for. Just be alert. Be aware of these symptoms that you may be chalking up to something else.

Nikki

5/22/2018 11:46:29 am

Just over two weeks of Mirena removal. I have days where I'm very touchy emotionally- specifically with sadness and anger outbursts, which the anger outbursts are not like myself. I spotted just a little bit the first few days. I read a woman's comment on a post just after having it removed describing her spotting in the days after as "looking like skin shedding." The thought of that scarred me. I understand now after seeing the spotting what she meant, and agree, it looks like skin shedding- it's just the uterus lining. No biggie. No period yet. Tracking side-effects on the "Flo" app. Still dealing with hair loss- maybe even more now than before removal, which I'm assuming has to do with the hormones trying to balance out, similar to after my son was born. Hoping this all passes soon. I've also read the longer you had the Mirena the longer the side effects last. Things have been "normal" for the most part. I've also read the "crash" side effects can come with your period- hoping what I'm experiencing with mood-swings is the most of it, that it doesn't get worse the week before/week of my period. Just want to feel normal and not have to explain myself to others. It's frustrating.

Nikki

6/14/2018 05:24:50 pm

38 days post-Mirena removal. I finally started on June 10th, just past one month after removal. 1st day was very light, second day was moderate, 3rd day was pretty heavy, 4h day was very light and stopped. Side effects weren't any different than they were 7 years ago when I had a regular period. A little moody, tender breasts, mild cramping, irritability. Hair loss is going on as "normal"- I've noticed every few washes it seems like less hair is falling out, then the next wash it's right back to the "normal" amount of hair loss. My emotions can be up and down from day to day, but I do feel pretty good considering the amount of anxiety I had about how I'd feel after removal after everything I read. I'll follow up again in another month or so.

Nikki

8/1/2018 01:28:51 pm

Nearly 3 months post-Mirena. I recently found out I have two nodules on my Thyroid and am wondering if some of my symptoms I was attributing to Mirena were actually from my thyroid. I still feel it was best to have it removed. I don't believe every side-effect I was having was thyroid related. My hormones are tracking normal. In fact, when I saw my PCP back at the beginning of July he was schocked I had already had two normal cycles, no spotting between, minus the light spotting the first few days after removal. He mentioned my hormones must be in tip top shape and seemed impressed at how normal my cycle has been. I did have to deal with anger outburts toward the beginning of post-removal, but that's all subsided. I haven't missed the awful PMS side-effects- tender breasts, back cramps. But I'd rather have a cycle and feel normal, than constantly emotional, hormonal, and like a crazy woman. Best wishes to you all! (PS- still dealing with hair loss. PCP said hair loss is very difficult to pinpoint. Hoping after this biopsy on the nodules I'll have more answers there.)

Nikki

5/17/2019 09:35:37 am

Just passed my one year post-Mirena removal. Thyroid nodules are still there. Not cancerous. Feeling great. Haven't started on any other form of birth control. I have zero crash side effects at this point. It's been a long time since I've felt any sort of foggy brain, unreasonably emotional, or had an anger outburst. Periods are still not 100% on track as far as being 28-days apart, but I can manage that. Before Mirena I was always 31 days apart. Keeping track over the last year I'm anywhere from 22 days to 36 days apart. There is hope! Hang in there if you're just going through this. It's a roller coaster for sure, but your body WILL go back to normal. You will get through the hormones re-balancing and you'll make it! =)

Kelly

5/22/2018 05:44:31 am

I thought I would give a six month update, almost six months anyway.
Almost every symptom I had is gone. I now have lingering joint pain. It was really severe right before my last period. I was tested for arthritis and everything, all negative. Low and behold, after my period, it went away. It was starting up again a few days ago, so I started my progesterone cream and the pain was gone in two days.

My symptoms that I had over the course of these six months were:
Insomnia (gone if I avoid caffeine now)
Joint pain
Severe anxiety
Pins and needles in fingers and toes
Nausea
Irregular periods
Depression
Weight loss
TMJ jaw and ear pain
Fatigue
Muscle weakness

Things I did to help my symptoms.. I don't know if they worked, but I felt better knowing I was trying something:
Probiotics
Epsom salt baths
Steam room/sauna
Exercise
Lots of water
Healthier food
Vitamins
Reading positive stories about recovery

Cristina

7/16/2018 03:25:49 pm

Kelly,
I just wanted to say thank you for all your feedback and your posts. It does seem to help a ton when I read others stories and to know I'm not alone. I did want to ask you if you were ever prescribed medications from your doctor? If so, how long did you stay on them? I currently have been prescribed so many different medications to just deal with the headaches but I have decided to finish up with the current ones and then stop and go thru a hormone detox. I know it's gonna be hard and difficult if the headaches come with a vengeance but at this point I'm willing to do just about anything to get back to myself.
Thanks again,
Cristina

Kelly

7/30/2018 06:32:52 pm

Positive stories helped give me hope.
The problem is that there are good months, and there are set back months.
Month 7 was a good month, this is month 8 and my period was definitely not normal this month, accompanied with a week long headache. I'm not currently taking anything but Tylenol (but no more than once a day). I'm trying to stay hydrated. I'm trying to find an inexpensive homeopathic doctor around here, but it's still summer and I have my kids with me all day.

Bethan Knight

8/1/2018 05:12:58 am

Thankyou Kelly! Your updates at different stages are my new daily read. They make me realise my crash won't last forever! 4 weeks now things are definitely improving.

Danielle

5/26/2018 12:30:33 am

Thank you everyone! I have been suffering from nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anxiety, depression, mood swings...since October 2016! I finally had my Mirena removed after having it almost 7 years because my GYN didn’t want to remove it because I didn’t want to go back on the pill immediately. I had to lie and say my husband was going for a vasectomy in order for them to remove it last March. All the while (I also have Crohn’s disease) I was being told my symptoms were from that but even while I had minimal GI symptoms and on steroids for about a year. Until about a month ago right around the time I went back on the pill, I had no idea about Mirena Crash. I didn’t have any issues other than rogue vaginal itching and low sex drive (but I thought my hubby was just saying that) and some weight gain. I think my crash began around Oct 2016 even though I still had the IUD and has been going on since then. Life has been hell...I have seen so many doctors, have had so many tests and no answers. Every morning between 7-8 am I am nauseated or can’t stay awake despite how much I sleep. I drive my 7 year old to school with a bucket to throw up in on my lap. After that I struggle to get through anything because I have no energy and no appetite. I have lost 80lbs and am struggling to not lose anymore. 15lbs being in the last few months. (I’m 5’7 at 135-too skinny for my liking) By 10-11 am I am in full blown panic attack or crying uncontrollably or hugging myself because my stomach hurts so badly. Then the fatigue hits again. Between 4-6 pm another panic attack or uneasiness (Feeling that I am going to die). This is daily. Around AF I have hypoglycemia-after I eat, then the nausea returns all day long in intense waves that no meds will help, that last for a few days during AF, then the dizziness and complete inability to get out of bed and horrid night sweats and burning and shaking from inside out begins. If 2 days of being in the bed in a fetal position isn’t enough and I dont get so scared and dehydrated that I go to the ER for treatment, I spend the next few days feeling like I have been hit by a Mack truck. Then the daily nausea returns with cycling panic attacks. What I find disturbing in NONE of my doctors are agreeing the Mirena Crash exists or helping me diagnose what I have been dealing with for a year and a half. I luckily stumbled on this and started strong probiotics and a few other hormonal balancing supplements and for the first time in years I saw a glimmer of my old self that I haven’t seen since pre Mirena. I really wish I would have listened to my hubby sooner-he kept saying that I haven’t been healthy since I was pregnant with our son in 2010 and Mirena was placed after he was born. 8 years and counting Mirena took from me. The problem is real and no one is talking about it. Thanks for all the comments this has helped me so much!! I felt like I was going absolutely certifiably crazy. Knowing that I am not alone makes it easier.

Michaela Hooper

6/23/2018 09:19:26 pm

I’m so happy I came across this post. I had my mirena removed two months ago after a year of having it. My biggest symptom seems to be dissociative head.. I feel like I’m out of it all the time. Complete mental fogginess and anxiety. Also nausea. The weirdest thing is that ill feel these awful symptoms for days and then one day I’ll feel completely normal. The next day, it all comes back. I’ve been to about 6 different doctors within the past three weeks and they don’t have a clue what could be wrong with me considering my perfect blood work and vitals. After coming across this post I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders because I was almost sure I was dying from a horrible disease or something. I’m a full time college student and work four days a week and it is getting in the way of my everyday life. I’m happy to hear it will go away eventually, some days I feel as if it’s going to last forever since it has been two months. Thank you!

Kelly

7/30/2018 06:36:29 pm

The set backs seem to happen for up to two years for a lot of women. The bright side is that they get less severe and less frequent. Month 7, I felt normal all month up until a couple days before AF. Month 8 I've felt kind of lousy. But month 7 was the first time I'd felt good for that many days in a row. My period this month is all messed up, so there's absolutely no doubt it's from the hormones.

Cristina Flores

7/30/2018 08:57:19 pm

Just a little update: I am now a month and a half post Mierna. I have been seeing a holistic doctor now for 2 weeks and went thru a 10 day detox to get rid of all the medications the doctors have put me on. The detox has worked wonders so far. Yes, it was hard but I just put my mind to it and did it. Lots of organic foods staying away from soy, gluten, salt and sugar. Don't know why it worked but it did. Doing this along with many many veggies, little meat and a bunch of vitamins. With the many headaches I have been trying to stay away from all medications, so I use peppermint oil for the headaches. And boy, it works so good for me. I apply it to the back of the neck, forehead and a little under my nose to breath it in.
I am now finished with the 10 day detox and my holistic doctor is now working to restore my hormones. I was told by about 5 different doctors that the Mirena has really screwed up my hormones. So the holistic doctor has me on about 15 vitamins a day for now. She wants me to start a progesterone oil two weeks before I am to start my next period. I use it for two weeks then stop for two weeks and so on. Haven't used it yet but I will keep updates.
Headaches still come every so often. Not as bad as before but they still come. I also still have days where my emotions take the best of me and I will start crying for absolutely no reason. But I work thru it. Drink lots and lots and lots of water! This has helped a lot and exersice. Just walking a few miles a day helps me. Gets sweating a little and clears the brain. Seems to help me.

Danielle

6/23/2018 09:36:18 pm

For all who are interested...I have found that a probiotic and “maca harmony” which can both be purchased at an Organice type natural health food store for less than $50 has helped me the most-the maca helps to rebalance your hormones naturally (but it can make you fertile so make sure and use birth control if you don’t want to become pregnant) In less than a month I have shrank the duration of my symptoms from 3+weeks a month to about 5 days. I also went back on birth control pills which may be some of it but the Maca Harmony has been the most impactful of the “dissociative head” and anxiety and depression. There is light at the end of the tunnel ladies!!

Caroline

6/30/2018 02:16:01 pm

I was such a huge proponent of the Mirena while having it in. However, I got it out last week after four years and it has been a nightmare. The fatigue has been unbearable and I have awful nausea and food aversions. I called the doctor and she acted like she hasn’t heard of this. I literally can’t function and reading people say this can go on for months makes me want to cry and cry! I did some research that says the symptoms are due to our progesterone being lazy because it didn’t have to work with the mirena emitting it’s own progesterone. That leads to an estrogen imbalance. I bought a supplement today called “DIM” that is supposed to metabolize estrogen and help with the imbalance until my progesterone kicks in. I’ve heard the symptoms are even worse closer to your period when your estrogen surges even more (which is I guess why some people feel only sick right before their periods). Anyway praying this works! Let me know if anyone else has suggestions! I’m miserable!

Kely

7/3/2018 03:44:27 am

Avoid soy foods, they can increase estrogen.
Exercise (I know it's hard with the fatigue)
Drink tons of water
Eat healthy
Epsom salt baths
Vitamins

Caroline

9/8/2018 10:35:23 am

Just wanted to update everyone. What I thought was the Mirena Crash was actually worse (if that’s possible). I demanded to come in after feeling so terrible and they found out I was 6-7 weeks pregnant-which meant I was pregnant with the mirena in! They just didn’t know at the time of removal because they don’t routinely do pregnancy tests then. The bad news is due to the mirena, it caused me an ectopic pregnancy!! I had to have emergency surgery. So you know that 1 in 100,000 chance?? It happened to me. If you’re not okay with having an ectopic pregnancy (50% chance of having one if you get pregnant with mirena in) then I’d highly suggest getting it removed. I never believed those odds would happen to me. The emotional turmoil (and the five grand bill AFTER insurance—the total bill was 30 grand) was NOT WORTH IT. Good luck to all of you!

Ashley Hogan link

7/3/2018 10:07:15 am

OMG! I am so glad I ran across this article. I am currently in the middle of my mirena crash. I am calling it the middle because I am hoping I'm almost through it. UGHHHHH. I have had it now for a week. Last night I was so dizzy and loopy I thought I was drunk. Tried to lay down and had severe anxiety and then a full blown panic attack. My husband had to lay next to me all night or it rushed back over me. This is horrific. Mirena while in me caused caused super bloated baby belly, MAJOR hair loss, I have an actual bald spot, and my body was extremely sensitive at all times. So much it hurt to take a shower at times. I can already tell of those symptoms lessening after a week. OH yeah let me add. I pulled out my own mirena. My doctor wanted nearly $300 and I had the Mirena a few years after my first child. So I know what the doctor did to remove it. I had a couple Coronas and did it myself. Feeling much better about it but hoping to get through the crash soon!

kate lindquist

7/8/2018 08:15:56 am

Hi all
This has been so helpful to read. I have had my IUD out for almost three months now and experienced most of what everyone has said. One thing I have gotten all the sudden is cramps the week AFTER my period? So bad I went to the ER...after blood work and ultrasounds I was told I’m fine!??? Has anyone else gotten random period cramps as well?

Sparrow

7/8/2018 10:48:10 am

Did they check the ultrasounds for cysts? I had really bad abdominal cramp like pain which I discovered was from a grapefruit sized ovarian cyst.

kate lindquist

7/8/2018 11:09:22 am

They did
I have a small sized one that the gyno felt was insignificant
The cramps last literally only the week after my period. It’s like each period triggers the Mirena Crash symptoms

Louise

12/28/2018 02:35:34 am

Hi Kate!
Hope you see my post! I have exactly the same symptoms as you describe. I am in my 3rd cycle after having my IUD out and a day or two before my period stops I will get cramps that last 7-10 days (just as if I was to have a new period). I just wanted to know if you have experienced a recovery - and when? I am also struggling with mood swings (anxious, hopelessness and sadness)

Amy

5/21/2019 04:18:04 pm

Hi Louise,

Any update on how you're feeling? TIA!

Bethan Knight

7/12/2018 07:38:33 am

Thankyou! I had my mirena fitted in July 2016 and had it removed a week ago today... I was a massive fan of the mirena until a few weeks ago however... I fell ill 9 weeks ago dr's convinced I had gallstones however ultrasound shows a polyp in my GB but no stoness. I had been trying to tell my Dr that apart from the first night at a&e I had no upper abdominal pain or digestive issues. I have had lots and lots of tests everything negative a few weeks ago I started searching myself convinced dr's had missed something and that I was dying! Search brain fog, aching joints, headaches, lower abdominal pain and numbness and tingling which leads me to the mirena! I felt like I had been punched! My GP not convinced and removal was going to be delayed so I attended my local sexual health clinic the lady Dr was fantastic asked about what had brbe going on and she believes my problem ewit mirena started 25/8/17 my wedding day! When after 6 months of not bleeding I bled on my dress! It was an amazing day and my dress had layers so no one knew. On my honeymoon 3 day later both big toenails blacked for no apparent reason in fact they ata only now growing out. My mirena came out last week I was great the first few days the last 2 days I have felt very tight in the chest and quite anxious and pannicky but thanks to you lovely ladies I'm trying to keep a lid on it. My husband had fabulous even reading the blogs with me... I love him very much and am aware the last 9 weeks I have not been myself with him or our 5 year old daughter and tbh I'm now aware that our sex life dwindled for the full 2 years. I'm booked to see a reflexologist/acupuncturist tomorrow as I am determined to get me back asap... I have missed enough. Love and luck to you all to get through this quickly x

Bethan Knight

7/12/2018 10:37:56 am

Apologies for typos above. Brain still a tad foggy. Thankyou to everyone for helping me see I'm not going crazy x

Cristina

7/15/2018 04:24:19 pm

Hope all you ladies can get thru this. It's so awful. I had my Mierna taken out at about a month now. Before I had It taken out it started off with horrible headaches, painful sex, hair loss, loss of appetite and nausea. My husband had taken me to numerous ER visits, urgent care visits and doctors visits in hopes to find a reason and a solution to get rid of these horrible headaches. All with having CT scans, MRI, neurologist visit, blood work like crazy and all with no answer, everything came back normal. Asking each and every doctor if it could be the a cause of the Mirena. Each doctor said no. We began to ask the doctors to take it out and each one said no. I told them I have my tubes tied, I have had them tied for 14 years. I had the Mirena put in to regulate my period. Finally a doctor agreed to pull it out. I felt a tremendous relief after it was taken out. But I still am dealing with headaches, mood swings, anxiety, depression, all on a huge roller coaster. Still haven't had a period. Feel bloated all the time. Waiting for the day my period comes. Looking to see a Hollistic doctor soon to see what she may help with. I feel like I'm at the end of my rope and I'm willing to try anything to see if it helps me. With all my doctors visits and all the medication that has been prescribed, I'm close to $1000 in. And this is all in a 2 month span. I am looking forward to the day I feel like myself again. I had to pull teeth and hair with my doctor to do a hormone test and the results have been overwhelming. My estradiol is more than doubled from my last test in 2010. And my progesterone is very low. But still my doctor says I'm fine. Nope, I don't think so!

I hate to see so many people go thru what I am going thru but yet there is such a sense of relief to know I'm not the only one going thru this. I really felt like I was and am going crazy! I plan to do the Mirena Detox and if it works or I find anything else that works I will keep you all posted. I have good days and I have really bad days. One thing that has helped me is talking about it. The doctors have diagnosed me with depression and this is something I have never dealt with before. They have put me on meds for it but with the support of my husband and family I felt like the meds were not the best thing for me. With all the side effects I had with the meds I was able to have the doctors take me off of them but I have found tons of comfort with being able to talk. My mornings right now are the worst. But my husband pushes me to walk a few miles and that seems to help focus on other things besides feeling like I'm stuck in a fog. And I do drink lots of water, that seems to help sweat and it feels like I'm getting toxins out. I feel I don't have the energy to exercise but I have to push myself to know there is a light at the elight at the end of this long dark tunnel.
I know what your going thru.

Good luck to everyone going thru this horrible time. Let's keep posting our stories and our improvements to support eachother.

Bethan Knight

8/1/2018 07:39:27 am

Ok so tomorrow is my 4 week since removal of the Mirena. Did anyone else have a swollen dry throat? Drs can't find anything wrong but it's getting in my nerves now. Dissociative head is no longer an all the time thing but I still have moments. My anxiety levels are better. My main battles are dry swollen throat, fatigue, aching and insomnia. The numbness and tingling is nowhere near as bad as when the Mirena was in and my hair loss has stopped. I am taking a women's health supplement and generally trying to be kind to myself. I talk about it a lot as it definitely helps a lot. Wishing all you lovely ladies a speed recovery xx

Cristina

8/1/2018 10:43:55 am

I am about 6 weeks post Mierna and I still get an awful dry throat and it's not swollen but feels like an awful sore throat. I too had the Dissociative head, anxiety and drepression but has all dissipated. I am just dealing with the pressure in the back of my head that sometimes leads to bad headaches and pain in my back. I have been seeing a holistic doctor for few weeks and the vitamins she has put me on has helped. She also put me thru a whole body detox to rid my body of all medications. I believe it's worked wonders. Drink tons and tons of water, it helps!

I pray you and everyone else has a quick recovery. Xoxo

Bethan Knight

8/1/2018 12:19:42 pm

Thanks Christina, much appreciated. I honestly thought I was dying when this all started. The more people I speak to the better it makes me feel. I will pray for you also... We can beat this and reclaim our lives! X

Kelly

8/3/2018 10:08:24 am

Insomnia was one of my worst symptoms. I'm at 8 months post removal and it has been my longest lasting symptom. I'll have 3 weeks of horrible sleep, then be OK for anywhere from a week to a month, then it comes back. Does seem like it's slowly getting better though.

Bethan Knight

8/3/2018 12:46:36 pm

Hi Kelly,
Thankyou for posting at all different stages. Your posts have really helped me. I'm so glad things are improving for you.
I have started regular appointments with a reflexologist am eating regularly and taking a well woman supplement and other herbal remedies.
At 4 weeks and one day after removal I am currently experiencing my 4th good day in a row 😁
I realise I could crash again but this also makes me realise after 14 weeks of feeling generally dreadful I can feel good again.
Sending big love
Beth x

Jessica

8/4/2018 04:27:45 pm

Hi ladies, reading all these post on here and others online have given me some comfort. I had my Skyla IUD out on 05/28/18. I had it on for about a year and a half and decided to take it out so we could try for baby #2. When I had it removed I felt the same, I did notice right away I started breaking out on my chin area and I usually have pretty clear skin. It wasn’t till about mid July that I started feeling a ton of anxiety and I had no idea why. Then began all the negative thoughts and confused feelings about everything. I went to see a therapist, I had a lot of feelings of just running away and being alone. I even asked my boyfriend of 4 years to leave the house so that I could figure what’s going on with me. Thankfully he didn’t and has been standing by my side since these feelings have begun. I just couldn’t understand still don’t how just about a month ago I felt perfectly fine and now all of sudden I’m a mess. During week 2 my sister and my boyfriend had done some research on my symptoms and suggested I might be going through IUD crash and my hormones may be out of wack which could explain all my symptoms. I had no idea there was such a thing, I never once thought of doing my research on side effects after removal. Considering I never really had any emotional issues while I had my IUD on. Other than longer periods and cramping. I right away went to a vitamin store to get some all women multi vitamins and a hormonal support vitamin and that night I felt great thinking finally I have an answer to my issues and I can take these and be fixed. That only lasted a day. I’m still taking my vitamins but I’m still experiencing some anxiety, depression, acne, fatigue and my appetite has decreased a ton. Im on week 4 now, I have had mood swings where half the day I feel like my old self with clarity and then I can feel super low and depressed. I keep trying to keep it together for my family’s sake and be mentally strong but this is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. I’m making an appt with an OB/GYN next week and I’m hoping this doctor will take me seriously unlike my primary doctor who dismissed my symptoms and just prescribed me anxiety medication. Im hoping that I get blood work done to show I’m not going crazy and that my hormones are out of wack. I’m just praying and trying to have faith that I will feel like my old self real soon cause I cannot feel like this forever, it’s terrible!

Cristina

8/4/2018 05:43:02 pm

Jessica,
You're not going crazy. I'm pretty sure it's your hormones, just like mine, they are all out of wack. I have had my Mierna IUD out since the middle of June. I still have days where I will just start crying out of no where and days where I feel great. I still don't feel totally 100% myself yet but I'm getting there. Just remind yourself that's it's not you, it's your hormones. My primary doctor also had prescribed me anti-anxiety meds and for myself they made me feel worse. My OBGYN was no help and insisted the symptoms I was having had nothing to do with the Mierna and actually suggested I get it put back in, ugh NO THANKS! Just remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it's just gonna take some time to get there.

X

Jessica

8/9/2018 06:52:23 pm

Hi Cristina, thanks for your reply. It does help to know I’m not the only one going through this. I do feel better than my first two weeks but everyday can be different. For instance the start of this week I cried both days but today I feel more calm. I’m just having faith that this is just temporary and that I will soon feel 100%.i do have another doctors appt next week with my primarily dr and I’m asking her to do a full blood work panel and I have another appt at the end of the month with my obgyn for a hormonal check up. I really hope they take me serious and can advise me that I’m doing all I can be doing to get back on track

Bethan Knight

8/5/2018 01:02:47 am

Hi Jessica,
I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to flag this site and whenever you're feeling like you're losing it come on and have a read. Also leave a message I have email notifications on and will respond as soon as I see. I have found my greatest source of comfort has been from my fellow post hormonal coil ladies. Lots of love x

Jessica

8/9/2018 06:55:55 pm

Hi Bethan, thank you 🤗 I will do that.

Amy

5/22/2019 02:34:14 pm

Hi Jessica,

Just wanted to see if you would share any updates to your experience. Thanks!
Amy

Kelly

8/10/2018 07:35:14 am

Mid 8 month update.
I feel SO much better. I still have "mini crashes" but they are only days vs weeks. My insomnia was gone all month, which was fantastic. I've noticed this month that my mood swings were almost non existent for the first time in 8 months. My depression/anxiety feelings were almost non existent.

The only lingering issue I seem to have is the joint/nerve pains. I have sciatic pain about a week out of the month, and my joints get achy, the worst being my thumb and shoulder. I did notice the progesterone cream helped a lot, but I'm trying to stay off of any hormones to speed up getting mine back to normal.

I can tell I might have some of these issues for a while longer but they are manageable. There is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel. My first 5 months sucked. Bad. I was sure this was going to kill me and I'd never get better. But I did. If I had to give a % for my 8 month mark, I'd say about 85%.

Jessica

8/10/2018 02:35:35 pm

Kelly, thank you for your update. It gives me hope

Kelly

8/10/2018 07:43:30 am

My major recommendation is to go to a homeopathic doctor if you can afford it. I haven't had the money to do this yet. But I've heard they can do the salivary hormone tests and know how to get the hormones back on track.

Regular doctors will absolutely refuse to admit that you can have a problem from the Mirena removal. They swear the hormones are local and can't be systemic. This blog, all the other blogs, the lawsuits, and even the insert on the Mirena say differently. My doctor ordered 2 progesterone tests which were VERY low, and they said "some people just have low progesterone" and dismissed me. And like you ladies, they offered to give me another Mirena. Seriously?! I feel like I'm dying from the after effects of this horrible device and you offer me another one?

Cristina

8/10/2018 09:58:09 am

Kelly,
So great to hear your updates and hear your doing much better. Gives all of us hope to that light at the end of the tunnel.

Valerie link

8/12/2018 01:18:35 am

Hello ladies,

I just wanted to leave a BIG THANKS to everyone who has shared their stories. I myself am in the middle of the Mirena IUD crash (2 weeks past removal) and find a lot of comfort in all these blog posts and comments. I had mine for only 2 month as it gave my severe panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and this feeling of being high 24/7. I had a Jaydess IUD prior to the Mirena which can only be used for 3 years and carries less hormones. I was okay with that one apart from a UTI that I kept dealing with on and off for about 9 month. However the Mirena has been my personal (and obviously not so personal) nightmare as I also have a anxiety disorder which was under control till the Mirena messed with my hormones. My symptoms have definitely decreased since removal but I still am not quite myself. Patience is the magic word I suppose.

I made a blog post on my website too if anyone is interested. I would love to read some more comments :)

https://randommindtravelling.wixsite.com/mindtravelling/blog/hormone-party

All the best to all of you ladies!

Nicole

8/15/2018 01:19:30 am

Hello,
I have had my mirena taken out two weeks now from ER because it was intruding out of my body its self. I really need to talk to someone! I am falling into a whole.. my head hurts everyday, dizzy, and I feel like I’m dieing. I only had the Mirena in 4 mo .. dr gave me new bc pills to start. I wanted to clean my body out.. should I start them right away and maybe the side effects will go away. I need someone to talk to .. I’m so sad from all this.

Cristina

8/15/2018 09:22:23 am

Nicole,
You're not going to die, you're not alone. Most of the women on here have had the same thing going on or are going through the same thing. I had my Mierna in for 5 months and went through something similar. I decided to clean my body out of all medications and get my hormones back together. I found out I am hormone sensitive, so I'm trying to get my hormones back naturally.

Just remember ... Your not alone and it's most likely your hormones all out of wack that's making you feel this way.

Danyelle

8/15/2018 09:46:34 am

Hi. You can email me at danyelle.watkins@yahoo.com I know exactly what you’re going through. I also had my Mirena in for about 3 months. Had the same side effects as you plus wayyyyy more. I know what it’s like to have so much on your mind regarding this situation meanwhile no one listens and think you’re going crazy.

Sparrow

8/20/2018 12:00:57 pm

My almost 5 month update:

Im getting better. Its so F**king slow but I am getting better. I now only have anxiety in the few days before i start my period, instead of all the time. My cycle is regular again, I have my normal energy back, my ovarian cyst has stopped hurting, I am getting it ultrasounded again soon, so only that will tell if it has gone away, but fingers crossed. So the only symptoms that really remain for me are some small amounts of anxiety and mood swings. I am not 100% myself again yet, thats for sure, but I really do feel progress.

Things that helped me:

Seeing a naturopathic doctor- she was the first person to believe me when I told her what was going on, and she gave me herbs and vitamins that really helped. I was also diagnosed being extremely vitamin b12 deficient. symptoms of this include fatigue, and anxiety, among other things. And guess what can cause this deficiency....yep, you guessed it, hormonal birth control. So taking methyl b12 supplements has really helped.

Havening therapy- if you haven't heard of it, look it up. This was the major turning point with my anxiety, and I mean night and day differences. Believe me, I have tried my share of 'out there' therapies throughout my life, and have always walked away thinking, 'maybe that did something, but i sure feel exactly the same'
Immediately after my first havening session I saw huge results! Sometimes my body still feels jittery and wired but its not scary anymore. Im ok with it, and much more able to understand that I am safe and this feeling will pass. I know that sounds strange, I dont know how else to say it...but please at least read about it and maybe give it a shot if you are dealing with anxiety!

Acupuncture- this is the one that I am not as sure how much of an effect it had, but I did try it, and I definitely think it made some difference for me.

So although I am far from cured, I am even farther from the scary place I was in mere months ago. And fingers crossed my progress will continue as it has.
Hang tough ladies, it does get better.
Sparrow

Lindsay

9/8/2018 10:24:16 am

I have had my Mirena since June 2016. Over the two years I have had it, I have developed anxiety, panic attacks, weight gain, brain fog, dry eyes and extreme fatigue. I started anti anxiety meds last fall in hopes of helping and while they do help, they have not stopped the anxiety/panic completely.

In the last six months, I have gained 10lbs, am constantly bloated and have stomach aches and pains almost every day. A CT scan shows nothing abnormal. I've also had a return of PMS and monthly spotting and headaches.

I am so sick and tired of not feeling like myself. So I made an appt to have my Mirena removed. Appt is Sept 24th. I am terrified of experiencing the "crash"!! Since I have a few weeks before removal, is there anything I can do now to help prevent or lessen the effects of the crash?

It has been really helpful reading through all of the comments and updates. Thank you@

Caroline

9/8/2018 10:39:07 am

Just wanted to update everyone since my summer post. What I thought was the Mirena Crash was actually worse (if that’s possible). I demanded to come in after feeling so terrible and they found out I was 6-7 weeks pregnant-which meant I was pregnant with the mirena in! They just didn’t know at the time of removal because they don’t routinely do pregnancy tests then. The bad news is due to the mirena, it caused me an ectopic pregnancy!! I had to have emergency surgery. So you know that 1 in 100,000 chance?? It happened to me. If you’re not okay with having an ectopic pregnancy (50% chance of having one if you get pregnant with mirena in) then I’d highly suggest getting it removed. I never believed those odds would happen to me. The emotional turmoil (and the five grand bill AFTER insurance—the total bill was 30 grand) was NOT WORTH IT. Good luck to all of you!

Kelly

9/15/2018 06:38:17 pm

Update here.
Month 8 sucked. I had no insomnia, thank goodness, but I had back pain and serious PMS symptoms for weeks. Period was late, but seemed normal when it finally showed up. Month 9 seems to be going OK. Slightly moody and waking a bunch, but overall improvement. You really have to take things one day at a time.

When I compare now to how I felt the first few months, I'm about 85% better. My mini "crashes" are nothing compared to months ago.

Cristina

9/17/2018 12:04:09 pm

Hello Ladies. Today is a little over 3 months post Mierna. I have had 2 regular periods but since my last one my body has had to adjust. I am waiting for my next one to start, which should be any day now. The cramps and back pain have been the worst ever. Never had it so bad. I have had a hard time sleeping latetly. I have had anxiety in the early mornings not so bad, but there. I think it's all gonna come back so I get slight panic attacks. Headaches are here and there. But again I get so worked up and nervous all the symptoms are gonna come back. It could be that my husband is a bit under the weather and I'm so worried about him, and its my turn to take care of him. I need to be better, I need to push through it. I'm not sure what started it up. Maybe it was me, I stopped eating really healthy, which I should of stuck to the plan. I stopped drinking tons of water and exercising. I need to start it up again. I don't wanna end up where I was 4 months ago. I made the mistake of thinking, ok I feel good let me have a little chocolate, a little more sweets and less vegetables. Not good. Stick to it! At the end of the day it's better for you. Just feeling right now defeated and a little depressed. I need to get out of this funk quick.

Kelly

9/19/2018 03:07:59 am

I'm at my 9th month, and even though some symptoms creep back, they are not near as bad as the previous month. My major anxiety was gone by the 5th month. Every month is an improvement. Hang in there.

LUCIE BULOIS

9/26/2018 01:42:27 pm

Hi all,

Like many of you, I started to have panic attacks, severe anxiety (feeling of being high 24/7) and dissociative head (depersonalization) last April. In August, after doing some research, I asked my doctor to remove my Mirena, but since then I have crashed hard and my symptoms got even worse. I also started to have depression, which I didn't have pre removal. I'm considering going on antidepressants just because life has been so unbearable since this all started, 6 months ago. Did anyone go on antidepressants during their crash and had some kind of relief? I feel like I'm losing it and losing hope.

Thank you ladies and good luck to anyone going through this.

Kelly

9/26/2018 08:55:49 pm

I did have a short bout of depression a few months after removal. I'm happy to say that it passes without needing antidepressants. There is nothing wrong with needing them though.

Just know that you aren't alone, and it does get better.

Start pampering yourself. Lavender Epsom salt baths, multi vitamins, get a gym membership and use the sauna.

Chelsea

9/30/2018 09:20:54 pm

Wow! I feel so relieved after reading your blog. I had my iUD for almost 6 years. 1 week before I got it removed I started feeling uneasy and emotional. I also felt i got a slight case of vertigo after getting the Iud but just dealt with it because it seemed like the best birth control option for me at the time, now I wish I would have listened to my body and removed it sooner! The way you explained The dissociative head symptom was 100% spot on for me & made me feel a little less crazy. I was convinced I had lost my mind and was going to spend the rest of my life locked in my room missing out on life. This has literally been the scariest 3 weeks in my life. I also have had anxiety my whole life but it was always manageable, I take the occasional Xanax for severe panic attacks which was rare but now it’s almost constant. I’m doing everything I can to not rely on pills, I’m trying to do everything natural. I am also experiencing nausea, sensitivity to smells that make me run to the bathroom and dry heave, dizzy ness, headaches and super emotional! I still haven’t had my first period and it’s been 3 weeks since I had it removed! I was wondering if you could give an update, maybe a little encouragement for me that this is going to pass and I won’t feel this way forever ! 🤞🏼 Thank you again for your blog it helped me and I don’t feel alone!

Charley

10/12/2018 01:33:54 pm

Hi
I've just come across your post through looking at mirena crash symptoms, and so many of your symptoms apply to mine. I had my Coil out over 2 years ago now, it was my second one in as I didn't think any of my symptoms were from having the coil, I stupidly (which is probably my biggest regret) never read any of the side affects of having the Coil just thought, great don't have to think about and no periods!! How wrong was I 😩 So anyway just wanted to know if anyone was still experiencing any symptoms this long after having it out?! My symptoms, well majority of them i.e. Brain fog, migraines, feeling of not being in the room, anxiety/panic attacks (which I've never suffered with ever) tiredness, back/stomach pain went away but have now come back again, and I really can't understand why? I have been to the drs recently for bloods to check liver, kidney function, diabetes amongst other things and these have come back normal. Please can anyone give me advice on this? As my drs always say it has nothing to do with the Coil and some have gone as far as saying I am ridiculous to think that it could be the Coil as I don't have one anymore. I just wish they would say it is a possibility as I could stop worrying about why I'm feeling this way, I really just want to be normal again.

Thankyou in advance.

Sparrow

10/12/2018 01:56:44 pm

Hi Charley...
I don't have a definitive answer for you, as I am only about seven months post removal, but honestly it wouldn't surprise me at all if you're still having symptoms after all this time. Especially considering that you haven't done anything in the way of treatment yet. I, like you, had never had any anxiety before and started having panic attacks and anxiety. (along with many other symptoms, but that was the worst) Although I have seen so much improvement, I am still far from my old 'normal' and I have been doing everything possible to help myself through this, herbs, acupuncture, and more. My advice to you...find a naturopathic doctor, mine was the first person to believe me and just having one person who believed me was a huge relief. Get yourself checked for vitamin b12 and folate deficiencies if you haven't yet, birth control depletes these essential vitamins for some reason, and many of my symptoms began to ease when I started getting vitamin b12 shots. b12 deficiency is linked to many things including anxiety, tiredness, weakness, shaky hands, and so much more.
another thing to get checked for (if you haven't already) is ovarian cysts...they are very common in women with iuds. I was diagnosed with one the size of a grapefruit, which has been the cause of my horrible back and stomach pain. I was told by so many docs that my symptoms couldnt be related to my iud...i am so glad i believed myself and found docs who believed me too. I feel like I am heaed in the right direction, slowly but surely. I hope this helps...feel free to reach out it you want to talk more. 802-291-2622. Good luck!!!!

charley

10/12/2018 02:19:59 pm

Hi Sparrow,
Thank you so much for replying, just knowing that others are going through similar and I'm not as crazy as I thought helps. I really appreciate all your advice and will look into naturopathic dr, also the b12 and folate deficiencies... I'm in the uk so maybe different here but will definitely look at these! At the moment I am just trying to detox majority of the time eating healthily and plant based but would try anything else to just be back to normal. As I said if the drs here would just admit it was a possibility it could be the mirena then I wouldn't feel as worried... My first panic/anxiety attack happened 2 days after I had my Coil out, I ended up going to a&e as I felt like I couldn't breathe and worrying if I went to sleep I might not wake again (sounds crazy 😔) after having checks done I was released the same night being told it was just a panic attack and that I must of being stressed that week and that was the cause, but I can honestly say no I wasn't stressed that week and there was nothing I could of pinpointed it to. After that and for the last 2 years I haven't had an anxiety/ panic episode like that until a couple of weeks ago I started feeling extreme fatigue again and had a panic attack on the train, i had this feeling that I couldn't get off when I wanted (even tho I could) and was just overwhelmed with the business of it all (even tho this has never bother me before and am often on busy tubes/trains) Like i say thank you for your reply and I will look into all this....

Thanks Charley

Louise

10/14/2018 05:44:32 pm

I was so pleased to come across your blog page. I had my coil removed just over two weeks ago and have this week started to feel particularly off. I've been putting it down to tiredness and stress but my symptoms seem to be like a number of those ladies who have commented. The last three days I have been so tired, dizzy, sore throat, anxious the list goes on. In recent months I've developed heartburn which doctors have put down to IBS and stress so this evening my stomach is making all kinds of unusual noises. I.m yet to have my first proper period but around the middle of the month is when I start to experience symptoms so perhaps that has triggered the crash. Who knows! But it's comforting to know I'm not going crazy.

Charley

10/14/2018 06:23:45 pm

Hi Louise,
Yes it is more than likely to be the cause, although obviously cannot confirm 100% Just through research myself I have reached this conclusion, and yes is a comfort (although wouldn't wish these things on anyone) just knowing that I'm not crazy and others are going through these same things helps. My list of different things seems to go on too, most recently the heartburn which I only ever suffered when I was pregnant so I'm having an endoscopy this week, I also had as soon as the Coil was out feeling of something stuck in my throats and the anxiousness, which I had never experienced or suffered with before. I'm 2 years post removal and still having various symptoms, some days better than others and at one point I thought I was back to 'normal' but am again hit with things.... I've had various bloods done at various times over the last years which have thankfully come back normal but doesn't explain what is wrong and that then everytime I'm going to the drs I feel like a crazy woman making these things up! Another symptom I experience is like a brain fog which then makes it hard to concentrate, Just would like to be normal again! A lady above mentioned B12 and folate so I am now going to start on some supplements to see if these make a difference to the tiredness etc as looking at the symptoms they are very similar, maybe this would help you too? I also try to detox through diet eating mainly plant based and unprocessed foods.... I also use doterra touch lavender oil to help keep me calm when I'm having an anxiety attack and Also doterra peppermint oil helps with the tiredness.... Hopefully as your only 2 weeks post removal you won't experience all these awful symptoms as long as I have and am, and get back to your normal self quickly.

Kelly

10/21/2018 12:12:58 am

10 month update ladies!
Omg, it's been a roller-coaster. I'd say I'm about 85% better. This past month I've only had slight mood swings and wake up off and on at night, but almost all my other symptoms are gone. Looking back over the last 10 months, I'd say my worst/most worrisome symptoms were;
Insomnia (up for 36+ hours. It sucked, and nothing makes anxiety worse than feeling like you're going insane.)
Panic attacks out of nowhere
Peripheral Neuropathy (numbness in fingers and toes)
Random sweats, not just at night
Joint pain (my shoulder pain lasted 6 months)

I had lots of other symptoms, but those were the worst. I'm happy to say that at 10 months, they've mostly resolved. I feel it's important to update, because in the beginning, I came here looking for positive stories and hope, and I know the hope of recovering makes it speed along. I was terrified I was going to feel horrible forever.

Chelsea

10/21/2018 10:32:22 am

I am now a little over one month post Mirena removal, the first 2 weeks after it was removed was complete hell for me and I thought life as I knew it was over and I was going to have to get used to this new normal. Wrong! I decided I wasn’t going to let this Mirena Crash get the best of me, the anxiety was out of control, the head fog was making me feel insane, the dizzyness and nausea was making me want to only lay in bed all day everyday and my life was passing me by. A few things I started to do that I feel has seemed to improved the symptoms a lot is: Excersice (I hate going to the gym) so I did daily walks and yoga, eating healthy. Almost a vegetarian diet with some animal protein here and there, cut out dairy for the most part, started drinking water only and lots of it daily to flush my system, i drink a small shot of apple cider vinegar morning and night (it helps detox the liver). I take a dandelion root capsule every night before bed (it also detoxs your liver) I use CBD daily, a few times a day. It’s a natural way to reduce my anxiety, I stopped taking Xanax all together because I now do not trust anything the doctors recommend to me. But the thing I found that I am most excited about is PREMAMA birth control 28 day cleanse drink. I am only on about day 6 but it kick started my period already, “it detoxs the liver and balances hormones and stimulating uterine health. It nourishes, supports, tones, and gently cleanses the liver and uterus; helps regulate menstrual cycles; and restores the body’s natural balance by removing excess hormones” the main ingredient in this drink is Chasteberry.
With this mixture of all natural remedies that I found during my desperate research for answers; I am excited to say I am feeling a lot better and started to see my old self come around again! There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Laura Vani

11/9/2018 04:53:57 pm

I've read every comment. As many of you I was desperate for answers. I had the mirena for about 3.5 years. My life changed, hair loss, no sex drive (I wanted my husband away from me) , migraines, and depression, social panic, and many more. My doctor said I had post partum drepresion so he prescribed atidepressants. Things still the same for me...
I decided to have it removed. I felt the nightmare was over. I still had migraines, mood swings, but they felt less severe.
3.5 months later I woke up with a horrible back pain. Next day I was rushed to emergency. I thought I was going to faint. I was shaking and I felt my heart was going to explode. They said everything was fine.
But it didnt ended there.... next day and for 4 more days I went to energencies with the same symptoms... swetie hands, shaking, pins and needles... more like panic attacks. I was terrified thinking I was going to die. I never felt that way before... so this created a panic disorder.. or at least thats what I think.
I had 5 ECGs done, x rays, ct scann, multiple blood test and theyball said I was fine.
Reading this and finding similar symtpoms I believe I had the crash.
My life is not the same.. its been 1 month since this started and is one day at the time. My mom is staying with us. I still feel depressed and overwhelmed. I feel at times that im going crazy or that I have an illness. Im feeling much better, eating healthy is just the emotional part and the sequels of the fear of having the panic back.
Im going to find a good naturopath doctor and wait for better days.
Hope you are all doing better every day.

Kelly

11/15/2018 12:15:14 am

I had the panic attack, pins and needles, and sweating hands and feet. The would feel really hot, then really cold. I had tingling in my fingers and toes and I was sure I was dying for about a week. Those symptoms went away for months. About a week before my period now, I occasionally get super mild versions of the crash. I'm at 11 months post removal. It does get better.

Laura Vani

12/5/2018 05:50:13 pm

Thanks for your reply Kelly, for how long did you experienced the worst in your crash? I didn't have the crash until 3 months after removal. For 2 months I've been in the worst of my life. Some days are ok, sometimes I feel like my old self and I find strength and hope but somedays hit me like the beginning of the crash. I have panic attacks still and heart palpitations. I'm going to have a holter for 24 hrs to dismiss a heart condition. My hands and feet sweat and I wake up in the middle of the night with heart palpitations and gasping air.
I find that I can do more stuff like walks, going to malls, being outside longer... it was so hard in the beginning, but now I can do a little bit better.
But I still feel fragile... many things are a trigger for an anxiety attack. I feel so weak and sometimes I feek this is not going to end. Did you experience this?
I'm also going to counseling and I started with vitamins.. but my stomach is a mess!
Right now I'm in the middle of an anxiety attack but trying to breath and stay calm.
Thanks! Hope everything is fine with you!

Kelly

12/20/2018 09:38:20 pm

I experienced all of these. I am almost at a year, and feel tons better. Not 100%, but about 90%. My periods are Irregular and I sometimes get mini crashes before my period, but they are so much more manageable. I think I might try the progesterone cream again to try and get my periods regulated. This DOES get better. It happens faster with exercise and vitamins.
Caffiene and sugar seem to make me worse.

Laura Vani

12/20/2018 10:25:33 pm

Thanks again Kelly for your reply! It really gives me hope to know this will pass. I just started going to the gym, taking vitamins and I already feel the difference. Some moments the anxiety arises and tries to sabotage my good moments... the symptoms show up but is less intense.
Sometimes I wonder if this is really the Mirena crash or is just like doctors told me I have anxiety disorder... but then again I come back here and read that this is all the hormonal mess that Mirena caused in our bodies.
I also started watching videos about anxiety and learning that having symptoms is not harmful has helped me a lot too.
Glad to know you feel 90% better! I hope you get to a 100% soon :)
Happy holidays!

Krista

12/14/2018 07:23:21 pm

So glad I found this. I had my iud out Nov 17, 2018 and I have felt absolutely terrible since. I had two of them for a total of 8+ years, loved it, no problems at all during the time I had it. The fatigue you guys!!! Like whoa!! I cannot function. My moods are all over the place as well. My provider said to expect this to last about 3 months. Said I could take oral bcp to ease the transition but that’s the only thing I can think of that could make me feel worse. Uggghhhhhh

Mia

12/19/2018 04:32:10 am

I had the mirena in for approximately 6 months, before I got extreme panic attacks. I would get 3-4 panic attacks a day, when previously I had never had a panic attack in my life. I had it removed a few days later, and the panic attacks subsided. It has been 5 months since it has been removed and I still suffer major anxiety, depression and derealisation. It's always there, although it gets a lot worse just before my period. I have never suffered these symptoms before and they are so overwhelming. Just wondering if anyone else has these symptoms and knows how long it will persist or if anything helped them. Thanks so much
--> My doctors want me to go on a low dose pill - I'm not sure if anyone has gone on that and it has worked, but I am worried since I don't want it to make my mental health worse.
--> Also if anyone has fixed this with anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication I would love to hear from you

Kelly

12/20/2018 09:40:50 pm

I can't stress exercise enough. I got a gym membership at the beginning of this whole crash. It took about a week of going, along with tons of water, and daily vitamins, and I felt noticeably better. When I get the anxiety, I just remind myself it will pass, and it goes away quicker. Feel better!

lucie

1/6/2019 09:09:56 am

Hi Mia, my experience is similar to yours. I started having panic attacks / severe anxiety / derealization 9 months ago - I removed my Mirena 5 months ago and I still struggle, even if my symptoms have improved thanks to the help of a psychiatrist specialized in DP/DR. I'm on Prozac and a low dose of Xanax. I still don't feel like myself, but the derealization (which was the worst of all for me) has been almost gone for a month. Feel free to ask me any question, and good luck.

Ellen

1/12/2019 07:07:06 pm

I just went to my doctor about the anxiety and am trying Prozac. I didn’t start to have them until after the 5 years with Mirena and then they got worse once I got it out. It is still too soon to tell if it will help, although the panic attacks were the worst within the 2 weeks right after I got the Mirena out. I don’t think it helps that it is the middle of winter and gets dark out at 4:30 where I am. In the warmer months I can walk outside for exercise and get some sun, but I tend to get a little down in the winter normally.

Ellen

1/3/2019 01:49:35 pm

Wow- so glad to find this website and see the updates from people after having it out for a while. I just got my Mirena out a little more than two weeks ago. I had it more than 5 years because my OB/GYN said it was shown to last for 7, but I started to have side effects like super irregular spotting, muscle fatigue, and worse hot flashes after 5 years and two PCPs suggested I get it out. Since then, I have had the full array of symptoms, but the reflux is the worst. I have always had some issues, but it has been absolutely awful. I am going back to the PCP next week to see if I can get on prescription strength PPI because even with extreme diet modification, it is not helping much. Some days, I still feel like my insides are on fire. Other days, it feels like everything is ok. I have also had the panic attacks, neuropathy, muscle spasms, migraines, muscle fatigue. I am trying to go to the gym, but it can be hard with the fatigue and not so pleasant with the heartburn. I feel like I am drinking gallons of water here and I have always taken a women’s multivitamin, fish oil, a supplement for migraines, which I still take.

KRISTA

2/26/2019 01:04:43 pm

Thank you so much for this post. I have honestly felt like I was dying since having the Mirena removed. Tension head aches, stiff and achy muscles, back pain, brain fog, dizziness to the point of almost passing out, nausea, extreme tiredness, and oh the crying. Not many people post about these effects and Mirena definitely does not!!!!!! Nor did my doctor feel the need to inform me of this "crash". It honestly got so bad that I even went to the ER only to hear it's probably hormone related, my vitals are fine, and the flu test was negative. I almost cried when I read this, ok I did cry. It's good to know these symptoms are real and that it does get better! I am at day 5 after the removal and symptoms have gotten better and then bad again. Looking forward to feeling like myself at some point in the future

Kelly

4/1/2019 02:32:37 am

You'll probably see my comments from a few months ago. I'm at 14 months post removal, and at 95% better. I used exercise, healthier diet, and just recently added magnesium (malate and glycinate) and it's helped a LOT!

Lisa

3/31/2019 01:46:06 am

Hi Ladies, thanx heaps for sharing your Mirena crash experiences, as I am now pretty sure that is what I am going thru since having mine removed only 1 month after having it painfully inserted (Dr warned me that as I am older now (51), that the cervix gets "harder" with age). BTW I've already had 2 copper IUDs inserted since giving natural birth 14 yrs ago, which I felt was a "pinch" uncomfortable, so I would say that the Dr was right, as I consider I have a fairly good pain threshold! So I thought this may help some ladies to know this interesting tidbit about our dear cervix. The good news is that removal was virtually painless without any ibuprofen.

I was against using a Mirena because of synthetic hormones & possible side effects etc, but decided to follow ObGyn's advice, to help regulate or stop periods, with the attitude that if I don't like it, I can get it removed - I'll give it a go! Spotting everday, feeling blah like I'm about to get my period, no libido - I could see the signs & thanxfully had already done my Mirena review research, which helped me avoid what longer term users are now suffering.

1 day post removal I got a normal light 4 day period & no spotting since. I have been feeling a little blah & getting sporadic bouts of nausea (enough to take anti nausea tablet) & boobs feel full with sensitive nipples. I feel as if I am 5-6 weeks prego, but would be a miracle if I got prego between few weeks of copper IUD removal & Mirena inserted/removed at 51yrs old?!

I am on day 8 post removal & feeling ok, because I know that I have followed my gut instinct, done my research & made a well informed decision to protect an honour my health, wellbeing & quality of life!

If I am experiencing the above Mirena crash symptoms after only 1 month of "low dose locally administered synthetic progesterone" in my system, then I would hate to think of long term exposure.... evidenced here in this & other forums?!?

I hope that my albeit short term experience/crash symptoms helps to inform & empower those Ladies out there who dare to share & care!

Kelly

4/1/2019 02:37:14 am

Ladies, ask your doctor about adding magnesium. I can not believe the difference. I take magnesium glycinate and malate and my anxiety and sleep have improved greatly. Helps with muscle and nerve issues as well.

Small update too. 14 months post removal.
Doing A LOT BETTER, 95% I'd say. I had a rough spot at about a year. Periods are still too long, but at least they're showing up regularly again at 29 days. I added magnesium and it's helped with any symptoms I had left. Seemed to fix the insomnia and neuropathy too. Hang in there ladies!

Lucy

4/9/2019 11:10:53 am

Kelly, thank you so much for your updates, they really help keeping hope. Can I ask you how long you had your Mirena in before taking it out?

Kelly

4/20/2019 12:10:56 pm

I had it for just shy of 2 years. I am really sensitive to hormone fluctuations.

Nini

4/12/2019 02:32:11 pm

Kelly, couldn’t thank you enough for your updates. They are what keeps me going at month 4. Thanks!

Kelly

4/20/2019 12:12:22 pm

You're welcome! I was coming here reading comments looking for hope until about month 8, when I really started to feel better "regularly". My periods come on time now, but the duration is still a little off.

Kelsey Claire

4/12/2019 04:12:48 pm

Thank you SO much for this post. I'm probably crying *because* of the crash but I am so glad to hear others are having this issue. I thought I was going crazy! I had my Mirena for almost 6 years and had been on birth control consistently for about 10 years. I've never been without birth control so I knew I would notice a difference, just didn't expect it to mess with me so much. I feel especially bad for my boyfriend - Does anyone have experience in trying to figure out what's *really* upsetting you and what's just a symptom of the hormonal changes/depression/anxiety? I can feel this straining many of my relationships and, considering I don't know how long the crash will actually last, I need to develop some better coping mechanisms.
Thanks!

nini

4/12/2019 09:36:20 pm

Hi Kelsey.. I don’t think there’s anything in particular that would make me upset. I would just cry for hours some days. Everyone would ask me what’s wrong and I wouldn’t have an answer. I have a great life, healthy kids, amazing husband. Although we are suffering with this crash (I’m 4 months into it) it’s also shitty for our families dealing with it . There’s not much help from doctors so I think they also feel helpless. I also feel bad for my husband, on days where I felt better I honestly just really explain myself and warn him that it’s not me and it’s just my hormones. I’m so thankful for Kelly’s updates because it gives me hope that this will get better. Some days are truly awful but if there’s one thing I learned it’s to be very cautious with my body and take much better care of myself. Best wishes and I hope you feel better soon. When you aren’t feeling good just remember it will pass!

Ellen

4/18/2019 11:31:24 pm

I am 4 months out and mostly feeling better. I still feel really moody at times and occasionally anxious. I had to stop the Prozac after a month because it gave me insane insomnia and night sweats along with digestive issues. I was literally waking up hourly.

Luckily my periods have been pretty normal although my cycle has been short. Around 23-24 days. My heartburn has improved a lot. I still get random muscle cramping. Right now I am getting insane acne and the hair loss is getting worse. The dermatologist said that is totally normal 4 months out. I think when I started the mirena, the first year no one even knew it was acne it was so bad... I get it on my chest, scalp, back and not so much the face.

Kelly

4/23/2019 02:23:16 am

I'm really glad I am able to give you ladies hope! I felt SO awful in the beginning. I was terrified and in and out of the ER thinking I was dying. I really didn't know if I was going to get better. I'm 15 months free of that stupid device, and am doing a lot better. I'd say 95%. If anything, I'd just say that my PMS is more prominent and AF is a little more wonky.
My worst symptoms were
Anxiety
Neuropathy (I was sure this was something sinister at the time)
Sciatica
Insomnia
Fatigue/muscle fatigue

Some of these were severe for months on end, to the point where I thought I was just going to live with them forever. I did vitamins, Epsom salt baths, exercise, and tried drinking tons of water. You ladies aren't alone, and don't be discouraged if you're doing okay one month, and have a setback the next. The setbacks end up fewer and fewer as time goes on. Some women seem to be over the crash in weeks, and for some of us... our body seems to take a year or so to get back on track. Sorry if I take so long to reply, I try to check back in once in a while.

Laura Van

4/23/2019 12:58:55 pm

Kelly is great to read your updates, it really gives us hope! Thanks for that!
I can relate to your experience as I have many of the same symptoms you had. I'm still struggling with high anxiety and depression, I'm not taking any medication for that.. just vitamins, magnesium and enzymes for my digestion.
I feel fatigued, sciatica and lower back pain that seems to come and go. Just like you said at some point you feel like you will have to deal with this forever. Anxiety makes you feel like you have a terrible disease.

On June of last year I had it removed, right after I felt extremely fatigued maybe depressed and moody for 4 months with no other physical symptoms, I could still "function" so I thought that was the crash for me. Suddenly out of nowhere panic attacks and feeling like I was dying right before my periods, I think that's when I really crashed, last year in October. I read somewhere that the crash can happen days, weeks or even months post removal. Even though I'm in month 10 post removal I feel just like you felt at months 5 and 6.

You are right! The set backs happen, you feel like you are going back to day one but you are not! Is just one or 3 days compared to weeks like in the beginning.

Sometimes it feels lonely as no doctor will listen or tell what's really wrong, they don't feel like Mirena can cause this, for me I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder. So I come back here to remember that I'm not alone and going crazy.

Kelly I have a question for you, I saw you only had the iud for 2 yrs. Did you have any side effects symptoms while you had it? Similar to the crash symptoms.
In my case I did have most of the side effects while I had mirena, but I felt worst after removal.

Kelly

4/30/2019 03:27:03 pm

Actually, yes. I didn't really even relate my symptoms to having it because they came on gradually. There was a period of insomnia, my cramps were more severe, and towards the end I was having bad mood swings. The removal made it a million times worse before it got better.

Kiera

4/23/2019 01:08:03 pm

Thanks for all your stories, ladies! It's hard when asking about your symptoms the reply from the gyn office is, "see your GP, you might be coming down with something." I am 47 and had Mirena for 11 years before deciding to take it out. I had no symptoms (or so I thought) at all while on it and loved not having a period. I did notice some lowering of my libido right after starting on it, and lasted the whole 11 years...and only after that long time started to link it with the Mirena IUD. I also recently started to notice more facial hair, but attributed that to age. I had mine taken out 3 weeks ago today. Two days after having it removed I had my first migraine headache ever. It lasted a day and a half. After that, my body has has "chills" almost everyday since sometimes accompanied by dizziness/light-headedness. Occasionally I'll have a low-grade fever. I generally have been feeling pretty lethargic and have had a loss of appetite. The first week and a half I had trouble sleeping and took unisom for a few days to finally get some sleep. I'm no longer doing that and have started to sleep better. Today I woke up feeling better but walked my daughter to school feeling light-headed. Really hoping things subside soon. But hearing the rest of these stories I'm concerned. I had mine (2 total) in for way longer than you guys. I haven't had any moody things happen, other than maybe snapping at my kids too harshly (I later apologized). Hope everyone is doing better on their journey to recovery!

Kitty Pert

5/17/2019 06:46:35 am

Thank goodness for this blog post and Kelly! I had my mirena our 8 weeks ago today and have felt like I’ve needed to be locked up in a mental hospital many times with the dread, anxiety and depression. This gives me some hope xxx

Amy

5/21/2019 05:27:14 pm

I would love to hear from anyone who has had success with treating this. I am 8 weeks post mirena removal, crashed hard starting week 3. The anxiety hit me out of nowhere. I then started to feel better for a bit, but still not myself. Now right after my first period which ended this past Saturday the depression/hopelessness has set in. It's the worst feeling because I have absolutely nothing to be this sad about but I feel like I'm drowning in despair. I have also had brief anxious moments and periods of nausea. I've lost weight as I have had absolutely no appetite. I'm so happy I came across this blog, I feel as if the comments give me a tiny amount of hope which seemed impossible before. I'm desperate for any words of wisdom and suggestions. Thank you to everyone on here that has shared their story, and thanks in advance for any recommendations!

Kayla Martine

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My Mirena Crash Story

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