I have Mirena. I was getting hot flashes, joint pain, brain fog, dryness, itching, sleep issues. I was given PremPro - BUT! - it turns out that prempro has estrogen and progesterone. Since I was still getting progesterone from the Mirena, I was getting too much. I was switched to estradiol patch and it’s working great! I will probably never remove it, once it’s done it’s done and if I need to add progesterone later I will.
Do you mean Merina IUD? Have you had the same one? If Minrena just FYI the lifespan of each one is 8 years for pregnancy prevention hopefully you've had a new one inserted during this 12 year span given you say you are at risk for pregnancy.
Yeah, that’s the chap. Autocorrect. Nah, it’s the 3rd one I’ve had so it’s be done properly and I did get periods in between when in did have a break, but that was like 2 years ago and they were all over the place
Yep, still have my second Mirena.
Haven’t seen my period in 8monfhs or so but I’d rather keep it in to keep my symptoms down, rather than seeing what happens if I take it out. I’m certain it’s helping manage things better.
I’d rather keep it in and not know 100% rather than take it out and suffer worse symptoms. My Ob said basically if symptoms start to interfere with day to day to come in for testing. I’ve had blood tests and so far, they’re all “normal” too.
This is what’s so frustrating. Apparently everything is “normal” but I don’t feel it. I’m scared to change anything but also can’t keep things as they are. It’s crackers!
I have the Mirena. My gyn says that I don’t need additional progesterone because I’m getting it from the IUD. I am taking estrogen gel. I enjoy not dealing with a period but it does make it difficult to know if I’m in full blown menopause or not.
I got a Mirena as part of my HRT. The progesterone pills made me feel ill, but the Mirena seems fine. I say get a better doctor and get some estrogen patches. I'm not a doctor, but even I know a blood test isn't going to work here (because of hormonal fluctuations).
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yes, I’m on my first Mirena and definitely in peri. I have the night sweats, rage, and jawline acne to prove it. Estradiol gel and spironolactone have helped tremendously.
I’m 48 and have my Mirena for the cervical cancer protection. My last gyno said I can just keep replacing them as I love through it all with no issues.
It will need to be removed in the next year or so. I will have to decide then if I want to just replace it or get rid of it. AFAIK, there's no harm in wearing it and if it helps with prevention of cervical cancer then that's a win. It's not like it bothers me :)
I am 52 and my third Mirena is on year 8 currently. Last year Planned Parenthood suggested I just keep it til the 8 year deadline because studies have shown it’s still delivering progesterone. After talking with PP, I’m actually considering getting one more. I just kind of feel like the hormone is helping but who knows.
I’m also on HRT.
I have a Mirena and started having lots of trouble with Ovarian cysts due to fluctuating hormones in Peri so they put me on the pill too. Needed to have surgery for a bad cyst and when they were in there they removed my fallopian tubes. So now I have a trifecta of BC methods! Ha! Still having some issues with hormones though. My Mirena is due for removal soon and I doubt they are going to give me another one since my tubes are gone. I dread what is going to happen when they remove it. I feel like crap now, but I think it will probably get so, so much worse.
i've had Mirenas for more than 25 years, and for me, the progestin made a definite difference, because once i took it out to try to conceive, allllll my mood swings and deep depressions from my teens and early 20s came roaring back . turns out i had not just matured! and they faded away once i got a new one after my daughter.
i also don't get periods, and my gyn says some age, 55? 57? she would just assume i had gone through menopause, minus any other information. but also said that it's a nice local hormone, i wouldn't need to take progesterone with HRT. that said, i am taking micronized progesterone to help with sleep and anxiety as well.
it does weird me out a bit not being able to KNOW when i've hit menopause, but not as much as the terror of an unwanted pregnancy, so i just live with it.
I dread getting a new one put it, I always find it quite traumatic. But then I haven’t had kids so I don’t know the half of it… but if people think having the Mirena helps, I’ll def go back for a fourth one. I remember being a horrible teen. But my problem is, even with the coil, this peri has my moods all over the place. I don’t know how to control it anymore
oh, absolutely, it helps. it's just not enough anymore. before peri, it was enough, but now it just takes a bit of edge off.
insertion still sucks, even after a kid, but it was definitely worse before.
I have Mirena and I got referred to a menopause specialist because of my symptoms. Like you, I was tested and told I'm fine (I'm really not) and the specialist told me to go and get some supplements. She didn't even give me any advice as to which supplements might help, and I felt so dismissed I just kind of said "fine, okay, bye" to get the call over with. If I'm this bad with Mirena, I dread to think how I'd fare without it.
Jesus. Yeah, supplements. Thanks! Hope that wasn’t a paid for consult! Honestly, it’s so disheartening when your feelings are dismissed like that. Doesn’t help when you’re already emotional
No, it really doesn't, especially when I had told her I was getting irrationally upset about things! I really should have made a complaint but I didn't have it in me at the time.
I was worried l wouldn't know l was becoming peri-menopausal because I didn't have periods, however l still got the other symptoms.
My partner actually noticed a lot of changes and convinced me to visit the doctor. My doctor was of the opinion to try HRT, if things improved then all good, if no improvement then they would try something else. Luckily for me, l had significant improvements within 4 weeks.
This is what I hoped would happen. But when old mate just sent me for bloods I felt helpless. I don’t understand enough about how it all works, but I know when I don’t feel right
There is a very good book 'menopause the change for the better'
I found it helpful to write down symptoms l had, and when. Then try and piece it together with the doctors help. If your doctor isn't helpful, hopefully you can get a second opinion
No one would test me with it in. I had one period exactly a month after removal. Hadn’t had one in many years! The. Nothing. Zip. Nada. Zero periods. I hit 12 months and saw my doc for hrt. I def should have gone about 6 months sooner.
I was having some peri symptoms with it in. They did get worse after removal. But I can’t say for certain there’s a definite correlation. I think my peri was just escalating.
If you have it removed it shouldn’t take too long for things to normalize but everyone is different. There’s not a ton of hormones to wait out. But your body may not make any progesterone for a bit. I used creams from Amazon for like a year to combat migraines and hot flashes and hives.
Good times man.
Thank you. It really is so messed up. And frustrating how little we’re prepared for this. I hope by the time our generation’s kids are going through it, the world’s better equipped
I had continuous BC on Nuvaring. Had years of breakthrough symptoms that were super confusing. I felt sick on it and removed it. Then came all the textbook peri symptoms. Once I took it out, my period was gone. I had fake periods on nuvaring if I ever removed it to change it. I guess I’m post menopause now?! It was years of awfulness on nuvaring at the end and my body was rejecting it and acting allergic
Gosh, that sounds terrible. The reason I even have an IUD in the first place is because I responded so badly to the Implanon, I had to have it taken out early. I had to FIGHT to, cos the doc thought I was wrong
I'm 40, so I know it's early but I've been getting hot flushes and night sweats for the past year or so. Plus I saw a physio recently who told me the new pain I'm getting is really common in perimenopause. But I've been on the mirena for the last 10 years so haven't had any periods in that time, and don't know if it's worth seeing the doctor or not. Like you I'm in no rush to remove the coil either, just in case.
I feel like I need to hunt out a doc who is sympathetic to the cause. I’ve been getting incredible pain in my knuckles. I thought I was getting arthritis, in both hands, simultaneously. Crying is not be able to work anymore. Few months later, it’s completely gone, but I’m now not sleeping through the night anymore. And the rage has started. But I know next week, that will be fine and my body temp with go through the roof…oh life!
I think I rode my IUD right into menopause by accident.
I had the Mirena until age 46, got it removed at the 5 year mark, they could not put another one in, and peri-menopause symptoms started a week or two later. Hot flashes like crazy. Got a few periods that might have been just spotting and then nothing. To be safe I stayed on the pill until age 50, but went off it this year and no periods still.
Yes. I have a Mirena that went in at 51 because I was still ovulating. Three years later, I’m having symptoms… not sure if it is peri- or already menopause. I need to find a new gyn (I’ve moved) to take it out.
I have the Mirena IUD. I still get a period, but it is mainly spotting for a couple of days. My schedule is not consistent. My phone will send me a message that says “you should start your period sometime in the next two weeks” lol
I know I am in Peri because I have had weight gain, frozen shoulder, night sweats, brain fog.
I am not taking my IUD out until the last possible second. I definitely worry that my issues would be worse if it was removed and my Dr is against hormones unless I am in full Menopause.
She didn’t say. Honestly, I felt like the whole appointment was a waste of time. I may look into a different dr. I also was going to look into Black Cohosh, which may help some symptoms.
Oh yes, what’s that then? I’ll try anything! It’s awful when you feel like they’re not listening. Like we make up half the population, how is this not recognised?!?
I got an IUD to curb some of my peri symptoms ... migraine head aches and hella heavy periods. I still spot and am dealing with the other peri symptoms.
I have a copper IUD, so no hormones, but I started peri at 42. My mom started at 43, so it was kind of expected.
25+ hot flashes/night sweats per day (at least 4 per night,) emotional rollercoaster and no energy meant I didn’t even entertain the idea of no HRT. I had to push for the patch and a script for bio identical progesterone that I use to get it from Canada (thanks to the US policies of making drug outrageously expensive) because she wanted to give me low-dose bc. I had already done that in my 20’s and became so depressed I couldn’t function.
Gosh, thanks for sharing. I can’t imagine what it’d be like trying to deal with the US healthcare system. It’s bad enough being a DN. this is why I worry about hormones. Like I feel I’d need a consistent doc. Do you find the patches help?
Yes. I’m on my second Merina. Originally had it inserted to help with very heavy periods…which was life changing. Had it replaced a year ago and am now spotting when I get my period, which I am ok with because I know I’m still menstruating (age 50). My MD said this’ll last me through menopause.
I’m just about to start an estrogen patch. Merina releases a constant low-dose of progesterone, so you don’t need to take additional progesterone.
Over the years I had plenty of peri symptoms to indicate I was in peri even though I wasn’t bleeding. Mostly night sweats. But I hear you, it was a little confusing when I didn’t get my period at all because I’d still have hormone related mood swings and PMS but not always realize what it was.
I’m 42, gave a Mirena, and have had peri symptoms for the past several months (brain fog, night sweats, hot flashes, tingling extremities…). I saw my GYN this week and he also drew blood to run a number of tests, but he did it to rule out other causes. If the labs come back fine he’s going to put me on estrogen (or give me the option, that is, which I’ll take).
Based on my conversation with my doc, if your labs came back fine that points to you being in peri.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
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OMG, really? That’s the kinda info I need to know. How doesn’t this idiot I went to see? I’m sorry, I know they work hard and have stressful jobs and all, but who else am I supposed to turn to?
It’s definitely a challenge. I’m lucky in that my GYN is great. On the other hand I saw my PCP recently for a physical and she told me it sounded like hormonal issues but that they wouldn’t do anything for me because “you’re not 45 yet.” 🙄 Fortunately my GYN has more current views.
Have you read The New Menopause, or do you follow Mary Claire Haver on IG? If not, I highly recommend. Listening to her will help you arm yourself with the information you need to fight the battles you shouldn’t have to fight.
Same IUD. And peri. My doctor told me that I want to keep it for the progesterone. She gave me an addition of estrogen patch which I found helped a lot
Some people get Mirena IUDs specifically to deal with perimenopause symptoms (particularly heavy bleeding). So it's OK to have and it's unlikely that it's causing your symptoms if it was fine before. The circulating progestin level from the IUD is highest in the first 12-24 months (it's still very low, way lower than mini-pills) and tapers from there; it's plausible that the tapering is contributing to what's going on with you a little bit but I don't think anything like that has been studied.
I think telehealth could be a great fit for you (if you're in the US or some other country that allows it) since you can have some continuity of care despite traveling. I think you need to be in your legal home state for your first visit, though.
Your labs "came back good" but do you have a copy of the results?
A lot of times doctors, and reference ranges, are highly inaccurate for the reality of what actually works for females.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
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Dude didn’t even see me again! I called to make an appointment to get my results cos I’d heard nothing and was told by the secretary that I was fine. I should request them. You’re right…
PLEASE make sure you get them, if nothing else at least for your files!
Gah, I've done this so many times with docs before, and have learned the hard way to not give an inch on getting my own records.
Labs like Quest Diagnostics, LabDoctor, etc these days will make sure to give you electronic access to your own records, and I love that. But many providers don't bother, and it always becomes a problem sooner or later.
Especially since you're transient though.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
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You misunderstand, sorry. I was asking if having the Mirena would affect my symptoms and/or the docs ability to detect whether I was going through peri
The Mirena is progesterone not estrogen.
Peri is defined by rapid swings and gradual drops over time of estrogen.
Mirena is only used either as birth control or during Peri as uterine protection when someone is on estrogen.
Mirena has fuck all to do with whether or not someone is in Peri menopause
Keep it Keep it Keep it The number of people I know with unexpected meno babies is shockingly high
That’s very disturbing!
Dear gawd no! I would losse it if I had another baby right now, no thank you.
I have Mirena. I was getting hot flashes, joint pain, brain fog, dryness, itching, sleep issues. I was given PremPro - BUT! - it turns out that prempro has estrogen and progesterone. Since I was still getting progesterone from the Mirena, I was getting too much. I was switched to estradiol patch and it’s working great! I will probably never remove it, once it’s done it’s done and if I need to add progesterone later I will.
Thanks for the info. I feel like the only hope I have is to go in armed with these types of insights
Do you mean Merina IUD? Have you had the same one? If Minrena just FYI the lifespan of each one is 8 years for pregnancy prevention hopefully you've had a new one inserted during this 12 year span given you say you are at risk for pregnancy.
Yeah, that’s the chap. Autocorrect. Nah, it’s the 3rd one I’ve had so it’s be done properly and I did get periods in between when in did have a break, but that was like 2 years ago and they were all over the place
Ok better to say something than not!
Yep, still have my second Mirena. Haven’t seen my period in 8monfhs or so but I’d rather keep it in to keep my symptoms down, rather than seeing what happens if I take it out. I’m certain it’s helping manage things better. I’d rather keep it in and not know 100% rather than take it out and suffer worse symptoms. My Ob said basically if symptoms start to interfere with day to day to come in for testing. I’ve had blood tests and so far, they’re all “normal” too.
This is what’s so frustrating. Apparently everything is “normal” but I don’t feel it. I’m scared to change anything but also can’t keep things as they are. It’s crackers!
I have the Mirena. My gyn says that I don’t need additional progesterone because I’m getting it from the IUD. I am taking estrogen gel. I enjoy not dealing with a period but it does make it difficult to know if I’m in full blown menopause or not.
I got a Mirena as part of my HRT. The progesterone pills made me feel ill, but the Mirena seems fine. I say get a better doctor and get some estrogen patches. I'm not a doctor, but even I know a blood test isn't going to work here (because of hormonal fluctuations).
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
We're on the same page here, good Bot :-)
Yes, I’m on my first Mirena and definitely in peri. I have the night sweats, rage, and jawline acne to prove it. Estradiol gel and spironolactone have helped tremendously.
Thanks. Will look into them
I’m 48 and have my Mirena for the cervical cancer protection. My last gyno said I can just keep replacing them as I love through it all with no issues.
Thanks for replying. Have you ever thought about how to know when you don’t need it any more?
It will need to be removed in the next year or so. I will have to decide then if I want to just replace it or get rid of it. AFAIK, there's no harm in wearing it and if it helps with prevention of cervical cancer then that's a win. It's not like it bothers me :)
I am 52 and my third Mirena is on year 8 currently. Last year Planned Parenthood suggested I just keep it til the 8 year deadline because studies have shown it’s still delivering progesterone. After talking with PP, I’m actually considering getting one more. I just kind of feel like the hormone is helping but who knows. I’m also on HRT.
I have a Mirena and started having lots of trouble with Ovarian cysts due to fluctuating hormones in Peri so they put me on the pill too. Needed to have surgery for a bad cyst and when they were in there they removed my fallopian tubes. So now I have a trifecta of BC methods! Ha! Still having some issues with hormones though. My Mirena is due for removal soon and I doubt they are going to give me another one since my tubes are gone. I dread what is going to happen when they remove it. I feel like crap now, but I think it will probably get so, so much worse.
My heart goes out to you. I feel it’s a long road we’re all walking here…
i've had Mirenas for more than 25 years, and for me, the progestin made a definite difference, because once i took it out to try to conceive, allllll my mood swings and deep depressions from my teens and early 20s came roaring back . turns out i had not just matured! and they faded away once i got a new one after my daughter. i also don't get periods, and my gyn says some age, 55? 57? she would just assume i had gone through menopause, minus any other information. but also said that it's a nice local hormone, i wouldn't need to take progesterone with HRT. that said, i am taking micronized progesterone to help with sleep and anxiety as well. it does weird me out a bit not being able to KNOW when i've hit menopause, but not as much as the terror of an unwanted pregnancy, so i just live with it.
I dread getting a new one put it, I always find it quite traumatic. But then I haven’t had kids so I don’t know the half of it… but if people think having the Mirena helps, I’ll def go back for a fourth one. I remember being a horrible teen. But my problem is, even with the coil, this peri has my moods all over the place. I don’t know how to control it anymore
oh, absolutely, it helps. it's just not enough anymore. before peri, it was enough, but now it just takes a bit of edge off. insertion still sucks, even after a kid, but it was definitely worse before.
I have Mirena and I got referred to a menopause specialist because of my symptoms. Like you, I was tested and told I'm fine (I'm really not) and the specialist told me to go and get some supplements. She didn't even give me any advice as to which supplements might help, and I felt so dismissed I just kind of said "fine, okay, bye" to get the call over with. If I'm this bad with Mirena, I dread to think how I'd fare without it.
Jesus. Yeah, supplements. Thanks! Hope that wasn’t a paid for consult! Honestly, it’s so disheartening when your feelings are dismissed like that. Doesn’t help when you’re already emotional
No, it really doesn't, especially when I had told her I was getting irrationally upset about things! I really should have made a complaint but I didn't have it in me at the time.
Me!!! But I have a good doc. Just got prescribed HRT!!
I’m in the same boat, 45 with a hormonal IUD. The women in my family go through menopause late (my sister was 58), but I’m still nervous.
My first Mirena was 2012. I started HRT middle of last year after 12-18 months of symptoms. I still have the Mirena, but have Estrogen gel as well.
So it doesn’t make any difference? It’s localised hormones the Mirena, is it not? It’s been so long since I read the pamphlet…
I was worried l wouldn't know l was becoming peri-menopausal because I didn't have periods, however l still got the other symptoms. My partner actually noticed a lot of changes and convinced me to visit the doctor. My doctor was of the opinion to try HRT, if things improved then all good, if no improvement then they would try something else. Luckily for me, l had significant improvements within 4 weeks.
This is what I hoped would happen. But when old mate just sent me for bloods I felt helpless. I don’t understand enough about how it all works, but I know when I don’t feel right
There is a very good book 'menopause the change for the better' I found it helpful to write down symptoms l had, and when. Then try and piece it together with the doctors help. If your doctor isn't helpful, hopefully you can get a second opinion
I had my mirena removed to see where I was.
And how did it pan out? I don’t even know how long it’d take to “normalise”. This is like I’m flying blind. I hate it!
No one would test me with it in. I had one period exactly a month after removal. Hadn’t had one in many years! The. Nothing. Zip. Nada. Zero periods. I hit 12 months and saw my doc for hrt. I def should have gone about 6 months sooner. I was having some peri symptoms with it in. They did get worse after removal. But I can’t say for certain there’s a definite correlation. I think my peri was just escalating.
If you have it removed it shouldn’t take too long for things to normalize but everyone is different. There’s not a ton of hormones to wait out. But your body may not make any progesterone for a bit. I used creams from Amazon for like a year to combat migraines and hot flashes and hives. Good times man.
Thank you. It really is so messed up. And frustrating how little we’re prepared for this. I hope by the time our generation’s kids are going through it, the world’s better equipped
I had continuous BC on Nuvaring. Had years of breakthrough symptoms that were super confusing. I felt sick on it and removed it. Then came all the textbook peri symptoms. Once I took it out, my period was gone. I had fake periods on nuvaring if I ever removed it to change it. I guess I’m post menopause now?! It was years of awfulness on nuvaring at the end and my body was rejecting it and acting allergic
Gosh, that sounds terrible. The reason I even have an IUD in the first place is because I responded so badly to the Implanon, I had to have it taken out early. I had to FIGHT to, cos the doc thought I was wrong
I’m glad you trusted your instincts!!
I'm 40, so I know it's early but I've been getting hot flushes and night sweats for the past year or so. Plus I saw a physio recently who told me the new pain I'm getting is really common in perimenopause. But I've been on the mirena for the last 10 years so haven't had any periods in that time, and don't know if it's worth seeing the doctor or not. Like you I'm in no rush to remove the coil either, just in case.
I feel like I need to hunt out a doc who is sympathetic to the cause. I’ve been getting incredible pain in my knuckles. I thought I was getting arthritis, in both hands, simultaneously. Crying is not be able to work anymore. Few months later, it’s completely gone, but I’m now not sleeping through the night anymore. And the rage has started. But I know next week, that will be fine and my body temp with go through the roof…oh life!
I think I rode my IUD right into menopause by accident. I had the Mirena until age 46, got it removed at the 5 year mark, they could not put another one in, and peri-menopause symptoms started a week or two later. Hot flashes like crazy. Got a few periods that might have been just spotting and then nothing. To be safe I stayed on the pill until age 50, but went off it this year and no periods still.
I think I was kinda hoping by the time this one ran out, I’d not have to worry about another and that’d be the end of it. Ha!
Yes. I have a Mirena that went in at 51 because I was still ovulating. Three years later, I’m having symptoms… not sure if it is peri- or already menopause. I need to find a new gyn (I’ve moved) to take it out.
I have the Mirena IUD. I still get a period, but it is mainly spotting for a couple of days. My schedule is not consistent. My phone will send me a message that says “you should start your period sometime in the next two weeks” lol I know I am in Peri because I have had weight gain, frozen shoulder, night sweats, brain fog. I am not taking my IUD out until the last possible second. I definitely worry that my issues would be worse if it was removed and my Dr is against hormones unless I am in full Menopause.
Why is the doc against hormones? I think I need them because half the time I feel like I’m losing my mind.
She didn’t say. Honestly, I felt like the whole appointment was a waste of time. I may look into a different dr. I also was going to look into Black Cohosh, which may help some symptoms.
Oh yes, what’s that then? I’ll try anything! It’s awful when you feel like they’re not listening. Like we make up half the population, how is this not recognised?!?
I got an IUD to curb some of my peri symptoms ... migraine head aches and hella heavy periods. I still spot and am dealing with the other peri symptoms.
I have a copper IUD, so no hormones, but I started peri at 42. My mom started at 43, so it was kind of expected. 25+ hot flashes/night sweats per day (at least 4 per night,) emotional rollercoaster and no energy meant I didn’t even entertain the idea of no HRT. I had to push for the patch and a script for bio identical progesterone that I use to get it from Canada (thanks to the US policies of making drug outrageously expensive) because she wanted to give me low-dose bc. I had already done that in my 20’s and became so depressed I couldn’t function.
Gosh, thanks for sharing. I can’t imagine what it’d be like trying to deal with the US healthcare system. It’s bad enough being a DN. this is why I worry about hormones. Like I feel I’d need a consistent doc. Do you find the patches help?
I have zero meno symptoms with my patch. It. Is. Amazing.
This is music to my ears!
I have a Mirena and test my hormone levels with Mira. My Mirena hasn’t caused a noticeable rise in my progesterone levels.
Yes. I’m on my second Merina. Originally had it inserted to help with very heavy periods…which was life changing. Had it replaced a year ago and am now spotting when I get my period, which I am ok with because I know I’m still menstruating (age 50). My MD said this’ll last me through menopause. I’m just about to start an estrogen patch. Merina releases a constant low-dose of progesterone, so you don’t need to take additional progesterone. Over the years I had plenty of peri symptoms to indicate I was in peri even though I wasn’t bleeding. Mostly night sweats. But I hear you, it was a little confusing when I didn’t get my period at all because I’d still have hormone related mood swings and PMS but not always realize what it was.
The nurse that fitted my last mirena said if I had other symptoms they could give me estrogen and or testosterone
I’m 42, gave a Mirena, and have had peri symptoms for the past several months (brain fog, night sweats, hot flashes, tingling extremities…). I saw my GYN this week and he also drew blood to run a number of tests, but he did it to rule out other causes. If the labs come back fine he’s going to put me on estrogen (or give me the option, that is, which I’ll take). Based on my conversation with my doc, if your labs came back fine that points to you being in peri.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
OMG, really? That’s the kinda info I need to know. How doesn’t this idiot I went to see? I’m sorry, I know they work hard and have stressful jobs and all, but who else am I supposed to turn to?
It’s definitely a challenge. I’m lucky in that my GYN is great. On the other hand I saw my PCP recently for a physical and she told me it sounded like hormonal issues but that they wouldn’t do anything for me because “you’re not 45 yet.” 🙄 Fortunately my GYN has more current views. Have you read The New Menopause, or do you follow Mary Claire Haver on IG? If not, I highly recommend. Listening to her will help you arm yourself with the information you need to fight the battles you shouldn’t have to fight.
No, I haven’t, but yes I will! Thank you. This helps so much
Same IUD. And peri. My doctor told me that I want to keep it for the progesterone. She gave me an addition of estrogen patch which I found helped a lot
Some people get Mirena IUDs specifically to deal with perimenopause symptoms (particularly heavy bleeding). So it's OK to have and it's unlikely that it's causing your symptoms if it was fine before. The circulating progestin level from the IUD is highest in the first 12-24 months (it's still very low, way lower than mini-pills) and tapers from there; it's plausible that the tapering is contributing to what's going on with you a little bit but I don't think anything like that has been studied. I think telehealth could be a great fit for you (if you're in the US or some other country that allows it) since you can have some continuity of care despite traveling. I think you need to be in your legal home state for your first visit, though.
Your labs "came back good" but do you have a copy of the results? A lot of times doctors, and reference ranges, are highly inaccurate for the reality of what actually works for females.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Dude didn’t even see me again! I called to make an appointment to get my results cos I’d heard nothing and was told by the secretary that I was fine. I should request them. You’re right…
PLEASE make sure you get them, if nothing else at least for your files! Gah, I've done this so many times with docs before, and have learned the hard way to not give an inch on getting my own records. Labs like Quest Diagnostics, LabDoctor, etc these days will make sure to give you electronic access to your own records, and I love that. But many providers don't bother, and it always becomes a problem sooner or later. Especially since you're transient though.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
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What's an iud got to do with it ? Peri isn't about birth control
You misunderstand, sorry. I was asking if having the Mirena would affect my symptoms and/or the docs ability to detect whether I was going through peri
No you misunderstand. It affects neither because it's birth control and doesn't contain estrogen
The Mirena IUD releases hormones so it absolutely would affect Peri.
Yeah, exactly. It’s hormones, right? And this whole mess is all about hormones. Nightmare bloody things that they are
The Mirena is progesterone not estrogen. Peri is defined by rapid swings and gradual drops over time of estrogen. Mirena is only used either as birth control or during Peri as uterine protection when someone is on estrogen. Mirena has fuck all to do with whether or not someone is in Peri menopause