IUS (also known as IUD) is a small device (like the Mirena coil) inserted into your uterus containing a hormone called levonogestrel (a type of progesterone). If you’re considering taking estrogen therapy for your symptoms, your doctor will recommend that you take a form of progestogen if you still have a uterus. Oestrogens can be used to relieve the menopausal symptoms, but taking oestrogens alone increases the risk of abnormal growth or cancer of the lining of the womb. Taking a progestogen, such as the hormone in an IUS, as part of an HRT regimen lowers this risk by protecting the lining of the womb. Mirena can only be used in conjunction with estrogen in women who have an intact uterus. Because the Mirena coil contains no estrogen, it does not affect the symptoms of a reduction in estrogen as the body goes through menopause. Your periods will usually stop when the Mirena coil is inserted.
How effective has an IUS/IUD been for relieving your symptoms?
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Joy6 years ago
I’m considering an iud for symptom management. Any of you found this to be helpful?
Lyn6 years ago
Hi, So my gp suggested I have the Mirena as I have had a few fibroids in recent years and my periods had gone from being something I didn’t even think about as they were so easy, to something from a murder scene and two days of wanting to lie on the sofa. Like my moon cup would completely fill in about half an hour and largest tampon and sanitary towel wouldn’t contain it, which was becoming increasingly difficult to manage at work. I was reluctant as I prefer not to take drugs etc unless I have to. So the first three months I bled almost continually when the coil was fitted albeit a lot lighter than usual but still annoying. But within six months I had no periods and now nothing at all. It’s also completely stopping the crawling feeling on my skin (not sure if this is a coincidence) but my mood has also generally improved a little. I didn’t used to get pmt or mood swings but last few years they have got progressively worse! So for me so far and I’ve had it two years in November it’s really helped! Hope that helps, good luck!
Nic6 years ago
I had a Mirena fitted after children to help with controlling periods and to calm and balance monthly symptoms, and after months of post-insertion settling down it did it’s job well. Downsides easily outweighed by upsides. It’s replaced by combination pills now due to age (mine and the coils).
Annie6 years ago
I had a Mirena coil fitted 15 months ago in conjunction with Estrogel pump & Testosterone gel I had been on Utrogestran Tablets to stop the Bleeding which was virtually 3 weeks out of a month. It appeared to be working really well despite a rocky start. I had it removed last week as my Tummy was constantly bloated and swollen regardless of how much or little I ate or Excercise, my Breasts have increased from a small 34B to a 34 DD and have put on over a stone and my Body felt like it was constantly trying to ‘Expel’ it......I have had a Contraceptive Coil when I was much younger so know how they are meant to feel. I am taking Noristerone 1 tab per day increase if I start to bleed (although I am a v fit ‘young’ 58 year old I hope not!!) since starting it last week my Husband said there had been a massive change in my moods mainly bad! Grumpy, snappy, very ‘Aggy’ over the slightest thing, the only positive thing that has happened (and its only been 9 days!!) is my Tummy has ‘deflated’ and my Breasts and Bottom look less like they have been inflated with a Bike pump! Some may say lucky you, but when your 5ft and they stick out that much looks quite comical!! I have been a competitive Martial Artist in my time and am extremely in tune with my body but am amazed that the effects of the Coil had this effect on me. Has anyone else had any of these ‘symptoms?? Found any solutions that worked with Estrogel & Testosterone ??
Joy6 years ago
I went to get the coil fitted but they wanted to do a biopsy first. The pain was so bad I could not give the doctor permission to insert the coil at the same time! I am now waiting to here the results of the biopsy but still suffering with extreme mood swings and hot flashes. I do not think the average gynaecologist knowns enough about menopause. The only thing on offer to me is the coil or a hysterectomy!!! My doctor will not give me hrt patches or tablets so I am just trying to get by but don’t know who to turn to
Monica6 years ago
I am 59. I had my first Mirena coil inserted at 40 as a contraceptive after my third child was born , and have had it replaced every 5/6 years since. Somehwere between 45 and 55 I entered menopause. With the Mirena is was actually hard to know, but I experienced a lot of hot flashes ,face flushing and night sweats. So my gyn recommended I supplement with estrogen gel. It worked wonders for me and especially after supplementing with a bit of testosterone gel for a few months. My issues started again when it was time to replace my expired mirena. I move countries a lot and that has always been a challenge in maintenance of my treatment. In the US I had a ver hard time finding a dr in my area and insurance network who “believed” in my treatment. She insisted I not replace the mirena . I was insistent on having HRT, she reluctantly (whole other story)prescribed Prempro,which has estrogen and progesterone combined . It worked ok but I really do not like taking pills . I was in the process of moving out of USA so I stuck to it. I arrived in South Africa and immediately booked with gyn here. He told me prempro had been discontinued in SA years ago and much to my relief we went back to the Mirena coil and Femigel. I feel back to myself and my symptoms are controlled. I guess my whole point is that there are treatments for everyone and also different schools of thought. The US medical system is so unfriendly(generalization and MY experience) but you have to insist and not just settle. Insist on getting your hormone levels checked ,not just symptoms, finding the right balance with meds,gels, coils , supplements is possible, available and we should not have to just sweat it out. Thank you for reading me
Rose5 years ago
I’ve had two coils fitted in three years as I’ve bled so much I’ve needed iron infusions. Unfortunately the coils always fall out and dislodge - the first one had been out for a year and I just suffered through the pain (old habits - I’m used to being told my pain isn’t important by doctors). I don’t think I’ll get another one. Too much hassle and it didn’t seem to do much. I still needed infusions with it.
Danish abroad5 years ago
After suffering with very heavy periods that lasted up to five weeks for over a year in my late 40s, I had the Mirena IUD fitted and it literally changed my life. My periods quickly reduced and stopped completely within four months. I’m not fond of having a foreign object in my body and have gained some weight over the four years since, but I really didn’t have a choice. Tranexamic acid tablets didn’t cure the problem and I was severely anaemic. Should mention that my gynaecologist prescribed a course of progesterone tablets for the first 14 days to avoid it being expelled while bleeding.
KimC4 years ago
At 49 I began to experience terrible periods that were 3 weeks apart and lasting 9 days and were extremely heavy. Then after 5 months I had one that lasted for 2 months straight. So I made an appointment with an on/gym specialist and she explained what was happening and how the Mirena IUD could help me and would probably ease my transition into menopause. So after checking that I had no fibroids she placed the implant in two months before my 50th birthday. Immediately the pain I had been experiencing for years was gone and for about 60 days I had just a light discharge of blood daily, then I had a normal light period and then 80 days later a period so light I’m not sure I’d call it a real period. So after 4 1/2 months after my implantation I am a completely satisfied customer. And I was a person when I was in my 30s said that I’d never use HRT. Well you never know what life will bring and I am glad to have had the Mirena option.
Faz4 years ago
Hi, similar issues. Heavy bleeding so went to Dr’s and advice given was the Coil. Sometimes I had 2 periods in one month. Nor recovered from first one. Fatigue, mood swings, anxiety. Was 43 yrs of age now I’m 47. Not had a period in 3 months. Coil needs to be out this time next year. Hot flashes seem to settle and re- appear. I guess I need to go back to Docs as advised to see where I’m upto in my Menopause. Refer me to clinic , maybe HRT.