Mirena IUD and Weight Gain/Loss
annpatalexa
Posts: 38 Member
Hi Everyone,
I've been doing a lot of research over the past week about the Mirena IUD and the possibility of weight gain and weight loss. The manufacturer says it can go either way. Many forum sites that I've been reading have had mostly stories from women who have had children and then used the IUD.
I was wondering if there were women out here who have NOT had children but HAVE used the Mirena IUD. If so, did you experience weight gain? Loss? Did it stay the same? If gain, how easy was it to lose the weight compared to not using an IUD, and were you actively tracking and working out or were you just sort of trying.
Sorry if this is in the wrong section or really random. But I'm just looking for more information.
Thanks.
-Ann
I've been doing a lot of research over the past week about the Mirena IUD and the possibility of weight gain and weight loss. The manufacturer says it can go either way. Many forum sites that I've been reading have had mostly stories from women who have had children and then used the IUD.
I was wondering if there were women out here who have NOT had children but HAVE used the Mirena IUD. If so, did you experience weight gain? Loss? Did it stay the same? If gain, how easy was it to lose the weight compared to not using an IUD, and were you actively tracking and working out or were you just sort of trying.
Sorry if this is in the wrong section or really random. But I'm just looking for more information.
Thanks.
-Ann
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Replies
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I have not had children and I've had the Mirena for about three months now. I have been successfully maintaining my weight during that time.3
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My daughter has not had children and has not gained weight on Mirena. She is a college student with an active schedule (a lot of dance/movement/acting classes) so definitely not sedentary, so that might play into it a bit.
She says the benefits of the IUD far outweigh (pun not intended) having to remember birth control pills or other stuff. She loves barely/not getting a period and just not really having to think about it.1 -
I have no kids. I was on a combination pill for 8 years but was already on a steady upward weight trend before I started it. I also lost loads of weight while on that pill (I weigh less now than when I started on it). I now have a Skyla (Mirena Jr, basically) and still have no trouble losing weight when I'm trying. Also have no trouble maintaining when I'm not trying to lose.0
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I gained a TON of weight on BC pills - now that I've had the Mirena ~1 year, I've maintained that gained weight, but haven't continued gaining.3
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I have never been pregnant and have had Mirena for almost a year now. No undesirable changes in weight and no difficulty with increased appetite or anything. I haven't had any of the hormonal issues that I did on the pill, my periods are infrequent and very light, and overall haven't really noticed a single negative point once the initial cramping etc ceased after a couple of weeks.1
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Some people say that hormones cause weight gain. I know when I got off of my b/c pills, I dropped a few pounds. I got the Paragard IUD because I didn't want the hormones anymore. I still get my period and this will last for 10 years.1
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No children. Mirena since February. CICO works like it always has for me. (As in if I overeat I gain, when I track and eat less than I burn I lose).0
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No kids here, I've had my Mirena for a year and have lost almost 30 pounds!2
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I have had Mirena for over 5 years and no kids. I actually gained weight AND lost weight during those 5 years but it was not from the IUD from what I've noticed because I also ate such bad foods when I was fat. But overall I've lost 82 pounds and able to keep it all off and still have Mirena.
I just watched what I ate and in smaller portions. 2 -
No kids. Got Mirena in September and I've lost 15lbs since then. Used to be on depo which I used to blame for 30 pound weight gain. However, Mirena and Depo have the same hormone (progesterone) so the weight gain or loss issue was really me just eating more than I was burning. Now that I am tracking and watching intake I have had no problem losing weight.
Also I love being on an IUD! So easy and last for such a long time.2 -
Prior to using Mirena, over the course of several years I had lost 60lbs and was maintaining it with ease.
My first few months with mirena, I was bloated beyond control, and in severe pain. Finally the pain calmed down, but the bloating NEVER went away, and I started to gain weight uncontrollably. In less than a SINGLE YEAR, I gained all 60lbs back AND THEN SOME. I also got terrible acne, which I had never had before in my life (spots here and there in high school, but nbd). I had no idea that it would affect me so much.
After about a year on Mirena, I finally had enough, and I had it removed. It took another 6 months or so for my hormones to go back to normal, until which time I continued to gain weight.
Obviously, the Mirena itself didn't cause my weight gain. Overeating did. But the extreme emotional/stress overeating was caused by the hormonal imbalance from Mirena.
All of this is not to discourage you from trying it. You will have no clue how it will affect you until you do. But, as a warning, if you are feeling bloated, emotional, out of control, your acne worsens, and you're gaining weight, I would advise you to get that thing removed as soon as possible. I wish I had sooner.
Here's to starting from scratch!
Edit: I'm 24 years old now, and was 22 when I got Mirena. I've never had children. I had never experienced a bad hormonal issue prior to Mirena.2 -
Hi. I've got the Mirena and have never had children. Mid twenties. I've lost 90 lbs since having it fitted and I did that through very strict tracking on Mfp. I don't see any real connection between the Mirena and weight loss. I worked incredibly hard for it and the only thing that had changed was my determination. I can't say if the coil helped or hindered, I decided I was losing weight a few months after having it fitted.0
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I just had my Mirena removed after a year, I gained probably around 20lbs purely through eating too much. However, IMO this was caused by the Mirena, in that it gave me such bad anxiety and depression I ate my feelings. I also can't stand being hungry and in pain, and it gave me cramps that lasted the entire year until I had it removed. I ate a LOT over the last few months.
So while it won't make you gain weight on its own, if you get the side effects it may make it difficult to control your calories. Obviously this was only my experience and yours may be totally different. The only way you will find out is giving it a go, if you're willing to risk it.1 -
I have not had children and am currently using the Mirena IUD. Like most birth control, it doesn't make you gain weight. It does stimulate your appetite though. But that's up to you to control your calorie intake.1
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Thank you ladies. I ended up going through with it. Not the most comfortable thing in the world. It knocked me out of commission for a day. Thank you for confirming that its just like every other BC. While I am secretly (not so secretly) hoping for the "Dramatic weight loss" that some people have spoke of on other forums. I'm trying to get back to just tracking my food and walking more during the day.
A lot of the insane weight gain posts were also tied to comments about postpartum and I was trying to separate how much of it is over eating because of that, how much was over eating because of the hormone. I was on the NuvaRing for almost a decade but in recent months its slipped out randomly and once it slipped out and I didn't notice, so I decided it was time for a change and made my appointment. Hopefully this discomfort gets better, but I was reading to give it a week and if it doesn't go away (which it mostly has), to call my doctor.
Thank you again ladies. I appreciate your candid and honest responses.0 -
No children, on my second mirena. I don't think it has had any impact.0
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annpatalexa wrote: »Thank you ladies. I ended up going through with it. Not the most comfortable thing in the world. It knocked me out of commission for a day. Thank you for confirming that its just like every other BC. While I am secretly (not so secretly) hoping for the "Dramatic weight loss" that some people have spoke of on other forums. I'm trying to get back to just tracking my food and walking more during the day.
A lot of the insane weight gain posts were also tied to comments about postpartum and I was trying to separate how much of it is over eating because of that, how much was over eating because of the hormone. I was on the NuvaRing for almost a decade but in recent months its slipped out randomly and once it slipped out and I didn't notice, so I decided it was time for a change and made my appointment. Hopefully this discomfort gets better, but I was reading to give it a week and if it doesn't go away (which it mostly has), to call my doctor.
Thank you again ladies. I appreciate your candid and honest responses.
So glad to hear this. I am going to get one before the end of the year (when it's still covered by insurance 100%). I'm looking more for a diminished TOM and cramp relief without having to take a pill every day. I took Natazia for a while, which I loved, but not covered by insurance at all. I'm just trying to bridge the gap between menopause because I hate my period. Hubby had a vasectomy 10 years ago, so birth control isn't the issue.0 -
I do have babies (three in three years ftw
) and have lost 90lbs overall since placement of my IUD September of last year. My girlfriend with no babies who had it placed, which I thought was kind of odd because I thought they were hesitant to place Mirena for childless women, gained a ton of weight and can't seem to lose it. I initially gained my weight years ago with help from the pill whereas many other women have no issues so I think personal biochemistry probably plays in re: hormonal bc and influence of appetite and subsequently on weight trends. 0 -
I've had Mirena for almost 4 years. I've had zero children. I've been dieting since last July (nearly 16 months) and have lost nearly 118 lbs without a problem and with almost zero exercise.2
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sweetpea813 wrote: »Some people say that hormones cause weight gain. I know when I got off of my b/c pills, I dropped a few pounds. I got the Paragard IUD because I didn't want the hormones anymore. I still get my period and this will last for 10 years.
I have a Paragard, too! I cannot have hormones, so it's the best BC choice for me. While it's not as nice as the Mirena when it comes to a few things1) you keep your period 2) cramps can be made worse 3) bleed more, I know that the risk of things like blood clotting and strokes are not raised.
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JessicaMcB wrote: »I do have babies (three in three years ftw ) and have lost 90lbs overall since placement of my IUD September of last year. My girlfriend with no babies who had it placed, which I thought was kind of odd because I thought they were hesitant to place Mirena for childless women, gained a ton of weight and can't seem to lose it. I initially gained my weight years ago with help from the pill whereas many other women have no issues so I think personal biochemistry probably plays in re: hormonal bc and influence of appetite and subsequently on weight trends.
I think that's mostly a thing of the past - I've read some articles recently indicating that it's more and more often inserted for childless women and even teenagers. My gyno had zero hesitation offering it to me, although he did warn me that childless women will usually experience more pain/difficulty on insertion thanks to the changes in the cervix that pregnancy/birth enact. It hurt like a *kitten* so he was right, but it was still totally worth it.1 -
I have it and while I did gain weight, it was due to my lifestyle choices not my birth control. I still have it in and have lost 40 lbs since I changed my eating habits and joined a gym.0
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I am 35, no children and have had Mirena for a year. I did get to my highest weight over this past year, but I doubt it has to do with Mirena. I was struggling with my weight before then. It certainly hasn't stopped me from losing by watching my calories and exercising. I have had acne since the switch, but it's nothing vanishing cream can't control. The IUD is so much easier to live with. No more remembering whether or not I've taken the pill, running to the pharmacy at the last minute, or evil doctors holding my prescription hostage until I come in for my yearly exam.1
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JessicaMcB wrote: »I do have babies (three in three years ftw ) and have lost 90lbs overall since placement of my IUD September of last year. My girlfriend with no babies who had it placed, which I thought was kind of odd because I thought they were hesitant to place Mirena for childless women, gained a ton of weight and can't seem to lose it. I initially gained my weight years ago with help from the pill whereas many other women have no issues so I think personal biochemistry probably plays in re: hormonal bc and influence of appetite and subsequently on weight trends.
I think that's mostly a thing of the past - I've read some articles recently indicating that it's more and more often inserted for childless women and even teenagers. My gyno had zero hesitation offering it to me, although he did warn me that childless women will usually experience more pain/difficulty on insertion thanks to the changes in the cervix that pregnancy/birth enact. It hurt like a *kitten* so he was right, but it was still totally worth it.
This makes sense, I am generally speaking living in the past . My insertion didn't hurt at all, but I paid my dues with our nine and half pound second child lmao 0 -
I had my Mirana installed in march of 2012, Since then I have gained 50lb and my LDL has been excessively high. after several years of working actively to lose weight, my doc suggested that the IUD may be the cause. I've seen both support in other peoples experiences and those who have not experienced any weight gain with/weightloss after removal. Next week I am having mine removed. i'm hoping that this will help my active goal to get back to my goal weight. I have never been pregnant and the installation wasn't too bad when i had it installed.
Wish me luck!1 -
CathyDickey2 wrote: »I had my Mirana installed in march of 2012, Since then I have gained 50lb and my LDL has been excessively high. after several years of working actively to lose weight, my doc suggested that the IUD may be the cause. I've seen both support in other peoples experiences and those who have not experienced any weight gain with/weightloss after removal. Next week I am having mine removed. i'm hoping that this will help my active goal to get back to my goal weight. I have never been pregnant and the installation wasn't too bad when i had it installed.
Wish me luck!
how did the IUD cause weight gain???? esp 50lbs? there are no calories in it?
Part of the side affects state "increased appetite"...and that, if you ate more, would cause weight gain...but not the IUD itself...2 -
no kids, 2nd mirena - I was put on it prior to a deployment because of issues with multiple forms of the pill
limited weight gain - probably mostly from eating junk and now lost it0 -
I don't have kids and I had a Mirena for 4 months. I gained 20lbs REALLY fast (like within a month), it gave me bad cystic acne, and my periods stopped. It was like my body thought I was pregnant. When I mentioned this to my doctor she said there was "no way the Mirena caused this" and told me everything was okay. When I started getting stabbing pains in my pelvic area I had it removed. Within 2 weeks I had dropped 15 lbs. My diet and exercise routine did not change during this time period. I went back to popping the pills. I've been on 5 different pills over the course of 22 years and not one ever caused weight gain.0
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I think this may be an old string by noe, but I cam here searching for an answer myself. I got an IUD about two months ago. I'm 41, NO children. I have gained and am continuing to gain weight. I have gained almost almost 15 pounds on the Mirena. I work out 4 days a week, and my earing habits have not changed. I feel like I can almost feel myself gaining weight. Everyday I step on the scale, I am heavier. I feel like getting the mirena was the worst decision and may look to get it removed if this trend continues. I cannot attribute this weight brain to anything else. I have lessened my stress with a mess stressful job, been working out more and trying to eat better. It just doesn't make sense to me. I am 5'4" and was a little overweight, but carried it well to begin with, but now i just feel like a balloon.0
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I think this may be an old string by noe, but I cam here searching for an answer myself. I got an IUD about two months ago. I'm 41, NO children. I have gained and am continuing to gain weight. I have gained almost almost 15 pounds on the Mirena. I work out 4 days a week, and my earing habits have not changed. I feel like I can almost feel myself gaining weight. Everyday I step on the scale, I am heavier. I feel like getting the mirena was the worst decision and may look to get it removed if this trend continues. I cannot attribute this weight brain to anything else. I have lessened my stress with a mess stressful job, been working out more and trying to eat better. It just doesn't make sense to me. I am 5'4" and was a little overweight, but carried it well to begin with, but now i just feel like a balloon.
I had a Mirena put in in June of 2017 (conveniently around the time I decided to get my act together and lose weight and get in shape). The need for the Mirena was a result of endometrial hyperplasia. Since getting the Mirena put in, I've monitored my diet and added a gym regimen and I've lost 50 pounds in 6 months. The stubborn part is that I still carry a noticeable amount of flab around the midsection which makes me a little nuts, but I know it will come off if I stick with it and get the body fat % down.
So... short answer: never pregnant, no issue with weight loss that I can tell (if it is holding me back, I don't know it because I have lost steadily), probably less stress than 6 months ago (now divorced). For me, it's been a good thing... but it sounds like experiences are mixed.
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