I had my IUD removed in Feb. after 3 years of having it. I tried like crazy that whole time to lose weight and NEVER went below what I was when I got it in. The first week I had it out, I lost 5 pounds!!!! My mood swings were ridiculous on it, and though I've been on wellbutrin for anxiety/depression for years, I felt out of control. I didn't realize a lot of this until I researched it and realized a lot of other women experienced the same issues as me. Google it and see what you find, I was shocked! My mom is an OBGYN and had never heard of the problems I had and others were/are experiencing. Most of it doesn't make sense to the medical people, but when countless people described my symptoms to a "T", I didn't question it. She looked at the data and agreed with my decision to remove it immediately! I don't know that it would make you gain, but if it's the only thing you changed in June, I wouldn't disagree that it could be a major factor! Good luck in deciding. That's a lot of money to throw away, but I understand your concern.

Depo can cause SEVERE weight gain in some women in spite of the literature and clinicians insisting otherwise, it DOES. I had the Mirena and gained and gained on it while my eating habits hadn't changed whatsoever. I was told again and again the Mirena could not *possibly* be the cause as the hormones are not circulated systemically. I had mine removed after six months and the weight gain stopped but it was nearly impossible to lose the weight I'd gained. It took years until things sorted themselves out. Interestingly, my sister experienced the exact same thing with Mirena. Google it, you'll see it's actually quite a common complaint with these forms of BC. I think some people are just extraordinary sensitive to hormones, I know I am. :P

Personally I prefer to get medical information on medication and information from professionals who have been to school for years. Particularly pharmacists, they have so much knowledge regarding drugs and prescription medications. A Mirena IUD is a prescribed medical device, so if a doctor does not know or a pharmacist does not know the side effects, I am sure I am not going to take advice from people on a board with all due respect. Everyone does react differently to medication so what happened to you does not mean it will happen to everyone.

And yes, eating and exercise does affect weight loss and gains. Not saying it was the culprit in your situation but it is in many many instances. Sorry but we are all looking for something to blame for weight gain. Coincidence, maybe but it could be water retention from too much salt, a bad "diet" day or lack of exercise just as easily.

Not all of us insist everything is in your head by the way. If your doctor does, it might be time to look for one who listens. There are many who do.

this happened when I was on depo as well. I hated it. My doctor suggested Mirena for me, I decided to go with the Paragaurd IUD. lasts longer and hormone free!

I had a Mirena IUD for five years (removed in March this year). I lost a lot of weight after the birth of my third child (and the IUD insertion) and then gained weight again. Last year I lost 20kg (IUD still in place). I certainly don't link my weight to the IUD. I was simply living a fat lifestyle! Now I'm living a thinner lifestyle, I'm getting thinner. That said, that has just been my experience. The Mirena is a low dose hormone (suitable for breastfeeding) so it shouldn't have too great an impact (expect where it is needed!! LOL!)