I'm glad I stumbled across this forum...for months I've *loved* my Mirena, no periods, no daily remembering a pill....until I started to think hmmm, I wonder if this is why my hair's falling out? And why I've developed postpartum depression?

I know these are two "normal" things after having a baby, but I do have to wonder. I had my daughter 7 months ago and got the Mirena eight weeks after birth. I had been experiencing the normal post partum hair loss. On top of that, I have had alopecia areata (occasional bald spots) for 15 years. Two months ago I developed the worst case of it I've ever had in my life, I can't even count the number of bald spots I have anymore, they've grown together, and my hair is still thinning out generally. I have about 50% the amount of hair I had before pregnancy. And it's not showing any signs of slowing down. *Very* scary.

My husband was not in favor of the IUD to start with, and has been asking me to have it removed ever since. He swears he can feel it and he doesn't think I've been the same since it was inserted. I have zero libido, no energy, and can't remember a thing. I figured that's just what a baby, esp. a high needs baby who doesn't sleep well, does to you.

But then when I found myself in full-blown postpartum depression, and my husband really started on me to get "that thing" out. He's volunteered to use condoms until he can get snipped. I have an appt. today to see my ob/gyn to have it removed, but just yesterday afternoon after googling "hair loss and IUD", I came across this forum. I'm very happy to see I'm not alone.

I know my dr. will be reluctant to remove it (he's very much of the "better living through chemistry" line of thought) but I will be insistent.

I was wondering that of the women who experienced hair loss related to their mirena, how long after removal did things get better? I need some hope!