I have had my Mirena in for 2 years, just after my twins were born. Just like many of you, I was assured that this was a great low-hormone option that I never had to remember to take. For the longest time, I thought I was tired, depressed, anxious, achy, having headaches constantly & NO libido because I had twins (along with a toddler and two other children). Five kids will do that to you, right? But so consistantly? Every single day? I have very few good days. I just want to stay home. I am an emotional wreck. I feel like my patience is pretended and that I snap and start yelling at my children and husband for reasons that are trivial. I am angry all the time. I am tired all the time, regardless of how long I've slept. I am sad all the time and I can't explain it. I have headaches and constant back pain. I also discovered a lump in my breast last year that was surgically removed. Not cancer, thank God! I hate this feeling. I have no real reason to be like this. I have a lot of kids, and sure, that will make for a challenging day - every day, but really? There had to be another reason.
After talking with my husband (poor guy) at length, I decided to mention it to my Gyn who then referred me to a specialist who checked my hormone levels and found I was deficient in a few areas: vit D, vit B & iron. She also mentioned that she wishes my Gyn clinic would stop using the Mirena because there have been so many complaints that were similiar to my symptoms. But we continued on the supplement treatment to rule it out.
Six months later, I have little increased energy, due to the supplements, but the rest of the symptoms remain the same. So I scheduled an appointment to have the Mirena removed. I went through my arguments and reasons for wanting the Mirena out, only to be frustrated with the disbelief and arguments (in as polite of a way they could) from the nurses. I planned on that, but it was still frustrating. They tried to talk me into another IUD (Paraguard), but honestly, I'm not interested in another foreign body inside me. I have felt terrible for long enough!
I am very hopeful that I will see & feel changes in myself - my mood, my physical wellness. My family and I are beyond ready.