Re: Mirena IUD Side Effects

I had my Mirena inserted in November of 2005. I am having it removed next week. I thought the additional 20lbs that I gained were part of my perimenapause despite the fact that I watch what I eat and exercise as I have always done. I have also experienced loss of sex drive, mood swings, itchiness "everywhere", headaches and extreme periods of fatigue by lunch time. When I finally get to bed at night I find myself wide awake in the middle of the night. I also suffer from aching muscles in my arms and legs periodically which feel like the onset of the flu. Until I found this website, I attributed these symptoms to middle age (I am 48
years old). I initially had this inserted to stop periods which were lasting up to three weeks and irregular. In retrospect, I would much prefer that to this excessive bloating and weight gain. I feel achy, fat and old. A year ago -- I felt alive. Thanx for the imput.