Mirena IUD in Lieu of Hysterectomy

Updated on June 28, 2010
K.B. asks from Aurora, CO
19 answers

Ladies, I need your help. I have a long long history of female medical problems and I am only 34. I suffer from chronic migraines to boot. In short I have had many laparoscopies, ruptured ovarian cystys, Endometriosis, Lupron injections x2 rounds, 3 children (one long drawn out v-birth 2 cesareans), tubal ligation, endometrial ablation, daily meds for migraine prevention, cryotherapy and one miscarriage. I might have missed something, I am not sure. But anyway back in April my new GYN stated I had been poked and prodded enough and I was a great candidate for a hysterectomy as it was what I wanted and what I was prepared for. I am done with pain and all the @#$% that is coming with it. My family is over it too, they want me to feel human again. I understand I am young and could possible enter early menopause and am mentally prepared for that. I will also do my research on how to be physically ready when it does happen. Today when I saw her for my pelvic pain that just keeps getting worse and I need something other than heating pads in 90 degree weather and hot baths to relieve discomfort she started referring to the Mirena IUD as a treatment and sounded like she was backing out of the hysterectomy idea. I was just about devastated. So I thought I would at least give it some thought before I literally went bonkers..
Here's my question to you... What is your experience with the Mirena IUD and have you or have you known anyone that has used it for Endometriosis pain, not just birth control? It's obvious I don't need it for birth control and I can't use regular birth control methods because of headaches. If it's not working after a few months can I have it removed and proceed with another route or does it need to stay put for the 5 years? Also, I have read that it can cause some weight gain, what has been your experience?
Thanks so much for your help, it is much appreciated!!

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S.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My friend got a hysterectomy and it was a LONG recovery. Like 6 weeks of pain and discomfort etc. or even more. Try anything you can before going through that kind of pain. The hormones in the mirena didn't effect me at all whereas the ones in the pill or mini pill did. I think it goes straight to the uterus and seriously, such a small dose, it worked great for preventing and the lightest, best periods, I didn't gain weight either. Maybe you should look into some alternative meds too if you haven't. There are all kinds of other options available that are less invasive. Especially if you try dietary changes with the headaches. Good luck.

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R.J.

answers from Billings on

mirena still has hormones in it so if you go6 headaches from the pill I would think you would headahes from this too. I have issuses with hormones too and my ob said she wouldn't recommend it because of that. but yes it can be taken out at anytime.

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J.P.

answers from Denver on

Hi K.,
I am wondering, have you ever considered a natural route to your medical problems, or only western medicine? From my experience everything you are experiencing is totally curable with alternative medicine treatments, including the migraines. In my opinion, trying everything before undergoing major surgery that will forever change your life is worth a try. If you are interested I can explain all the different things that would work and recommend practitioners to you that can help. It sounds as if you need to get your hormones balanced over all else, and that you have liver imbalance that is causing the headaches. Also, going to a certified rolfer could forever change the migraines and the pelvic pain. Please feel free to contact me if you want to explore my suggestions further.
Good luck!
J.

1 mom found this helpful
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G.J.

answers from Colorado Springs on

K.,

Please do a bit of research, outside-the-box. Check into naturepathic ways to cure your body...your whole body.

Also, the area you live in has some contamination issues. These issues can cause what you are going through. If you would like to know more, check out the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center online, or talk to Adrienne Anderson.

My advice would be at least TRY some herbs. I would do a course of dandelion root to clease your system, and I had great luck getting rid of my pain with Vit. E. I didn't even think I could have kids at all after my cysts and endo, but the V it.E (1000 I.U.s once or twice a day) made it MUCH better and I have since had five healthy kids.

Best wishes and blessings

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S.L.

answers from Pueblo on

I would say.....Have the hysterectomy and live a better life. They may want to put you on some hormone replacement if they take your ovaries which I would allow them to. I had a hysterectomy when I was 44 and wished I had done it years ago.

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T.W.

answers from Denver on

If I were you, I would just go the hysterectomy route. Get it over with. I think that you may want your ovaries out too since you seem to have a lot of hormonal issues. Sometimes they leave them in.

Another thought is to get a second opinion.

Good luck!

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M.W.

answers from Boise on

I suggest you look into Chinese medicine and consult a physician trained in it. They are not against Western medicine, but they go about treating everything differently.

A good Chinese physician, not just any acupuncturist, but a physician, would look at your diet, how you cope with stress, if you have any unresolved or overblown emotion, as well as your physical symptoms to come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan. They don't believe in adding hormones to our bodies but treating our bodies so that our bodies fix our own hormonal problems.

I think it's worth looking into because me and my friend both were cured of hormonal issues from acupuncturists.

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A.T.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I know nothing about Mirena! I vote for the hysterectomy! I had a list of female troubles myself. I had a hysterectomy and I don't regret it one bit. I even joked with my gyno I wish I would have done it as an elective surgery years earlier...LOL! It was one of the best medical decisions I ever made. I feel awesome! They took everything except the ovaries, so no menopause yet.

Side note/info: I had the da Vinci hysterectomy (robot assisted), 3 tiny incisions (one in my belly button). I was in the hospital about 24 hours total. I had only minor discomfort immediately after and recovered quick.

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A.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

My girfriend had a hysterectomy at around 36 for similar reasons and she hasn't entered early menopause. With everything you've gone through, and your family being done, I say do it. Research asian women and menopause, my 57 year old neighbor didnt go through it because of her diet, lots of soy and white sweet potato.

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S.M.

answers from Denver on

My sister had HORRIBLE problems with the Mirena. It caused her more problems than she already had, and you and she have some of the same. It is your body, you can make choices for it whatever way you choose. Your healthcare provider should be able to respect that and together you all do what is right for your body.

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K.S.

answers from Great Falls on

Have the hysterectomy! I was 27 when I gave up on all the pain, proceedures and treatments and my quality of life improved 10,000 fold! It was worth early menopause!

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J.P.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I don't believe you should do either one. You have a hormonal imbalance. Estrogen is the worst thing for a woman. Most of us make enough for our bodies, some of us too much. Everything that you eat needs to be hormone free. The milk you drink, the beef you eat. all of it is shot with hormones. Estrogen makes a cow fat, and it makes them produce more milk. Its all about the money. Cows shot with estrogen make more money because if it weighs more, it sells for more. It causes havoc on our bodies. I went off everything that had estrogen in it, and got on progesterone (wild yam) cream instead. I don't have any symptoms of estrogen dominance now, and I'm flying through menopause. I feel better. Please check this out before you do anything. Good luck

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

You don't have to go through early menopause. Usually when women your age have a hysterectomy, they use hormone supplements to keep them from entering menopause. I have a good friend who had one at 32 and my mom had one at 40 -they both took hormone supplements. I would have the hysterectomy! I don't think an IUD is going to do anything for you, and given all of your problems, I think it may even exacerbate your issues!

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N.W.

answers from Denver on

The mirena can be removed whenever you want. I had one for a year before deciding we wanted another baby, took it out had a baby, got a second one put in. I experienced sone aching for the day it was put in, but since then-nothing. Some regular cramps with my period, but nothing like the pain you describe. I did not experience weight gain, and the hormones are so minimal that my moods were normal. I hope it helps you!

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M.S.

answers from Denver on

I am 30 and I'm having a hysterectomy in 3 weeks for almost the same issues. I can't WAIT and they are leaving 1 ovary in so I do not go through menapause since I have bleeding issues that I can't take hormone replacement therapy. I say opt for it, but that's just me and I have 3 children and I'm done so its right for me :)

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N.P.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My Mirena has been great. I have had it for 2 years. I wasn't so sure about it the first 6 months. I was a little crampy during my periods, but after that it's been wonderful. No cramps, and hardly a period at all. I used to have to take medicine when I had my period cause I was so crampy. I don't know what decision you should make...Just sharing my experience. Good luck!

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G.H.

answers from Chicago on

There is a good website to go to to ask any questions about this topic its called hystersisters.com .......good luck with your decision

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S.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I, too, had many female problems for years (miscarriages, constant period, ovarian cysts, etc.). I tried EVERYTHING except Mirena as it wasn't available and finally had a hysterectomy when I was 27. I am turning 40 this year and still haven't went into menopause, but I do still have my ovaries.

Even though everyone knew I needed a hyserectomy, my doctor was still so reluctant to perform it on a 27 yr old I had to beg him and reassure him that I was OK with this. 13 years later, I do not regret it for one single moment.

If a hysterectomy is what you want, make sure your dr. really knows it. I wish I had more info regarding the Mirena and whether or not it would be helpful for you.

Good luck!

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