Does the Mirena IUD cause depression to worsen?

[Spicygirl82]

Hey everyone. I am considering going on the Mirena IUD. I used to be on the Depo Provera birth control shot but it caused my depression to worsen and so I went off of it. I am just curious, does the Mirena IUD cause depression to worsen?

[Brandye]

The Mirena should not affect depression symptoms. I would assume that the hormones in Depo caused the depression to worsen. Not unusual in depressed patients on Depo.

The Mirena does have very low dose hormone. There are other IUDs which do not have hormone coatings. Discuss this fully with your doctor as there are no differences in contraceptive effectiveness among the various IUDs. The hormone with the Minera is intended to reduce heavy periods.

[Spicygirl82]

Originally Posted by Brandye

The Mirena should not affect depression symptoms. I would assume that the hormones in Depo caused the depression to worsen. Not unusual in depressed patients on Depo.

The Mirena does have very low dose hormone. There are other IUDs which do not have hormone coatings. Discuss this fully with your doctor as there are no differences in contraceptive effectiveness among the various IUDs. The hormone with the Minera is intended to reduce heavy periods.

Yeah. That is one thing that I like about the Mirena IUD is that it reduces heavy periods. I have never really had heavy periods except for when I was a teenager but I'd like to eliminate having a period if possible or at least have fewer of them. I hear that with the copper coated IUD, you still have a period. At one point in time, I considered getting the copper coated IUD because it does not contain hormones but my gynecologist does not offer it. He only offers the Mirena IUD. So the Mirena IUD is probably the one that I will go with.

[Brandye]

Not a good reason! I cannot imagine not having at least two types available. With ALL IUDs, you still have a period. The hormone impregnated ones, such as Mirena, tend to reduce heavy periods.

[Spicygirl82]

Originally Posted by Brandye

Not a good reason! I cannot imagine not having at least two types available. With ALL IUDs, you still have a period. The hormone impregnated ones, such as Mirena, tend to reduce heavy periods.

Well, my main reason for wanting to go on birth control is so that way me and my boyfriend can have sex without worrying about pregnancy.

[Brandye]

You miss the point. Having the Mirena inserted for the reason you give ("He only offers the Mirena") is not the right reason. In Europe, there are a dozen or more IUDs available in three different types - hormone coated, copper coated, inert. I understand that in the States, correct me someone, there are only two brands - one with copper and one with hormone coating. Each of these has good points and bad points (speaking comparatively). Once the Minera is in there, that is what you have.

Discuss with your, or another, gyn what the risks are for you with the hormone.

It is patently obvious that you want to have sex; there is no other reason for having an IUD. And you better check first: many doctors will not insert IUDs in women who have not had children. Many of us do.

[Spicygirl82]

Originally Posted by Brandye

You miss the point. Having the Mirena inserted for the reason you give ("He only offers the Mirena") is not the right reason. In Europe, there are a dozen or more IUDs available in three different types - hormone coated, copper coated, inert. I understand that in the States, correct me someone, there are only two brands - one with copper and one with hormone coating. Each of these has good points and bad points (speaking comparatively). Once the Minera is in there, that is what you have.

Discuss with your, or another, gyn what the risks are for you with the hormone.

It is patently obvious that you want to have sex; there is no other reason for having an IUD. And you better check first: many doctors will not insert IUDs in women who have not had children. Many of us do.

Oh okay. Thanks. Sorry I missed the point. That said, I have decided instead to go on the Lo Orgestrel birth control pill.

[Brandye]

You certainly do skip around a lot. Which version of the Low Orgestrel?

[Spicygirl82]

It's the 28 day pill pack.