QuestionHi there,
I've had my mirena iud in since aug of this year (2007). I have bled everyday since then so I can't tell whether I've had a period or not and haven't experienced any pms symptoms other then cramping. About a week ago the bleeding completely stopped (yay!) but my breast have swollen and I have extreme nipple pain. Just my shirt rubbing against them sends me up the wall. And to make matters worse, I have a one year old that I'm breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has been almost impossible this week. Also, I've had headaches that come and go. I'm scared to death I might be pregnant. But it might just be the hormonal changes due to the Mirena. I don't know what to do!
AnswerDear Jodi,
Wow - you are much more patient than I am. If I had been bleeding continuously for 4 weeks, let alone 4 months, I'd have been done!
The symptoms you describe are hormonal in nature and can also be related to hormone fluctuations within your own cycle or to the hormones in the Mirena. That is why it so difficult to "diagnose" a pregnancy based on symptoms alone.
The symptoms may very well be related to the Mirena. It is not unusual to have a few months of spotting or unusual bleeding when first starting Mirena. After that, periods should taper off and become much lighter or even stop all together. Mirena also has potential side effects of headache and breast pain. Other side effects can include:
-Change in menstrual bleeding, such as frequent, prolonged or heavy bleeding, spotting, lighter bleeding, irregular bleeding or stopping of bleeding
-Development of fluid filled sacks (cysts) in the ovaries
-Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (edema)
-Weight gain
-Depression
-Nervousness
-Mood swings
-Nausea
-Lower abdominal pain
-Back pain
-Painful menstrual bleeding
-Acne
-Vaginal discharge
-Inflammation of the cervix
-Hair loss or hair growth
-Skin reactions such as rash or itching
-Genital infections, including pelvic inflammatory disease
-Decreased sex drive
-Migraine
-Abdominal bloating
You will need to test for pregnancy to know for sure. Although some tests claim accuracy on the first day of a missed period, I usually suggest that women wait until the week after a missed or spotty period before testing for pregnancy. This tends to minimize the incidence of false negative results and also avoids wasting money on a test for a simple delay of a period by a few days. When/if you test make sure to use 1st morning urine to get a concentrated sample for the most accurate results.
I would also speak with your doctor about all of the symptoms you have experienced since beginning the Mirena. You should inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms while you have the Mirena coil fitted: migraine or severe headaches; stabbing pains and/or unusual swelling in one leg; pain on breathing or coughing; sudden breathlessness; sudden severe chest pain; sudden weakness or numbness affecting one side or part of the body; increase in blood pressure; yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); severe abdominal complaints; severe depression; or if you do become pregnant.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
