Mirena & Hormone Levels: Is there a relation?

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Mirena Intrauterine system

In the past 100 years, there has been much advancement in technology to manage birth control. Medical experts have designed several devices to avoid conception. These are inserted into the body as a way to aid birth control.

One of the most popular devices is Mirena. It is a T-shaped plastic frame inserted into the uterus to provide long term birth control by releasing the progestin hormone. Mirena is an intrauterine hormonal device (IUD) used to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years after insertion. It works by thickening the mucus in the cervix and stops the sperm from entering the uterus or fertilizing an egg. Mirena suppresses ovulation by thinning the lining of the uterus.

Mirena and hormones have a direct correlation. It is a hormonal IUD infused with hormones called levonorgestrel, often used in birth control pills. Levonorgestrel is released into the uterus, and only small amounts of it enter the blood. It does not contain any estrogen. In 2009, the FDA approved Mirena also as a treatment for heavy periods. (menorrhagia)

Types of Intrauterine device-

  • Copper IUDs.
    These do not contain hormones. It is wrapped in copper and prevents pregnancy for up to 12 years.
  • Hormonal IUDs.
    These are T-shaped devices made of flexible plastic. Bayer is the manufacturer of Mirena. It manufactures two other IUDs in the same category- Kyleena and Skyla.

Benefits of using Mirena

Mirena is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for up to five years. It is also beneficial in the following cases-

  • Your need to interrupt sex to wear contraception is eliminated.
  • You do not require your partner’s participation  in using this method of contraception.
  • You can be stress-free as it remains in its place for up to 5 years.
  • You can get it removed at any point in time by a medical practitioner.
  • You can use it even while breast-feeding your baby . It is recommended to wait for 6 to 8 weeks after delivery as earlier placement might injure the uterus during placement.
  • You can be free from the side effects of birth control pills, especially those containing estrogen.

The procedure for using Mirena

The doctor works under sterile conditions. A detailed examination of the pelvis is done to determine the position of the uterus. Your doctor will do a bimanual exam by inserting a speculum into the vagina to inspect the cervix.

Steps for the procedure-

  • A medical expert will clean the cervix and vagina with an antiseptic.
  • Tenaculum, a surgical forceps, will be inserted slowly with the use of a speculum. The tenaculum will be closed adequately to keep the cervix and uterus together,
  • A uterine sound, which is another medical instrument, is passed via the cervix to measure the uterus’ depth and position.
  • From the sterile package, IUD and inserter are taken out. Then, the doctor will load the IUD in the inserter.
  • The inserter is removed while inserting Mirena into the uterus.
  • The doctor will cut the strings of the IUD, and 3 centimeters will hang out of the cervix.

Side effects

Some of the commonly experienced side effects are-

  • Headache
  • Acne
  • Tenderness in the breast
  • Irregularity in bleeding which might improve after 6 months of usage
  • Fluctuations in mood
  • Cramps and pain in the pelvic area

Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment

The doctors at Apollo Hospitals Group will do a thorough check-up of your body before determining the next course of action and treatment.

Effects of  Mirena

  • It helps in preventing heavy bleeding during menstruation.
  • It also helps in reducing Cramps or the pain you might experience during periods.
  • Severe menstrual pain and the pain arising due to irregular growth of uterine lining tissue is relieved by Mirena.
  • It does not allow abnormal growth of the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia)
  • It reduces the abnormal growth of uterine-lining tissue into the muscular wall of the uterus.
  • It reduces your chances of being Anemic.
  • It doesn’t lead to the development of Fibroids in the uterus.
  • It also decreases the chances of pelvic infection.
  • It decreases the risk of endometrial cancer, as well.

Prerequisites to use Mirena

Your doctor might not recommend you to get the Mirena inserted ,  if you have any of the following conditions-

  • If you are currently a Breast cancer patient or had it in the past
  • If you have Uterine or cervical cancer
  • If you are experiencing any Liver related illness
  • If you have abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids that might interfere in the placement or the retention of IUD
  • If you are experiencing an infection in the pelvic region presently or a pelvic inflammatory disease
  • If you are experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding

Risks associated with Mirena

You have less than 1 percent chances of being pregnant in the first year of Mirena usage. There is a risk of an ectopic pregnancy. In this kind of pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus in a fallopian tube.

It is possible to expel Mirena from your uterus as well. You are more likely to expel Mirena if you:

  • Have prolonged or heavy periods
  • Have never been pregnant
  • Have expelled an IUD earlier
  • Have severe menstrual pain
  • Are younger than age 20
  • Have had got Mirena inserted immediately after the childbirth

Your doctor/healthcare provider may suggest removal of Mirena if you develop:

  • Very severe migraine
  • Inflammation of the endometrium (endometritis)
  • A significant upsurge in blood pressure, or have a heart attack or stroke
  • A pelvic infection
  • Pelvic pain or pain during sex
  • Endometrial or cervical cancer
  • Possible exposure to an STI

Conclusion

Mirena is a very effective contraceptive that does not involve any surgical process. It is a device that’s economical and helps in family planning. You can use this as an effective alternative treatment for menorrhagia too.

As it doesn’t have estrogen, Mirena’s side effects are quite less compared to other contraceptive pills. Contact your doctor if you wish to understand usage about Mirena and if it can be implanted in your body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)                                   

1. Does Mirena have any metal in it?

 No, Mirena does not contain any metal. It is made of soft, flexible plastic.

2. Is Mirena active right away?

Yes, the device is active right away if it is inserted within 7 days of the start of your period. If it is not inserted during this timeframe, it will be fully effective seven days after insertion.

3. Can Mirena cause weight gain?

he majority of IUD users do not experience weight gain. Copper, non-hormonal IUDs do not cause any weight gain, whereas about 5% of patients using hormonal IUDs report weight gain. Since Mirena is a hormonal IUD, Mirena weight gain is possible, if unlikely.