Finally saying goodbye to my much loathed IUD. A few questions.

[JenRN]

After 8 months of constant spotting/bleeding, cramping, what I'm suspected are ovarian cysts (which I never had before), acne, low sex drive, inability to lose weight, and the general craziness that hormones can bring, I am finally breaking up with the Mirena IUD. I had only wanted it for 2-3 years anyway (got it put in at my 6 week PP appointment), and basically chose it because it was 100% covered by my insurance and I stink at remembering to take a daily pill. That, and the allure of no periods. Sadly, my body seems to have taken the opposite route.

My plan is to get fitted for a diaphragm and also use FAM. I charted when I was TTC, but my "signs" never lined up with ovulation. I realize that things can reset hormone-wise after a birth, but I wouldn't trust my charting for awhile and plan to use the diaphragm every time until I am sure I can make sense of my cycle. (I haven't even gotten AF back yet, at least I don't think I have. Stupid IUD.)

Onto my questions:

1. How long did it take to start feeling "better" after getting an IUD out (or stopping hormonal BC)? I realize all of my symptoms may or may not have been caused by the Mirena. I also have insulin resistance so my hormones are generally out of whack. I am also breastfeeding.

2. I am hoping to lose weight (ultimate goal being 35 pounds lighter). I've done some research and everywhere I look seems to recommend a different point to get resized with your diaphragm (15 pounds, 20 pounds, 20% change in body weight). What did your healthcare provider tell you regarding weight change?

Thanks ladies!

[TrishWSU]

I had the Mirena for about 9 months and had pretty much the exact same experience. I can't answer your question about the diaphragm resizing, but for the first I know for me I started feeling better almost immediately. Part of that might have been entirely psychological but I just just know I felt better overall. However, I am now on my 5th cycle post-Mirena (took it out on Oct 21) and it seems like my hormaones are finally getting back to normal (for me.)

[wendyland]

I had mine taken out less than 2 months ago. it was in for 3 years. my main problem was mild depression. I didn't have that spark of life anymore or desire to have friends or craft or try new recipes. I had major withdrawal for the first few days. it was like ons times ten. within a couple weeks, I felt much more like myself. I'm so glad I had it removed. I have my life back.

[Danielle283]

I had the Mirena for about 3.5 years with the same (and more) bad side effects. My belly bloat was gone pretty soon, and my leg/back/hip pain was gone as soon as it was removed. I felt like my old self in just a couple weeks! I prepared myself for a withdrawal feeling, but all I had was one night of crying about nothing and guess that was it!