Copper IUD and Side effects - Page 5

[jlanda]

Originally Posted by Sasha's Mama

Have you had your thyroid tested lately? A lot of what you're listing sounds like it could be related to your thyroid as well.

The irony is that I found high copper as well as zinc deficiency being a potential cause of thyroid issues. There was one study that sought to determine if the heavy periods from the copper IUD caused hypothyroidism and they did find a link. However, the study never stated why it was linked to hypothyroidism. I put together the copper being a probable cause rather than the heavy bleeding. My my theory, nothing else.

I personally figured once I got my copper under control and my zinc levels in balance, I was going to go get a blood test with a thyroid panel (for those who are not aware, you do have to ask for a thyroid panel, they won't do it automatically, at least not around here.) I didn't want a false positive that was simply caused by the excess copper due to the IUD that was easily remedied. Who knows, I may find I'm hypothyroid anyway, but I have to admit, all of my hypothyroid-potential symptoms have cleared since working on clearing the copper and getting sufficient zinc.

My friend who has hypothyroidism also mentioned this as a cause of the symptoms, so I definitely took it under consideration. I'm hoping that once I get to a balance where I don't need so much zinc anymore, when I do get the blood test, it will come out alright!

[dixon1994]

IUD-copper toxicity

WOW! I cannot beleive I found a blog about this. I will start saying I honestly think that the Paragard is "poison" to the body, (in my case anyway). After my last child was born in October 2008 I had the Pargard placed in in December 2008. My periods were so awful, two weeks of every month I felt like I had been hit by a truck. My periods became worse and worse the longer I had it. In April 09 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I have been on a whirlwind of treatments, doc appts., hormone imbalances, etc. My Doc kept telling me to just give the IUD some more time....well I did and finally when I began to have bloodclots every month, I called and said I want this out. My body was telling me it wanted it out. My thyroid levels had returned to normal with treatment, but I still had quite of few things out of balance (progesterone etc. ) So, July 2010, I had the IUD removed, which is supposed to be a simple procedure right??? Well, after 30 minutes in stirrups and feeling like my insides were being ripped out, 4-5 lidocaine shots---yea inside.....and several attempts to get it out with tong looking things, finally had an ultra sound to assist with retrieving it, which at this point the strings were in the uterus, so I had to have the cervix dialted.....sorry for the graphic details, but blood was almost gushing out of me with each tug, my Doc apologized, said this was NOT normal, she said I will give it 3 more tugs and if it cannot come out, we have to go to the OR to get it. I was freaking out. Praise God, it came out, I was put on an anti-biotic to prevent infection and left the office in complete shock and terrified. Doc said it was not imbedded, but I think it was starting to and my body was trying hard to push this thing out. I had a very normal first period after it was removed, and have felt so much better.

And today I got a call from the Doc to tell me that one month after it being out of my body, all of my abnormal hormone levels are now in normal range.....I really think the copper was poisoning me. I wish I had known about these side effects. I do wonder if it led to me being hypthyroid, I will never know, but I know that just in the last month since it has been gone, I feel good, I have not fetl good in 2 years. This is/was my only experience with one and I know it sounds negative of me, but I would NEVER, ever recommend this to anyone!! Beware, complications do occur, you just do not hear about them often. I asked my Doc about copper toxcity...I think she thought I was nuts, well, the Docs do not know it all. I am 100% convinced this IUD can totally mess you up. Just thought I would share and also warn those of you who do have one or are thinking about one. Please feel free to ask me any questions, as I hope I can prevent someone else having the trouble I did.

[dixon1994]

Question for Jlanda

Hi!
I meant to ask you if you have the information about the study between the paragard heavy periods and hypthyroidism, I feel like this is me to a tee. Wonder if the makers of Paragard just brush this off as hypothyroidism is quite common in women and especially after pregnancy....Thanks!

[jlanda]

The study just says IUD unfortunately, they don't specify which type of IUD:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1290333

The link specifically to copper in regards to this study is my own theory based on the other information I've found.

Here's some more info:

http://www.arltma.com/CopperToxDoc.htm

One also has to consider the difference between bioavailable and biounavailable copper. The copper from IUD's seems to be biounavailable, so essentially, you could have too much copper in your system yet be copper deficient because your body can't use it. Weird huh? This next link references copper deficiencies in thyroid issues, which is very probably even with copper toxicity since the body isn't using the copper that's floating in the body:

http://www.ithyroid.com/copper.htm

More info on copper toxicity as well as deficiency (look higher in the link):

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?t...xicitysymptoms


I don't know about anyone else, but I had both symptoms of copper toxicity AND deficiency, and that's due to the bioavailable/unavailable issue. Tons of copper and can't use it. There's also relations to stress and the adrenals. It's very complex. I'm still trying to piece it all together into one document that makes sense!

I'm still trying to balance everything because now that my zinc is at normal levels, I'm feeling the symptoms of copper deficiency, probably because of my trying to get rid of the unusable copper. I'm going to cut back on the copper chelators (cut out the molybdenum for a little while and cut back on zinc dosage) and just keep my zinc in balance while eating healthy copper-containing foods in strong moderation (in other words, no more soymilk for me!) I'll keep everyone posted!

[TamiTofu]

I've been thinking about using Paraguard, so I've been researching like crazy!

I have an idea I'd like to throw out there:

One of the stated side effects of the copper IUD is that you may have heavier/longer menstrual cycles, more cramping, etc. I think it goes unsaid that this may cause a rise in hormones during that time.

Anyways, I was thinking of the possibility that the copper IUD could cause menses related anemia?

Some of the symptoms of anemia mimic the symptoms of copper toxicity, as well as a few symptoms of hypothyroidism. Fatigue, poor circulation, malaise, confusion, and even heart palpitations.

So, basically I'm thinking that these issues *could* possibly be attributed to anemia secondary to a very heavy menstrual cycle. I'm also thinking that some of the emotional issues could be related to the rise in hormones that would naturally come along with a heavier/longer cycle.

I may just be over analyzing things here, but I wanted to throw it out there for everyone to consider. I would love/appreciate any feedback.

What do you think?

[Baby~Braatens~Mama]

[dixon1994]

J landa--Thank you for sharing the links with the articles you mentioned. I will review them all.....I really and truly beleive that there is a possible correlation with the copper IUD and possible thyroid issues etc. I feel like I lived them the past 18 months....just so THANKFUL that thing is out of me.

The last person asked about the cycles being heavier---heavier is and understatement...I bled a minimum of 10 days each cycle, sometimes 12. Towards the end, I had clots with the bleeding. My iron level was checked and was not low.....but it can cause anemia in some people with the amount of bleeding.........beware is all I can say of this IUD, sorry, I just really do not have one positive thing to say about the Paragard

[jlanda]

dixon1994: You're very welcome! I want to help anyone else I can after what I went through. Nothing to me was worse than feeling crazy and thinking it was me, attacking my own character and thinking less of myself, when in the end it was simple biochemistry. Lately (think I've finally gotten some understanding of my zinc and chelator needs) I've been feeling so mellow and calm, even pleasant, rather than moody, angry, and upset for who knows what.

TamiTofu: That certainly is a possibility! In the beginning, I did get my iron levels checked because I told them (and this was before Paraguard) that I feel really fatigued after my period. I had a few menstrual cycles since having the Paraguard put in by that point. My periods were 7 days long and VERY heavy. I didn't really mind too much since I use cloth pads and use the resulting soak liquid to add nitrogen to my outdoor plants, but regardless, I was concerned about anemia, especially since I had been feeling more tired since the Paraguard was put in. They told me my iron levels were just fine, no signs of anemia.

Now that's not to say that the anemia part isn't a factor. Actually, due to the mineral imbalance, competition for mineral absorption as well as synergy between them all, it's possible to develop iron-deficiency simply by having too much of one mineral (usually the case of too much zinc which interferes with both copper and iron absorption, hence why they suggest it before meals rather than with.) I think I actually developed an iron-deficiency after taking too much zinc with meals, thereby blocking the iron. Supplemented iron for 3 days and then let it just build up through eating and I'm feeling much better.

I of course lost and need to find the article that was stating the synergy and potential iron-deficiency if things aren't taken in the right manner (and I do need that website for my own records so if I find it I'll post it). But anemia certainly seems to be a part of the puzzle. I'm not sure if I could say it's the complete answer, but it certainly seems to be a factor!

[funfunkyfantastic]

Well, I had the paragard removed a couple of weeks ago... and i'm slowly getting back to normal. No low back pain so far though... and hopefully it won't return! I noticed a dramatic decrease in bleeding immediately after it was removed. Before then, in fact, the day before I was bleeding heavily and then after it was removed my period just seemed so light.

[allymoe24]

OMG is all I can say to all that I have read... I know now that I am not crazy nor alone... I have a 19 month old at home.. he is my second child. I had the IUD place in when he was 2 months old. I have anxiety, depression, no sex drive at all (im 28), Terrible weight gain, I am retaining more water then the hoover damn....I literally thought that I was just going plain mad.. I have had blood work apon blood work done, I have seen mulitple doctors that can not explain to me why it is that i have now alomost 80lbs heavier withing a 6 month period. I thought the anxiety was just from the 2nd child as I had a totally different pregnancy as well as birth for this one than my oldest.. I literally have been making myself sick over it all I have been to my primary doc as well as i just had a visit at the OB to see if maybe she could HELP.. I asked about the IUD and was told over and over that there is no side effect at all, she actually is getting my medical records from my primary to review things and see if there is something that maybe they missed to check.... BULL is what is can say I am literally on the verge of loosing my marriage and my kids think that I am crazy.. I have not had the heavy menstrual cycles however I have had irregular cycles as well as it changes like every other week.. I am calling my OB because I have an appt set up to see what she has "found" in my records on 9/16... ON that DATE I will have her remove this god for saken Item from my body and be on the road to recovery and a better way of living and that will be the OLD ALLY

[yasmar]

Hi Everyone!
I am so thankful to have found this thread as it explained a lot of what has been happening to me. Its very important to talk to other women and hear their own experiences as dr's don't always tell you about the side-effects. I will give you a brief rundown of my story:
3 years ago, I had the Mirena (hormonal IUD) inserted and had absolutely awful side effects: weight gain, hair loss, increased hair in places you don't want hair! terrible acne and depression, extreme fatigue to the point were I felt I had no life! I removed it and felt incredible pretty much straight away, my energy came back the depression disappeared. I then decided to put the regular copper IUD. I had inserted one about 10 years ago and apart from heavy periods, felt perfect.
This time was an entirely different story! I had it put in 9 months ago and have suffered enormously with it. I have come to the conclusion that I am older and my body cannot handle what it used to. I would start PMS from ovulation! Midway through my cycle I would bloat really badly and start feeling low emotionally, not to mention so so tiered. About a week before my period, I would start spotting and my mood would get worse with really dark thoughts, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness...you name it! When my period finally came, it was sooooo heavy it scared me! uncontrollable bleeding for first 2-3 days, with big clots. Last month, the bleeding was so bad that I got dizzy and shaky and felt like I was gonna pass out. My energy was so low I could hardly get out of bed. I called my gyno who told me to have it removed. I did it the same day. I was so upset because I don't react well to hormonal contraception and this was pretty much my only option.
My experience since I had it removed (about 3 weeks ago) is that my PMS is so much better! Today I feel a little bit groggy but I'm a few days away from my period so its normal. At least it didn't start a few weeks ago as it used to!
I read on this thread that after the first period without IUD, things get better. Curious to see! will keep you all posted. I have been eating really well to replace all the blood loss (lots of meat etc...) and doing tons of meditation to regain my balance. I can honestly say that I do feel a tremendous change after having removed it. I will keep you posted after my period.
Thank you to all the strong ladies on this post!

[*bejeweled*]

So glad things are getting better yasmar. Keep us posted on your progress.

QUOTE=yasmar;15787195]Hi Everyone!
I am so thankful to have found this thread as it explained a lot of what has been happening to me. Its very important to talk to other women and hear their own experiences as dr's don't always tell you about the side-effects. I will give you a brief rundown of my story:
3 years ago, I had the Mirena (hormonal IUD) inserted and had absolutely awful side effects: weight gain, hair loss, increased hair in places you don't want hair! terrible acne and depression, extreme fatigue to the point were I felt I had no life! I removed it and felt incredible pretty much straight away, my energy came back the depression disappeared. I then decided to put the regular copper IUD. I had inserted one about 10 years ago and apart from heavy periods, felt perfect.
This time was an entirely different story! I had it put in 9 months ago and have suffered enormously with it. I have come to the conclusion that I am older and my body cannot handle what it used to. I would start PMS from ovulation! Midway through my cycle I would bloat really badly and start feeling low emotionally, not to mention so so tiered. About a week before my period, I would start spotting and my mood would get worse with really dark thoughts, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness...you name it! When my period finally came, it was sooooo heavy it scared me! uncontrollable bleeding for first 2-3 days, with big clots. Last month, the bleeding was so bad that I got dizzy and shaky and felt like I was gonna pass out. My energy was so low I could hardly get out of bed. I called my gyno who told me to have it removed. I did it the same day. I was so upset because I don't react well to hormonal contraception and this was pretty much my only option.
My experience since I had it removed (about 3 weeks ago) is that my PMS is so much better! Today I feel a little bit groggy but I'm a few days away from my period so its normal. At least it didn't start a few weeks ago as it used to!
I read on this thread that after the first period without IUD, things get better. Curious to see! will keep you all posted. I have been eating really well to replace all the blood loss (lots of meat etc...) and doing tons of meditation to regain my balance. I can honestly say that I do feel a tremendous change after having removed it. I will keep you posted after my period.
Thank you to all the strong ladies on this post![/QUOTE]

[*bejeweled*]

It's not in your head. You will return to your old self.

Originally Posted by allymoe24

OMG is all I can say to all that I have read... I know now that I am not crazy nor alone... I have a 19 month old at home.. he is my second child. I had the IUD place in when he was 2 months old. I have anxiety, depression, no sex drive at all (im 28), Terrible weight gain, I am retaining more water then the hoover damn....I literally thought that I was just going plain mad.. I have had blood work apon blood work done, I have seen mulitple doctors that can not explain to me why it is that i have now alomost 80lbs heavier withing a 6 month period. I thought the anxiety was just from the 2nd child as I had a totally different pregnancy as well as birth for this one than my oldest.. I literally have been making myself sick over it all I have been to my primary doc as well as i just had a visit at the OB to see if maybe she could HELP.. I asked about the IUD and was told over and over that there is no side effect at all, she actually is getting my medical records from my primary to review things and see if there is something that maybe they missed to check.... BULL is what is can say I am literally on the verge of loosing my marriage and my kids think that I am crazy.. I have not had the heavy menstrual cycles however I have had irregular cycles as well as it changes like every other week.. I am calling my OB because I have an appt set up to see what she has "found" in my records on 9/16... ON that DATE I will have her remove this god for saken Item from my body and be on the road to recovery and a better way of living and that will be the OLD ALLY

[BJlovesherbabies]

Wow! I am so amazed to have found all this information from real ladies out there who are suffering as I am. Finally, to know I am not alone and going crazy...it's such a relief!!
I have had 4 children and my youngest is now 2...I had the paragard IUD inserted when he was apx 6 mo. old. My periods were noticeably heavier and longer than ever before (although it's hard to recall what periods were like before babies/breastfeeding for the last 7 1/2 yrs)! In addition to the heavier periods I also noticed some slight weight gain. However, none of these symptoms even compares to the terrible skin I have been struggling with for the past 3-5 months. Holy cow!! It has taken me awhile to connect the dots...but I have been doing some sleuthing and discovered I am not the only one to have my skin change so completely. Has anyone here struggled with the onset of acne since having the IUD??? It didn't happen right away...probably 8 mo. or so since I had the IUD inserted. I would have an occasional pimple around my period but now I am absolutely covered with "cystic acne" on the sides of my face. I have seen my OB and a derm but OB says..."women in their 30s just get acne, it's totally normal"...the derm wanted me to take antibiotics...for 2 months!!! No way!! I think I will have the IUD removed and see if that helps. It's the only thing I can figure that's different...maybe I am just having an allergic reaction to the copper??? Need to figure out a new bc method tho...not ready for no. 5 yet!! Please let me know if anyone out there is going through this...THANKS SO MUCH!

[yasmar]

Hi there! I have suffered from acne too with the IUD. Mainly around my jaw line. I have never ever had acne growing up but it was a consistent problem with the IUD. Especially before and during my period, my whole face would break out.
My period is a few days late this month (first period since removing my IUD), started spotting today so think its on the way. I guess its difficult to tell when my period would be anyway as with the IUD i would start spotting about a week before my full period. My PMS this month was 90% better, Hardly any water retention, mood normal, no craziness or anxiety! Will fill you all in after my period!

[yasmar]

HI again. Updating on my status since removing the IUD:
My period came yesterday. Too early to tell if its any lighter yet. PMS practically disappeared which is wonderful.
I have a question for anyone who had their IUD removed: What were your withdrawal symptoms, if any? I have noticed that I have had very strange foggy eyesite and pressure around my eyes (on and off) since having it removed. My skin has also been itchy and I have insomnia to some degree plus dizziness sometimes. The one that bothers me the most is the eyesight. Could it be my body excreting the excess copper that gives these symptoms? Would appreciate any answers on this!

[yasmar]

As promised, I'm updating everyone after my period. I'm half way through and it is so much lighter after removing the coil. I feel great...NORMAL! PMS practically gone too.
I have to say that I did feel the effects of copper 'withdrawal'. I guess its like anything, even coffee! If your body is used to something, when you stop taking it, the process of detoxing is hard on the body. I think that the excess copper was coming out of every pore in my body! My skin was itching on and off all month, headaches, visual disturbances, metal taste in my mouth. I'm hoping that my period now will be washing out all the excess copper from my body. Goes to show how much we absorb without realising it! Just glad o be feeling happy again

[Bettercare]

Copper IUD side effects

hiiiiiii

I had a copper iud put in a little over a year ago after my second child. I experienced the side effects I was told could happen, worse cramps and heavier bleeding. I am fine with these because my choice for birth control is very limited because I get blood clots and cannot take the pill.

However, I am wondering if anyone has experienced a decrease in thier sex drive becasue of it. I am married to a very wonderful and attractive man, but honestly I could care less about sex. I have been this way ever since I had my last child, which is also when i got the iud. I just assumed it was because I had children and was so busy with them (I have a 2 1/2 year old and one that is almost 1 1/2). I am starting to think it could also have something to do with the iud.

[BJlovesherbabies]

Hey there bettercare. Just wanted to address your question and also update everyone on how my battle is going!! As for the decreased sex drive my answer is most certainly YES! I did experience that and also was having a difficult time with the BIG O. I too am married to a wonderful, sexy man and our love life had always been great. However, apx 6 mo. ago I started having trouble reaching orgasm during sex...don't know if this led to my decreased sex drive or not but I didn't feel as interested as I used to. Thinking I was just "in a slump", I was doing my best to wait it out and get back on track....poor hubbby! He couldn't figure out what he was doing (or not doing) to help me out.
After much research and an Ah-Ha moment I realized that the only thing different in my life was the IUD. I have just recently (2 wks to the day) removed it and what a change for me in so many areas!! I had my 1st period 2 days after removal and it was SOOO normal. Barely any cramps...only 5 days long...and I didn't go though 15 tampons a day!! Woo hoo!!! My desire has also seen a big jump and, drumroll please....we're 4 for 4 on the BIG O!! I'm back! Hubby is almost as excited as I am! My lingering problem seems to be the skin...still waiting on that to clear up but I'm sure it's just a matter of time!
Hang in there bettercare, listen to your body, we are all so different but your intuition will ultimately lead you to do what it right for you. Good luck! Will continue to keep ya posted!!!

[yasmar]

Hi everyone, As promised, I am reporting back after my 2nd period without IUD. It is amazing!!!!! I feel like my old self again and feel like i have my life back in every way. Weight has fallen off, skin is better, PMS for 1 day at the most, mood is great, period normal, energy is back...amazing.

I wish all you lovely ladies the best of luck. Different things work for different people, and this was definetly the right choice for me.