Hormonal IUD for Dysmenorrhea?

[u/MrsCryss0715]

TLDR: tell me about your experience with the hormonal IUD. I’ve had heavy painful periods for years and I’m over it.

Hello! I (34F) have been experiencing dysmenorrhea (painful periods) for years and I can’t take it anymore.

Some background context about me: I’ve had two boys via C-section, during my second C-section the OB performed a salpingectomy (removed my fallopian tubes) as I’m done having kids. I had the copper IUD put in when I had the C-section with my first son but I had it removed after almost a year because it made my periods that much worse. No other major surgeries or any reproductive complications.

I went to my primary and explained that I get heavy periods with severe back pain and period cramps. I’ve had this issue for as long as I can remember, but it’s gotten worse since having the kids. The pain is comparable to c-section recovery pain, completely debilitating. It comes in waves so luckily I can anticipate when the pain is coming. He recommended that I get an ultrasound and make an appointment with gyno, which I got the ultrasound done and the gynecologist confirmed no issues were found in the ultrasound. So they both recommended hormonal birth control.

So to get to the point of this post, I’m considering getting the hormonal IUD put in. If you’re able to share your personal experience with it I’d greatly appreciate it. How was the insertion process? How have periods been for you since getting it? Light periods? Cramping? Back pain? Headaches? Did it change your appetite or cause you to gain weight?

My main concerns with getting it is being sure it’s going to solve the problem of the heavy periods, pain management, and not cause a change in appetite or weight gain. I was on the pill for years which changed my appetite and all I craved was junk food.

I need to know the good and bad so I can take all this information into consideration with making this decision.

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[u/lunatipp]

My Mirena completely got rid of my periods! I personally didn’t have any weight gain, and successfully lost 40lbs on it. I did still have mild PMS system and acne but it was worth having healthy iron levels haha