About Mirena
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Mirena is the first and only birth control that's FDA-approved to treat heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine birth control.
See why Kim chose Mirena.
Now that you’ve had Mirena placed, you may notice some changes to your period. Here’s some information about what you may be able to expect.
As your body adjusts to Mirena
When you start Mirena, it’s important to pay close attention to your body and the changes it may go through.
While your body is adjusting, you may notice the following:
In the first 3 to 6 months,
• Your period may be irregular
• Your period may be heavier at first and the number of bleeding days may increase
• You may have frequent spotting or light bleeding
Few women may find that their periods are heavier than normal. Call your healthcare provider if your period continues to be heavier than usual.
After your body has adjusted,
• Your period may be shorter and lighter than before
• Your period may remain irregular
• Your period may stop altogether
These effects may continue for as long as you have Mirena. However, your period is likely to return once Mirena is removed. If you haven’t gotten your period for 6 weeks or more, or you feel like you may be pregnant, call your healthcare provider to rule out pregnancy.
Uterine Lining Chart
With Mirena, monthly thickening of the uterine lining is lessened, which means bleeding is reduced.
To help keep track of your cycles, use this diary and share the results with your healthcare provider at your post-placement follow-up visit.
For women with heavy periods,
bleeding may be reduced
In a clinical trial of Mirena in women with heavy periods, the majority had an 80% reduction in bleeding as early as 3 months and a 90% reduction at 6 months.
Checking your threads
With Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system), there’s no daily routine. However, you will need to check the threads of your Mirena once a month to make sure it’s where it’s supposed to be. Your healthcare provider can explain how.
The threads attached to Mirena are the only part you should feel when it is in your uterus. If you feel more than just the threads, Mirena is not in the right position and may not prevent pregnancy.
If you have trouble finding the threads or feel more than just the threads, call your healthcare provider right away. And in the meantime, use a non-hormonal form of birth control as a back-up.
No birth control is right for everyone and there are risks associated with Mirena that you should know about. For detailed information about possible side effects, some potentially serious, please see Mirena Safety Considerations and the Patient Information.
