Hormonal coil (IUS) and acne

How our community feel hormonal coil (IUS) has affected their skin

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

No change

19%

Don't know

6%

Out of the 847 reviews for hormonal coil (IUS), 74 people (9%) reported acne.

Reviewers that reported acne as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

I swapped to the coil as I started getting migraines on the combined pill and wanted a longer term solution GP advised to give the coil 6 months to settle in but during that time my skin has gradually got worse with bad acne, I still have periods which are lighter granted but lasting 8-9 days, much worse periods cramps than on combined and then for last 2 months spotting almost everyday and bad period like cramping. GP thought these symptoms suggested coil displacement but USS confirmed it was in situ and these must just be the side effects I personally get from mirena. The cramping and constant spotting and acne is affecting my sex life and general mood day to day so trying to get the coil removed and tempted to try the copper coil (although I went for the Mirena as I’d read you can get the symptoms I’m currently having on the copper but only time will tell!)

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Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
47 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

I was told to take painkillers (paracetamol & ibuprofen) before the procedure which I did. For the procedure I had two lovely ladies who were supportive and talked me through all of the steps. I was offered pain relief including gas and air, so all of that was great. What I didn’t realise was the “bad period cramps” you are warned about were actually more like mild contractions, and having had a traumatic miscarriage a few years ago. The coil fitting unfortunately ended up triggering this trauma along with my anxiety, when I spoke to my GP they mentioned it was PTSD and that this can happen after a coil fitting. Afterwards the coil felt really uncomfortable for about 4 weeks where I could feel it inside me all the time and sometime it felt like it was scratching around in there! Also certain exercise & stretches were uncomfortable & often aggravated it leaving me in pain. My hormones were also all over the place on week 3 but that passed fairly quickly. I’ve had great support from the clinic and was referred to have an ultrasound to confirm it was in the correct place. On a more positive note I’ve only had one heavy bleed a week after it’d been fitted and no further bleeds and so far only spotting once. It’s now 11 months later and things have settled, so this is now working for me which is a relief.


Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Had Mirena fitted to manage endometriosis after a laparoscopy. The period cramps felt worse than when I was on the contraceptive pill before the surgery. Also struggled with depression and low energy. Acne was about the same as before I started the contraceptive pill.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS) common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

62% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported period like cramps

43% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported tender breasts

40% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported vaginal discharge

29% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported lower back pain

26% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported breast enlargement


Possible hormonal coil (IUS) side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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