Hormonal coil (IUS) and weight gaining

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

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

No change

59%

Don't know

18%

Out of the 839 reviews for hormonal coil (IUS), 157 people (19%) reported weight gaining.

Reviewers that reported weight gaining as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 3 - 6 mo
38 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5 days ago

I got the coil fitted to control heavy periods with contraception as a bonus. I’m aware I might be still in the settling down phase, this is my experience so far. Fitting was uncomfortable but I’ve had 3 vaginal birth so nothing touches that! Cramps for a few days but settled down. So far I have been bleeding most of the time since having it fitted, not heavy, light, but constant and irregular patterns. Very annoying. Low self esteem and low mood. Weight gain, despite being more physically active and eating healthily. Increase in headaches and migraines. Generally unimpressed at the lack of connection with healthcare professionals and Mirena coil users. So many women reporting poor experience yet doctors aren’t relaying this information. Will be having it removed. I choose control over my body over convenience.

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Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Insertion was definitely a little more than just "uncomfortable', it was incredibly painful and emotionally felt very invasive. Took about a day or two to get over the cramps. Felt very faint the first night after having it inserted. Have had experience with SA before though and after telling the nurses they were incredibly supportive throughout the procedure. Side effects wise I got on pretty well for the first year. My periods did stop after a few months, which I found to be a bit strange as I like to track my cycle and I found this a bit strange at first, as I could feel my other symptoms of my cycle but felt a bit off kilter when I didn't have my usual period. Not having to worry about condoms or taking a pill everyday is great though. But after about a year of having the hormonal coil I've noticed my mood and mental health take a bit of a dip. I feel a bit like my emotions are just sitting a bit flatter, I'm a bit more irritable, I don't experience quite the same amount of joy as I used to. I do have a lot going on in life at the moment, but I can't help but notice day to day, even on good days, that I'm not as cheerful or reacting to things in the same way I used to. Emotionally not feeling like myself I don't feel is worth this,no I'm going to seek advice on whether to have this removed or not I think.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  12th Jun 25

Generally the Mirena has been great. Only noticed most of the side effects after 4 years having it in - and they’re still very manageable.


Decreased sex drive

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

44% 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

27% 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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