Mirena IUD and irregular periods

I’m sort of neutral about this birth control. I have had years of trying to find an oral hormonal contraceptive that both helped with my excruciating cramps and didn’t make my mood terrible most of the month. I will say, this has stopped my periods most months so I’m not getting cramping nearly as often, however I would say they’re actually worse than before the mirena when I do get them, so sort of win some lose some. It doesn’t affect my mood though, which is nice to not feel dreary all the time. I have gotten a lot of migraines, which is something I ran i to with a couple different pills I tried in the past, so I knew that was a risk of anything that was hormonal. Sometimes OTC pain killers do the trick, but I almost traded the cramps for headaches. I also have never been someone that sweats much, and I live in Arizona, but since getting this I have horrible night sweats and have phases each month where I’m running hot all day and sweating way more than usual. I’ve never had this side effect from a birth control, so that one was unexpected but definitely manageable. With the convenience of not having to take pills in mind, I would say I prefer the IUD to any birth control I have tried so far, but I’m not sure I love the mirena brand itself.

I first got my Mirena IUD when I was 13-14 for hormonal-induced migraines. The insertion was very painful, but the cramping did not last too long after insertion. I had mild spotting for a few months, then my period stopped completely for 5 years. Last year, my period came back and has been irregular since. Overall, my period has been much lighter and my PMS symptoms and menstruation symptoms have been minimal. I also have noticed more stability in my mood and have had decreased migraines since starting my IUD.

I was very scared to get my IUD, but ultimately it was a great decision. It is easy because I don't have to remember to take a pill daily and you can always check that it is still in place. My symptoms have been minor and do not cause any disruptions to my daily life. I would recommend this form of birth control, but I would ask about pain management with your doctor before the insertion.