Copper IUD vs Contraceptive gel

Was great for first three years, inserted 6 weeks post partum after 4th child, however 1 year in and I noticed alopecia had begun but didnt progress further than two small patches of hair loss in back of hair line. 2 years in underwent a lot of stress and lost a lot of weight. Gained it back in covid. 4 -5 years in could not shed 1kg despite everything. Resistance training, cardio, macro tracking, eating for my cycle. Begun experiencing debilitating pain in hips and groin especially during intercourse. Anxiety and symptoms of PMDD seeped in, becoming intense every month throughout luteal phase. Periods were getting heavier and heavier, datigue before and during period was so severe i was missing shifts at work and nearly lost my job. Duration started at 7-10 days then slowed to 5/6 days with spotting for 3-4 days. Started to experience menses symptoms during ovulation including spotting, cramping, swelling, cravings and mood swings. Gynecologist highly recommended removal after debilitating pain, nausea, dizziness and headaches. Possibly anaemic due to blood loss. Overall, great for first 1-3 years. Then bad, very bad. My paraguard should have been left in another 5 years. Personally my moods shifted that quick, there was no way i could do even another month of it! I believe it should have been changed regardless of my symptoms at that time frame. Gynecologist prescribed mini pill (microlut in Australia to be exact) 30mcg of levenorgestrel. Started it day 5/6 of cycle (period just finishing) so far, tiny bit of left over spotting from period, slight tenderness in breasts, slight bloating and cramping. I am mostly oestrogen dominant, with very big noticeable fluctuations in my luteal phase, hoping the small increase of progesterone will help the cravings and severe 3-5kg fluid retention at the time. Dont see dr for another 4 months. Currently needing cortisone (steroid) injections for inflammation in my hips from copper, hair slightly growing back in bald spots. I urge anyone getting this device or if you already have it in, research further. My body is a freaking mess as it begun to wreck havoc on my body. All signs and symptoms of copper toxicity, plus copper binds to oestrogen so i believe my rising fluctuating levels of oestrogen in the luteal phase were exacerbated by the iud.

I’m in perimenopause so it’s difficult to know if the coil has changed my periods, as they have naturally changed a lot in the last three years. I don’t think they are heavier because of the coil and have never had bad cramps while using it. Would definitely recommend

Honestly I am very happy. I was on the pill and it did not agree with me. I gained weight, cried all the time, had huge breasts. Now I am on the IUD and I am so happy. It hurts for the first three days then nothing.