PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of childbearing age. You may experience symptoms such as unusual menstrual cycles, hair overgrowths, acne, and obesity.
We don’t know of the cause; neither do scientists and doctors. However, we believe it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
With regard to women’s health, one very popular question centers around the likelihood of hormonal IUDs, like Mirena, causing PCOS. Let’s explore this topic:
Can Mirena Cause PCOS? Understanding the Relationship
Mirena is a small device called an intrauterine device (IUD) that a doctor puts into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It releases a hormone named levonorgestrel, similar to progesterone, a natural hormone in the body.
We use it for long-term birth control, to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as perhaps to alleviate painful periods(1).
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. Women with PCOS might have irrregular periods, grow extra hair on their face and body, and have problems getting pregnant.
The issue starts with hormonal imbalances, including insulin resistance, which mirena doesn’t directly cause or affect.
Even though the device releases hormones, it mainly acts in the uterus and doesn’t majorly change hormone levels in the rest of the body(2). Because of this, Mirena doesn’t cause PCOS.
However, since Mirena can sometimes stop periods, it could hide irregular periods that might show signs of PCOS. If you have this condition, you might use your period pattern to check if your condition is stable or getting better.
Monitoring this can be challenging with Mirena. For someone with PCOS thinking about using the device, it’s a good idea to talk extensively with a healthcare provider.
This discussion can help weigh the benefits of effective birth control and better-managed periods against the possible difficulty in watching your symptoms.
Can Mirena Help Manage PCOS Symptoms?
Mirena is known to control menstrual bleeding, and it might offer some relief here. Some women find that it makes their periods lighter or causes them to stop altogether, which is a big plus if you’re dealing with heavy bleeding.
However, Mirena doesn’t work to treat acne and excess hair growth (two common PCOS symptoms). These symptoms are linked to androgens or male hormones, which are often high in PCOS.
This IUD device mainly works locally in the uterus and doesn’t really lower these hormone levels in the body. In as much as it might restore period issues, it can’t thoroughly treat all PCOS symptoms.
If you have PCOS and want to shrink the symptoms with Mirena, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor first. They can guide you through the pros and cons, especially how it might affect your symptoms.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Mirena for PCOS
For women battling Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, this hormonal birth control device might seem like a helpful option but there are a handful of potential drawbacks to consider:
1. Might Mask Symptoms
Mirena can change how your period works. For many women, it makes their period lighter or might stop completely. Sounds convenient, right? But there’s a catch, especially if you have PCOS.
Normally, irregular periods are signs you have PCOS. They can help you and your doctor figure out if your condition is under control or getting worse.
But if Mirena is making your periods lighter or stopping them, you probably won’t know what’s truly happening with your PCOS. This becomes important because without these signs, like irregular periods, it’s harder to monitor it.
So, if you’re considering Mirena and you have PCOS, it’s really important to talk this over with your doctor. You’ll want to ask questions like: If we can’t use my period to track my PCOS, what should we look for instead? How can we tell if my PCOS is improving or not?
Undoubtedly, this device can help with birth control and manage heavy periods but don’t overlook its ability to hide your PCOS symptoms. You should always check in with your doctor to ensure it’s the best for you before proceeding.
2. Doesn’t Treat Hormonal Imbalances
Your Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is driven by hormonal imbalances, which include substantial levels of androgens (male hormones). These hormones are the prime reason for your acne and unusual hair growth.
Mirena only works in and around your womb and doesn’t do much to balance these hormone levels throughout the rest of the body. While it might help with heavy periods, it doesn’t directly tackle all the symptoms.
3. Possible Side Effects
Just like any medical treatment, this hormone-inducing IUD type can have side effects. Some patients I handled on this birth control method complained of headaches now and then.
Some women also experience acne flare-ups, breast tenderness, or mood swings after getting it. There’s also a chance of more physical side effects. Sometimes, Mirena can cause cramping or backaches.
Rarely, the device might move a bit after it’s put in, which could make it less effective and sometimes uncomfortable. Very few people might get an infection when it’s first inserted, which needs to be treated quickly.
Since women with PCOS might already struggle with these issues, adding Mirena into the mix could potentially make them worse. So, if you’re thinking about Mirena as a part of dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, you’d want to think about all the effects it could have, not just the good ones.
Talking with your doctor about all these side effects will help you decide if Mirena is right for you or if another treatment might be better for dealing with PCOS completely.
4. Not a Permanent Solution
Mirena is temporary and only works as long as it’s in place. We typically replace it every 5 years. So, while it might help control certain symptoms while in use, it doesn’t cure PCOS or permanently fix the symptoms, such as hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, or problems with ovulation. These are the prime issues that people with the condition often need to manage long term.
Can Mirena Cause PCOS? This Is A Wrap
While hormonal IUDs(Mirena) can be a big help in managing heavy periods and preventing babies from arriving unexpectedly, it’s not the cause of PCOS.
Remember, PCOS is like a mix-up in your body’s hormone recipe, causing all sorts of symptoms like extra hair, trouble with your weight, and periods that pop up whenever they want.
Mirena works locally, in the uterus, and isn’t responsible for creating these hormone mix-ups. But don’t forget, it adds a hormone into the mix, and this can sometimes make it seem like PCOS symptoms are getting worse.
This is why we advise talking with your doctor first before getting it. They’re like the master chefs who know just how to tweak the hormone recipe to make you feel better.
So, Mirena doesn’t kickstart PCOS, but if you have this condition, you need a full plan—beyond what Mirena does—to help your body get back on track. This might include diet changes, exercise, and other treatments your doctor can recommend. Stay safe!
