Is the Mirena IUD Right for You During Perimenopause? Here's What to Know

I discuss the option of a Mirena IUD (intrauterine device) often with my patients, and I wanted to address some commonly asked questions in this blog post.

While the Mirena IUD can be a great option for some concerns/symptoms, it will not impact others.

Who is a good fit for the Mirena IUD?

The Mirena IUD is a great option for:

1. Those looking for contraceptive support (ovulation is unpredictable in perimenopause, and therefore if you were using the fertility awareness method previously, this would no longer work during this time).

2. Those experiencing prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding.

3. Those looking for endometriosis or adenomyosis management options.

4. Those on menopause hormone therapy who are intolerant to oral progesterone and need endometrial protection while taking estrogen.

What symptoms will the Mirena IUD not help with?

The Mirena IUD will not help to treat symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, etc.

Can the Mirena IUD delay menopause? 

The Mirena IUD doesn’t delay menopause or have any impact on what age you will go through menopause. You do not have to be concerned about this. 

Can you know when you’ve reached menopause if you’re on the Mirena IUD and not getting a period?

We can run a hormone called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) on blood work. We may need to take a few tests over a period of time as your FSH levels can fluctuate if you are still in perimenopause. If your FSH levels are persistently high, this likely indicates you have reached your menopause date.

So the summarize, here are some of the key benefits of the Mirena IUD:

1. It can significantly reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, a common issue in perimenopause.  It may lead to lighter periods or even amenorrhea (absence of periods) in some women.

2. If a woman needs estrogen therapy for menopausal symptoms, Mirena IUD can protect the uterine lining, and therefore you do not need a separate progesterone prescription.

3. Helps prevent endometrial hyperplasia and reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (for example, for those diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, this can be a great option to discuss with your medical provider).

4. May help alleviate some perimenopausal symptoms like cramping and pelvic pain.

5. Works as a great contraceptive.

   
   

While the Mirena IUD can be very beneficial, it's not suitable for everyone. Please make sure to discuss all the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

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