Taking out Mirena IUD due to hairloss

by Starr
(Milton, ON, Canada)

I have PCOS and have had the Mirena IUD in since March 2009. I have been very sensitive to the progestin in it causing me to have extreme mood swings, depression, anxiety and hair loss. I have decided to have it removed ASAP and I have ordered Natpro as well.

Once I start the Natpro, how much should I use and will it help my hair return too? I am trying desperately to lose weight, but the only time it happens is when I"m pregnant which I can only assume is due to my higher progesterone levels.

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Taking out Mirena IUD due to hairloss

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Nov 03, 2009
 Taking out Mirena IUD due to hairloss
by: Wray

Hi Starr. I'm relieved you are having it removed, please see this web page on OC's.

The progestin is stopping all ovarian function, which means you are not making any progesterone. It's no wonder you have all those symptoms. Progesterone can help hair growth return, as it suppresses excess androgens which are one of the causes, the others are stress and insulin resistance. Progesterone is thermogenic, ie it speeds up metabolism slightly, but it sounds as if you have insulin resistance. The pill causes insulin resistance, which in turn causes us to put on weight, you might like to look at this page.

An initial dose of 200mg/day progesterone should be used, once the problem has resolved the dose can be reduced to the optimum level. And the following supplements should be taken: 2000-4000mg/day of the B vitamin inositol, this is often called the anti-alopecia vitamin. And 1000-2000mg/day of the amino acid N-acetyl cysteine. The hair, nails and skin contain about 14% cysteine, it makes the difference between whether these are healthy and strong or weak. Cysteine is also a powerful antioxidant, it protects cells internally from free radical damage and the resultant inflammation. Take care, Wray
Jun 23, 2010
 Did Increase in Dosage Help HairLoss?
by: Amanda Lynn

Dear Starr, I was wondering if after taking the 200mg of Progesterone cream your hair loss stopped? I just began the cream a few weeks ago, but it made my hair loss worse. However, my dosage is only 20mg daily per pump. 200mg would be 10 pumps per day! Please let me know if you have time. I would really appreciate it! In Christ.
Jun 25, 2010
 Taking out Mirena IUD due to hairloss
by: Wray

Hi Amanda Lynn I'm not sure if Starr will see this, as from correspondence I've had with her, she's now pregnant! She was using 200mg/day and it brought her periods back. She had three normal cycles after having the Mirena removed and before falling pregnant. She made no mention about hair loss, so I imagine she wasn't having problems with it. 20mg/day won't do much for you! It will just keep you in a state of permanent oestrogen dominance. For more info on this please see our web page on Oestrogen Dominance. This is the reason you are still having hair loss. Most pregnant women find they have beautiful thick hair, because progesterone rises to over 400mg/day in the third trimester of pregnancy, which is why I suggest at least 100-200mg/day. Take care Wray
Feb 15, 2011
 Could progesterone in Mirena cause weight gain?
by: M from Texas

Hello,
I'm 45 and have not yet entered perimenopause. A week and a half ago, I had a Mirena IUD inserted. I'd had one before but it was in for the 7th year and I think the progesterone had stopped releasing (perhaps). After the insertion of my new Mirena, I had standard spotting which went away. However, in the last week I've suddenly gained 7 pounds which is a lot for me (I'm a bit over 5' 7" and usually weigh 122). I'm noticing it in my stomach area which is usually flat and firm but is rapidly getting flabby (in a week!). It all happened suddenly. In addition, my face is puffy, making me feel quite unattractive. My husband said he noticed my face changing before I ever brought it up (he didn't say anything until I did). To counteract the weight gain and what seems like water retention in my face, I've cut my calories way back and am drinking lots of water and also some green tea. I'm continuing to exercise. No luck so far.

Could this be a result of the progesterone? Can the Mirena result in oestrogen dominance? And if so, will this last? Or will it subside? Do you know what levels of progesterone the Mirena releases? This seeming side effect surprised me since I already had a Mirena, but again, it may not have been releasing hormones anymore.

Any advice you can provide would be most welcome. The Mirena was quite expensive, but I'm not at all happy with the current state of things.

Thank you!!
Feb 25, 2011
 Could progesterone in Mirena cause weight gain?
by: Wray

Hi M Unfortunately the Mirena doesn't contain progesterone, I would recommend it if it did! But I'm very against it, as I'm against all Contraceptives. The Mirena contains a synthetic progestin, levonorgestrel, see here. I take it you didn't react to the previous IUD, only to this one? I can only assume it's because you're 7 years older now. Levonorgestrel lowers progesterone production, see here. Progesterone has many beneficial side effects, see here. Cutting calories and drinking lots of water is not going to help. Levonorgestrel is derived from testosterone, so has androgenic properties, it also causes a 50% reduction of SHBG. With less SHBG available, both testosterone and oestrogen increase, see here.
(Scroll down to the second link, Classification and pharmacology of progestins, to see the full pdf article). Testosterone has now been discovered to have a dark side in women, see here, here, here, here here, here and here. If you continue with the Mirena, using progesterone too would add a protective effect. But there is one safe contraceptive, the copper T IUD, info on the link I've given. And for more info on How to use progesterone, please read through this page. Take care Wray
Apr 02, 2011
 getting my mirena out asap!
by: Anonymous

I'm 30 and have had the mirena for a year now and have lost over half my hair!had no idea till now that they were connected, my doctor has been giving me b12 shots for months but never helped ,wow why didnt i know that this was a symptom? and will it grow back after its removed?i want it out as soon as possible!!!
Apr 20, 2011
 getting my mirena out asap!
by: Wray

Hi there Yes the Mirena does have some unpleasant side effects. As do all Contraceptives. The only safe one is the copper T IUD. Your hair should grow back, I've not heard it doesn't. Contraceptives stop ovarian production of progesterone, but progesterone does help hair growth. As evidenced by the many thousands of women who have lovely hair when pregnant. If you should consider using it, please see this page we have on How to use progesterone. Please also consider taking 2000mg/day N-acetyl cysteine, 2000mg/day inositol, 5000iu's/day vitamin D,2-3mg/day biotin and 100mg/day thiamine (B1). All these help hair to grow. Take care Wray
Jun 14, 2011
 I'm 25 and rapidly losing my hair!! :(
by: Easley

I'm 25 and losing my hair at an alarming rate. I had the Mirena IUD placed in August of 2010 after having a baby in July. I lost hair in the fall of 2010. but my OB said it was Postpartum hairloss. it has been falling out really fast and I can see my scalp really well throughout my hair. It was first just a receding hairline and has now moved to my entire head. I "Googled" it and seems I'm not the only one experiencing this with the Mirena. I dont know FOR SURE if it is the Mirena ( i love it as a form of birth control and would be a LITTLE sad to remove it- I thought it was so low in hormones that it wasn't supposed to "mess with my bodily functions" which is why i chose it)My OB tells me it is NOT the Mirena and I dont know if I should second guess her? I think it might be causeing other side effects: Irritability, sleepiness, head aches, and crampyness. I have also had more UTI's recently. Could all of this just be stress related from having a very young child, 4 year old, and going to college, along with Marrital problems? I should also mention I started taking Adipex for weight loss. I haven't had any major weight loss, though, and was experiencing hairloss before. I dont believe it is the problem, but maybe? HELP!
Aug 21, 2011
 Getting back on track post Mirena
by: Anonymous

My general care doctor has prescribed me a regimen of Birth control pills and Nioxin shampoo to try to get me straightened out after I had Mirena for 5 Weeks and experienced more and more hair loss after 2 - 3 weeks (had no idea it might happen). Will this help my hormones get straightened back out? I only had Mirena 5 weeks, have jad it out abou 1.5 weeks and am still experiencing serious hair loss. It comes out in hand fulls when I wash, so I only wash it every 3 - 4 days now.

Will this change on its own, or will the birth control regiman help me? Or should I try Progesterone Cream too? Wray sounds knowledgable, so in my desperation for a change in my hair loss, I am hoping for some encouragemnt.
Oct 06, 2011
 mirena hair loss
by: Dani

I have had Mirena for 3 years and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I had a copper IUD which my doctor assured me was safe and had nothing but problems. I had a cycle that lasted a month, and was so heavy I needed to take Iron pills because I became very anemic. I had the copper IUD removed and got the Mirena. Since I have had only random spotting and no other side effects until I color my hair. That is when I notice the hair loss, my dermatologist says its stress, but i am not stressed. I colored my hair and noticed a quarter sized spot that was bald. I figured it was a reaction to the new hair color brand I used. Not thinking anything of it I bought my usual brand and colored again, I found another quarter sized spot, DAYS after. I went to dermatologist who was not worried and assured me it would grow right back. I just needed to get corticosteriod shot in the spots to decrease inflammation. After 4 treatments (10 weeks) I had hair growth and have continued to grow hair back. I have not colored hair for a year and a half until this past week. I decided to try agian with a professional color. That was on friday, sunday I found a new spot. I have colord my hair for 10 years regularly and have gone from light to dark and back with no issues. The ONLY thing i can think of is that this could be related to my IUD since prior to it Ive colored with no issues. I have another appt in a few weeks to start treatment again. I cannot use copper IUD, i have been on every brand and generic bc pill, rings, patches, and i WILL ABSOLUTELY NOT get the depo shot. What is left? I still have break through bleeding, ovulation, and crippling cramps when on pills and my md will NOT prescribe anymore. I am 29 and Im stuck.. HELP please I do not want to get rid of the mirena if i dont have to. right now i am done coloring my hair until i can find a way to color it and not lose hair but im guessing it is color it or bc, im gona have to choose.
Nov 05, 2011
 Remove Mirena!
by: Boo Mirena :(

I got the Mirena in July 2011. My doctor thought it would be a great birth control for me. A month after I received the IUD, I started losing hair. I have thick hair so at first it wasn't noticeable. But after washing or combing, it was coming out in handfuls. I had just started taking GNC hair, skin, and nails pills plus a multi vitamin so wasn't sure if those could be the cause, although they should make my hair grow! Finally a week ago, I google Mirena + hair loss... Immediately, 1000's of responses came up from people experiencing this with Mirena. I was shocked because this was never listed in my pamphlet or paper I signed! Some even developed alopecia. Since I couldn't get in with my doctor to have it removed, I called a planned parenthood. It was super cheap and the doctor even commented on hearing about hair loss with Mirena.

My hair is still falling out but I'm hoping it will slow down since I had the mirena removed. I'm not sure what birth control to try because now I'm mortified of hair loss! A lot of doctors won't link hair loss to Mirena but it has to be that! I'm young, fit, and had no health issues before getting the IUD. If any of you have any ideas for growing hair back besides the Hair pills, please let me know!
Nov 27, 2011
 Taking out Mirena IUD due to hairloss
by: Wray

Hi everyone I do apologise about missing all these posts, I've no idea how. As your queries are all so similar, please scroll to my answer on the 25th Feb…..
Could progesterone in Mirena cause weight gain?
I mention that levonorgestrel is derived from testosterone, but more important it causes a reduction in SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) of 50%. This sharp reduction allows testosterone to rise, this is why you all started loosing hair. Testosterone causes scalp hair loss, facial hair, oily skin and acne. Many women are given it when going through Peri-menopause, or in Menopause. But it should never be given to a woman, as you can see from the papers I gave on the 25th Feb. The copper T IUD can cause bleeding to be heavier, it did with me. But not so heavy it was a nuisance, as in Dani's case. It's the only non drug based Contraceptive that is effective. If any of you should try it and find bleeding very heavy, I suggest you try using 400mg/day progesterone for 2-3 months, during your luteal phase only, which should stop it. We have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Progesterone does help hair grow, as evidenced by pregnant women. The following supplements can help too…
Vitamin D 5000iu's/day as a minimum
Inositol 2000-4000mg/day
NAC 1000-2000mg/day
Biotin 2-3mg
Thiamine 100mg/day
Take care Wray
Dec 26, 2011
 Thank you for the light
by: Anonymous

I too went on the IUD this past summer. I started noticing hair thinning about a month later and asked my hair dresser and she said she didn't see too much of a problem. Within three months it was coming out at alarming rates in the shower. I started googling hair loss and vitamin difficiencies and Mirena started popping up all over the net. I NEVER would have made the connection as I NEVER knew it was a possiblity. I didn't love the thing in me anyway so I made an appointment and had it taken out last week. I have now been searching for some inspiration that the hair loss will stop eventually and even better maybe grow back . My thick hair was one of my 'assets' and am feeling very depressed about how it looks. I'm so glad for the posts by so many women. It not only shed the light on what my problem could be but gave me comfort in knowing I wasn't nuts! I know everyone is different, but anyone out there see any turn around after taking it out ? and if so how long did it take?
Dec 29, 2011
 Original poster here
by: Anonymous

Hi everyone,
Since I posted this in 2009 I did have my Mirena removed And continued to use the progesterone cream until June 2010 when I did find out I was miraculously pregnant. All of my hair has since grown back and I haven't had any more problems with it. I am so thankful for Natpro as not only do I have my beautiful third baby, but I strongly believe it helped me to sustain the pregnancy to the second trimester. In previous pregnancies I needed progesterone suppositories to help prevent miscarriage. Since I didn't know I was pregnant until 13 weeks I believe the Natpro helped me maintain the pregnancy.
Jan 02, 2012
 Thank you for the light
by: Wray

Hi there It's difficult to give a time frame on how long after the Mirena is taken out that you'll feel better. Some respond quickly, others take longer. The hair will grow back, but of course it only grows 1cm or slightly more each month. Please consider taking the nutrients I suggested above, and you might consider progesterone too. Contraceptives drop progesterone levels as they stop ovarian function. Part of the adverse symptoms women experience when using them is because of this drop. We do have more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. But before considering it, please read the page on Oestrogen Dominance. It's essential to use enough progesterone to overcome this effect. And no you are not nuts! Too many women are brushed aside with 'it's all in your mind' or 'you're eating too much' if they put on weight after starting the contraceptive. Oestradiol causes water retention and weight gain, many progestins in the pill/IUD's are synthesised from testosterone, and of course have androgenic effects. Take care Wray
Jan 03, 2012
 Original poster here
by: Wray

Hi Starr (if it is you!) I'm so delighted you have told us this, and after 2 years too! And that you had an uncomplicated pregnancy followed by a baby. Being on the progesterone before conception couldn't have been better either, too many women are only given it once pregnant. And can then suffer Oestrogen Dominance while pregnant. The progesterone would have stopped any morning sickness too, so it doesn't surprise me you had no idea you were pregnant. Take care Wray
Jan 09, 2012
 No More Mirena
by: teresa

I have been on the Mirena implant for only a few months I have gained weight and have been unusually depressed and stressed and I have been losing my hair which I mentioned to my doctor and he dismissed it as menopause. I am 44 years old with three beautiful children so I am not planning on having anymore children I was on depo shots for 17 years off and on mostly on because I love not having periods so when I found out that depo causes bone loss I chose to get the Mirena because less depo and still no periods. I read all the side effects but didn't know I was going to lose so much hair and I have always had so much hair it was hard to notice when I first started losing it it is still not too noticeable to others but to me I have lost over half my hair. Like I said I told my doctor but he told me it was possibly menopause but now I am continuing to lose hair so I decided to look it up online and it took me awhile to find this site as soon as I did, I called doctor and said I want this thing out of me so I am going to remove it tomorrow does anyone have any suggestions as to what i should do to get my hair back? I am so scared right now that this may be permanent or take years to get my hair back?
Jan 11, 2012
 Reply to Teresa
by: Starr

Hi Teresa. I'm the original poster who had major problems on the Mirena. I suffered from severe depression and extreme anger problems as well as the hair loss. It stopped almost immediately once I had it removed. I am now a couple of years out from my ordeal and my hair reGrowth returned to normal immediately. It just took as long as it takes hair to grow to look full again but not years. And it did stop falling out right away.
Good luck to you.
Starr
Jan 12, 2012
 Mirena Hair Loss
by: Anonymous

Thanks Starr for posting this comment. I had my Mirena removed after 4 months in November 2011. During those 4 months, I lost over 50% of my hair and couldn't figure out why until I researched Mirena hair loss. I am still losing my hair and wondering will it ever stop. Thanks for letting me know it would grow back, however it would take time. I hate that it's still falling out. I did go back on the pill (ortho tricyclin generic pill called Tri-Sprintec) but I'm hoping it's more hair friendly. Thanks for your comments because they really give me hope!
Jan 14, 2012
 No More Mirena
by: Wray

Hi Teresa All drug based Contraceptives have the potential to cause harm. If you read the first comment on this page and then Starr's next comment 'Original poster here', you'll notice after she had the Mirena out, her hair grew back. She also used progesterone, which does help hair growth. I would also suggest you try the following supplements too…
Vitamin D 5000iu's/day as a minimum
Inositol 2000-4000mg/day
NAC 1000-2000mg/day
Biotin 2-3mg
Thiamine 100mg/day

Vitamin D is vital for the anagen phase of hair growth. The other nutrients all help in preventing hair loss, and helping growth. Take care Wray
Feb 02, 2012
 Another Unhappy Mirena User
by: 1st Time Mom

I am 37yrs old and have been on birth control since my teens. The Pill was my primary birth control method. But, after I had my son, I decided to give the pill a break and try the IUD. What a bad idea! I noticed almost immediately that my hair started shedding. I've done my own hair since H.S. So, I know what's normal where my hair is concerned. I tried to give it some time assuming my body needed to get used to the new hormones. Well, after 3.5 months later, I couldn't take it anymore. My hair has gotten so weak and thin. My fiance, friends, family and coworkers have commented on the difference in my hair. It has been a very traumatic experience because I've always taken great pride in my hair. I've only had the IUD out for a couple of weeks. So, there still is some shedding. My OBGYN told me that she had another patient who had the same issue and that her hair loss stopped once the IUD was removed. So, I'm looking forward to the day when my sink has only a few hairs in it and not a handful. In the meantime, I'm hoping to help prevent this from happening to more women. If your hair starts thinning, don't wait. Get the IUD out immediately and try something else.
Feb 02, 2012
 Another Unhappy Mirena User
by: Wray

Hi there Thanks for posting this, too many women are given the Mirena without knowing the adverse side effects. I'm surprised your obgyn didn't warn you. So please spread the word to other potential users. You might consider taking the nutrients I've given above. Take care Wray

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