Advice on Endometriosis, Mirena, and Possible Perimenopause

[Shortbread1980]

I’m hoping to hear from others who may have had similar experiences. I have endometriosis and have been using the Mirena coil for over 10 years (replaced every five years). The first two worked really well for me, but since my latest one was inserted in September, I haven’t been feeling great.

I’m 44, so I know perimenopause could be a factor. My cramps have settled down, and I barely have a period now, but I’ve been struggling with: Anxiety, Irritability, Poor sleep, Feeling hot, Greasy hair, Feeling overly emotional. Difficulty concentrating, Increased hunger

I saw my doctor about a month ago, and she suggested giving it more time to settle. The cramps have improved, but the mood and sleep issues are still very strong. She also mentioned HRT as a possibility, but I’m unsure if it would be a good idea because I don’t want it to fuel my endometriosis.

Another concern is that I’ve had a history of an eating disorder. I’m in a much better place now, but I worry about weight gain triggering old habits.

I’d really appreciate any advice or hearing about others’ experiences. Has anyone been through something similar? Did HRT help or make things worse? Are there other things that worked for you?

Thank you so much!

[Shortbread1980]

i should add, i tried the progesterone tablets before the third coil and i felt awful.

[Bellebell]

I'm a few years older and my perimenopause is just starting, but I feel the things you are struggling with are very much symptomatic of perimenopause, unless you struggle with that due to endometriosis too. I find the two are separate and personally struggle with having to deal with both simultaneously. I've avoided having the mirena coil implanted. I've also been told by pharmacists that HRT is not recommended if you have endo. Another thing you could try - I appreciate you've had a eating disorder too - and it's helped with some of my symptoms, is to look at your diet. Maybe there is something in there - the usual suspects (not all together but sometimes one or two of them) are: meat, dairy, gluten, alcohol - that could help you if you reduce/eliminate it. Also, there are various natural supplements for (peri)menopause that might help too. I've just started with those so can't recommend yet but I think the effect is different on everyone. It's not an easy time and it's even harder when your hormones are already all over the place. I don't know if that's any help... but when I tried speaking to the GP, neither was she Good luck!

[PeriMenoEndo]

check out Balance Menopause resources. You can always take natural progesterone as well as oestrogen in HRT and that should keep the endo at bay. Body identical progesterone can be used alongside the mirena as progesterone protects other parts of the body and helps symptoms such as anxiety - but not progestins (synthetic type)