Merina cool

[Dawnie08]

Does anyone know if the Merina coil/menopause can cause all these horrible symptoms I've had for last six months... Just coincidental that I've had the coil for 6 months too...

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Dawnie, you haven't mentioned what your symptoms are but there is no known cause for PMR. However, many theories abound as to the cause, including following an episode of flu, statins, genetic predisposition, something in the environment and stress whether physical or emotional, so perhaps it lends the possibility to the coil having caused physical stress to your body. However, as you mention menopause, have you had your hormone levels checked? If not, do ask for the relevant blood test as it is quite possible that you are experiencing pain due to a hormone imbalance. Another test to request is for your Vit D levels - deficiency can lead to pain in similar areas of the body as in PMR.

[Dawnie08 in reply to Celtic]

Hi Celltic, I'm deficient in vitamin D so I've been taking supplements for the last 2 months and it hasn't made any difference. I had all the relevant blood tests. I just feel like I'm going round in circles and clutching at straws and trying any therapy that can help me. Roll on seeing a rheumatologist. I'm chasing the appointment every day.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I can't find anything that would suggest that Mirena would cause PMR-type symptoms but without knowing exactly what you mean it is difficult to comment. It does often lead to hormonal problems and there are hormonal problems that will manifest as PMR-type symptoms - whether the two go together I don't know, you'd need a gynae expert or endocrinologist to comment there.

However - what amount of vit D3 supplement are you on and how deficient were you? Someone on another forum today was severely deficient and her doctor gave her 1200 IU/day - the usual supplement for that level of deficiency in the UK would be 60,000 IU/week for 10 weeks, far more. Even at that level, it can take months to feel fully better.

But I'm a strong believer that anything that occurs soon after a medication change must be put down to that until proven otherwise - so if it were me I'd ask to have it removed. Lots of people do have strange problems with it, my daughter did and it all improved as soon as it was taken out.

[Dawnie08 in reply to PMRpro]

When I spoke with my gynecologist yesterday I asked for it to be removed so that I could discount it but he is adamant that it has nothing to do with any of my symptoms. They took my BP which was 97/71 which could be why I keep getting giddy spells too. I had another migraine this week too.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Dawnie08]

How arrogant! Migraines ARE linked to it and are mentioned as one of the side effects to report promptly:

"You should inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms while you have the Mirena coil fitted: migraine or severe headaches; stabbing pains and/or unusual swelling in one leg; pain on breathing or coughing; sudden breathlessness; sudden severe chest pain; sudden weakness or numbness affecting one side or part of the body; increase in blood pressure; yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); severe abdominal complaints; severe depression; or if you think you could be pregnant."

Low BP would be unusual I'd have thought - but nevertheless...

[Dawnie08 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you x