A Mirena may change your period. It might become lighter, shorter, and in some cases completely stop. This is normal.
The hormone released from your IUD changes the environment inside your uterus. Instead of the lining of your uterus thickening once a month to form a cosy nest for the egg, it remains thin. This stops the egg from being able to develop if fertilised; no nest, no pregnancy. Because the lining of your uterus doesn’t thicken there isn’t as much to come out as ‘blood’ during your period.
Also, as the lining of your uterus doesn’t thicken as much, your uterus doesn’t have to squeeze as hard to remove it. Therefore less cramps.
Even though the amount you bleed may change, you will still go through your monthly hormonal cycle. Unfortunately, the Mirena won’t stop your other normal period symptoms such as, tender breasts, mood swings, tiredness, changes in your skin, cravings, and eating too much chocolate.
If you normally experience heavy and crampy periods, a Mirena could make a real difference to your time of the month.
You can still use tampons or a moon cup if you have a Mirena as it is placed further up than where these will sit. They won’t interfere with your IUD, or get in the way of the strings.
