Mirena IUD for heavy periods

What is Mirena?

Mirena® is an intrauterine device (IUD) used for the treatment of heavy periods or excessive menstrual bleeding (also called menorrhagia) and for the treatment of endometriosis. IUDs are often used for contraception to prevent pregnancy, but Mirena is also used as a treatment for heavy or painful periods, even in women who do not actually need contraception. 

Note: This information is about Mirena for heavy periods and endometriosis. For information about Mirena for contraception, see IUDs for contraception. 

Mirena is a small, white T-shaped plastic device with 2 removal threads that is placed inside your womb (uterus). It slowly releases the hormone progestogen (as levonorgestrel) directly onto the lining of your womb. This makes the lining of your womb thinner, making you less likely to have menstrual bleeding and reducing heavy periods. Once fitted, Mirena lasts for up to 5 years. You do not need an operation or a general anaesthetic to have it inserted. It can be done at your GP clinic.

How long does Mirena take to work?

It can take a few months for Mirena to have its full effect, but by 6 months after placement, most women will have only light bleeding and sometimes no bleeding at all. The total blood loss per cycle slowly decreases with continued use.

The number of spotting and bleeding days may increase when you first have it inserted but then these usually decrease in the months that follow. Bleeding may also be irregular.   

Is there anyone who should not use Mirena?

Mirena® is unsuitable in women who have:

• pelvic infection
• cancer of the breast, uterus (womb), cervix or ovary
• a history of a heart attack or stroke
• blood clotting problems such as deep vein thrombosis
• liver disease.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines Mirena can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.