How to Survive The Mirena Crash

If you’ve been on social media lately, you might have come across the term “Mirena Crash.” If you’ve ever considered a Mirena IUD or another type of IUD, orT you already have one in place, you might (understandably) be wondering, what is the Mirena Crash and How do I prevent it from happening to me? If

The Mirena Crash is a type of hormonal imbalance occurring as an IUD’s hormones wear off, or when it is suddenly removed, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms. In this post, we’ll explore what the Mirena Crash is, how the Mirena IUD works, the benefits of natural progesterone, and natural treatment options for the Mirena Crash. First and foremost, the best way to prevent a Mirena Crash is to not get an IUD in the first place; but if you already have one, don’t fret! In this post, I’ll explain everything you need to know.

What is the Mirena Crash?

The Mirena IUD is a popular contraceptive device that releases a synthetic form of progesterone called levonorgestrel. This is not the same as real progesterone, does not behave exactly like rela progesterone, and consequently lacks the benefits of real progesterone. It also comes with some significant risks. Really, all IUDs have these synthetic progestins, so the term “Mirena Crash” really should be “IUD Crash.” But that doesn’t even full encompass the full scope of the problem, either, because all forms of hormonal contraceptives run the risk of causing major problems to the body’s systems. (Read: The Problem With Birth Control) However, for the sake of this trending topic, we’ll keep calling it “Mirena Crash” in this post.

While some women experience a smooth transition off the IUD, many don’t. This term describes the withdrawal symptoms that can occur after the hormones in the device run out (the Mirena is approved in the US to last up to 8 years for pregnancy prevention) or after the device is removed. This hormonal crash often involves symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, hair loss, weight gain and other manifestations of hormonal imbalances. The severity of these symptoms can varies but the common denominator is that people who experience the hormonal reverberations of using these endocrine-disrupting contraceptives feel awful. Why? Well, it all comes down to how the Mirena and other IUDs work.

How Does the Mirena IUD Work?

The Mirena IUD works primarily by releasing levonorgestrel directly into the uterus. Here’s how it functions:

1. Thickens Cervical Mucus: This makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.
2. Thins the Uterine Lining: A thinner lining reduces the chances of implantation if an egg is fertilized. You should be aware that this means that IUDs prevent the implantation of fertilized eggs, which may be a moral concern for some.
3. Inhibits Ovulation: Although this is not its primary function, the hormonal release can prevent ovulation in some women: around 55% of cycles in the first year of use, but that number drops to around 25% after 4 years. [Source: FDA Insert]

Hormonal IUDs also run the risk of systemic side effects, even though they’re often advertised as locally-acting. While the pregnancy-prevention effects act locally (read: changes in cervical fluid and endometrial lining thickness) the hormones enter the blood stream and affect organs all the way up to the brain, which is how they interfere with ovulation, and how they cause a hormonal crash after they’re suddenly removed.

With an IUD in place, the levonorgestrel tricks the brain into supressing hormone production. When the hormone in the IUD wears off or the device is removed, you’d think that this hormonal suppression resolves. Well, not so much. It can take months for the body to come back into balance. What’s more, because the Mirena is the longest-acting contraceptive device approved for women, it’s usually administered to women who would like to prevent pregnancy for a long time. This group typically reflects women who are done having children. By the time they have the device removed, they’re often well into perimenopause, when hormones have already begun shifting. When you take a situation of hormonal suppression as seen with the IUD, then create a crash by suddenly withdrawing the drugs, and the return of hormones looks like perimenopause (which sometimes includes debilitating hormonal imbalances all of its own) it’s no wonder that women feel terrible. It’s no wonder we’ve started talking about it on social media. It’s no wonder that women with IUDs are both scared of the Mirena and scared of having it removed.

So, what’s to be done? Enter: natural progesterone.

Levonorgestrel and other progestins are not the same as the progesterone our bodies make. Our bodies need progesterone to function properly. The fake progestins in IUDs and other hormonal contraceptives trick our bodies into not making progesterone anymore. Then, when the IUD is removed, there’s still no progesterone around. If removal takes place during perimenopause, progesterone may never come back. Fortunately, the marvels of modern medicine (read: functional medicine) have made a way to bring that back.

The Benefits of Natural Progesterone

Natural progesterone, which can be found in supplements derived from plants like wild yam, or administered through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, offers several benefits, especially for those experiencing hormonal symptoms like the Mirena Crash. Some of the advantages include:

1. Regulating Menstrual Cycles: Natural progesterone balances estrogen levels, leading to more regular cycles and eliminating estrogen dominance.
2. Improving Mood and Reducing Anxiety: Because the brain has abundant hormone receptors for progesterone, natural progesterone travels straight there and does what it was meant to do all along for our mood, our sleep, stress regulation and more.
3. Supporting Sleep: Progesterone keeps you cool, calm and collected, partly because it helps you sleep better.
4. Bone and Breast Health: Adequate progesterone levels are important for maintaining bone density and preventing breast cancer, as well as numerous other cancers of the female reproductive tract.

Incorporating natural progesterone is especially beneficial for women transitioning off hormonal birth control, and who are on the estrogen roller coaster ride of perimenopause.

How Can the Mirena Crash Be Treated Naturally?

If you’re experiencing the Mirena Crash, there are several natural approaches you can consider to alleviate symptoms:

1. Dietary Changes:
   • Whole Foods: Emphasize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Foods high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids can support hormonal balance.
   • Limit Sugar and Caffeine: Reducing sugar and caffeine can help stabilize energy levels and mood.
2. Herbal Supplements:
   • Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): Known for its ability to support hormonal balance, Vitex helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms associated with low progesterone and the Mirena Crash.
   • Maca Root: This adaptogen can help balance hormones and increase energy levels.
3. Stress Management Techniques:
   • Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.
   • Yoga and Exercise: Regular physical activity can help balance hormones and improve mood.
4. Natural Progesterone Creams:
   • Consider using natural progesterone creams under the guidance of a functional medicine doctor to help manage symptoms.
5. Adequate Sleep:
   • Prioritize sleep hygiene by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine to enhance recovery.

Navigating the Mirena Crash can be challenging, but understanding its causes and implementing natural strategies can significantly ease the transition. Whether through dietary adjustments, herbal supplements, or lifestyle changes, there are numerous ways to support your body during this time. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health routine, especially when it involves hormonal treatments. By taking proactive steps, you can regain balance and well-being after the Mirena IUD.

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Want more? Check out my new guidebook, The Hormone Hacker!

I’m Dr. Alexandra MacKillop, a functional medicine physician, food scientist and nutrition expert.

I specialize in women’s health & hormones, addressing concerns like fertility, PCOS, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), PMS symptoms like bloating and mood changes and more.

If you’re looking for a new way to approach your health, I’m here to help you through it. Click to learn more.