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Different Forms of HRT:  Mirena
(progestin -- levonorgestrel -- intrauterine device)

The Mirena is an IUD that releases a small amount (20 mcg.) of progestin daily.  While primarily designed for use as a contraceptive, it is also sometimes used as the progestin component in HRT. 

The amount released daily is such a low dose it tends to cause few side effects.   In addition, since it is released in your uterus, it doesn't have what's called the "first pass" effect -- in which the medication is first broken down by your liver and stomach.  This is a big plus for women who are concerned about overtaxing their liver or who've had a history of liver problems.

The Mirena can cause spotting and breakthrough bleeding, but this typically lasts only about three months after insertion.  Typically after five months, bleeding is infrequent -- and a year after insertion, most women stop getting periods entirely.

  • Standard dosage: One of the easiest forms of HRT; once inserted, the Mirena doesn't need to be replaced for 5 years
  • Pros: Delivered directly to your uterus; very few side effects;
  • Cons: Often causes some pain when first inserted; not recommended for women who have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine abnormalities, uterine, cervical or endometrial cancer, or for those who've never had a pregnancy.  Sometimes is partially or completely pushed out of the uterus (but this is most common in young women and those who've never had children).  Can cause uterine perforation (but this is a very rare occurrence).

 

 

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Important Note: The information contained on EarlyMenopause.com is not intended to replace the care prescribed by your physician.   Always consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen or altering any course of treatment set up by your doctor.

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Any questions? Contact  Kathryn Petras or the Early Menopause message board moderators.

Site last updated on: 3/15/05

EarlyMenopause.com does NOT endorse any one form of treatment. We're all different, and what works for one of us might not work for another. Nor is the site tied commercially to ANY drug or supplement – unlike other sites which, while claiming no sponsorship, do get money for "click-throughs" on ads or orders generated from the site. This is one reason why, other than listing the brand names for HRT, no brand names are (implicitly or explicitly) recommended.

Along these lines, EarlyMenopause.com does not accept advertising of any sort, nor is funded by any company or by a grant (unrestricted or otherwise) from any corporation, but is privately funded by the site owner.

All information on the site has been excerpted or adapted from The Premature Menopause Book by writer and women's health advocate Kathryn Petras, or has been written specifically for Early Menopause.com by Kathryn Petras.   Any reprinting or reproduction for anything other than personal use  is expressly prohibited without permission. 

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