health

"I don't get my period any more because I'm on the IUD. But can I still get 'hormonal'?"

Image via Fox/New Girl. 

My periods were completely different before I started using the hormonal intrauterine device, also known as Mirena.

Each month, there were nights where I would be really upset over something incredibly trivial. The next day I would get my period, and it would be like a little light bulb in my mind switched off. My irrationality from the previous night would suddenly make sense (hello, hormones).

Now, I just don’t get my period. At all. But do I still get ‘hormonal’?

According to Kathleen McNamee, the Medical Director at Family Planning Victoria, the answer is yes — and I can’t do much about it.

“Because you’re ovulating normally [on the IUD] you do get the other effects of a normal period, just without the bleeding,” McNamee explains.

“It’s basically just down to monitoring it, which can be hard if you want to plan for it. If your hormone changes are really regular, then you can track them.”

The Mirena looks like this.

 

So I'm just going to have to track my moods, and work out if there's a time of the month when I feel a little more emotional than usual.

Although my periods stopped when my Mirena was inserted, that's not always the case — there is a one in five chance of this happening for as long as the device is in place (the periods then return once it's removed). The cause of this is related to a woman's uterine lining.

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"The Mirena releases hormones (levonorgestrel), which reduce the thickening of the lining of the womb. Normally the lining of the uterus thickens during the first half of your cycle, then when ovulation takes place and your body figures out that you're not pregnant, the lining sheds and you have a period," McNamee explains.

However, because the lining of the womb is thinner when a women is using the Mirena, there's very little to shed, if anything at all. (Post continues after gallery.)

Popular forms of birth control
Contraceptive pillThe Pillis the most popular form of birth control. There are two types: the combined pill, containing two hormones, and theprogestogen-only, or mini, pill, which only contains one female hormone. The combined pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg each month. The mini pill changes the mucus at the entrance of the uterus, which stops sperm from entering. Both are 99.7% effective; however, they don't offer protection from STDs.
Intrauterine deviceIUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUD: copper, which affects the movement and survival of sperm in the womb while changing the lining of the womb;and hormonal, which releases progestogen (a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone) into the uterus. Although IUDs have a success rate of more than 99%, only around 2% of Australian women currently use one.
CondomsThe male condom is a barrier contraception that prevents both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. They work by collecting semen so it doesn't enter theman's partner's body. Condoms are 95 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The female condomThe female condom is a pre-lubricated sheath, which loosely fits inside of the vagina. The condom has a removable ring, which helps to insert the sheath and keep the condom in place. A larger ring remains on the outside to cover the opening of the vagina. They are designed to fit all women and can only to be used once. Due to misuse of the product it is only 79 per cent effective.
DiaphragmLike the male condom, the diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It's a shallow silicone dome that's inserted into the vagina andcovers the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. It's held in place by the pelvic muscles, and works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. After sex, diaphragms need to remain in placefor another six hours, in which time the sperm inside the vagina die. This method is 88 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy, although this rate increases with experience.
Birth control implantThis is a 4cm-longimplant that is inserted into a woman's upper arm, just under the skin, by a doctor. It releases a hormone called etonogestrel, which prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, which can stop sperm from entering. Contraceptive implants - usually sold as Implanon - are removed under anaesthetic every three years, and are close to 100% effective.
Vaginal ringVaginal rings are soft plastic rings that contain the same two hormones as the combined pill - oestrogen and progestogen. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where the hormones are absorbed into the body and then prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Once inside the ring can't be felt, and it needs replacing every three weeks (with one week's break in between). When used correctly, this method is more than 99% effective.
Depo ProveraDepo is a long lasting hormonal injection. The synthetic form of progesterone is administered every 12 to 14 weeks to woman, preventing pregnancy within this ongoing time period. The injection, which is given in the buttock or muscle of the upper arm, prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, helping to block sperm. The injections are 99 per cent effective but do not protect against STDs. Male contraceptive injections are currently being trialled
The morning after pillEmergency contraception (popularly referred to as the morning after pill) is used to prevent a pregnancy following unprotected sex. Other reasons include missing a contraceptive pill or a condom breaking. It is common in Australia to use the progestogen-only method. This entails a dosage of EC pills containing progestogen or the synthetic version. A doctor can prescribe the pill or they can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Emergency contraceptionis 85 per cent effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.
SterilisationSterilisation is a permanent form of contraception. For women there are two types of sterilisation: tubal ligation, in which clips are placed on the fallopian tubes, or tubal occlusion in which a device is inserted into the tubes. These methods work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Tubal litigation is 99.5 per cent effective. The Vasectomy (for men) works by cutting and blocking the tubes called the vas deferens, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles. The chances of impregnation with a vasectomy are 1 in 1000.

"It is completely safe to not bleed with the Mirena. Because it affects the lining, your blood count actually goes up so it can be very good for you in many other ways," McNamee says.

The chance of lighter periods isn't the only reason women decide to use this method of birth control. For me, it was a better option because I get migraines, and taking the Pill increases my chances of having a stroke.

It's also very effective. Not to be confused with the copper IUD, which operates differently, Mirena is more than 99 per cent effective and lasts for five years.

As with all birth control methods, there are side effects associated with the Mirena and it's not going to be ideal for everyone. So definitely speak to your doctor or healthcare specialist before considering one.

Do you use an IUD? Has it affected your periods?

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