Drug Forms And Administration
Kyleena, Mirena, and Liletta are all intrauterine devices . An IUD is a form of birth control thats inserted into your uterus by a healthcare provider.
IUDs can be left inside your uterus for the maximum amount of time that theyre effective. Your doctor can remove an IUD from your uterus after the IUD is no longer effective, or whenever youd like to stop using it within the effectiveness period.
Kyleena And Emergency Contraception
Kyleena shouldnt be used as emergency contraception. And you dont need to use emergency contraception along with Kyleena.
Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy after youve had sex without birth control. But if youre using Kyleena, youre protected from becoming pregnant during sex.
An example of emergency contraception is Plan B, which is also called the morning after pill.
Does Mirena Cause Hair Loss
The product label for Mirena lists alopecia as one of the side effects reported in less than 5 percent of women who received the IUD during clinical trials. Alopecia is the clinical term for hair loss.
While hair loss isnt very common in Mirena users, the number of women who reported hair loss during clinical trials was noteworthy enough to list it as a relevant adverse reaction on the products label.
Following Mirenas approval, there have only been a few studies done to find out if Mirena is related to hair loss.
One large Finnish study of women using an IUD containing levonorgestrel, like Mirena, noted hair loss rates of nearly 16 percent of participants. This study surveyed women who had a Mirena IUD inserted between April 1990 and December 1993. However, the study didnt rule out other possible reasons for their hair loss.
A later review of post-marketing data in New Zealand found that hair loss was reported in less than 1 percent of Mirena users, which is in line with the Mirena product label. In 4 out of 5 of these cases, the timeframe in which hair loss occurred was known and started within 10 months of IUD insertion.
Since other possible causes of hair loss were ruled out in some of these women, the researchers believe theres reasonably strong evidence to suggest that the IUD caused their hair loss.
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Could There Be Other Reasons For Hair Loss
Women of all ages deal with hair loss. It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. Hair shedding is normal and a part of your hair follicle cycle. Hair loss happens when the hair fall is greater than the hair growth.
There are three phases in the hair growth cycle:
- Anagen Phase: This is where hair grows
- Catagen Phase: There is the shrinkage of hair follicles
- Telogen Phase: Hair falls out in this phase
Hair loss occurs in 50% of women and is caused by female pattern hair loss. This type of hair loss is common in the following groups of women:
- Women over the age of 40
- Women who have just given birth
- Women undergoing chemotherapy or those who have had adverse effects due to medications
- Women who use hair care products containing harsh chemicals
The different causes for hair loss in women are:
Here are some signs of hair loss in women:
- You find more hair on your pillow, in the shower, or in your hairbrush
- Hair in the middle of your crown becomes thinner
- You see hair breakage
- Your ponytails are smaller than usual
While Mirena seems to cause hair loss in some women, there could be other factors too. You may want to consider all the causes before choosing the right treatment option.
That said, it is recommended to exercise added caution while going for Mirena, as it could cause certain other side effects as well.
Getting To The Root Of Hair Loss
A reader asks if her hair loss may be caused by using a hormonal IUD as her method of birth control.
- Read in app
Have there been any links between Mirena IUDs and hair thinning or falling out? I am experiencing this and am certain its from Mirena use. Thank you for any information you can provide or point me to.
Jessie from Canada
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Should I Worry About My Iud Causing Hair Loss
To put this all into perspective, risks are associated with any form of birth control.
If you suspect your hormonal IUD is causing hair loss, talk to a gynecologist, dermatologist, endocrinologist or even a trichologist to rule out other potential causes.
If you are interested in getting a hormonal IUD like the Mirena IUD, be aware of all possible side effects and know there is a small chance that it could cause alopecia. And regardless of birth control choices, it’s always a smart move to support healthy hair growth with a healthy diet, stress management and supplements.
More From VEGAMOUR
What Is An Iud
An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small, T-shaped plastic device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. With less than 1% risk of pregnancy each year, IUDs are the most effective form of birth control available. IUDs are a great choice for those who often forget to take their daily birth control pills. After insertion, an IUD lasts anywhere from three to 12 years. It can be used by women of all ages, according to the CDC. They are also a reversible contraception option, allowing you to go back to regular fertility once your IUD is removed.
There are two types of IUD products: copper and hormonal. While both are effective in preventing pregnancy, there are some key differences to keep in mind.
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Other Side Effects Of Mirena
Mirena is a contraceptive IUD that contains a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel. Its inserted into your uterus by a doctor or trained healthcare provider. Once inserted, it steadily releases levonorgestrel into your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to five years.
The most common side effects of Mirena include:
- dizziness, faintness, bleeding, or cramping during placement
- depression
- high blood pressure
In rare cases, Mirena may also raise ones risk for a serious infection known as pelvic inflammatory disease or another possibly life-threatening infection.
During insertion, theres also a risk of perforation or penetration of your uterine wall or cervix. Another potential concern is a condition called embedment. This is when the device attaches inside of the wall of your uterus. In both of these cases, the IUD may need to be surgically removed.
Does The Iud Cause Hair Loss
Many women on IUDs experience hair loss. Too often, when women tell their doctors about side effects on the IUD, their doctors tell them its all a part of the experience. Just wait it out, and things will settle. This is normal for your age. Or its your hormones, not the device. When it comes to the IUD side effect of hair loss, many IUD users are told similar things. But the fact is, that yes, IUDs can cause hair loss.
Women who are experiencing hair loss should discuss with their doctor to find out the cause. If a woman is experiencing hair thinning or hair loss after getting an IUD, and she didnt have hair loss before that, it is possible that her hair loss is a direct result of having the IUD inserted.
According to Healthline, hormonal IUDs like Mirena and Kyleena have been known to cause hair loss in women:
One large Finnish study of women using an IUD containing levonorgestrel, like Mirena, noted hair loss rates of nearly 16 percent of participants. . . .A later review of post-marketing data in New Zealand found that hair loss was reported in less than 1 percent of Mirena users, which is in line with the Mirena product label. In 4 out of 5 of these cases, the timeframe in which hair loss occurred was known and started within 10 months of IUD insertion. . . . In the small New Zealand study, 2 of the 3 women who removed their IUD due to concerns about hair loss reported to have successfully regrown their hair following removal.
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Hormonal Iud Vs Copper Iud For Birth Control
If youre considering getting an IUD, the first choice you have to make is to choose between its two types. Are you going to opt for a hormonal IUD or a copper IUD?
Both types are small, T-shaped devices only a nurse or doctor can insert into the uterus. Both are also equally safe and effective at preventing pregnancy but they work differently to fulfill this purpose.
The hormonal IUD uses a hormone called progestin and releases it into your body. One of the most popular hormonal IUDs in the market is Mirena.
Hormonal IUDs keep you from being pregnant by thickening the mucus in your cervical canal. That way, the sperm cant get through the uterus and will not be able to reach the egg.
Meanwhile, the copper IUD is non-hormonal. It doesnt make use of hormones. Instead, it prevents pregnancy with the copper ions released through the copper wire wrapped around it. The copper is toxic to sperm and deactivates it. The only copper IUD approved for sale in the United States is Paragard.
But despite being popular among women, the Paragard IUD has already been named in several lawsuits filed in the court.
You read that right.
Plaintiffs in the Paragard lawsuits allege that the device is prone to breakage, resulting in dangerous side effects such as the IUD perforating the uterus which requires surgical removal. Although complications from the use of an IUD are rare, they can still occur. Several side effects may be experienced by women after having an IUD inserted.
The Mirena Crash Is Real Everything You Need To Know
Birth control is an important health decision for millions of women in the United States. There are several different forms of birth control that a woman might use to prevent pregnancy. An intrauterine device is a common form of birth control.
However, using an IUD has some health risks. Additionally, there have been severe side effects and dangerous adverse reactions to some of the IUDs on the market. A recent development with the Mirena IUD has many women seeking medical treatment after they have the IUD removed.
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Is This Even Possible
Dr. Ladynez Espinal, an obstetrician and gynecologist based in Miramar, Florida in isn’t surprised I had this type of reaction to Mirena. “All hormonal IUDs have a hormone called progestin. Progestins have androgenic activity, which can cause hair growth and acne on our skin,” she explains.
What’s more, “Some women complain of mood swings including anxiety and depression, decreased libido and weight gain or water retention from the hormonal IUD.” Check, check and check. Some other possible side effects are hair loss, spotting and disruption in insulin and cholesterol levels.
These side effects aren’t necessarily normal less than 5 percent of women with an IUD experience weight gain and one dermatologist I spoke to estimated that acne effects about 25 percent of patients with IUDs. Those who do experience some of these symptoms are typically fine with them because, well, IUDs are 99.8 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and easy to maintain . Hormonal IUDs also offer lower levels of localized hormones when compared to The Pill, which is why I decided to get one in the first place.The fact that I was hit with all the side effects is pretty much “classic me.” My system is super-sensitive, and my skin is even more sensitive I break out in hives at the mere suggestion of wax or bleach so my five o’clock shadow presented a unique challenge.
What Is Hormonal Hair Loss And What Causes It
Some women can develop an autoimmune condition called androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern baldness. In autoimmune system disorders, the body attacks its own cells and systems. In the case of alopecia, the body attacks hair follicles. Hair loss can happen on a persons head or their body. With this disorder, hair falls out in clumps the size of a quarter or larger. Usually, the hair will eventually grow back. But having this happen can be incredibly distressing and scary. Fortunately, the pill can be prescribed for female pattern baldness.
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When It Can Be Placed
The appropriate timing for Kyleena insertion depends on several factors. These include whether or not youve:
- been using certain other birth control methods
- had a recent abortion or miscarriage, and in which trimester of pregnancy it happened
- recently given birth
Kyleena can be inserted any time your healthcare provider is able to determine that youre not pregnant. For example, your healthcare provider may be able to insert Kyleena:
- during the first 7 days of your menstrual cycle*
- right after an abortion or miscarriage that occurred during the first 3 months of pregnancy
- at least 6 weeks after an abortion or miscarriage that occurred during the third to the sixth month of pregnancy
- at least 6 weeks after childbirth
Before placing Kyleena, your healthcare provider may have you take a pregnancy test. This way, they can make sure youre not pregnant before inserting Kyleena into your uterus.
Talk with your doctor about the best time for you to start using Kyleena.
* Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of a period. In other words, day 1 of your menstrual cycle is the first day you have period bleeding.
Effectiveness For Birth Control
In clinical studies, Kyleena was effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years.
During the studies, adult females used Kyleena for 3 to 5 years. In each year of the studies, for every 100 women who used Kyleena, the following pregnancy rates were reported:
- 0.16 pregnancies in the first year
- 0.38 pregnancies in the second year
- 0.45 pregnancies in the third year
- 0.15 pregnancies in the fourth year
- 0.37 pregnancies in the fifth year
- 1.45 pregnancies over all 5 years of use
Overall, Kyleena prevented pregnancy for 5 years in 98.6% of women who used it. The pregnancy rate for women who used other birth control drugs in these studies isnt known.
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Replies To This Discussion
- Permalink Reply by Darren on February 23, 2009 at 8:58pm
- Hi Erin, thank you for sharing your experience. Just to add on that Mirena will also cause the following side effects: Change in menses Weight gain
- Permalink Reply by dana on February 25, 2009 at 4:54pm
- Hello,My baby was born with congenital alopecia areata after having IUD for two years.Dana
- Permalink Reply by youarebeautiful on January 4, 2014 at 11:50am
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Really? How about other hormonal birth control methods? Any other trends?
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- Permalink Reply by Colleen Hebert on March 23, 2009 at 5:03pm
- Thanks so much for getting back to me so fast! I just made an appt with my derm for tomorrow, so i’ll let you know what she says! I agree with you in hopes that the Mirena is the cause because it will be so easy to have it removed and be the end of my problem. But at the same time i hope it isnt just because i’ve been so pleased with using the IUD, the ease of it. I also have been on some form of bc since i was 16- i completely understand where your comeing from! anyway, thanks again!
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- Permalink Reply by MadAtMirena on August 11, 2016 at 1:36pm
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Hello – can you give an update to your hair loss? I am going through the same thing right now and looking for hope! I know this is an old post but I hope you will respond!