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Mirena coil query

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
I have had the Mirena coil fitted for about six months and since then, I have experienced steady weight gain. Is this one of the side effects? I have had discharge from my nipples which my GP suggests is caused by the coil.

answer
The dose of progestogen hormone contained within this intra-uterine system is small and very little is absorbed into the circulation. Studies suggest the incidence of weight gain with Mirena is the same as for copper coils, so it is unlikely to be a hormonal side effect. However, a milky discharge from the nipples (galactorrhoea) can also be related to Mirena, although this is rare and affects less than one in 10,000 women.

Other causes must be eliminated, including raised levels of prolactin hormone (due to a pituitary condition) and an under-active thyroid gland. Your doctor should be happy to check for these possible causes with a blood test.
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