Expert: Norman Solberg - 2/15/2009

Question
Hi there, I have had the marina contraceptive put in 5 years ago and have found that over the past five years my weight in increasing every year and it is definatley not from my eating habits. Do you think that it could be related to the mariner? I also dont know when it should be removed??

Thanks
Tanya Cuff

Answer
Hi Tanya,
I think it's unusual for the Mirena to cause weight gain, but I think it can happen in some women who are very sensitive to the small amounts of progesterone from the IUD.  Interestingly, the Mirena is meant to be removed after 5 years, so you probably should have yours taken out anyway.  Once it's out, you may see how much it had to do with the weight gain, and if it's easier to lose weight now that it's gone.  However, all birth control pills, ring, patch also contain similar progesterone type hormones, so if you switch to any of them you may have the same problem.  There is a copper IUD with no hormone.  That might be a consideration.  Good luck.