[pumpkinmuffinz]

Hi Ladies -

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this, but I'm wondering how long it took others to adjust after coming off of hormonal BC pills and switching to the non-hormonal copper IUD. Did you experience any wonky symptoms as your body got used to the new situation?

I had the copper IUD placed at the beginning of July after being on the pill for about 5.5 years. When I first started the pill, I experienced some unpleasant side effects (weight gain of about 15 pounds, craaaazy acne, moodiness) but after about 6 months I leveled out. Over the years I've switched pills a few times with no major awful side effects, but overall I just felt "off" all the time. Foggy and moody, a little depressed and super anxious. And my libido, well, that went away and didn't appear to be coming back any time soon.

So fast forward, IUD placed at the end of my (very very very light period), no bleeding after aside from a bit of spotting for a day or two, which was a miracle after reading all the horror stories about the copper IUD that are so prevalent on the web! But now it's been almost 40 days with no sign of my period in sight. In addition to that, I've had some acne issues (nothing major, but a few deep pimples, the kind that cause a big nodule and just hurt like heck!) and I've literally gained 10 pounds in a little over a month. I know that this is partly due to the fact that I'm also SO TIRED all the time, so getting up early for my workouts or going for a run after work have been a little less than usual. Also, I am craving carbs like nobody's business, and in comparison to my usual diet of mostly healthy whole foods, I've definitely added in more carby bread and chocolate (chocolate chips straight from the bag anyone?). Still. 10 lbs. What the heck.

So - is this something I just need to be patient about? Let my body do it's thing and try to control things as much as I can until they settle down? Or should I be concerned about any or all of these symptoms?

TL;DR: Had copper IUD placed at the beginning of July after almost 6 years on hormonal BC pills. Weight gain, mild acne, fatigue and a late period have resulted. Is this abnormal and/or what have your experiences with this transition been?

[ab97]

Missed period and 10 lbs? Did you get a home pregnancy test...?

[pumpkinmuffinz]

Missed period and 10 lbs? Did you get a home pregnancy test...?

I have taken 3 since I had the IUD inserted, as well as the urine test they did in the office on the day of my insertion. All negative. I'm actually thinking of taking another one this week, as it's been about 3 weeks since my last one, but I feel crazy though! I highly doubt anything will be different this time! My doc said as long as the home pregnancy test is negative, I'm probably fine and my body is just getting sorted out. I'm still not convinced that this is entirely okay though.

As an update, I'm now on day 67 without a period. Hooray!

[kira]

When hormonal birth control is involved I suggest waiting 4months (whether you are starting it or coming off it) before considering there might be a problem. It can take quite a bit longer to full adjust though. I didn't get paragard but when I stopped bcp for awhile it took a year to get normal periods, less acne, and I had weight gain from stopping the pills. Really anything is normal when hormonal birth control is involved. What happens to one person may be the opposite with another person. You have to decide if the side effects are worth the wait to see if when it all clears out of your system the new nonhormonal birth control works.