Exploring Mirena use in association with symptoms at midlife.

OBJECTIVE

The Mirena IUD is prescribed for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding and contraception. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of Mirena in relation to vasomotor, psychological, musculoskeletal, and sexual symptoms and to see whether the use of a Mirena IUD increased the likelihood of experiencing symptoms during the menopause transition.

METHODS

Data were drawn from a study of brown adipose tissue and hot flashes (n=274). Participants were aged 45-55, living in western Massachusetts. Twenty-three (8%) were using Mirena at the time of the interview. Nine symptoms were examined individually and after grouping into clusters by factor analysis. Following bivariate analyses, logistic regressions were used to examine the use of Mirena in relation to hot flashes, night sweats, leg cramps, aches/stiffness, backaches, and depressed mood, while adjusting for age and BMI. We did not adjust for menopausal status because the use of Mirena influenced menstruation, which inhibited accurate estimation of menopausal status.

RESULTS

There were no significant relationships between the use of Mirena and symptoms at midlife. Higher BMI increased the likelihood of hot flashes, night sweats, and leg cramps.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the use of the Mirena IUD, whether for treatment of heavy blood loss, contraceptive control, or for the management of other menstrual symptoms, is unlikely to have adverse effects on symptom experience in midlife.