Question for the ladies

This might be one of those too much information kind of questions !

I have a Mirena IUD for about 4 years now. I didn't have a period for almost the whole time. And now for the past couple of months I get one. Also I have been getting yeast infections, which I never got before too.

Can all this be caused by the hormone shift from the weight loss? Has anyone else had more infections after surgery?

Thanks

Cindy

Hi Cindy,
I am at work and mentionned your concerns to my colleagues (I work at a planned family clinic). There could be several reasons for the changes. Firstly, is it a full period or just spotting? The decrease in estrogen levels can cause sudden bleeding so the wls could have had some effect. Your Mirena could have also moved or dislocated which can influence bleeding. If you are due for your annual checkup it would be a good idea to get it done. Your Mirena is good for up to five years and some months (although the literature says 5years) but if it has been dislodged it could explain the bleeding. Don't worry about pregnancy though. Even if it is dislodged you are still protected! As for the yeast infections well that is more complicated. That could be due to many factors. Try and see if you've changed something in your hygeine (soaps,detergents,type of underwear etc). The Mirena shouldn't be the cause of it. Normally it is an increase of estrogen levels that can cause yeast infections. However there are so many other possibilities. Some women have many yeast infections and don't respond to the over the counter treatment. We recommend trying two treatments and if that doesn't work consult your doctor and he or she can give you a RX for something stronger. You may want to talk to the pharmacist as there is a product that you can have without a prescription but is behind the pharmacists counter. They will recommend you trying the over the counter treatments first though. Hope this helps and hang in there!

Thank you so so much Brenda.
I will follow your advice and I'm trying to get an appointment with my doctor also. It's so hard to get appointments these days yikes!
I hadn't even thought about it moving.  It's a light period more than spotting but nothing like used to be years ago. But it is semi regular for the past 2 or 3 months.

Thanks again
Cindy