"i am 40 yrs old, and i have had mirena just 2 months shy of 5 years before having it removed. i experienced some cramping when it was inserted and a few days after. post removal, i had very minor cramping, but nothing that required medication. i have had no to very light periods the entire time. i still weigh within 5 pounds of what i weighed when i got it. no mood swings, no anxiety, no depression. this is the best birth control that i&#039;ve had. previously i was on depo for 12 years and the pill before that. everyone&#039;s body chemistry is different, therefore, the negative experiences may not be yours. if you are hesitant, i would try depo provera first as my experience with both have been very similar."