"due to my age (42) and the need for contraceptive and relief from having my period last 2 of 4 four weeks after my second child, i was advised that the mirena was the best option. i was concerned about having several fibroids which i was diagnosed as having when i was 30. so, mirena inserted.  the bleeding was inconsistent for 12 months. my doc said give it 3 mths, then 6 mths, then 9 mths. no change.  after the first month it was noticable that my belly was sticking out. i gained weight around the middle that i could not budge. had it taken out and felt normal again the next day. then my period came, with a vengeance. i believe my body stored my menstrual blood which made my fibroids bigger than before. back to the gyno for me."