I have talked very briefly about my experience with the ParaGard IUD and I am finally sitting down to share a little bit more indepth! Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional this is just my personal experience please consult your care provider if you have concerns or questions regarding the ParaGard IUD.
Towards the end of my pregnancy with Edith we were exploring our birth control options and to be honest we were leaning towards going the snip snip route because me + hormonal birth control do not mix. Seriously my experience with hormonal birth control is a whole other story in itself and if you’d like me to share it just let me know! When it came time to discuss birth control with the midwives we said we were thinking of going snip route and she said well unless you are 110% sure you don’t want more children that maybe a better route would be the ParaGard IUD a non-hormonal birth control. This was the first time I had heard of the ParaGard and was very interested to learn more. 
When we got pregnant with Edith we had been loosely practicing the FAM method for about two years. However, I knew going back to the FAM method wasn’t something I wanted to do just because of the potential risk of getting pregnant again before we were ready and the fact that it’s hard to follow this method until your period has returned and as a breastfeeding mom who knows when that would occur. So it seemed that since hormonal birth control was out, FAM method wasn’t ideal and we were only 90% sure we were one and done that the ParaGard was the (only) way to go.
At eight weeks postpartum I had the ParaGard IUD inserted and had no immediate issues with it. Within a month of having the ParaGard I found myself back up to my pregnancy weight, after having lost 15 of the 25 pounds I put on. While I can say that nursing, diet and lifestyle may have also factored into weight gain I continue to be unable to lose any of the weight even when improving diet and lifestyle. 
At around six months postpartum my period returned and the first month was on the lighter side but come the second month I was experiencing a heavier flow which I attributed to a postpartum period. I also had incredibly painful cramping to the point of nausea. I figured it was just my body getting back into things and that eventually I would get back to “normal”. Well that just wasn’t the case at all. Every month I experienced the same heavy flow and extremely painful, nauseating cramps.
I really didn’t know what to do though because we just were not ready to even consider having baby #2 and we were not ready to rule it out either. I decided to do some further research on my “symptoms” and found that it is very common for women to have pain and increased bleeding during the first year of having the ParaGard IUD and it’s actually one of the top reasons women get it removed. I also read that things usually common down after a year of having the ParaGard IUD so I decided to wait it out and see if things changed after a year.
Well nothing changed and that’s when I finally said I’M DONE. I discussed things with Neil and while we were not ready to have #2 we both agreed that getting my IUD out was the best choice for me and my body. We had planned to go back to the FAM method and while we were not officially ready for #2 yet we were okay if it happened. I set up an appointment with a naturopathic doctor/midwife and went in to discuss my IUD and having it removed.
At my appointment we discussed my issues with the IUD and one thing she pointed out is that the copper in the ParaGard IUD is there to irritate the uterus and work as a spermicide and all this can cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation in the body can cause an increase in appetite and weight gain. This is when I went DUH! I know this but why didn’t I just put this all together? So while we were supposed to just have a conversation about the IUD and my issues with it my doctor said she could take it out right then if I wanted her to and without thinking twice I had her take it out. Well I should have made note of the fact that Neil and I had been intimate the days before because I ended up ovulating that night and since sperm can live up to 72 hours we ended up pregnant with baby #2 (this is just a side note for those who are thinking about getting their IUD removed).
So that all being said I will not be going back on the ParaGard IUD after baby #2 arrives instead Neil is going to take one for the team because we are two and DONE.
I thought I would also include some other people experiences with the ParaGard IUD: Friend #1: She also got the ParaGard IUD after her daughter was born and found it challenging to lose the baby weight until after about a year of having the IUD. She didn’t experience any other issues and is still currently using the ParaGard IUD.
Friend #2: While she never experienced any issues with the ParaGard IUD she did end up with a surprise pregnancy after about 12 months of using the ParaGard IUD. Now she is debating what to do next as she doesn’t plan to go back on the ParaGard after #2 is born (I mean why would you if you got pregnant on it the first time around!)
Naturally Family Facebook Friend: I have a Paragard and it’s been fantastic for me. I got it one year postpartum (used a diaphragm first year postpartum for protection). It was terribly painful to insert (maybe because I had a c section). The cramping was awful and periods were awful for the first 6 months…but since then, things have completely stabilized. Normal periods, normal cramping (about a days worth every cycle). No weight gain or skin issues. Love that it’s non hormonal. I’m sorry to hear your experience wasn’t a good one! I am interested in reading about it.
Naturally Family Facebook Friend: I had a horrible time with it and had it removed roughly 17 months after placement, thankfully your advice about abstaining the day before prevented us from an unexpected #2
What are you currently using for birth control and how is it working for you? For those of you who have tried the ParaGard IUD what has/was your experience like?
I have an IUD and have had it now for a little over 2 years. The first year was very painful with very heavy periods, but things have definitely improved. I still experience a slightly more painful period than before but it’s 100 times less than what it was. I haven’t experienced an increase in appetite or weight gain and really do love it as hormonal birth control pills also do NOT agree with me!
Great post! I never got a notification on FB that you asked for additional info so sorry for leaving you hanging!
Like you, I had no issues when the Paragard IUD was initially placed but within two months of my period returning postpartum, I was experiencing incredibly heavy flows. I attributed the heavier flow to postpartum adjustment too. My flow was so heavy I literally had to stand slowly after sitting for long periods of time for fear I would faint. Side note; when I was younger I had hemorrhaging issues as my body adjusted to my menstrual cycle that would cause me to faint because I would lose so much blood so fast when I passed a clot or stood up too fast. My flows on the IUD reminded me of those days. My periods on the IUD also lasted 7 to 10 days, as opposed to the 4-6 days I was used to pre-pregnancy.
At around 11 months post IUD placement I started to notice pain in my pelvis and ovaries around the middle of my cycle each month and began feeling the exact moment I ovulated, it was very painful. The pelvic/ovary pain would subside temporarily when my period started each month but would always return. Ironically, I had zero cramps before or during my period each month, and only had cramps around the time of ovulation.
I finally went to my doctor at 17 months and she said my IUD was literally about to fall out. She thinks it was misplaced and that my cervix was pushing it out. I also ended up having an infection that appeared to be early stage pelvic inflammatory disease. Thankfully, we caught it early and after some antibiotics I seem to be healing though I still have lingering pelvic pain. My OB said the heavy flows and nausea should have subsided within months of IUD placement and she was shocked I waited 17 months to remove it. She also believes (since my blood work was negative for STDs) that my body was rejecting the copper and the infection was a reaction to the copper being in my system. We are now using the FAM method until we are ready for baby #2.
I’m glad to not be using hormonal BC anymore. IUDs freak me out, perhaps unreasonably, but I, too, have heard of more cramping and bleeding with them in. I’ve had really painful periods since I was 13 so the idea of using a BC method that makes that more severe sounds like a terrible idea! I still haven’t ovulated a year after my daughter was born, and at this point my husband and I would be happy to have another baby, so we sort don’t do much for protection.
I am on my second Mirena IUD and have loved it both times. The first time I had never been pregnant prior to placement and had some abnormal (for me) cramping, but it was bearable. I had that one for about 13 months before we decided to start trying to get pregnant. The SUPER FERTILE thing applies to all IUDs, since we got pregnant the first time I ovulated after removal, by the way. After my third pregnancy/second loss we decided we were done trying, but not 110% sure never ever any more babies. So I went in for another Mirena and it has been great. Other than weight gain I have had no terrible side effects this time. I have a super light period about once every 3 months, and though I still have PMS-type physiological symptoms, not having to deal with the physical symptoms are fantastic. I know a lot of people have issue with the Mirena being hormone-based, but it is the only birth control that has worked for me. Pills cause heavy bleeding and terrible nausea plus enhanced PMS-type symptoms, as well as making me gain weight. And the NuvaRing caused such heavy bleeding I couldn’t sustain using it past 2 months. When my Mirena expires I think we will revisit the idea of J having The Surgery, but for now I think we’re good with the Mirena.
I have no children and am getting my paragard next month. BC pills were horrible so this is the only non-hormonal method really available. I’m so scared about weight gain. I already have my own to deal with! Lol
Have you gained any weight since being on paragard?
I had paraguard and was 103 pounds and sometimes less i started gaining weight not long after having it put in all in my stomach and had pelvic pain and overies never thought enough to think it was iud cysist grow around the iud had to go 15omiles out of town to get it out. He though he mite have to do surgery but he got it out thank god i dont know if this iud cause weight gain all i know is i never had a stomach this big befor and not weight gain anywhere else so l look prego
I gained almost 20# with paragard in less than 4 months. Weird, and not common the doctor told me. I just had it taken out 3 days ago, and have had a migraine and nausea since.
since taking out your paragard have you lost any weight? my issue is the weight gain I think It is causing me.
I hope someone else might be able to answer this question for you. I personally couldn’t tell you as I got pregnant immediately after getting my IUD out.
I had the Paragard IUD for about three years after switching from Skyla and Mirena before that. I wanted a non-hormonal solution since the hormonal ones caused fibroid breast pain. The first few months with Paragard seemed fine. However, slowly but surely, I began to gain weight. And I kept getting running injuries (tendinitis). As a long distance runner and triathlete, I figured the weight gain was due to the injuries and inability to run at a high intensity. But I was still very active and still gaining weight. I gained 20# very quickly over the first year or so and was unable to lose ANY weight. Anytime I asked my doctor if it could be the IUD, they said no because it’s non-hormonal. But I just felt like something wasn’t right. So….. I had my Paragard removed about a month ago and I see my body changing already. I’m fitting into jeans I haven’t been able to wear in two years. And my body fat % is dropping. I’m not sure if this is the reason but it sure seems to correlate pretty well.
Thank you for opening up about your experiences! This was an interesting read – and thank you for linking the resources.
Recently I have decided to discontinue hormonal BC due to the side effects (after 11 years, eek!). Not planning on having a baby ANY time soon, so I’ve been weary about the effectiveness of other methods. After looking around the inter webs, reading some other women’s experiences – I ordered the Taking Charge of Your Fertility book tonight! 🙂
I would definitely be interested in reading some of your experiences with hormonal BC. I’ve been so engrained with the conventional realm of thought that this is the best/only method out there and that every woman should be on BC, blah blah blah… would reassure my decision to hear your thoughts. 🙂
I have my paragard IUD in for almost 10 months. Not being pregnant before, my doctor warned me it may be a bit difficult for your body to accept especially since your uterus has not been “touched” yet. This IUD drives me INSANE. I’m totally off my regular period. It is very frustrating and extremely painful. CRAMPS IN MY STOMACH, down my legs, Sharp shooting pains in my lower back and CONSTANT spotting. My periods are sooooo long they range from 9-12 days. I’m looking to take out my IUD next period. I’m yearning to feel all natural normal periods again.
Thank you for sharing your story
I have had the paraguard over 5yrs. Im anemic. My doctor realized after time it was causing my cycle to become heavy. I had it removed and it was very painful when it was removed and it took a while to get it out (i will NOT be going thru that again- NOT worth it) and after having a vaginal ultrasound they discovered Fibroids around the IUD (another reason NOT to ever get and IUD) I will have to have surgery to remove the fibroids.. Word to the Wise! Be Blessed!
I had a very similar experience. I finally got an IUD placed about 2 years post partum. It took me about 15 months to lose all of my baby weight, but I was healthy and content with my body. I noticed that after I got the IUD placed, I automatically gained about 5 pounds. No big deal. After a year of having an IUD in place, I gained about 2o pounds in 3 months. That is so unlike me. My metabolism is pretty decent, and the most I gain at once is 5 pounds. I took the paragard out, and have had such a hard time losing the weight ever since. It completely changed my body composition. I gained weight in places I don’t usually gain weight. And I lost most of my muscle. The most I have been able to lose is 5 pounds so far even with exercise and a healthy diet. It is very depressing and frustrating. It is so much harder to lose weight after the paragard than it was after having a baby. I regret the decision to have one put in everyday.
Hello Mariella,
Have you lost tried removing it? If So did you loose the weight? I have gained 100lbs after my pregnancy since i put my IUD in. Never in my life i have faced this. I have a personal trainer and i get sit from her but I know I am not lying and i am dedicated to loose weight. One of my frd was like may be it is ur IUD. Thats when I started researching.
Hi Mariella, I ve had the exact same experience as you!! It s been more than a year now- have you managed to lose all the weight and feel like your body is back to normal? I hope here is hope!!
I am just loving all of the conversation going on here! So glad you ladies are able to connect!
I totally hear you about hormonal BC. It never did me any good. I mean, I didn’t get pregnant (which was the point), but the side effects were torturous and in some cases, quite damaging. When I was 3 months postpartum with my second child, I had the Mirena put in. We, like you, were not 100% sure we were done, but still needed a VERY reliable option to keep us from conceiving (Hubs is the super fertile type.). That was 5 years ago and I absolutely LOVED my Mirena. I had a period maybe once a year, and it was very light, with no cramping and no PMS symptoms at all. The Mirena is a hormonal BC, but since the the hormone it delivers is localized and the amount is so much less than other hormonal BC options, it made all the difference. About 10 days ago, I had to have it changed and decided to go with the Paraguard. I have been bleeding heavily for TEN DAYS. Like full on, the river-has-swelled-and-will-wipe-out-the-town heavy, with the cramps (I have NOT missed those), full PMS with back aches, and a migraine to boot!!!! If this lasts for the next year, I will definitely have it removed and will be going back to the Mirena. Thank you for sharing your experience. It was very informative and I appreciate the added point of view.
I’m 35, and had the Paragard IUD for 13 months. I chose Paragard because I had spent 15+ years struggling with the negative side effects of hormonal birth control, so I thought this would be a good option for me. I could not have been more wrong!
Before the IUD, I was happy, healthy, fit, and trim. Since having the IUD inserted,(in addition to the insane cramps and heavy 10-day periods that are “normal” with the IUD) I have gained over 20 pounds, have developed anxiety attacks, feel lethargic and depressed, lost my sex drive, and have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke, my diet is healthy, and I exercise a lot (yoga, running, spinning, pilates – 5-6 days per week). I literally could not lose a single pound with the IUD – no matter what I did, I just kept gaining. I am now on medication for hypothyroidism, and Wellbutrin for my other symptoms, but nothing has helped.
I just had the IUD removed yesterday, and I know it sounds crazy, but I am already starting to feel better! My doctor told me that my symptoms and health problems were in NO WAY related to the IUD, and tried to convince me to keep it in. Ladies – please do NOT let your doctor do this to you. YOU know what’s best for your body, not the capitalistic, money-driven American healthcare system. There are thousands of women that are experiencing these symptoms after IUD insertion, but no one is telling us about them! The corporations & doctors continue to deny that the side effects exist, and we continue to be sick and confused.
I am now starting the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). I think it’s ridiculous that all females are not taught about this method as soon as puberty hits. It should be part of sex ed classes. All women should be aware of their natural cycles and fertility signs. Relying on expensive drugs, hormones, and invasive devices are not the only options available to us for birth control. I wish I had known about FAM years ago – I could have saved myself a lot of misery. But most doctors know almost nothing about FAM – it’s not taught in med school because it doesn’t make anyone any money (it’s free for life!).
I had a very similar experience and I am so glad you shared because I was feeling very alone, a little crazy and now very regretful for having put myself through so much just for birth control! And like a lot of women seem to comment here, there is so little information upfront about some of these negative side effects it was refreshing that so many of you are willing to share what you’ve gone through and I hope more women like all of us are able to read these testimonies and not feel so alone!!! When I first got Paragard I told my dr it sounded too good to be true.. I was not about to go down the hormonal BC road again and then magically this non hormonal alternative with “all the benefits none of the drawbacks” just pops into the scene… Well I guess shame on me for not listening to my original instincts.. My dr did warn about possibility for cramping and heavy period, but that was all. So 12 weeks post partum I had Paragard inserted.
In the very beginning I experienced the worst constipation (sorry for the tmi ladies) but for anyone reading that has had a baby.. You know how bad things can get in that department… It was ten fold worse than that!! Then came the cramps- the likes of which I could only compare to contractions! And next came spotting about a week on and off until the heaviest period I could have imagined followed by another week of spotting. I should also mention the non stop discharge during the 1-2 weeks that some kind of blood wasn’t coming out of me… I literally wore a panty liner or pad everyday for 8 months!
This cycle continued but worst yet was the depression and anxiety symptoms. I had myself convinced I’d overlooked that I had postpartum depression or that I was developing depression and/or anxiety. I am a person who counts their blessings every chance I get and there were days Id look at my amazing, loving husband and our 2 beautiful gifts from God and I couldn’t find joy in being with them. I’d be angry, then sad then I’d feel withdrawn… And it would all circle back to angry. I was miserable and heartbroken I was taking for granted my most precious blessings and was losing days With my daughters I could never get back! It was as close to rock bottom as I hope to ever get and nothing I’ve ever in my life felt before.. And very unlike me for that matter. By the time I’d finally realized I had to talk to my dr about the depression and do something because it was not fair to my family it hit me.. After months of trying to figure out why I felt this way the only thing that had changed from the time the symptoms came on was My IuD. So I had it removed.. My dr. Made me feel stupid… Maybe I shouldn’t have told her about the mental symptoms.. “that kind of thing really only happens with hormonal IuDs and BC” she said.
Well, maybe typically, but not for me. And I, too feel kinda silly saying this (maybe it is all in my head) but within days I felt like myself again!
My youngest daughter will be 1 in a month. I only had Paragard for 8 months and in hindsight I kind of lost those 8 months because mentally I wasn’t me! Time already goes too fast it kills me to know I lost days.. Weeks even, with my amazing children bc Something mentally in me wasn’t right and try as u mag I couldn’t be happy.
To add insult to injury.. I still today have about 20 pounds of baby weight to lose after 11 months of doing everything right to try and lose the weight (which j had successfully done after my first daughter was born) Then.. The week my IUD was removed I lost 2 pounds (no biggie I know) but it wasn’t just the pound, in just that short time I felt my shape coming back again, like someone had let the air out of the spare tire I Had growing around me!!
Ok, ok.. I’m sorry to have rambled! I’m just so grateful to the brave women who spoke up and helped me realize I was right to have had the IUD removed and I wasn’t crazy to assume the symptoms were all related to having it! I whole-heartedly hope someone reading this can feel that I’ve helped them, too or can share my story with someone in need of some advice about Paragard.
I read somewhere else that the presence of the foreign body (iud) in our system makes our brain go haywire trying to kill it off.. And the inability to do so In turn causes the brain to panic and the anxiety feelings that I, and others, experienced as a result are related to that reaction in the brain. Now, I’m not a Doctor or scientist Im just sharing.. But when I read that it made me feel better because it actually made sense. Maybe it will make someone else feel better too!
Best wishes to whoever is reading this.. You’re not alone.. although we won’t all have the same experiences (good or bad) I hope you can make the best decision for yourself based on some of these testimonies.
Word for word, I could have written this post except I was stupid enough to leave the iud in for 10 months. I’m looking forward to being happy and more carefree again.
Quartersawnoak,
I am getting My IUD removed today because I was experiencing so many symptoms related to Copper Toxicity. One of them was weight gain, and I have been an elite athlete for about 3 years (Marathons, body building) but now with my IUD, No matter what I do i can’t get back to competition shape, i just keep gaining. I am wondering how long after the IUD was removed did you see results as far a getting back to the “Old you?”
Hello,
Can you comment on any changes you have experienced? I’m getting my IUD out today and I am in the exact same boat as you!! And no matter how much I watch what I eat or how hard I train NOTHING is happening!
I just recently (3 days ago) had my Paragard taken out after 4 months. My uterus shape is not appropriate for the IUD – was expelling it- and I was miserable for 4 months. Since removal I have had a nonstop migraine with nausea. I’m exhausted and frustrated. Started low dose BCP yesterday (Janelle), which I don’t believe is related as the symptoms started the day before taking pill. I had also gained almost 20# with the Paragard, which my doctor said was totally unrelated. Interesting fact is I didn’t change my diet or lifestyle after having IUD placed. So where did the weight come from??
Hoping for my regular 3 day periods without cramping to return next month
Praying for weight loss prior to my wedding in 82 days.
And finally getting my life back!
You know, I would think the Migraines and nausea would be a fluctuation in hormones. Even though they say Paragard isn’t hormonal….look at all the symptoms of changes in hormones that we all are experiencing. Our body has to work itself back to normal after all the crap.
Yes it’s such a challenge when you may have chosen something because it doesn’t have hormones but you end up feeling off anyway!
I have had the copper IUD for 6 months now, recently I eprienced pelvic pain after Sex and on top of that I have lost a lot of weight, could this be as a result of IUD?
I would recommend seeing your doctor. Hope all is well!
I am on my second go around with Paragard. Actually my third. I had the first for 10 years with minimal issues (heavy and longer periods, that was it). I then had it replaced because I hit the 10 year mark, and the second one expelled. I became pregnant with my daughter (now 3). I had it inserted again when postpartum and I am having so many issues, I can’t figure out if it’s Paragard or if something else is wrong. I can’t lose weight, which I was down to my pre-pregnancy weight almost immediately after birth because I didn’t gain any weight – maybe 10lb, since I was already a little overweight to begin with, I was diligent in keeping my weight low during the pregnancy. I’ve put on 30lb! But my diet has not changed nor my excercise. I even quit drinking completely to see if it would help, even though I didn’t really drink that often. I’m having major cramping and bloating prior to my period, and my periods are so heavy for 2-3 days that I have to change my tampon every hour sometimes! I have constant lower back pain after sleeping no matter what I’ve tried. I’m always exhausted. I don’t know that they’re related, but my doctor can’t find anything else wrong. I am getting my thyroid checked since thyroid issues are in my family. I’m only 31, but I’m done having kids and so is my husband. I’m not sure either of us wants sterilization, but I can’t do hormonal BC and now what worked for me for 10 years may not be working anymore. I’m considering trying NFP/FAM but I understand that you “should be” open to the idea of potential pregnancy, and I do not want more kids! What a mess.
You don’t know what a relief this blog is for me! I have been to my ob,an endocrinologist and 2 family doctors that all think that I am crazy. I got the paraguard inserted about 16 months ago (the first one expelled within a month) and have gained a total of 75lbs! I went on a cleanse, tried weight watchers, atkins, and clean eating and still manged to put on all of this extra weight. I my cycle is every 10-12 days and it lasts for 8. I have NEVER had an issue with my cycle or this sort of weight gain and I am at my wits end. Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone. I am going to have this removed immediately.
I am super late to this forum, but i just had the Paragard put in 8 days ago. I had lost weight after giving birth to lower than my weight when I found out i was pregnant! Then i started gaining, probably because I had to stop exclusively breastfeeding. but i have been sooo hungry lately and I’ve been having headaches with nausea which i thought were to lack of sleep but i see lots yall have them too! I just had sex yesterday with hubby and it was painful towards the end and after. Idk what to do!
I have gained weight as well. It’s been 3.5months since I got Paragard inserted and I have gained around 20lbs!! Unable to lose baby weight as well 🙁
I had my Paraguard removed this morning. I couldn’t take it anymore and I only had it for 8 months. I was previously on the pill and had minimal problems- only switched due to the fact that there was a more “natural” option. I am 20 years old and work out regularly and eat a primarily healthy diet. I gained 15 pounds during the time this horrible device was entered. To start out, the insertion was painful! I know part of this was because I’ve never had a child but..damn, I wouldn’t do that again. The next 8 months consisted of….Extremely heavy periods. Unbearable cramps and leg aches. Nausea and dizziness. Aching back. Racing heartbeat, panic attacks ( for seemingly no reason). Overall uneasiness. SO many side effects that I was not warned about. I did tons of research prior and truly had high hopes for this little thing! Many of my friends have had no problems but some are not as lucky! I don’t know what went wrong here but how horrible! I was told to keep “waiting it out”…..ladies- listen to your bodies and do what seems right for YOU. Don’t want to scare anyone- it could work for you but unfortunately you have to test it out to see and it will be a coin flip after that.
I have had 2 Paragard IUD’s now (not really sure why). After my 2nd, I had one inserted and started my period the first month after that. I bled more an spotted in between, but it was not terrible. i ended up having it removed because I was so tired all the time and felt really crabby and just ‘off’. After my 3rd I decided to try it again. I had heavier periods again but this time it is much worse. I bleed every 2 weeks, and when I stopped nursing it actually got worse! I am headed to the doctor on Tuesday nd woud LOVE to get it out, but am done having kids. This time around I also feel super tired and crabby. That went away last time within a month of getting it out. I just do not feel healthy. Think the next plan is a tubal, but gooddness it is expensive! We will see what happens after my appointment, but ready to be done with this thing.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I hope that you find something that works well for you!
Just had paragard removed 10 days ago and have already lost 12 pounds in that time. Both times I’ve had the paragard I’ve gained significant weight/bloating, enough that I didn’t look or feel like myself. When I had the paragard inserted this time, 6 wks after having my second child, I was already almost down to my pre-pregnancy weight but in the 22 months I had the paragard after that, I gained over 30 pounds, despite having a healthy whole foods diet. 10 days ago, I had the paragard removed in hopes of helping with weight and also new-to-me symptoms of pms including nausea, dizziness and hot flashes (I’m only in my 30s, so not menopause related), and already I’m 12 pounds down. I should add that I also gave up wheat and dairy at the same time as removal, so that probably contributed as well. But I have to say that crazy as it sounds, I actually *felt* better almost instantly after removal. I used to love the idea of a hormone-free iud but now I’m not sure constant uterine irritation/inflammation is a great thing, and I believe now that copper overload is a real thing for those of us (redheads) who are already high-copper/low-zinc to begin with. Listen to your bodies! Copper mud might work well for some and not for others.
Omg, this is me! I’m in my late 20’s and was having hot flashes, fatigue, anxiety, and not being able to lose weight… even doing BBG for 3 months. I’m also a redhead and just had it removed this morning. It was an instant relief to have it out. I finally thought that maybe my iud was causing all these problems and I hope I’m right! How are you doing now?
I’ll be having mine removed at my next appointment. The bleeding reduced but not the cramps in the last year and I managed to stop gaining but can’t lose the initial 15 I gained after insertion. This blog has made me feel a lot more confident about my choice! I won’t let my doctor dissuade me.
Thanks all!
I’m having this thing removed a.s.a.p! I’ve had it for 3 years now. I had it inserted right after my third child because he was a surprise right after having child number 2. Dr said it was safe, effective, hormone free and what she would use if she could have children. I was warned about heavier bleeding, but that was about it. I do have much heavier periods than before and don’t leave the house on the second day because it is so bad. I used to never have cramping or PMS symptoms but now I have a lot of cramping and terrible PMS. After a year my hair started falling out. I thought it was a late, weird side effects after having a baby. However, it is still falling out. I have tried natural shampoos and conditioners along with taking biotin and other supplements, but nothing helped. I used to have nice thick hair and now it is so thin and breaks easily. I have depression, brain fog, fatigue, lack of sex drive, my teeth are deteriorating and I just have an overall sense that something isn’t right. I was very healthy before the IUD. After doing some research I have found that probably all of this is due to the Paragard IUD. Just because it is hormone free doesn’t mean it won’t react with your hormones. The only reason I have waited this long after discovering the problem is because we didn’t know what else to use. Now, after finding the FAM method I’m finally getting rid of this horrible thing! Thanks guys for sharing your experiences!
I just had my paraguard taken out after 6 months. I put on close to 30 pounds. Overall, I eat quite a bit, which I counter with weight lifting and cardio. Never had issues before, was always able to stay at my preferred size with little thought about it. Once I got the paraguard, it seemed as though exercise was for nothing. I’ve read that copper mimics estrogen and the increase in estrogen makes the body resistent to fat loss. All I can say is it has been about a week and I can already see my body thinning out. My stomach bloat has gone down significantly.