IUD Contraception & Weight Gain

A lot of women ask, “Does Mirena cause weight gain?”

Weight gain is a common concern for many women, especially when it comes to choosing the right contraceptive option. While most women appreciate that the oral contraceptive pill may cause some to gain a little weight, the potential for other hormonal forms of birth control to do so is not as clear.

Current evidence suggests that, for most women, using the combined oral contraceptive pill, contraceptive patches, or the contraceptive ring does not directly cause any significant weight gain. The contraceptive implant and injection may, on the other hand, cause some women to gain weight.

What about IUDs? Is there a link between IUDs and weight gain?

Understanding IUDs

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a type of long-acting, reversible birth control method that is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

IUDs are small, T-shaped soft plastic devices. They contain the hormone progestin or be hormone-free but feature a copper coil. The IUD is placed in the top of the uterus (womb) by a trained proceduralist (doctor). It remains in place for up to five years or longer (depending on the type of device) at which time it is removed by the doctor and may be immediately replaced if pregnancy is not planned or menopause has not been completed. IUDs can be used by women at any age, regardless of whether they have ever had a baby.

Hormonal IUDs work to prevent pregnancy by releasing the hormone levonorgestrel (progestin). This thickens the cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining, and may also help prevent ovulation. Combined, these prevent sperm from accessing an egg, prevent an egg from implanting, and compromise an egg’s chances of survival.

Copper IUDs do not release any hormones. They work by making sperm navigation to an egg more difficult, limiting an egg’s opportunity for survival, and altering the uterine lining so an egg can’t implant successfully.

Benefits of using an IUD include:

  • 99+% effective
  • Cost-efficient
  • Long-lasting contraception – you can effectively “forget” about it for 5+ years
  • Completely reversible
  • Suitable for women who can’t use oestrogen/combined hormonal contraceptives
  • Can be used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding
  • May prevent menstrual bleeding altogether in some women (hormonal IUDs only)
  • May reduce uterine cancer risk (hormonal IUDs only)

H3: IUD Pros & Cons: There are some potential side effects of having an IUD that women must be aware of. These include the possibility of experiencing bloating, headaches, erratic bleeding/spotting, acne, mood changes, pelvic pain (occasionally), and more.

What about weight gain?

Weight Gain & Hormones

Hormones are the body’s chemical “messengers” and they influence everything from growth and mood to appetite and satiety, sleep and wakefulness, body temperature, heart rate, stress levels, metabolism, menstrual cycles, and fertility.

In terms of women’s health, fertility, and contraception, the most important hormones to discuss here are oestrogen and progesterone.

  1. Oestrogen, which maintains the female reproductive system, also helps regulate metabolism and body weight. It is produced by the ovaries, as well as in small amounts by the adrenal glands and fat cells. Too much oestrogen can cause excess fat accumulation, especially in the waist, hips, and thighs. As fat cells produce this hormone, obese people tend to have higher oestrogen levels – and the problem just gets worse.

Ironically, declining oestrogen levels, especially after menopause, often also cause excessive fat accumulation (mostly on the abdomen) – which is why many women tend to put on weight after menopause.

  1. Progesterone is the hormone released by hormonal IUDs. Among other physiological processes, it supports menstruation.

Progesterone alone does not cause weight gain – but it may cause some effects that mimic weight gain, or interact with other hormones to impact weight overall. This includes bloating, fluid retention, and increased appetite.

Factors to Consider

Most women who have IUDs and have put on weight (even those with copper IUDs) are more likely to be gaining weight naturally due to other causes.

If you have an IUD and perceive that your weight has changed, it’s important to consider the other factors that may contribute to this:

  • Lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle choices and related conditions can trigger weight gain – which, over time, can be significant. These include:
    • High-stress levels
    • Not getting enough exercise
    • A high-calorie diet high in sugar, simple carbohydrates, and saturated fats
    • Not getting enough sleep
    • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Menopausal Status: from around age 50-55 (for most women) perimenopause begins and can last for up to 10 years before menopause (represented by no menstrual period for 12 consecutive months). The dramatic changes to hormones, especially lower oestrogen levels, directly cause characteristic weight gain in a large number of women.

Chat with your GP or gynaecologist to determine whether menopausal hormone treatment (aka hormone replacement therapy) is a suitable option for you. A hormonal IUD can also play a role in this strategy when used alongside oral, vaginal, or transdermal oestrogen replacement.

  • Other Medications: Certain common medications cause weight gain. These include (but are not limited to) antidepressants, some antihistamines, oral steroids, epilepsy medicines, and several others.
  • Other Health Issues: Other possible medical causes of hormonal weight gain (which are unrelated to IUD use) include –
    • Polycystic Ovarian syndrome
    • Insulin Resistance
    • Metabolic Syndrome
    • Low Thyroid Hormone Levels
    • Oestrogen Dominance
    • Excess Cortisol
    • And others

If you are concerned about weight gain, especially if it doesn’t respond to healthy lifestyle changes, see your GP.

In Summary…

  • Copper IUDs do not release any hormones into the body and have no impact on a woman’s weight.
  • Weight gain is considered to be a possible side effect of hormonal IUDs – but this is generally caused by water retention or bloating rather than gaining body fat.
  • The amount of weight gained by fluid retention on a hormonal IUD is usually in the vicinity of 2.5kg total over the course of a year.
  • Every woman is different – and not all will experience these side effects of hormonal contraceptives – especially IUDs.

Overcome weight gain (or perceived weight gain) from IUDs:

  • Adopt a more active lifestyle
  • Change your diet for the better
  • Prioritise getting enough good quality sleep
  • Minimise your stress levels
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Try switching to a different type of IUD
  • Discuss oestrogen replacement with your doctor if you are perimenopausal or within five years of menopause and aged under 55-60.

Contact Us for IUD Insertion

IUD birth control is an extremely effective long-acting reversible contraceptive option that is suited to many women. Gynaecology Centres Australia provides gold-standard IUD insertion under IV sedation in our clinics.

To discuss your birth control options, explore which is right for you , discuss with your regular GP. For IUD Insertion & Surgical Abortions, our doctors and other clinical staff provide world-class care delivered in a compassionate and confidential environment. Our clinics are located in Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle, Wollongong, and Queanbeyan.

Contact us online or call (02) 9585 9599.