Having your bellies bloated is certainly not a pleasant feeling. Although it’s not as serious of a symptom as pain, it still can be quite annoying.
You may experience bloating when you’re on an IUD like Mirena. However, there are other causes of bloating too which are more common. But bloating is a possible side effect of Mirena.
And this bloating caused by IUD is what we’ll be talking about today. So if you’re wondering how to reduce bloating from mirena, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out more.
If you’re experiencing bloating a few days after putting in Mirena, you might be in luck. It’s because it takes time for your body’s hormonal balance to cope with the levonorgestrel. This type of bloating subsides within a few months.
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How to Reduce Bloating From Mirena?
Being bloated all the time is nothing that you’d want. So, if you’re bloated due to Mirena, it’s understandable that you’d want to look for solutions.
Before we discuss the steps, let’s take a look at Mirena itself. That way, you can understand the nature of this problem and take steps accordingly.
Mirena
Mirena is a type of contraceptive intrauterine device (IUD). It is a newer generation IUD that can release hormones. The hormone released from Mirena is levonorgestrel. This is a synthetic form of the female hormone progesterone.
It is a small T-shaped device. It is made up of soft and flexible plastic material. It contains two-arm, a stem, a hormone reservoir, and a thread for monthly checks.
Uses
The most obvious use of Mirena is as a contraceptive to prevent conception. Other uses include:
- Endometriosis and adenomyosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Menorrhagia
- Endometrial hyperplasia
How It Works?
The active ingredient, levonorgestrel is similar to the steroid hormone progesterone. So, it acts on the progesterone receptor. This tricks your pituitary gland into releasing less of the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing hormone.
This prevents the ovum from developing. It also stops the ovulation process. Progesterone also changes the inner layer of the uterus in a way that prevents conception.
Side Effects
Some possible side effects include:
- Missed period and irregular bleeding
- Ovarian cyst
- Weight gain and bloating
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Infection and pelvic inflammatory disease
- Irregular menstruation
How It Can Cause Bloating?
One possible side effec of taking synthetic progesterone is bloating. It is rare, but sometimes it does happen. So, why does this happen? You see, progesterone has many effects on different parts of your body. It’s a steroid hormone that can activate different receptors.
One effect that high progesterone has is on the gastrointestinal tract. Progesterone can make slow down your intestines. So, food stays in for longer. This can make you feel bloated.
Progesterone can also some weight gain at first. This may lead to you feeling heavier and feeling bloated.
Is Mirena Really to Blame?
Only around 5% of women get bloating when they’re on Mirena. So, it’s not a common side effect. So, it is possible that you’re feeling bloated due to other causes. Some of the common ones are:
- Aerphagy or swallowing air
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- IBS, celiac disease, indigestion, etc.
- Weight gain
- Overeating
- Constipation
- Premenstrual syndrome
So, What Should You Do to Reduce the Bloating?
Now let’s take a look at what steps you can take to reduce the bloating due to Minera.
Pay a Visit to the Doctor
This is the most obvious, but the safest thing to do. When you’re using Mirena, you are putting hormones into your body. So, if you’re feeling bloated, your doctor can properly diagnose what’s wrong. Your doctor might consider switching contraceptives if the bloating is causing you too much trouble. They can also give alternative treatments to help with bloating.
It Might Go Away on Its Own
If you’re experiencing bloating a few days after putting in Mirena, you might be in luck. It’s because it takes time for your body’s hormonal balance to cope with the levonorgestrel. This type of bloating subsides within a few months.
Belly Massage
Bloating can often be reduced by massage. This can help move the contents through your intestines. Along with bloating, it also helps relieve cramping and muscle stiffness.
You can try the massage by using gentle pressure and soft circular motions. Start from the right side of your abdomen above your hip bone. You can then move gradually upwards up to your ribcage. Then you can trace along your ribcage to the left before finally going down again.
Dietary Changes
Even if your bloating is due to Mirena, some dietary changes can help reduce this bloating. These include:
- Eat at regular intervals and don’t skip meals.
- Make sure to include proper amounts of fiber in your diet.
- You can try natural remedies like peppermint tea, anise, fennel, turmeric, etc.
- Ensure to not lie down immediately after a meal.
- Try to eat slowly and chew your foods thoroughly.
- Make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day. But don’t take too much all at once.
- You can try avoiding carbonated soft drinks as much as possible. It’s because these contain compressed gas to make them fizzy.
- Certain foods like fatty foods, broccoli, cabbage, beans, artificial sweeteners, etc. can cause bloating. You have to identify which foods increase bloating and cut them out.
- Try to avoid taking too much salt. Salt can cause water retention and increases the risk of hypertension. So you’re better off cutting salt down in the long run.
- You can also try probiotic supplements. This helps to restore your gut flora back to normal. This can then reduce the bloating.
- You can try taking some natural diuretics. These can help reduce water retention. These include hawthorn, dandelion, green tea, parsley, etc.
- Magnesium-containing food like banana, avocado, legumes, dark chocolate, etc. can also help.
- You can consider a low FODMAP diet to reduce bloating.
OTC Drugs
There are several over-the-counter drugs that can help with bloating. Some of them are:
- Bismuth subsalicylate can help with indigestion and gas.
- Simethicone can help decrease gas in the GI tract
- Activated charcoal helps with bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
- Enzymes like Alpha galactosidase, lactase for better digestion
Physical Activity
Being physically active helps with bloating. This can help release the gas. It also can help increase the movement of food through the intestines. A quick walk can sometimes provide relief if you’re feeling bloated.
You can also try yoga. Some particular yoga postures can stimulate gas release from the intestines. This can reduce bloating.
Lifestyle Changes
Below are some changes you can consider to reduce bloating:
- You can try reducing the amount of alcohol you take.
- Cessation of smoking or tobacco can help with bloating in the long run.
- You can try making the habit of having a walk after eating.
- Reducing stress as much as possible can also help.
FAQs
Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about how to reduce bloating from mirena:
Does bloating go away with Mirena?
Yes, bloating will go away with Mirena. This is true if you’re feeling bloated a few days after gettin Mirena. It’ll take a few months to lose the water weight which you gain due to Mirena.
Can a Mirena cause bloating?
Mirena can cause temporary bloating, but it only happens in less than 5% cases. There can be slow bowel transit and some water retention at first making you feel bloated. But, this bloating normally subsides.
How do I get rid of bloating fast?
You can try taking otc medications for gas to get rid of bloating fast. Taking a walk, yoga, belly massages, etc. can help trapped gas escape. This can reduce bloating
How common is weight gain with Mirena?
Weight gain is not very common with Mirena. Only 5% of the women get some weight gain on Mirena. This isn’t due to increased body fat. Rather, it’s water weight which normally subsides in a few months.
Final Verdict
Hope you found the answer to how to reduce bloating from mirena. Bloating is a possible side effect of Mirena. But, this normally goes away within a few months. There are other causes of bloating which are far more common.
So, it’s best to see a doctor to confirm why you’re feeling bloated. They can give you the proper treatment for your bloating. Aside from that, with some home remedies and dietary changes, you can reduce your bloating.
