Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that provides long-term birth control and can help with heavy periods. For many, Mirena has seemed like a convenient, long-term solution for birth control.
But what happens when this device comes out? Many women have described something called the “Mirena crash,” a cluster of symptoms that emerge after Mirena removal. And it’s more than just side effects: it’s a profound struggle for many.
This article explains what the Mirena crash is, its possible causes, related risks, and the types of personal injury claims that may be available.
What Is the Mirena Crash?
The Mirena crash is a term used to describe the symptoms some women experience after they have the Mirena IUD removed. While Mirena is in place, it supplies a steady dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that causes the body to stop producing its own progesterone.
When the device is removed, hormone levels abruptly shift. The body needs time to re-regulate and resume natural hormone production, which can create a temporary imbalance—known as estrogen dominance—for some time after removal. This adjustment period is believed to trigger the symptoms many women describe.
Mirena Crash Symptoms
Mirena crash symptoms vary, both in kind and severity.
Symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Headaches or migraines
- Sleep problems
- Hair loss or thinning
- Muscle or joint pain
- Weight fluctuations
- Digestive upset, like nausea
- Acne or skin changes
- Breast tenderness
- Reduced sex drive or painful intercourse
- Anxiety, depression, mood swings, or irritability
While some women report that these symptoms begin soon after removal, others note a gradual onset over days or weeks. It’s also not clear how long the symptoms last—women have reported anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
What Causes the Mirena Crash?
The underlying cause of the Mirena crash is believed to be the sudden withdrawal of synthetic hormones. This hormonal imbalance is what many attribute to the range of physical and psychological symptoms.
While Mirena is supplying synthetic levonorgestrel, the body produces less natural progesterone. Once removed, the estrogen-progesterone balance is disrupted, leaving a significant progesterone deficit. Systems—such as mood regulation, sleep, and metabolism—depend on these hormones and are affected by the lack of progesterone.
With so many women reporting similar patterns, the phenomenon is increasingly recognized in conversations involving women’s health. However, clinical studies are limited. Much of what is known about the Mirena crash comes from personal accounts.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about other Mirena complications, but the “crash” itself is not formally recognized in medical literature. More studies are needed to understand the phenomenon fully.
Other Risks and Complications of Mirena
The Mirena crash isn’t the only complication women may experience.
The FDA has warned of risks such as:
- Uterine perforation during placement (rare, but very serious)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometrial hyperplasia with long-term use
- Ectopic pregnancy, if conception occurs while the IUD is present
Women who become pregnant while the IUD is in place also may face an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or other pregnancy and birth complications.
Mirena Class Action Litigation
Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer, Bayer, alleging everything from inadequate warning and misleading marketing to undisclosed risks and design defects. Multiple complaints were consolidated into a mass tort action in 2014. Many of these lawsuits were settled, and others were dismissed. Bayer ultimately reached a $12.2 million settlement covering about 4,800 intrauterine perforation claims.
In 2022, a new class action lawsuit was filed against Bayer over the potential link between the Mirena IUD and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Legal Options for Mirena Injuries
Even if your case does not qualify for an ongoing class action or mass tort, you may still have a claim against the manufacturer or a medical provider. The type of personal injury claim depends on the nature of the harm and the parties involved.
If you believe the Mirena IUD itself was defective in its design or manufacturing, or if Bayer failed to adequately warn users of potential risks, you might have a product liability claim. Alternatively, if a healthcare provider made an error during the insertion or removal of the device or if they failed to properly inform you of the risks, you may have a medical malpractice claim.
A lawyer can assess the specifics of your situation and determine the most appropriate legal action to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation With Our Henderson Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have experienced the Mirena crash or other complications, it’s important to seek medical advice to help manage your symptoms. Complications from Mirena or another IUD caused by the negligence of a medical provider—or of the manufacturer itself—could mean you are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers understands the intricacies of these situations and is prepared to help you fight for your rights. Don’t wait; your health and future are too important.
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, or the surrounding Nevada area and need legal help, contact our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455
About the Author
Alex De Castroverde earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and is licensed to practice in Nevada. He is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists clients across Las Vegas in a wide range of legal matters, with a focus on personal injury. Alex has successfully represented clients in cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and more. Click here to learn more about the outstanding case results Alex has achieved for his clients.
