The Mirena Crash: Why You Feel Crazy After IUD Removal (And How to Fix It)

What is the "Mirena Crash"?

You had your hormonal IUD (like Mirena, Kyleena, or Liletta) removed, expecting to feel "natural" again. Instead, you're hit with a wave of unexplainable sadness, anxiety, nausea, or fatigue. You're not imagining it. This phenomenon is anecdotally known as the "Mirena Crash."

While doctors often describe IUD removal as a simple procedure with immediate fertility return, they may overlook the hormonal withdrawal phase. Your body, which has relied on synthetic progestin (levonorgestrel) for years, must suddenly restart its own production of progesterone and estrogen.

Why Does It Happen?

When you have a hormonal IUD:

The device releases a constant, low dose of synthetic progestin.
Your body’s natural production of progesterone (the "calming hormone") suppresses or downregulates.

When you remove it: The synthetic source is gone instantly. However, your ovaries can take weeks or months to "wake up" and produce sufficient natural progesterone. This gap creates a temporary state of estrogen dominance or general hormonal imbalance.

Analogy: It’s like unplugging a heater in a cold room. The heat (synthetic hormone) is gone, but the furnace (your ovaries) hasn't fully kicked in yet. You're left shivering in the gap.

Common Symptoms

The "crash" can mimic defined conditions like PMS or PMDD, but often feels more intense:

Mood Swings & Depression: Sudden crying spells, hopelessness, or irritability.
Anxiety: Racing thoughts or panic attacks without a trigger.
Physical Symptoms: Nausea, breast tenderness, headaches ("hormonal migraines").
Fatigue: Feeling exhausted despite sleeping.
Acne Flare-ups: Specifically along the jawline (hormonal acne).

How Long Does It Last?

For most women, symptoms are acute for 1 to 3 weeks and stabilize within 1 to 3 months as the first natural ovulation occurs.

How to Manage the Crash

1. Supplement Support (The "Repair Kit")

Magnesium Glycinate: Helps calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
Vitamin B6: Essential for progesterone production.
Zinc: Supports ovarian function.

2. Blood Sugar Balance

Hormonal shifts destabilize blood sugar. Eat protein-rich meals every 3-4 hours to prevent "hangry" mood crashes that worsen emotional symptoms.

3. Track Your Return to Fertility

Use the PeriodHub App to track when your period returns. Seeing that first ovulation is a huge milestone—it means your "furnace" is back on.

Medical Disclaimer: If you experience severe depression or suicidal thoughts, contact a healthcare professional immediately. The "Mirena Crash" is temporary, but your mental health safety is priority #1.