Mirena Coil - is it really safe?

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I thought I would post this to see if there is anyone out there who has done any research or knows about the safety of the Mirena coil in people who have had BC. I am approaching the menopause and have horrendous periods. My GP is very keen for me to have the Mirena coil and I have asked my oncologist who says progesterone levels are low so OK. However, after doing a bit of research, it seems that there isn’t much evidence to show that it doesn’t cause BC - the Cancer Research website says it shouldn’t be used in people who have had BC, so who is right? My gut feeling is that I don’t want any more hormones introduced into me if I can help it as I was on HRT which I am sure contributed to my BC. I have been offered an endometrial ablation but this is done under a GA which too has its risks. To be honest, I don’t trust GP’s too much as I feel they may have an ulterior motive for pushing for the coil as I know they are paid for each one fitted. I would hope that they would be patient-centred but I am realistic.

Any advice, experiences would be useful to help me make up my mind.

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Hi Cathy
I was told the mirena coil was not an option because of breast cancer. I had post-meno. bleeding, since D and C in Feb. 08 have had no bleeding at all.
There is a thread from last year on the subject of the coil.
Alice

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Hi Cathy,

If you do a search using the words ‘Mirena Coil’ this will bring back past threads where this has been discussed.

If you would like to talk to someone in confidence about this, then please give the helpline a ring, they’ll be only too happy to talk to you about this.

Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator

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Thanks Jo

Just had a quick look at the old posts and someone said that the manufacturers of Mirena have BC as a contraindication for use. Sure enough, I have found their patient information leaflet and it does say not to be used in women who have had carcinoma of the breast. So why on Earth is the GP and my oncologist OK about it if the manufacturers advise against this?

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Hi again Cathy,

I think the helpline staff would be the best people to have a chat with about this, and see what they say. Lines are open again on Monday morning at 9am until 5pm (Mon to Fri) and Sat 9am - 2pm calls to the helpline are free, 0808 800 6000.

Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator

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I had a fibroid removed and the surgeon insisted a Mirena coil would be good for me to hep me through the menopause.

I didn’t fancy it but he talked me into it.

After a year of almost continual bleeding I had it removed. Felt fab and all symptoms cleared up.

Forgetting about the bc for a minute this coil may not suit you AT ALL!

I would leave well alone.

Good luck
Love FB xx

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Hi

I have a mirena coil for the last 6 years. It has been absolutely brilliant as it stopped my continual heavy periods. When I was diagnosed with bc my consultant said that if I had been hormone positive he would have recommended it be removed. As I am triple negative he advised me to keep it as it would help with menopausal symptoms after chemo.

If I was hormone positive I would definately not have kept the coil.

Anne xx

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Hi everyone and thank you for your replies

Trouble is, I have no idea what my hormone for BC status is as it wasn’t tested as I had DCIS. After reading the replies and doing lots of research, I am still not sure the best way to go for my heavy periods but even with a small risk I don’t think I will go for the Mirena.

Thanks all again for taking the trouble to respond. Much appreciated.

Cathy

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hi im jude im 35 and a brca1 carrier i had a preventive oopherectomy last year and a mirena coil immediately ive not had any problems thankfully but it did feel strange and abit pinchey for first few days and it took my body 6 months to settle as i was so young and went into menopause straight away
i never feel it now and hasnt bothered me
goodluck jude

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Hi Jude

I saw my oncologist on Thursday (the proper consultant this time, no less, not the stream of registrars, house officers and bob a job boy scouts that I normally get to see!!) and she reassured me absolutely that the Mirena coil is not a problem. So, rather than more surgery, I will go for it. I still havent had the results for my BRCA1&2 back, so don’t know if that will make a difference