Mirena IUD Side Effects May Increase Risk of Breast Cancer: Study

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New research suggests that side effects of IUD birth control implants, such as Mirena and Skyla, which release the progestin levonorgestrel, may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Mirena and Skyla are intrauterine devices (IUD), sometimes referred to as intrauterine systems (IUS), which are implanted into the uterus to provide long-term birth control protection against pregnancy.

In a study published ahead of print in the medical journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, Finnish researchers report that while levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs do appear to protect against some types of malformations and other cancers, women who receive the implants to treat heavy periods may face a greater risk of breast cancer.

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Researchers looked at data on women from ages 30 to 49, who used levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS) from 1994 to 2007

for menorrhagia, which involves an abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period at regular intervals. The data was collected from the National Reimbursement Registry and the Finnish Cancer Registry.

In the U.S., Bayer sells both of the LNG-IUS systems on the market, the Mirena IUD and the Skyla IUD. Levonorgestrel is a second-generation progestin commonly used in birth control products, including many birth control pills.

The study found 2,781 cases of cancer among women using a levonorgestrel IUD. For most cases, the rate of cancer dropped significantly when a woman used a LNG-IUS. Cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma were cut in half, and there were only 60% of the expected cases of ovarian cancer. Pancreatic cancer rates were also cut in half by women using a LNG-IUS, and rates of lung cancer dropped 32%.

However, researchers saw a nearly 20% increase in the risk of breast cancer with levonorgestrel IUDs. Based on the rate among the general population, researchers expected to find 1,292 breast cancer cases, instead they found 1,542.

“The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system may have a protective effect against endometrial malignant transformation. Using the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system for treatment of menorrhagia during reproductive years was associated with a lower incidence of endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, and lung cancers than expected,” the researchers concluded. “Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system use was associated with a higher than expected incidence of breast cancer.”

Mirena IUD Problems

Mirena is the best selling IUD in the United States. However, only a few variations of the long-term birth control implants are on the market, including Mirena and Skyla, as well as the ParaGard, which does not release levonorgestrel.

Bayer currently faces several thousand Mirena lawsuits, involving allegations that the drug maker failed to adequately warn about potential side effects of the IUD birth control. Most of the cases involve women who suffered severe internal injuries after Mirena IUD migrated out of place, resulting in perforations of the uterus and other complications.

Bayer has maintained that it intends to defend the migration injury cases, arguing that information about the risk of perforation was included on the warnings provided with the IUD. However, plaintiffs in that litigation maintain that the previous warnings were vague and misleading, suggesting that the risk of injury only exists at the time of insertion. Most of the complaints involve women who found that the Mirena migrated spontaneously, often long after the IUD was successfully placed in the uterus.

In the federal court system and New Jersey state court, coordinated proceedings have been established, centralizing the cases before one judge to avoid conflicting pretrial rulings, duplicative discovery and to serve the convenience of the parties, witnesses and the courts.

Given the similar factual allegations raised in the cases, a series of Mirena bellwether trials are expected to begin in the second half of 2015, designed to help the parties gauge how juries may respond to certain evidence and testimony that is likely to be repeated throughout the litigation.

If Bayer continues to refuse to make any Mirena settlement offers following a series of bellwether trials in the MDL, the drug maker could face hundreds of individual trials throughout the United States.


40 Comments


Nichole
After seeing all these post I don’t know how this product I still being used.. I just had the merina iud put in in May of 2022 and then december 2023 i felt a lump in my right breast that all the sudden appeared now Feb 3 2023 I was diagnosed breast cancer er+ and pr + her2 – I have no history in family of cancer.. I was told that I had to remove the iud before undergoing surgery cuz it can cause problems…I was never told that this iud has risk of causing breast cancer…I strongly believe the iud is what caused the breast cancer… can I get help with this..

Anna
I had Mirena put in reluctantly 6 weeks after I had my second child. This was in the year 2016. I had it in for over a year and a half. I had zero bleeding for one year But horrible bad depression the whole entire time. I was put on antidepressants, and it did not work it was madness. Everyone thought it was postpartum but it lasted forever, interestingly enough I took out the IUD and I did not have another depression episode again. Now exactly 5 years later I Found a large lump in my left breast, and swollen lymph nodes. I was diagnosed with stage three invasive ductal carcinoma HER 2negative but estrogen +and progesterone slightly positive. Coincidence? I’m thinking no. This was a difficult website to find as well. It’s like these things are being taken down

Sharee
I had the Mirena IUD inserted in 2012, then a new one, as recommended, in 2019. At 48 years old, I was diagnosed with triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast on November 6, 2020. My doctors immediately scheduled the removal of my Mirena IUD. I was told that estrogen is like fertilizer to breast cancer cells. Why, after 10 years, wasn’t I told this before?

Sarah
Lobular breast cancer, no family history, had two mirenas. Estrogen and progesterone positive.

Teagan
I had the mirena twice for 7-8 years. My mom is an identical twin (same DNA) and her twin was diagnosed with breast cancer at 40. I was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 metastatic breast cancer at age 27. It has ruined my life. I have 3 young daughters and I will be lucky if I live long enough to see graduations, marriages, grandkids, etc. I was never warned about increased breast cancer risk especially with a close family history either time I was given the mirena. My cancer feeds off of the same hormones the Mirena secretes over time. I am convinced the Mirena gave me terminal breast cancer, especially after reading so many other young women’s stories, and reading some of the studies.

Monic
I’m 28 years i was diagnosed with hr2 positive breast cancer i was on mirena for 5 years

Caren
I had the mirena put in Jan 2019, because I have uterine cancer. Last uterine biopsy showed no more cancer. My mood has been so stable since I have had it placed. Having said that, I went for my yearly mamo and sonogram. “Something” was found. Now more testing. No family history of cysts or cancer of the breasts. I wish for all of you to kick cancers butt and go onto live long healthy lives. This should have never happened.

Joanne
I have had same experience had mirina for 5 years was never told there was a small chance of BC. breastfeed 4 children for longer than 6 months each no family history of BC 30mm lump just appeared in left breast went for ultrasound they did a biopsy tested positive for IDC er + pr- her2 – went for mamagramms following week on both breasts didn’t show anything else went in for ultrasound to get marks put in to have a lumpectmy while having ultrasound found another area of cancer in same breast testing positive for triple Negative BC I now have a mri booked to find out full extent of the cancer. I strongly believe my BC is down to marina coil consultants have said to have the coil removed and to have different tumours I must have faulty gene but no family history of BC just waiting for results of gene test I think breast care team have a idea that this is causing BC we all need this proving. I not looking for someone to blame but too many women have no family history low risk of BC but all have coil in common I think there’s a link iam only 34 yrs old grade 3 tumours something needs to be done for future women so they don’t have to go though what we all have to. wishing everyone the best of luck with beating this disease

Alyson
I have had the same experience as so many listed above…no family history, clear mammograms, and then aches and pains in breast which ended up being cancer. Truly believe that it was from the estrogen in the Mirena!

Renee
All of these comments sounds similar to my situation. I’m a 2 year Breast Cancer Survivor. When I was diagnosed in 2017 I knew it was from the Mirena. I had the Mirena removed after my diagnosis and a few days before my surgery to remove the cancer. I received the Mirena due to heavy menstrual flow because my tubes were tied and the Mirena was recommended by my gynecologist. Earlier in the year, around Feb 2017 I had my mammogram and my results was good; negative!!! I received the Mirena in March 2017 then around July 2017 I discovered a lump in my breast. I went to the doctor and my doctor sent me to the breast center. I received an ultrasound then a biopsy because the ultrasound looked suspicious… well the biopsy was positive,( estrogen positive receptors )! No history of breast cancer in my family!!!

Betty
I too had the mirena for 6 mo. Went for my schedualed mammogram and was diagnosed bilateral breast cancer pregesterone estrogen positive, I was never given and warning that it could cause bc

Lindsey
In February 2019 I had a clean mammogram. In April 2019 I had a Mirena put in. Within 30 days I had significant pain in my left breast that would wake me up at night. I thought it was a cyst. In June I went to see my doctor he said breast cancer doesn’t hurt but wanted to be safe so sent me to get an ultrasound. In July 2019 I was diagnosed with an invading carcinoma tumor. It is estrogen negative but progesterone positive which is very rare. Mirena is synthetic progesterone. My surgical oncologist ordered the IUD be removed, within an hour the pain stopped. I am now undergoing chemo treatments and awaiting surgery. I am 41, I have no genetic mutations, I have no family history of breast cancer. The Mirena caused my cancer. This information must get out!

Shauna
Ladies, I had so many issues with having the Mirena for one year- abdominal pain, weight gain, hormonal changes, bleeding 365 days straight, zero sex drive… Because of these issues and against the doctor’s advise, I had the Mirena removed 2 months ago. Immediately after having the Mirena removed I began having breast pain, almost similar to when I was breast feeding and weening.. I thought it was a side effect from going off the Mirena but now two months later I am having extreme constant pain in my right breast. It feels heavy and painful all day now, just in one breast. I have no history of breat cancer but am terrified that it may be cancer and a side effect from Mirena. My husband is urging me to go to the doctor but my insurance is awful and will cost us $8k out of pocket to have the necessary testing done. I am so sorry to read about the pain you all are going through… I am wondering what your initial symptoms were and if I should go to the doctor and get tested? My prayers and love to you all.

Amanda
As I read these comments, it looks like they are all the same and I am so sorry for anyone going through this. I have had 2 Mirena IUD’s from 2010-2019. In October 2019, a week after I turned 39 I was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer. There is no family history of breast cancer or genetic link from my tests. My SIL was diagnosed with the same cancer, same stage, same treatment as I was in March. I do believe this has all be caused from the IUD.

Natoya
Wooow so what I am reading is truth I had the same iud..everything was fine and last year summer found a lump and boom breast cancer no history in the family. I sit here and read all these comments I KNEW IT ONE NIGHT SAW AN AD ON TV STATING IF YOU HAD THIS IUD CALL AND START THE LAWSUIT. I JUST HAD SURGERY TWO DAYS AGO TO REMOVED BOTH BREAST FROM THIS MESS !!! I saw another comment up here about how they went to remove it and was talked out yes the same shit happened to me the same exact thing ooh its still good that iud mad me sick lost so much weight didn’t eat as much and then it stopped my periods and that’s when the body believed it was going threw menopause and no I wasn’t. When they took it out I had a period sure did a few days after it was removed ..ok LADIES I DONT KNOW ABOUT YALL ME I GOING AFTER WHATS MINE ..MY LIFE IS MINE NOT THEIRS AND IT TIME TO STEP UP AND SHUT WHO ARE THEY BAYER OKAY YES I COMING TO SHUT DOWN I WILL NEVER WORK ANOTHER DAY ALL THE SHIT CUT OFF BREAST DEPRESSION BEING SICK THEN THE CHEMO NO NO AND NO FUCK YOU CANCER AND YOU TO BAYER SORRY FOR THE WORDS I KEEP IT REAL GET YALL LAYWERS AND EAT THEM ALIVE LIKE THEY DID US KILLING PEOPLE LIKE I TOLD MY SURGEON I AM NOT NO ONE GINNEY PIG!!!!

Shantell
I was told in 2011 that mirena held no significant side effects, I did my research and never found anything about breast cancer or any cancer. I had it placed in September 2011, had it replaced in 2017. I have had mammograms every year since 2012. I have no family history of BC, I was low risk. Had my Mammo Jan 2,2020 and have invasive ductual carcinoma. It is fast growing. The minute I was diagnosed (saw my surgeon the same day), my surgeon told me to have Mirena removed mediately. My cancer is estrogen and progesterone positive. I have decide to do a double mastectomy to lower my risks later. I honestly feel this is 100% due to the mirena.

Amanda
I am 36, had an IUD in for 4 years – it was chosen to control my bleeding and migraines. I do not smoke, or drink, had a child before the age of 30, and breastfeed for 2 1/2 year – no history of it in my mother’s side. I was just diagnosed with breast cancer – pr and er positive – no genetic component. The kicker – over those 4 years I made 4 different appointments to have it removed, but was always talked out of it. I know have 3 tumours – I am a small business owner – so financially I am on my own, and this is devastating to my business and my employees. How is there not a class action taking place?

Nichole
I was on Mirena for 4 years. I was just diagnosed with estrogen positive breast cancer. Also very low risk no family history of breast cancer and only 36 years old.

Lindsey
In February 2019 I had a clean mammogram. In April 2019 I had a Mirena put in. Within 30 days I had significant pain in my left breast that would wake me up at night. I thought it was a cyst. In June I went to see my doctor he said breast cancer doesn’t hurt but wanted to be safe so sent me to get an ultrasound. In July 2019 I was diagnosed with an invading carcinoma tumor. It is estrogen negative but progesterone positive which is very rare. Mirena is synthetic progesterone. My surgical oncologist ordered the IUD be removed, within an hour the pain stopped. I am now undergoing chemo treatments and awaiting surgery. I am 41, I have no genetic mutations, I have no family history of breast cancer. People need to know how dangerous this iud is.

Alison
I am 39 years old. No family history of breast cancer. Now I do. 6 years on Mirena. Please warn people of the increased risk! This is ruining lives!

Anne
10 years of Mirena, from 2008-2018. Removal of Mirena in July 2018 followed by swift diagnosis of lobular ER PR (hormone positive) breast cancer in September 2018. No family history.

Simi
Hi ladies here i want to know about merina please dr recommend me.for mirena as i hve fibroids edenomyoma in my uterus normal.bleeding only i hve seviour pain in periods plz suggest me should i go.for mirena

Ade
I got Mirena levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system inserted in April 2015 and now in 2018 I am diagnosed with estrogen DCIS breast cancer. I have no history of cancer in my family. I am 100% sure that this Mirena caused it and something must be done fast. They must be sued to court.

Mozella
I had the mirena for about 2 year because of heavy bleeding, I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 year later. I have no family history of breast cancer. There is too many women being diagnosed with this problem and both sing is being done about it. What can we do to stop this madness?

Renee
I wish I would’ve Googled, “ Do Mirena cause breast cancer?” But who is thinking about contracting breast cancer? I was diagnosed with DCIS…ductal-carcinoma-insitu in July 2017. I had it surgically removed in August and I also had the Mirena removed. I just completed 6 weeks of Radiation Therapy. Now, I’m taking Tomoxifen for the next 5 years. I strongly believe that the Mirena IUD caused this cancer. My receptors was positive for hormones. Let’s back up….in February 2017 I went in for my annual mammogram and my results came back normal. Well, in March 2017 I had the Mirena inserted because of heavy menstrual flow. In July I did a self breast exam on my right breast because I had sharp pains in my upper breast area. During my exam I noticed a lump in my breast and it was something about it that made me call my primary care physician the next morning. I went to see my PCP and he didn’t think it was anything to be concerned about since my mammogram in Feb 2017 was normal but he wanted to be on the safe side and sent in a referral to the Breast Center. I went to the Breast Center a few days later after seeing my PCP and they performed a mammogram and an ultrasound of my breast. The physician took me in room and told me that my results looked suspicious and that I need to have a biopsy done. I went in the following week for my biopsy and a few days later, I received a call that it was cancer. Bayer need to removed this device off the market. Obviously, it is the cause of breast cancer for so many women! My God read the comments!!!

Alexandra
I am 44 and recently was diagnosed with ER PR positive invasive ductal carcinoma. I have no family history of this and my genetic work up came back negative and low risk. The Dr told me this has been growing inside me for the past 3-5 years (I had the Mirena inserted 7 years ago). There’s no doubt in my mind that the Mirena was the cause of my breast cancer.

Char
I had the Mirena coil fitted, hated it – horrid side effects, then had it removed (I lost the strings) six month’s in, literally a few weeks after it was removed, a huge lump appeared in my breast (preceded by sharp pain in breast the DAY before) – turned out to be DCIS – ductal-carcinoma-in-situ. Lump removed and thankfully no further treatment needed, but the consultant said if left, it would have turned into a very aggressive form of breast cancer. I am now on annual MRI and mammograms for the next five years. This is NOT a co-incidence. I know it was the Mirena coil at fault. What is going to be done Bayer?

Denise
I was on Mirena to treat heavy menstrual bleeding for over 5 years. I had it removed in June, 2016. Then January 4, 2017, I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. I had the positive receptor hormo b e type. There is no history of breast cancer in family.

Elizabeth
I am 36 have 9 kids got the mirena in july an by August found out i have breast cancer with the hr2 positive receptors to cause it to mastisiz more faster no family history an not in my genes. Why is their no law suits this is hard to have to go through this especially when i still have little ones to take care of an loosing my hair was pretty hard for me to do i just wish their was no such thing as breast cancer an if certain birth controls cause it take them off the market please my doctor said he has seen more women in their 20’s and 30’s in the last year than he has in the 12 years hes been a doctor.

Gabriela
I was on Mirena for 5 years 2003-2008. in 2013 I was diagnosed with estrogen positive breast cancer. Also very low risk no family history of breast cancer.

Heather
I was diagnosed a couple months ago with Breast Cancer that was hormone receptor positive . I had a mastectomy of my right breast a month ago . I started taking the Mirena iud 11 years ago . I was on my third now because of my cancer I’m never allowed to take birth control . So I will have to get surgery to tie my tubes or my husband has to get a vasectomy. This has been a nightmare for me and my family . I’m also taking Tamoxifen for the next 5-10 years . Prayers to Everyone else dealing with these same issues . May God be with you during this journey.

Cristy
I was diagnosed with hormone receptor positive breast cancer after 5 years of use. I have zero family history. I also started gaining weight right after implant, after a lifetime of being thin, 40 pounds to date. I also suffer from extreme fatigue now and have for years. This all started after Mirena implant.

Laurie
I was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer that metastasized. It was an estrogen-based cancer. I had the Mirena from 2010 until 2015. I had my first ovary removed in 2012. I have no family history. I tested negative for genetic cancer’s. I am adamant that the IUD caused my cancer. We have to stop this company from killing women.

Tammy
I was diagnosed in 2011 with stage 3b estrogen positive breast cancer, no family history, after using the mirena iud for 6 years placement was 2005 removed 2011. I have talked with a lot of breast cancer patients diagnosed with the same exact thing, using the same exact device, why are there no lawsuits being formed against this company, and removal off the market, Women are going through complete hell from this device.

Christina
I too have been diagnosed with estrogen positive breast cancer after being on Mirena for more that 6 years. No family history whatsoever.

Stacey
I was diagnosed with estrogen positive breast cancer after being on Mirena for for 2 years, no family history very low risk, so I believe it was the Mirena!

Kari
I was diagnosed today with estrogen positive breast cancer. I had no clue this IUD increased my risk or may have caused my cancer. I had the Mirena from 2010 – 2014. I’m 41 and pre-menopausal. There are way too many of us for this to be a coincidence.

Erin
I was recently diagnosed with estrogen positive breast cancer. I am still in shock…plus had absolutely no idea about ANY cancer risk whatsoever. I had the Mirena in from 2009-2013.

Sandi
I had the Mirena for excessive bleeding at age 47. Four years later I was diagnosed with estrogen receptive breast cancer that was growing 10 times faster than the average cancer. Sure wish someone would have told me of the 20% increase in risk because my mother died of breast cancer. I even asked my doctor if it would make a difference in my chances. She said no!

Irma
I had mirena for 4 years and 3 months. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My hormones we’re out of control. When they study my tumor they said I was estrogen positive. I’m teuly believe that Mirena cause my tumor

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