Does the IUD Affect My Hormones? Signs, Symptoms, and What to Do About It

If you’ve ever thought, “I haven’t had a period in months, but I still feel hormonal…” — you’re not imagining it.

Whether you have a hormonal IUD like Mirena or Kyleena, or a non-hormonal copper IUD, many women start noticing shifts in their bodies after getting one inserted.

If you’ve Googled questions like:

🔹 “Can an IUD cause weight gain?”

🔹 “Why am I moody on the IUD?”

🔹 “Is my IUD messing up my hormones?”

You’re definitely not alone.

Let’s clear this up: Does the IUD cause hormone imbalance?

How the IUD affects hormones depends on the type of IUD you have. Hormonal IUDs (like Mirena, Liletta, Skyla, Kyleena) release synthetic progestin into the uterus, which can:

• Suppress ovulation (in many, but not all women)

• Thin your uterine lining which often leads to no bleeding (but some women still get periods)

• Impact your body’s natural hormone rhythms

  
  

👉 Copper IUDs don’t release hormones, but they can still trigger inflammation in some women and may alter mineral balance (especially copper/zinc ratios).

Over the past ten years, working with women, I have observed common hormonal imbalance symptoms that develop after the placement of an IUD.

These include:

• Low energy

• Brain fog

• Bloating or digestive issues (IBS flares)

• Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings

• Low libido

• Weight gain

  
  

These symptoms are often dismissed as “normal” or not linked to the IUD. However, it's important for women to know that their experiences with the IUD can absolutely differ from those of friends or relatives.

No period doesn’t mean no hormones.

Many women think, “I don’t bleed anymore, so I must not need to worry about hormone balance.” But here’s the truth: Your body still produces estrogen, cortisol, insulin, and other key hormones.

These hormones still influence your:

• Mood and Anxiety

• Metabolism and fat burning ability

• Energy levels

• Skin issues (acne, dryness)

• Brain fog or feeling “off”

• Libido (aka. sex drive)

  
  

These are not just in your head. Even without a monthly period, your body’s internal systems are still cycling and reacting to the IUD.

What Every Woman With An IUD Should Do:

Even if your period is gone, your hormones still need support. Here’s where to start:

✔️ Balance your blood sugar – Hormonal shifts are harder on the body when blood sugar fluctuates throughout the day.

✔️ Nourish your liver – It’s key for detoxing excess hormones (or synthetic ones). Focus on cruciferous veggies, fiber, and hydration.

✔️ Support your gut – Your microbiome influences hormone metabolism and inflammation.

✔️ Manage stress – Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol, which can disrupt everything else.

✔️ Eat enough! – Undereating, especially fats or protein, can worsen hormonal symptoms.

Understanding the Impact of IUDs on Hormones

Hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena and Kyleena, are designed to release progestin. This synthetic hormone can significantly alter your hormonal balance. It’s essential to understand how these changes can affect your overall health.

The Effects of Copper IUDs

Copper IUDs do not release hormones but can still impact your body. They may cause inflammation and affect mineral balance. Understanding these effects is crucial for managing your health.

Recognizing Symptoms

Many women experience symptoms after getting an IUD. These can include mood swings, fatigue, and digestive issues. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward addressing them. In some cases this means an alternative contraceptive, but in other cases it means we need to address underlying areas of hormone health including gut health, inflammation, and detox pathways.

Taking Control of Your Hormonal Health

You can take proactive steps to manage your hormonal health. Nutrition, lifestyle changes, and stress management are key components. By focusing on these areas, you can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with IUDs.

Navigating all of this can be challenging, especially if you lead a busy life. This is why I created my Foundations of Hormone Balance Method to guide women through realistic changes they can make to their diet, lifestyle, supplement routine, and daily habits.

The FHB Program provides you with clear, educational content with real results helping women heal from frustrating symptoms including bloating, fatigue, weight gain, headaches, painful periods, and more.

If you'd like to work individually with me and learn more about hormone testing, please fill out my short application form here and I'll be in touch!

Liz Riesen, RD  

Registered Dietitian and Hormone Health Coach working with women to increase energy, manage stress, and balance hormones through her Foundations of Hormone Balance Method.

Feel confident and comfortable in your body! Ditch symptoms of fatigue, bloating, weight gain, anxiety, mood swings, irregular cycles, and inflammation. Follow me @Lizriesen.