An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a T-shaped medical device that is placed in between the opening of your cervix and uterus. The purpose of an IUD is to prevent pregnancy.
There are two different kinds of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal.
Hormonal IUDs contain progestin that works to stop an egg from getting fertilized. Brands of hormonal IUDs include Skyla, Liletta, and Mirena. The length of time you can leave an IUD in depends on the brand. For example, Mirena IUDs can be left in for up to 5 years.
In hormonal IUDs, progestin releases into your system over time. Progestin prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, increasing cervical mucus to keep sperm from fertilizing an egg, and thinning the lining of your uterus.
As you can see, hormonal IUD symptoms are quite similar to perimenopause symptoms.
A non-Hormonal IUD, also known by its brand name ParaGuard, is wrapped in fine copper wire that can stay in your body for up to 10 years. Women often choose ParaGuard if they do not plan on having any more children and if they do not want the side effects that accompany hormonal IUDs. Side effects of a copper IUD include:
Because hormonal IUDs only contain progestin, women still suffer from many of the symptoms associated with low estrogen, including hot flashes and night sweats. Sometimes, IUDs are used for birth control during the perimenopause years in conjunction with other therapies to relieve menopause symptoms such as HRT.
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