I want to share my experience with the Mirena so that I may help others.  Like most medications, there are pros and cons.  I wanted the Mirena because I was told I would stop having periods.  I was having ridiculously heavy periods which were impacting my work.  I had it placed early last year (2007) so I've had it almost 2 years.  The positives are that I have an effective birth control method that I don't have to worry about for 5 years.  I don't have to worry about taking a pill every day.  The "pill" definitely caused depression for me.  I have not had that problem with the Mirena.  The best part of it is that my periods are much more manageable (less heavy).  However, I'm still having them almost two years later.  They are not regular and they seem to last even longer (2 weeks).  Luckily, I haven't been sexually active for a while!  The acne on my face is as bad as it was when I was a teenager.  I have gained at least 15 pounds and am at my highest weight (even more than with my first pregnancy).  I have noticed the throat thing people have talked about on other blogs and my stomache just looks fat.  I am getting ready to have the Mirena checked b/c I suspect it has punctured something.  I will say I put my teenage daughter on the Mirena because I wanted her protected at least until she was over 18!  She seems to be doing just fine and hasn't had any problems with weight gain.  She is VERY moody...but she is a teenager.  I think I want it taken out but only because of the weight gain and acne.  Any suggestions on what I can do for heavy periods? One doctor suggested burning my uterus but I refuse!