Can Skyla IUD cause weight loss. How does Skyla IUD affect body weight. What are the potential side effects of Skyla IUD removal. Is weight loss possible after removing Skyla IUD.

What Is Skyla IUD and How Does It Work?

Skyla is a type of hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that provides effective birth control for up to 3 years. As part of the family of hormonal IUDs, Skyla works by releasing small amounts of progestin directly into the uterus. This hormone helps prevent pregnancy in several ways:

• Thickening cervical mucus to block sperm
• Thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation
• Sometimes suppressing ovulation

While highly effective at preventing pregnancy, Skyla and other IUDs can potentially cause side effects, including changes in weight. But does Skyla specifically lead to weight loss? Let’s explore this question in more detail.

The Relationship Between Skyla IUD and Weight Changes

Many women report experiencing weight changes after getting an IUD inserted or removed. However, the scientific evidence linking IUDs directly to weight gain or loss is limited. When it comes to Skyla specifically:

• Weight gain is listed as a potential side effect, but it’s often described as minor “water weight” or bloating
• Some women report unintended weight loss while using Skyla
• Others describe difficulty losing weight or even gaining weight after Skyla removal

Why do these weight changes occur? There are a few potential explanations:

Hormonal Effects

Skyla releases a low dose of progestin hormone. While this hormone acts primarily in the uterus, small amounts can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect metabolism, appetite, or fluid retention.

Changes in Appetite

Some women report decreased appetite while using Skyla, which could lead to weight loss. Conversely, increased appetite after removal might cause weight gain.

Energy Levels

Fatigue is a potential side effect of Skyla. Reduced energy could lead to less physical activity and potential weight gain. If energy levels improve after removal, increased activity might result in weight loss.

Is Weight Loss a Common Side Effect of Skyla IUD?

While some women report weight loss while using Skyla, it’s not considered a common or expected side effect. The manufacturer does not list weight loss as a typical reaction to Skyla. However, individual experiences can vary significantly. Factors that might contribute to weight loss while using Skyla include:

• Decreased appetite due to hormonal changes
• Nausea or other gastrointestinal side effects
• Changes in metabolism
• Lifestyle factors unrelated to the IUD

If you experience significant unintended weight loss while using Skyla, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes.

Skyla IUD Removal and Weight Changes

Many women are curious about potential weight changes after having their Skyla IUD removed. While experiences vary, some commonly reported outcomes include:

1. Weight loss: Some women report losing weight after Skyla removal, possibly due to reduced bloating or hormonal changes.
2. Weight gain: Others experience weight gain, which might be related to increased appetite or changes in metabolism.
3. Weight plateau: Some women find it difficult to lose weight after Skyla removal, despite diet and exercise changes.

It’s important to note that these effects are largely anecdotal. The lack of comprehensive scientific studies makes it challenging to predict how Skyla removal might affect an individual’s weight.

Understanding the “Mirena Crash” and Its Relevance to Skyla

While Skyla and Mirena are different IUDs, they both contain the hormone levonorgestrel. Some women report experiencing a collection of symptoms after IUD removal, often referred to as the “Mirena crash.” This phenomenon might also apply to Skyla users. Symptoms can include:

• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Weight changes

These symptoms are believed to result from hormonal fluctuations as the body adjusts to the absence of the IUD. While not everyone experiences this “crash,” it’s essential to be aware of the possibility and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Comparing Skyla to Other IUDs: Weight Loss Considerations

How does Skyla compare to other IUDs when it comes to potential weight changes? Let’s examine the differences:

Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena)

Like Skyla, these IUDs release progestin and may cause similar hormonal effects. However, they contain different amounts of hormone and last for varying lengths of time:

• Mirena: Highest hormone dose, lasts up to 7 years
• Liletta: Similar to Mirena, lasts up to 7 years
• Kyleena: Lower dose than Mirena, higher than Skyla, lasts up to 5 years
• Skyla: Lowest hormone dose, lasts up to 3 years

The lower hormone dose in Skyla might result in fewer side effects, including weight changes, compared to other hormonal IUDs. However, individual responses can vary significantly.

Copper IUD (Paragard)

Paragard is a non-hormonal IUD that doesn’t release any hormones. In theory, it shouldn’t cause hormonal weight changes. However, some women still report weight fluctuations with Paragard, highlighting the complexity of the relationship between IUDs and weight.

Managing Weight Changes with Skyla IUD

If you’re concerned about potential weight changes while using Skyla or after its removal, consider these strategies:

1. Monitor your weight regularly to track any changes
2. Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients
3. Stay hydrated to help manage potential bloating
4. Engage in regular physical activity
5. Keep a symptom journal to identify patterns
6. Discuss significant changes with your healthcare provider

Remember that weight can fluctuate due to many factors beyond birth control, including stress, sleep quality, and overall health. If you’re experiencing persistent weight issues, it’s essential to consider all potential contributors.

Beyond Weight: Other Potential Side Effects of Skyla IUD

While weight changes often receive significant attention, it’s important to consider other potential side effects of Skyla IUD. These may include:

• Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns
• Cramping or pelvic pain
• Headaches
• Acne or other skin changes
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes

Many of these side effects are mild and tend to improve over time as your body adjusts to the IUD. However, if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider.

Rare but Serious Complications

While uncommon, there are some more serious risks associated with Skyla and other IUDs:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Expulsion of the IUD
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ectopic pregnancy (while rare, if pregnancy occurs with an IUD, it’s more likely to be ectopic)

These risks underscore the importance of regular check-ups and being attentive to any unusual symptoms while using Skyla.

Making an Informed Decision: Is Skyla Right for You?

Choosing a birth control method is a personal decision that should be based on various factors, including effectiveness, convenience, potential side effects, and individual health considerations. When considering Skyla IUD:

Pros of Skyla

• Highly effective contraception (over 99% effective)
• Long-lasting (up to 3 years)
• Lower hormone dose compared to other hormonal IUDs
• No need to remember daily pills
• May reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping for some users

Potential Cons

• Possibility of side effects, including weight changes
• Requires a medical procedure for insertion and removal
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
• May cause irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months

Ultimately, the decision to use Skyla or any other form of birth control should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your individual health history and needs.

The Importance of Ongoing Research on IUDs and Weight

The relationship between IUDs and weight changes remains a topic that requires further scientific investigation. While anecdotal reports provide valuable insights into individual experiences, more controlled studies are needed to understand the full spectrum of potential effects. This research could help:

• Identify specific factors that contribute to weight changes with IUD use
• Develop strategies to mitigate unwanted weight-related side effects
• Improve counseling for women considering IUDs as a contraceptive option
• Guide the development of future IUDs with fewer side effects

As more data becomes available, it will be easier for healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions about IUD use and manage potential side effects effectively.

Navigating Post-Skyla Contraception Options

If you decide to have your Skyla IUD removed, whether due to weight concerns or other reasons, it’s important to consider your ongoing contraceptive needs. Some options to discuss with your healthcare provider include:

Other IUD Types

If you liked the convenience of an IUD but experienced issues with Skyla, you might consider:

• A different hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena, or Liletta)
• The non-hormonal copper IUD (Paragard)

Alternative Hormonal Methods

Other progestin-only or combined hormonal options include:

• Birth control pills
• Vaginal ring
• Contraceptive patch
• Injectable contraception (e.g., Depo-Provera)
• Contraceptive implant (e.g., Nexplanon)

Non-Hormonal Methods

If you prefer to avoid hormones entirely, consider:

• Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap)
• Fertility awareness methods
• Sterilization (for those certain they don’t want future pregnancies)

Each method has its own set of benefits, risks, and potential side effects. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the best option based on your health history, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Conclusion: Balancing Contraceptive Needs and Weight Concerns

While Skyla IUD is not typically associated with significant weight loss, some women do report weight changes during use or after removal. These experiences highlight the complex relationship between hormonal contraception and body weight. It’s important to remember that:

• Individual responses to Skyla can vary widely
• Weight changes may be influenced by multiple factors beyond the IUD
• Open communication with healthcare providers is crucial for addressing concerns
• Regular monitoring and a healthy lifestyle can help manage potential weight fluctuations

By staying informed and attentive to your body’s responses, you can make the best decisions for your reproductive health and overall well-being. Remember, the ideal contraceptive method is one that not only prevents pregnancy effectively but also aligns with your health goals and lifestyle preferences.

Is Weight Loss Possible After IUD Removal? 12 Things to Know

An intrauterine device (IUD) sits inside your uterus, preventing pregnancy for anywhere from 3 to 12 years, according to Planned Parenthood. This time frame varies depending on the type and brand of IUD you choose.

Most birth control types have the potential to cause side effects, including weight changes, and IUDs are no exception.

Many people report these side effects are mild and almost unnoticeable.

Other people, however, find they experience more severe, long-lasting symptoms. Some say these effects persist for months after the IUD is removed.

IUDs are a highly effective method of birth control, and plenty of people find them convenient as well as effective.

That said, anecdotal reports and various online sources suggest it’s possible to experience unwanted changes in weight, not only while the IUD remains in place but also after its removal.

Once your IUD is removed, you might notice:

• weight gain
• weight loss
• difficulty losing weight, even with changes in diet and exercise

Based on the sheer number of stories from people who experienced weight loss or gain after IUD removal, weight changes are a pretty common outcome.

Many people also describe a collection of symptoms commonly referred to as the “Mirena crash.” These symptoms include weight changes.

For the most part, while people who reported weight changes find them frustrating, there’s little evidence to suggest any gain or loss will negatively affect your physical health.

The lack of scientific research on IUD-related weight changes makes it difficult to determine exactly how weight might change following IUD removal.

Though you may notice weight gain listed as a potential side effect of hormonal birth control, medical literature commonly describes this weight gain as “bloating” and “water weight.” Yet many people report gaining weight beyond a few pounds over the course of several months to a year.

Not everyone responds to birth control in the same way, so these effects can vary from person to person. Due to a lack of scientific studies and controlled trials, no specific statistics indicate whether weight loss or gain is more likely after IUD removal.

That said, the Mirena crash (and associated weight changes) is a fairly well-known phenomenon among former Mirena users — one that’s widely discussed online.

Let’s say, after IUD insertion, you notice some appetite loss — a symptom many people have reported. Since you don’t have much appetite, you eat less and lose weight as a result. After IUD removal, your appetite returns to normal, and you gain back the weight you lost.

Here’s another scenario: You experience some fatigue and energy loss while the IUD remains in place. Regularly feeling tired and unwell means you exercise less and gain some weight as a result.

After removal, you notice your energy levels return to normal. This increase in energy may leave some people more motivated to exercise, and, within a few months after removal, they may lose a few pounds.

People also report a weight plateau after IUD removal. In other words, they’re unable to lose weight, despite making changes in their diet and physical activity.

Some other symptoms that can develop following the removal of your IUD include:

• nausea
• fatigue
• insomnia
• depression

Any of these symptoms can play a part in weight changes over time.

To sum up, you could notice you lose a few pounds right away after your IUD is removed. Yet it’s also not unheard of to gain more weight, or have difficulty losing the weight you gained while the IUD was in place.

Two types of IUDs exist: hormonal and non-hormonal (copper).

Copper IUDs don’t release hormones into your body. Instead, they work because the copper acts as a sperm repellant.

Weight gain related to birth control tends to be associated with changes in hormone levels. Since copper IUDs don’t affect your hormones, it stands to reason they wouldn’t cause any changes in weight, while in place or after removal.

ParaGard, the copper IUD, doesn’t list weight gain as a potential side effect.

Hormonal IUDs work by releasing progestin into your uterus. Progestin helps prevent pregnancy by:

• reducing (but not eliminating) the chance of ovulation, or the release of eggs from your ovaries
• thickening cervical mucus, making it extremely difficult for sperm to reach any eggs that are released, much less fertilize them

Four different brands of hormonal IUDs are currently available in the United States: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena. These brands release different amounts of progestin over time.

Weight gain during IUD use and after removal is more likely to be associated with these hormonal IUDs.

Since the evidence for weight gain (or loss) after IUD removal is largely anecdotal, there isn’t a conclusive scientific explanation for why this happens.

It may relate to changes in hormones, which may, in turn, affect appetite, mood, and energy levels.

Many people notice some weight gain while taking hormonal birth control. When they stop taking birth control, it may take a few months for their hormone levels to return to baseline. Fluctuations in weight could happen as part of this process.

The same goes for the IUD. After removal, the body has to adjust to the sudden drop in progestin. In theory, this hormone imbalance could lead to weight fluctuations and other symptoms of the Mirena crash.

It’s worth noting that other potential Mirena crash symptoms, including depression and insomnia, may also play a part in weight gain.

Existing research appears to suggest that, while a small amount of weight gain could happen when using IUDs and other hormonal birth control, this side effect may relate to other factors, rather than the birth control itself.

These studies also tend to point out that weight gain is normal during childbearing years — the time period during which people use birth control.

To date, no published scientific studies specifically explore weight changes after IUD removal, or other symptoms associated with the Mirena crash.

But then, research exploring gynecological health and related concerns — that includes reproductive health and health issues affecting the vagina, uterus, and ovaries — has always been somewhat limited.

What’s the deal with this lack of research?

You don’t have to search very hard, whether looking online or asking loved ones, to find plenty of stories about doctors brushing aside “female complaints.” This includes those related to unexplained pain, painful periods, and side effects of medication.

Talking about periods or reproductive health, even when using clinical terms, like “menstruation” or “vagina,” still remains somewhat taboo in casual conversation. Case in point: You’ll still often hear people call their period by a euphemism, like Aunt Flo, their monthly visitor, or the curse.

Traditionally, medical research has focused on people assigned male at birth and neglected to adequately explore health and reproductive health concerns for people assigned female at birth.

The large gender gap in clinical trials also means researchers may know far less about how medications and healthcare devices affect those assigned female at birth.

The problems with limited research, not to mention the avoidance of open discussion around reproductive health, lies beyond the scope of this article. In any case, there’s a lot that experts don’t know about the effects of hormonal birth control.

There are plenty of options to consider, but research on these options and their potential side effects remains limited. That’s why most of the support for weight changes following IUD removal comes from the stories of those who experience it personally.

While you’ll almost certainly gain and lose weight over the course of your life, you also know your body better than anyone else.

If you eat and exercise the same way you always have but suddenly experience significant weight changes, it makes sense to consider other factors, such as your IUD or its recent removal.

You might experience short-term side effects, such as cramping, bleeding, or dizziness, after a healthcare professional removes your IUD.

After the removal of Mirena and other hormonal IUDs, some people report additional side effects beyond weight changes, including:

• nausea
• decreased sex drive
• depression, anxiety, and other mood changes
• fatigue and energy loss
• insomnia
• headaches
• hair loss
• acne
• pain during sex
• breast pain or tenderness

These symptoms won’t always happen immediately after removal. You might not notice any changes for several weeks.

The lack of scientific research on the effects of IUD removal means there’s no clear timeline for how long these symptoms last.

Some people report weight changes and other symptoms cleared up within a few weeks. Others say they had a hard time losing weight for months after removal. And still others don’t notice any changes at all.

As the hormones in your body return to typical levels, these side effects will most likely go away naturally. The time this takes can vary, but you’ll usually see improvement within a few months.

Experiencing unwanted weight gain and other side effects after taking birth control can be distressing and overwhelming, especially when symptoms leave you feeling a lack of control over your own body.

Rather than drastically cutting calories or ramping up your exercise routine to the point where you feel exhausted, aim for changes that promote overall wellness and leave you feeling nourished and empowered.

These strategies can help improve both mood and physical health:

• Choose high-fiber, mood-boosting foods.
• Stay hydrated.
• Spend more time outdoors, especially in sunlight.
• Make physical activity a regular habit, if you’re able to exercise.
• Try to sleep between 7 and 9 hours every night.
• Consider wellness practices, like yoga and meditation.
• Reach out to friends and loved ones for emotional support.

If any unwanted side effects linger for more than several weeks after IUD removal, it may be helpful to talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Healthy weight loss can take time, but if you’re making an effort to lose weight and see no results over time, a healthcare professional can offer more support.

When these symptoms involve depression, anxiety, and other mood changes, a mental health professional can help you explore possible causes and offer guidance on treatment approaches.

It’s always a good idea to reach out sooner rather than later if your side effects or symptoms begin to affect your everyday life or cause significant distress.

To date, the research on IUD removal doesn’t support the existence of any long-term side effects, including weight changes. Of course, one possible explanation for this is that almost no controlled trials have explored IUD removal.

Future research examining the possible long-term effects of IUD removal would go a long way in understanding potential symptoms and their causes.

For now, just remember: You know your body. Connecting with a healthcare professional is always a good idea if you notice any unusual changes in physical or mental health.

Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues.

Is Weight Loss Possible After IUD Removal? 12 Things to Know

An intrauterine device (IUD) sits inside your uterus, preventing pregnancy for anywhere from 3 to 12 years, according to Planned Parenthood. This time frame varies depending on the type and brand of IUD you choose.

Most birth control types have the potential to cause side effects, including weight changes, and IUDs are no exception.

Many people report these side effects are mild and almost unnoticeable.

Other people, however, find they experience more severe, long-lasting symptoms. Some say these effects persist for months after the IUD is removed.

IUDs are a highly effective method of birth control, and plenty of people find them convenient as well as effective.

That said, anecdotal reports and various online sources suggest it’s possible to experience unwanted changes in weight, not only while the IUD remains in place but also after its removal.

Once your IUD is removed, you might notice:

• weight gain
• weight loss
• difficulty losing weight, even with changes in diet and exercise

Based on the sheer number of stories from people who experienced weight loss or gain after IUD removal, weight changes are a pretty common outcome.

Many people also describe a collection of symptoms commonly referred to as the “Mirena crash.” These symptoms include weight changes.

For the most part, while people who reported weight changes find them frustrating, there’s little evidence to suggest any gain or loss will negatively affect your physical health.

The lack of scientific research on IUD-related weight changes makes it difficult to determine exactly how weight might change following IUD removal.

Though you may notice weight gain listed as a potential side effect of hormonal birth control, medical literature commonly describes this weight gain as “bloating” and “water weight.” Yet many people report gaining weight beyond a few pounds over the course of several months to a year.

Not everyone responds to birth control in the same way, so these effects can vary from person to person. Due to a lack of scientific studies and controlled trials, no specific statistics indicate whether weight loss or gain is more likely after IUD removal.

That said, the Mirena crash (and associated weight changes) is a fairly well-known phenomenon among former Mirena users — one that’s widely discussed online.

Let’s say, after IUD insertion, you notice some appetite loss — a symptom many people have reported. Since you don’t have much appetite, you eat less and lose weight as a result. After IUD removal, your appetite returns to normal, and you gain back the weight you lost.

Here’s another scenario: You experience some fatigue and energy loss while the IUD remains in place. Regularly feeling tired and unwell means you exercise less and gain some weight as a result.

After removal, you notice your energy levels return to normal. This increase in energy may leave some people more motivated to exercise, and, within a few months after removal, they may lose a few pounds.

People also report a weight plateau after IUD removal. In other words, they’re unable to lose weight, despite making changes in their diet and physical activity.

Some other symptoms that can develop following the removal of your IUD include:

• nausea
• fatigue
• insomnia
• depression

Any of these symptoms can play a part in weight changes over time.

To sum up, you could notice you lose a few pounds right away after your IUD is removed. Yet it’s also not unheard of to gain more weight, or have difficulty losing the weight you gained while the IUD was in place.

Two types of IUDs exist: hormonal and non-hormonal (copper).

Copper IUDs don’t release hormones into your body. Instead, they work because the copper acts as a sperm repellant.

Weight gain related to birth control tends to be associated with changes in hormone levels. Since copper IUDs don’t affect your hormones, it stands to reason they wouldn’t cause any changes in weight, while in place or after removal.

ParaGard, the copper IUD, doesn’t list weight gain as a potential side effect.

Hormonal IUDs work by releasing progestin into your uterus. Progestin helps prevent pregnancy by:

• reducing (but not eliminating) the chance of ovulation, or the release of eggs from your ovaries
• thickening cervical mucus, making it extremely difficult for sperm to reach any eggs that are released, much less fertilize them

Four different brands of hormonal IUDs are currently available in the United States: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena. These brands release different amounts of progestin over time.

Weight gain during IUD use and after removal is more likely to be associated with these hormonal IUDs.

Since the evidence for weight gain (or loss) after IUD removal is largely anecdotal, there isn’t a conclusive scientific explanation for why this happens.

It may relate to changes in hormones, which may, in turn, affect appetite, mood, and energy levels.

Many people notice some weight gain while taking hormonal birth control. When they stop taking birth control, it may take a few months for their hormone levels to return to baseline. Fluctuations in weight could happen as part of this process.

The same goes for the IUD. After removal, the body has to adjust to the sudden drop in progestin. In theory, this hormone imbalance could lead to weight fluctuations and other symptoms of the Mirena crash.

It’s worth noting that other potential Mirena crash symptoms, including depression and insomnia, may also play a part in weight gain.

Existing research appears to suggest that, while a small amount of weight gain could happen when using IUDs and other hormonal birth control, this side effect may relate to other factors, rather than the birth control itself.

These studies also tend to point out that weight gain is normal during childbearing years — the time period during which people use birth control.

To date, no published scientific studies specifically explore weight changes after IUD removal, or other symptoms associated with the Mirena crash.

But then, research exploring gynecological health and related concerns — that includes reproductive health and health issues affecting the vagina, uterus, and ovaries — has always been somewhat limited.

What’s the deal with this lack of research?

You don’t have to search very hard, whether looking online or asking loved ones, to find plenty of stories about doctors brushing aside “female complaints.” This includes those related to unexplained pain, painful periods, and side effects of medication.

Talking about periods or reproductive health, even when using clinical terms, like “menstruation” or “vagina,” still remains somewhat taboo in casual conversation. Case in point: You’ll still often hear people call their period by a euphemism, like Aunt Flo, their monthly visitor, or the curse.

Traditionally, medical research has focused on people assigned male at birth and neglected to adequately explore health and reproductive health concerns for people assigned female at birth.

The large gender gap in clinical trials also means researchers may know far less about how medications and healthcare devices affect those assigned female at birth.

The problems with limited research, not to mention the avoidance of open discussion around reproductive health, lies beyond the scope of this article. In any case, there’s a lot that experts don’t know about the effects of hormonal birth control.

There are plenty of options to consider, but research on these options and their potential side effects remains limited. That’s why most of the support for weight changes following IUD removal comes from the stories of those who experience it personally.

While you’ll almost certainly gain and lose weight over the course of your life, you also know your body better than anyone else.

If you eat and exercise the same way you always have but suddenly experience significant weight changes, it makes sense to consider other factors, such as your IUD or its recent removal.

You might experience short-term side effects, such as cramping, bleeding, or dizziness, after a healthcare professional removes your IUD.

After the removal of Mirena and other hormonal IUDs, some people report additional side effects beyond weight changes, including:

• nausea
• decreased sex drive
• depression, anxiety, and other mood changes
• fatigue and energy loss
• insomnia
• headaches
• hair loss
• acne
• pain during sex
• breast pain or tenderness

These symptoms won’t always happen immediately after removal. You might not notice any changes for several weeks.

The lack of scientific research on the effects of IUD removal means there’s no clear timeline for how long these symptoms last.

Some people report weight changes and other symptoms cleared up within a few weeks. Others say they had a hard time losing weight for months after removal. And still others don’t notice any changes at all.

As the hormones in your body return to typical levels, these side effects will most likely go away naturally. The time this takes can vary, but you’ll usually see improvement within a few months.

Experiencing unwanted weight gain and other side effects after taking birth control can be distressing and overwhelming, especially when symptoms leave you feeling a lack of control over your own body.

Rather than drastically cutting calories or ramping up your exercise routine to the point where you feel exhausted, aim for changes that promote overall wellness and leave you feeling nourished and empowered.

These strategies can help improve both mood and physical health:

• Choose high-fiber, mood-boosting foods.
• Stay hydrated.
• Spend more time outdoors, especially in sunlight.
• Make physical activity a regular habit, if you’re able to exercise.
• Try to sleep between 7 and 9 hours every night.
• Consider wellness practices, like yoga and meditation.
• Reach out to friends and loved ones for emotional support.

If any unwanted side effects linger for more than several weeks after IUD removal, it may be helpful to talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Healthy weight loss can take time, but if you’re making an effort to lose weight and see no results over time, a healthcare professional can offer more support.

When these symptoms involve depression, anxiety, and other mood changes, a mental health professional can help you explore possible causes and offer guidance on treatment approaches.

It’s always a good idea to reach out sooner rather than later if your side effects or symptoms begin to affect your everyday life or cause significant distress.