A very TMI post for Runners + Women AND dinner in SLC!!!

I live close to my family and currently with my in-laws for about another month. It’s an interesting situation especially when it comes to holidays because then there are feelings and expectations and it becomes more stressful feeling trying to make everyone happy. Blah. Sometimes I think it would be easier to live farther away from everyone and they can come visit me! We don’t even have kids yet so I’m stressing about that. Am I the only one with double family issues?

Hi Janae,
The main side effect I had with the IUD was HEAVY periods. I had mine for 10 years, but that was also 20 years ago and they are probably much better today. If you are not opposed to the pill, that is your best bet for temporary birth control. They are much safer and for me, had no side effects. The IUD was recommended only if we were fairly certain our family was complete.
Happy Wednesday!
Annie

I have Skyla (the 3 year version of Mirena) and while I don’t remember it really affecting my running (although I was training for my first half marathon at the time so a lot of miles I felt tired!) I do still have a few issues. It has been about a year and every so often after a run I will get some stomach pains…nothing terrible just like a tiny stomach ache in my lower stomach. I’m due for a 1 year check up and I plan to ask my doctor about it. I would say wait it out and enjoy some easy miles over the next few months because the IUD is worth it and has so many benefits! I don’t regret mine for a second!

Birth control? Psh! Have another HRG baby already!!! Haha! I have had an IUD after both of my kids and it for sure takes a few months for my body to adjust… But I wasnt running much after they put it in both times since I struggle with recovery after babies so… It’s different for everyone though, but just listen to your body! And if you have to take it out? You know that you and Andrew will have beautiful babies one day!!!

I feel you on the IUD! I got Mirena in April of this year. Today, actually, is three months since the day I went to the doctor and almost passed out! I felt like I was running in quicksand with way more effort than my paces showed, and got so upset I just stopped wearing a watch at all for a full month. I ran a half marathon about a month and a half after I got the IUD–it was was my slowest time but only by 4 minutes. That was tough. Last week, I logged my fastest mile (5:59!) of all time and I’m finally starting to feel like my effort is not disproportionate to my pace. My doctor told me it would take about 3 months for my body to adjust, and I think she was just about right on target. I almost had it taken out 3 weeks in because the cramps hadn’t stopped, I swore there was a problem (made them give me an ultrasound), thought I was pregnant several times, but then as soon as I had my first time of the month I was convinced. Like everyone told me: give it time!

I have the MIrena IUD and when I first had it put in, it definitely affected my running. For the first 4 months I was incredibly tired ALL THE TIME and was severely bloated. I saw my doctor about this several times and she said that it can take up to six months for me to feel like my old self again. Now that I have had the IUD for 6 months I can definitely say that she was right! I have the same level of energy as I did before, the bloat is completely gone, and I lost 15 lbs (water weight from being on the pill, maybe?). Most importantly for me: I have no more mood swings, like I did while I was on the pill. Your running will probably return to normal within a few months, I think your body is simply trying to adjust to the IUD. Another nice benefit of the hormonal one is that your period might stop completely, which it did for me. Every body is different but I am so glad that I pushed through those tough first six months, there was more than one occasion when I was just ready to have it removed ( due to fatigue and bloat) but I am glad that I didn’t. In my opinion it is well worth not having to worry about birth control for 5 years!

I haven’t been reading here long so you may have said but are you opposed to birth control pills? I have finally found one that doesn’t make me feel terrible. I take Lo Loestrin Fe and I LOVE it! It’s a super low dose of hormones and the pills are a consitant level of hormones. There are several brands that are super low dose. I seriously feel no side effects. It has never affected by running or workout routine. The only thing you may not care for (or you may LOVE) eventually you will not have a period at all. I kind of like that now but in the beginning I was paranoid every month. You might look into a low dose pill. On a side note, I did quit taking it for about 6 months and my period came back the very next month. I wondered what would happen but everything went back to “normal”.

I’ve had the Mirena IUD for two and a half years and love it. I remember when I first got it I did feel off (cramps) for 2-4 weeks. I don’t remember how it felt to run fast, sorry about that. But I don’t feel weird doing sprints now or any other sort of hard workouts.

I absolutely love having the IUD. I was on the depo shot before and the pill for a short time and Mirena is by far my favorite. I have no spotting at all and no periods to worry about. And the cramps completely stopped by the way. I Good luck, hope everything works out!

I’m on my pill for a long time now and I’m seriously wanting to stop this birth control method! It’s good to know the pros and cons of different methods and how it effects running! Pills don’t make me feel any different (I think)…

Eggs Benedict, sunny side up eggs, omelet…. Yumm!

My mom lives in Japan….. Tooooo far away!

When I was on the pill, I felt terrible most of the time, but when I switched to an IUD, I felt a thousand times better. My period was wonky for a bit, probably like 6 months, but it stopped affecting my running. I would stick with it, I’m sure it will even out for you. I am a huge fan of having an IUD for birth control!

Hey Janae!

So I used the pill for about 8 months to treat acne, and the best thing I could ever do for myself was stop taking it! It really does work didferent for everyone, just depending on the treatment and your hormones. My side effects (GI problems, bloating, weight gain, etc) went away within weeks after stopping.
I’m in a sorority and a lot of the girls have IUDs but experienced pain for the first few months. Most of them just persevere until it fades, but none of them are runners! So, I would say only wait it out a bit, but don’t jeporadize this marathon training period over it bevause there any mant other types of birth control you can try! Good luck!

I had Mirena inserted last year and I’ve never had kids. The first 3 months were terrible and I almost took it out. Then it instantly got better and I forget I even have it. I had terrible periods in the past so this has been amazing for me. I don’t even have a period anymore. Everyone is different but my doctor told me that if things don’t get better after 6 months then they won’t ever. So I’d give it 6 months and then see.

I had the same reaction to running with my birth control :( I’m married, started it to control CRAZY periods, and kind of wish I didn’t have to take it because it’s effecting my work outs so much…I’m 2 months in and getting used to it. Good luck and don’t be afraid to try something different!

I would highly recommend NFP (natural family planning) because then you are just paying attention to your body’s fertility and not having to worry about any chemicals or side effects.
My favorite way to eat eggs is sunny side up or scrambled! I can add veggies and cheese to either-yum!
My parents live about 20 mins away and my mother in law lives 5 minutes and my father in law lives about 30 minutes away. We usually see our parents about once a month due to crazy schedules both work and personal life.

As for BC, I take a super low does of estrogen as a pill and it works wonders for me — no side effects (because the dose is so low) and it hasn’t affected my workouts or my runs! I set an alarm on my cell phone and take my little pill at the same time every night. I keep the pills in my purse so no matter where I am, I have them on hand — *as a bonus, I bought a cute little zippy case for it so it’s discrete :D *

My parents live close to a thousand miles away — when I graduated with my undergrad I packed everything I owned and moved far far away — to start my own adventure! ^-^

My current favorite way to eat eggs — Sunny Side up on top of avocado toast with extra hot pepper flakes! SOO GOOD! The yolk + avocado + spice + crunchy toast is so amazing! I recommend it!!

^_^

I’m learning a lot from everyone’s IUD experiences– thanks! I’ve tried 4 or 5 different types of BC pills, and found Loestrin FE to be
the best, but had to go off it b/c I was spotting all the time after a few years. I’m now on Nuvaring, and it’s actually really convenient and I’ve found that although it has some hormonal side effects, it’s better than most of the other pills I’ve tried.

I really like the convenience of the Nuvaring, so I’ve been considering an IUD. If your IUD winds up not working out long-term, maybe the ring would be an option that has some of the upsides of the IUD for you.

I had my IUD (copper) put in 4 years ago, for the first 4-5 months it was awful. Really crampy, painful, and just annoying. After that though it was fine and continues to be fine. I know everyone is different and it may not work for you, but I definitely prefer it to taking pills (those made me an emotional mess).

I think if you haven’t had your ferritin (iron) checked, you should. Also, is it the mirena?

Hi janae!

I’d just give the IUD a few more weeks to adjust, I’ve had mine for almost 9 years and absolutely love it. I’m getting it taken out next year when new hubby and I start trying for a baby. I have the copper one because the hormones effect me a lot and I turn into a crazy person. Birth control is such a personal thing I hope you figure out what works for you!

Just want to start this by saying how much I love the topic and the openness on your blog. You rock! :)

I am on birth control and am a huge fan of the pill I take. Everyone is different, but Lo loestrin (my birth control) is very low estrogen so I get SUPER light periods and barely any period esque symptoms. As we all know, running sans monthly visitor is infinitely better.

Since birth control is so individualistic, if your IUD is still bothering you it may not be the right form of birth control for you. Doctors like to generalize things, so if your body feels off listen to it! Talk to your doctor and try a few different BC’s until you find what is best for you. It took me three brands of pills to find what was best for me. Hope this helps!

I hate pills because I always forget to take them! In between all my kids I didn’t use any birth control besides natural planning methods, but after my fourth baby (when I knew I was done having kids), I got the copper IUD because I didn’t want any added hormones. It was ROUGH at first, for several months (3-4 probably). Super heavy bleeding and cramping, but my periods are now only a couple of days and it’s over — Miracle. Super heavy though. I have had it in for two years now and don’t notice anything. Your body definitely has to adjust to it. I was doing hard HIIT workouts when I got it in and had to slow down a bit for a few months. Now it’s fabulous and I am so glad I stuck it out! So nice not to have to think about it. Good luck!

Birth control has always made me feel that way and I was told it was in my head. But I think we know our bodies better than anyone else. I was a collegiate athlete and I believe it affected my performance. I went off it 10 years ago and I immediately felt like myself again. It was like a veil was lifted and I got my body back. When I got married, we used the withdrawal method. It worked and I know many people who use it. It only fails if you don’t do it correctly. I am not sure if that’s why you went on it, but if it is, I would recommend this book. http://www.tcoyf.com/ It’s called “taking charge of your fertility” and it is very empowering. It teaches you so much about your body. It is excellent with information on how to prevent pregnancy and on how to get pregnant. I firmly believe that our bodies were not meant to have synthetic hormones in them. They have so many side affects and can even cause some time of infertility once you get off it. Just my thoughts!

I’ve been taking the pill (a low to moderate dose of hormones) for almost 7 years now. It took a few months for my body to adjust but I don’t have any issues with it. hopefully you can find what works for you!

I moved about 3 hours away from my parents a few months ago. It’s been interesting but it helps that we go see them about once a month. :)

Oh my gosh I’ve been trying to figure out the IUD thing as well with triathlon training. My doc had suggested an IUD at the end of last year, and the idea of not having a period to deal with during training and racing led me to try the Mirena. I gave it about 5 months (way too long) hoping that my body would come around, but it was not for me. My performance took a decent hit and I had frequent dizzy spells at work, after workouts, etc. I had been very sensitive to hormonal BC in the past but since this IUD was a very small amount and ‘local’ the doc and I thought it was worth a try. I wrote a blogpost on it at http://hollimarie.blogspot.com/2016/03/trust-your-gut-mirena-iud-story.html. Once I got it taken out things started improving…massively. Happy to be back on track with my training for Ironman Mt. Tremblant :)

I just recently had my birth control removed- gained weight, acne, depression- the works! Am feeling so much more myself since having it removed. In saying that, it does work for some people after its settled. I prefer the pill, and was happily on that for years without side effects (although that can be an issue finding the right hormone balance for you too!) Good luck!

After each of my babies I have gotten iud’s placed, both times desperately hoping they would work for me since the pill always made me terribly sick. Both times I never felt right and within a few weeks the iud worked its way (halfway) out of me during a longer run, causing contraction like cramping . Talk about horrifying! My doctor’s only explanation was that some women’s bodies just completely reject foreign substances in the body.

I was super concerned and it took me a full year to finally take the plunge to get an IUD (Sklya) but after 2.5 years with my boyfriend I was just tired of feeling like a teenager with condoms (sorry TMI) and had no interest in the pill – kind of funny it took until 35 to officially get on bc.
Minus the discomfort during placement (no kids so heard horror stories but it was fine) it has been smooth sailing since and hasn’t effected my running at all.
But I have heard it can take months to feel “normal” I was just super lucky that my body reacted well. My first period was barely there. Minus waiting for the spotting to completely stop I am so happy I finally did it. I know wait and see really sucks but might be the best option if you want to stick with it.

Get the Nuva ring ? It’s the best!

I’ve been on the birth control pill for years, I recently had to change pills because I was getting heavy periods but since then I have been great. They do not affect my running at all!! My parents live across the country but we call, text, FaceTime all the time and I visit twice a year. Scrambled for the win!

I think it’s odd that a former health teacher describes this as “TMI.” What’s TMI? That you got nauseous and dizzy? Runeatrepeat just did a post about vaginal chafing and running with a diva cup and that wasn’t TMI, it’s just life. Just a thought on how we frame things, overall I’m glad you’re talking about this stuff!

I have an IUD too and it took about 3 months for my body to get back to normal. Don’t worry, just give it time! And maybe don’t run so fast as to make you dizzy. :)

Clinic nurse here- my 2 cents! I know how much effort and cost it is to have the IUD placed, I would definitely give it more time and things ought to balance out in a few months.

If anything you could pretend to have a headache- ha!

Eggs are amazing in any form.
My mom lives 4 hours drive North of me. My in-laws are the cutest couple and just celebrated 65 years together last week. they live in town.
Good luck!

Personally not a fan of birth control at all for reasons like you stated. My view is that if it makes my body feel crappy then it really isn’t the best for my body. I’ve always been leery about birth control…

Fried eggs on burgers are the best! We get a burger from Burger Fi that has fried egg, hash browns, maple syrup, and tomato bacon jam on it. It is the best burger ever!

I’ve never used an IUD, but I am too scared to get one. I would say see if it gets better, but I would be really cautious, especially if you are feeling nauseous. I like the old fashioned pills that you take every 3 months, then have your cycle.

Do you think Brooks will sell the tank you got in Eugene ? I keep checking their sight, but haven’t seen anything. Is it just for the ambassadors? Thanks!

I got my IUD put in 6 weeks after I had each baby. Usually I just cramped and spotted for a bit and that was it. However, this last time I bled, not just spotted for another 3 months after having it put in. It was lame. But other than that, I haven’t had any problems and I had 2 periods last year because of the Mirena, which was an added bonus. The pill and me are not friends. I was on it for a bit and thought maybe it was making me a tad more emotional so I asked Ross if he thought it was making me crazy. He was like, ‘Yes! Yes it has. Please stop taking it!’ I was like, tell me how you really feel ;) But I know everyone responds so differently to each method. I hope your body adjusts and this works out or that you are able to find something that does.

I had never eaten an egg that wasn’t scrambled until this last year. I didn’t even know you could make eggs other ways than scrambled or hard boiled until probably jr high. My mom never made them any other way. This last year I have fallen in love with sunny side up. Mmmmm. Runny yolks. Your hamburger sounds and looks amazing.

I’ve never tried an IUD, but I’ve been on a bunch of different pills over the years and the first few months of adjustment to new hormone ratios were always pretty rough for me. I really wanted to be off of hormonal birth control for a while so we tried using a diaphragm before I had my last baby– long story short, GROSS. WEIRD. UNCOMFORTABLE. SUPER awkward to use. I tried going back on the pill afterwards but I was seriously a total psycho and I’m pretty sure my husband hated me lol. Now I’m trying the Nuva Ring and so far it’s been really amazing. It’s still a little weird I have to put it in myself but it’s only once a month and it’s super tiny compared to the diaphragm, plus no messing around with spermicide. My midwife says it’s something about not going through the digestive system that makes it affect me less, so hopefully the same thing will be true for an IUD and this won’t last long…

I have the Mirena IUD and I love it! I don’t even think about it anymore. I had light cramping once a day for the first two weeks, and intermittently for the next two weeks. Now I rarely get a cramp (maybe once a month, but sometimes not). I also stopped spotting after about 4 weeks of having it. Now I spot once a month (instead of getting a full blown period, which is nice!).

I did not find that the IUD effected my running or any other aspect of my life! I think that may all be in your head :] Or, everyone reacts differently to forms of medication, so maybe the nausea etc. is a side-effect unique to you! I think after a month goes by, and you forget about the IUD, you will find that your running is unaffected. I ran a couple hours after I first got my IUD, and it still hasn’t stopped me yet!

I am so sorry you aren’t feeling well with the IUD! Did you get the hormonal or non-hormonal copper one? I got a copper one (Paragard) about a little over a year ago. I used to be on the pill for 6-7 years prior but my body wasn’t in a good place with the hormones anymore. I do love the copper IUD, but hate having a “real” period again.. however it is definitely nice to know my body is pretty much on a natural cycle again after years of synthetic hormones. The only things I have noticed with my running since I got it is that I have more dull lower back pain, and sometimes hip aches especially around my period. Those were things I never had issues with before, but I have been working through them and watching my mileage. I would just give your body time to adopt (especially if you are on the hormonal one). Good luck xo

I love eggs – lately into poached and omelets! My parents live about 5-6 hours away from me right now. Sometimes it’s tough but luckily they are only an hour flight away! Also, I love cereal and cannot get enough. I am really liking Special K’s Oats and Honey. If I am in the mood for a treat, Cap’n Crunch’s new donut cereal is AMAZING :-)

SO, very interesting that you bring up the topic of the IUD. I am 44 year old and a Nurse Practitioner. Due to irregular frequent periods, my GYN and I decided that the IUD would be my best option. The IUD does not have estrogen which means there is not the increased risk for complications like blood clots …. at my age, oral contraceptive pills are out of the question. I have a 7 year old and I do not plan on having children, but I wasn’t too crazy about undergoing an ablation or hysterectomy. So, the IUD it was! I have had it for 2 months. I continue to bleed every day, but the flow is much lighter and I am no longer passing clots (and I had huge clots that I would pass). My menstrual headaches have gotten less and I no longer have severe cramps. So, although I am still bleeding daily, it is improving. I know as a NP that it can take any where from 3-6 months to reach benefits of the IUD….. therefore, I am being patient. I have felt a little fatigued, but that too is improving. I only had a little cramping with insertion and the couple days afterwards, but I knew to take ibuprofen and that helped! I am hopeful that soon I will either get a regular cycle, or better yet NO cycle! :D
I know I am a day late with responding to this blog post, but wanted to share my thoughts. The IUD has many positives and I think you should hang in there. I have many running friends that LOVE their IUDS and they have had them longer than me, Hope you get to read this and that my 2 cents helps a little with you taking the best decision for you. ***NOW, I have to say a disclaimer **** THIS IS MY OPINION THAT IS BASED ON MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND MY KNOWLEDGE, BUT THIS DOES NOT OVER RIDE YOU DISCUSSING CONCERNS WITH YOUR PERSONAL DOCTOR****** sorry, but I had to put that in there so I am not liable for my input. Great blog post!!! Glad you brought it up!!!!!!

When I first married in the 80’s (yikes!) I was super sick from birth control pills. Now that I’m over 50, I got the Mirena last summer to help control my peri-menopausal symptoms. I absolutely love it and never had any problems. It’s so specific to you that you have to experiment. I can’t imagine that it takes long term energy from you but it just sucks because you are about to get MARRIED!! Good luck!

Question for you: with all the miles that you run, have you ever ‘list’ your cycle? I know that before I got injured, and I was doing high mileage weeks and training, my cycle disappeared. So I was wondering if you really even need birth control since you are training so intensely? Mostly just curious.

I am SUPER late to reply and you may never read this, but I have the copper IUD (Paraguard). While I cannot speak for the hormonal IUDs, I can say that I experienced pain/discomfort for the first several months while running which eventually went away. But I can’t recall ever experiencing dizziness/nausea. However, I still get the painful sensation once a month while running– it almost feels like a intense/uncomfortable pulling. I assume it’s just because everyone’s body is different. But I love it otherwise– and I’ve had it for about a year and a half.

I have always had the worst side effects with birth control until I FINALLY found a pill that works for me. I literally think I tried everything and exhausted all my options. Everything I tried made me feel sluggish, I didn’t have the same energy to work out, I was always weepy, bloated, and just miserable. I found a new doctor and she convinced me to try Lo Loesterin FE and it has changed my life. I also used to have the worst periods and felt like I was bed ridden for days. This pill, from the very beginning, showed no side effects, except that I haven’t had my period in years. While this worried me at firs, my doctor told me it’s extremely common and it will come back and regulate within a few months after going off the pill. I had to share because I can emphasize with what you’re going through so much and I wish I had known sooner that there is still birth control out there for everyone, it’s all about finding what works.

PS – congrats!! I got married the day after you which is why im late on commenting. Not looking at a phone or computer in almost 2 weeks has actually been scarily refreshing.

That’s interesting! I’ve been searching for a place similar to
this for a very long moment.