I got my Mirena in Oct. 05. I have not really had an issue with it since, until recently. The last few periods I've had have been super long. Spotting for like 4-5 days with 2-3 days of normal period flow, followed by 4-5 days of more spotting. It's driving me nuts. The spotting is not enough to use a tampon and I detest pads and panty liners. I'm not sure if this warrants a call to my doctor or if this is normal. I've also noticed increased acne for the last several months.

The hormones in the Mirena can cause extra spotting. The risks and side effects are listed with the patient information sheet you should have received from your doctor when you had it inserted. Acne is also listed under "Adverse Reactions."

Taken from the FDA fact sheet on the Mirena from Drugs.com:

Mirena can alter the bleeding pattern and result in spotting, irregular bleeding, heavy bleeding, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea. During the first three to six months of Mirena use, the number of bleeding and spotting days may be increased and bleeding patterns may be irregular.

Yeah, I knew they said it could alter the bleeding pattern during the first year, but it's been three years and this is the first time my bleeding pattern has changed. I guess what I wanted to know was if it is common for the pattern to change after such a long time? Like are the hormones less effective because of the length of time of insertion?

I give your doctor a ring and see what they say. Im really of no help as I was on depo before I got my Mirena and my periods still have not returned. Normally it would make your periods lighter the longer the use, not heavier and longer. I haven't found any information about about the effectivness being less after time, I know it releases 20 micrograms of Levonorgestrel daily (don't ask me how, it still boggles my mind ) So I don't know how it could become less effective unless your body is used to it..? I really don't know.

Hopefully your Dr. will be able to tell you whats going on. Let me know what you find out, Im interested to know.

It may have shifted in it's position somehow and that's why it's causing more bleeding. You may want to ask for an ultrasound to make sure everything is ok with it.

I would definatley call your doctor and talk to them about it. Just remeber though that every so many years, I can't remember how many, but your body changes. Yes it changes every year, but after so many years, we can not like how something tastes that we like the year before or we may get acne again. Or our bc may not work the same way it did. Definately talk to your doctor and see what they say. I looked stuff up on the internet and I couldnt find anything about it losing its effectiveness over time. It needs to be replaced after 5 years, but it has only been 3 for you. So Im not so sure as to what is going on. GL and kup!!

Thanks girls! I'll give the doc a call.