Can removing your IUD cause weight loss?

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small T-shaped device that a healthcare professional inserts into your uterus as a form of birth control. There are two types of IUDs:

• Copper IUDs: These devices are made of plastic and wrapped in copper. A person can wear a copper IUD for up to 12 years. The brand ParaGard is the only copper IUD available in the United States.
• Hormonal IUDs: These devices contain the hormone progestin, and a person can usually wear them for 3-5 years. Examples include:
  • Mirena
  • Skyla
  • Liletta
  • Kyleena

Some people think that certain forms of birth control, such as hormonal IUDs, cause weight changes as a side effect. However, no clear scientific evidence suggests that removing your IUD can directly cause weight loss.

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article uses the term “women” when discussing people assigned female at birth to reflect language that appears in source materials. However, gender is solely about how you identify yourself, independent of your physical body. 

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Copper IUD and weight loss

Copper IUDs work as birth control because copper can repel sperm. A study from 2021 found that the copper IUD caused less weight gain than other forms of hormonal birth control. As the copper IUD doesn’t change the hormone balance in your body, it is less likely that removing it will cause weight changes.

However, older research suggests that inserting the copper IUD has no association with weight gain.  So, it seems unlikely that removing the device would directly cause weight loss.

Hormonal IUD and weight loss

Hormonal IUDs work by releasing the hormone progestin. This hormone thickens your cervical mucus and stops sperm from reaching any eggs you release. The hormonal IUD also reduces the chances of ovulation when your ovaries release eggs.

Scientists need to conduct more research on the connection between hormonal IUDs and weight changes. The available research suggests that the hormonal IUD may result in weight gain for some people.

A study from 2017 found an average weight gain of up to 0.5kg after 12 months of hormonal IUD use.

Another study from 2012 had similar findings and reported that hormonal IUD users experienced an increased body fat percentage a year after insertion. If the device does cause some weight gain, you may notice weight loss when removed.  

Research also suggests that hormonal birth control can often cause mood changes. Feeling low or anxious can affect your appetite, and you may eat less or more. After IUD removal, you may notice mood changes again as your body adjusts to new hormone levels. These changes could also affect your appetite and lead to either weight loss or gain.

The Mirena crash

Mirena is a form of hormonal IUD. Some women report a “Mirena crash” after removing their IUD. This crash describes a range of symptoms, including:

• mood changes
• weight changes (often weight gain)
• nausea
• fatigue
• diminished sex drive

There is currently no research supporting the “Mirena crash.” However, many people have reported this experience after IUD removal. Scientists need to conduct more research to investigate these possible side effects of removing hormonal IUDs

What can you expect after IUD removal?

After IUD removal, your body might experience some changes and adjustments before returning to how it was before the IUD insertion. The duration will be different for each person.

You may experience the following:

• Fertility and menstrual cycle: Your fertility and menstrual cycle will return to how it was before IUD insertion. However, this may take a few weeks or months.
• Type of IUD: Your body may return to its previous state more quickly if you had a copper IUD rather than a hormonal IUD. This could be because a copper IUD doesn’t affect the hormonal balance in your body.
• Physical symptoms: After the removal of hormonal IUDs, some people may notice several symptoms, such as:
  • a small amount of vaginal bleeding
  • dizziness
  • cramping
  • acne
  • nausea
  • tiredness

If you have any concerns about how your body is adjusting to IUD removal, speak with a healthcare professional.

When should you be worried?

Minor weight fluctuations are common. But if you notice any drastic weight loss or gain following the removal of your IUD, it is important to speak with a doctor. They can help you to identify what may be causing weight changes.

Summary

IUD removal shouldn’t directly lead to weight loss. But the changes in your body may mean that you make different food and exercise choices after IUD removal.

Hormonal IUDs may cause a small amount of weight gain. This may mean you lose a small amount of weight when you remove the hormonal IUD. However, further research is still needed to understand how IUDs affect weight.

No clear scientific evidence exists on whether an IUD will cause weight loss after removal. But some people do report weight changes. Removal of the hormonal IUD may be more likely to cause weight changes than the copper IUD.

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