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I Have Had Mirena For Almost 2 Years Now And
Question: I have had Mirena for almost 2 years now and I am dealing with high bilirubin levels now. Before I had it put in my bilirubin levels were in the normal range of 0.9mg/dl. In 2018 my levels went up to 1.5mg/dl and now I recently had a test show the levels are 2.6mg/dl. Do you think Mirena is causing this problem? I am over all very healthy, exercise every day and eat healthy. I am so confused why my bilirubin levels are so high! Thank you
Brief Answer:
Mirena IUD may cause altered liver tests- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Mirena contains a chemical that is similar to progesterone, a female hormone and may, in some cases, affect the liver function.
There are cases where patients that use Mirena develop acute liver disease with jaundice and very high bilirubin levels and transaminases (liver enzymes). This was more pronounced a few months after the insertion of the Mirena IUD.
On the other hand, there are many other causes of high bilirubin in women, so it is very important that you have a thorough workup to better determine the cause. Even over the counter medications or other prescription pills should be taken into consideration.
If no other cause is identified then the doctor may remove the Mirena IUD and follow up the liver function tests (bilirubin, transaminases, albumin) with time to make sure if they go down or not the next few months.
Please note that if only bilirubin is increased but transaminases, albumin, and other liver tests are normal, it is very likely you are having XXXXXXX syndrome which is a condition that is not worrisome and needs no treatment.
If transaminases are high or albumin level is low the doctor will have to do further tests.
To conclude:
- isolated increase of bilirubin with normal other liver indexes is very likely due to XXXXXXX syndrome and this is a benign condition that does not need any treatment.
- if transaminases, albumin, and other liver examinations are abnormal as well, thorough examinations and tests are needed to determine the cause (a liver ultrasound, blood tests for hepatitis and tests for other possible infections that affect the liver may be done as well). Over the counter medications should be stopped and even prescription medications, if there is any, need to be ruled out as the cause
- if all tests and examinations are normal then Mirena IUD may be the cause and removing it is the only way to know for sure. Regular follow-up and tests are needed in the following weeks/months to confirm the reversion of liver tests back to the norm.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Mirena IUD may cause altered liver tests- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Mirena contains a chemical that is similar to progesterone, a female hormone and may, in some cases, affect the liver function.
There are cases where patients that use Mirena develop acute liver disease with jaundice and very high bilirubin levels and transaminases (liver enzymes). This was more pronounced a few months after the insertion of the Mirena IUD.
On the other hand, there are many other causes of high bilirubin in women, so it is very important that you have a thorough workup to better determine the cause. Even over the counter medications or other prescription pills should be taken into consideration.
If no other cause is identified then the doctor may remove the Mirena IUD and follow up the liver function tests (bilirubin, transaminases, albumin) with time to make sure if they go down or not the next few months.
Please note that if only bilirubin is increased but transaminases, albumin, and other liver tests are normal, it is very likely you are having XXXXXXX syndrome which is a condition that is not worrisome and needs no treatment.
If transaminases are high or albumin level is low the doctor will have to do further tests.
To conclude:
- isolated increase of bilirubin with normal other liver indexes is very likely due to XXXXXXX syndrome and this is a benign condition that does not need any treatment.
- if transaminases, albumin, and other liver examinations are abnormal as well, thorough examinations and tests are needed to determine the cause (a liver ultrasound, blood tests for hepatitis and tests for other possible infections that affect the liver may be done as well). Over the counter medications should be stopped and even prescription medications, if there is any, need to be ruled out as the cause
- if all tests and examinations are normal then Mirena IUD may be the cause and removing it is the only way to know for sure. Regular follow-up and tests are needed in the following weeks/months to confirm the reversion of liver tests back to the norm.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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