• Female Health

  Anxiety and mood swings due to IUD

  Posted by unknown on August 20, 2022 at 1:20 am

  Hello,
  Has anyone experienced anxiety and mood swings with copper IUD?

  Thanks

  Bernadette replied 2 years, 5 months ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
• 1 Reply

• 

  Bernadette

  Member

  August 20, 2022 at 2:39 pm

  Hi  – yes, there is a connection. Although the copper released from the IUD is small compared to the amount obtained from foods like dark chocolate for example, copper IUDs may over time lead to copper excess/toxicity. There isn’t much research on this (like so many things in women’s health) but one study did find that IUD users have higher serum copper compared to non-users.  Copper creates epinephrine/adrenaline and norepinephrine from dopamine so an excess can lead to symptoms like anxiety. And copper excess is more likely to be a problem if you are deficient in zinc since they compete with one another, so it’s a good idea to have your doctor test and monitor your zinc, copper and ceruloplasmin levels if you plan on keeping the IUD.

  Also, copper release can also easily increase estrogen dominance, and estrogen can increase copper – a vicious cycle – which can contribute to other types of PMS-type mood swings. (p.s. We will be covering estrogen dominance next week live with Dr. Carrie Jones)

  All of this is possible, especially if zinc is low. Since zinc and copper compete, a copper IUD can further deplete an already low level of zinc. So testing is best to know your levels and how best to proceed.

  Finally, IUD-induced anxiety is also hypothesized to be a vagal nerve response to the IUD or the string.

  Hope this helps!

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