Cycle tracking on the Mirena IUD

Hi! I just joined and am very excited to be here. I’m familiarizing myself with all the content, modules, and calls, etc. But I’m having some doubts that I’m doing this “right”.

Some background: Like many of us, throughout quarantine, I learned a lot about myself/my body. I learned that I am highly sensitive, and maybe even autistic (self-diagnosing here). I also knew that I was scared of birth control/meds that altered my body/brain, but I KNEW I had to do something to make my period pain + bleeding manageable.

After talking with an OBGYN that I liked, I got on the Mirena IUD just over a year ago. It has helped me tremendously with my cycle. I was always in severe pain from cramps, occasionally got ovarian cysts, and had heavy bleeding. The IUD was truly a game-changer. I also got on Lexapro, an SSRI that has helped with depression. (I’m only giving this background and exact names of meds in case it helps anyone else)

All this to say, I’m grateful for the meds, and the sense of peace they have brought me. The pros definitely outweigh the cons.

However, I have no idea if I am ovulating or where I am in my cycle — if I even have one. On the Mirena IUD I mostly just spot occasionally, but I definitely FEEL that my body is going through some sort of monthly-ish cycle. And I even feel that I am experiencing some of those same emotions that I felt while I had my period (and not on BC).

MY QUESTION: What is the best way to track this? Whatever *this* is?

And while I’m here anonymously, here are some other thoughts:
I’ve had a complicated relationship with my period since I was a teen. I *really* like not having a period, and sometimes feel guilty for liking that so much. I am one of those people who if I was bleeding/in pain, people around me knew it. I loved normalizing it (especially around young girls who grew up feeling ashamed/uneducated/confused about their period). So I guess part of me feels guilty for choosing to opt out of it. My period and pain allowed me to explore my body and emotions in a way that I never would have been able to if I had “regular” periods – and for that I am thankful.

Also, idk if it’s helpful to mention, but I am not trying to have kids anytime soon. And I am in a relationship with someone who also has a uterus, so it ain’t gonna happen no matter how hard we try lol.

Thanks 🙂 xoxox

Answer:

You mentioned that you questioned if you are doing this “right”. What would make what you are doing “right” for you? 

 

In regards to tracking, you can start tracking each day with the menstrual tracker, even if you don’t have a period. See if there is a pattern to how you feel and function, and what that cycle is. 

 

What may be fun to explore is why do you feel guilty for liking not having a period?