Re: Periods. Obviously everyone is different. I continued to have occasional periods for about 9 months but they were MUCH lighter (panty liner light, not even requiring a tampon or a pad) and then they more or less stopped altogether.
Re: Insertion. I'd be lying if I said that insertion was painless (it's a stabbing type pain). It was however, over in seconds (for me, like I said, everyone is different).

Mirena is also recommended for ageing biddies like me who are heading for menopause because of the hormone content. And boy, do I ever know that mine is all out of hormones! Hence the replacement on Tues. Fingers crossed, normal service will be resumed again very quickly!!!!