Nexplanon and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)
Reviews for Nexplanon
- spi...
- July 13, 2015
For Birth Control "Pros: Easy and always there. I feel more secure with this method compared to birth control pills. I also don't get periods anymore! Cons: I have had this implant since Feb 2015. It has barely been 5 months, and so far, I have gained 20 pounds! The weight gain is terrible, and I am worried that I will keep gaining weight even though I eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Sometimes the implant makes my arm very sore. About the time I would normally have a period each month, I get bloated, cramp, and get very moody, the symptoms I associate with a period, but have no bleeding or spotting. Overall, this is a good contraceptive, but if you are considering it, the weight gain is a significant side effect."
- 05d...
- May 19, 2015
For Birth Control "Okay, so I got my birth control in July of 2013! The first week I had a cold as a side effect! After that, everything was going smooth! I got really light periods for a few months, and then it eventually went away! I weighed 127 when I got on the BC! After the first year, I was 144! And I am currently 161! This birth control has literally ruined my life! I was always very small with a fast metabolism! I play sports and work out, but the weight kept coming in! No matter how much I exercised or ate healthy! I began to notice cellulite on my stomach and legs! THIS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE BIRTH CONTROL! I can't shake the weight! My arms have increased in size! Other effects (acne, mood swings, depression, laziness)."
Frequently asked questions
- What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
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- mis...
- July 21, 2020
For Birth Control "I've always had irregular periods since I started at 13. I've also always had very heavy periods lasting around 5-7 days. I tried the birth control pill for 3 months about 2 years ago and wasn't able to take it regularly, so after about 9 months of being off of birth control, I was ready to try something a little more low maintenance! I had my Nexplanon inserted a year ago and was aware of the possible side effects, but I didn't expect to experience so many! Ever since I got the implant, I have had even HEAVIER periods lasting a solid 7-10 days each on average. I even had a period that lasted 21 days straight of heavy bleeding. In the last 5 months, I've had these heavy, 7-10 day periods 2-3 times a month. I've also gained nearly 20 lbs since getting it. My acne is worse, I've had mood swings, and I now have back/butt acne which I didn't have before. I just made an appointment to get the implant removed, and I'm so excited. Please be prepared to experience symptoms if you choose the Nexplanon."
- toq...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- August 27, 2020
For Birth Control "I've been on the Nexplanon since 2013. It's been great these past few years, no period at all. These past 2 months, I started getting my period every other week! Nausea and tender breasts. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but I don't like the changes. I got used to not getting a period, and now every two weeks, and it lasts longer than my regular 3-day period-now almost a week. I have gained weight tremendously these past 5 years-about 50 lbs in total. I can work out and eat healthy, but it's so hard to lose weight. My hormones are out of control as well. I am just grateful that it has avoided a pregnancy but..."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Cry...
- July 30, 2017
For Birth Control "I regret trying this method of birth control. I would give it negative stars if I could. I tried it for a year, and in that time, I gained 20 pounds, was left with acne scars, continuously had acne on my face and back, periods would last up to three weeks, I would go months without a period, major mood swings; including crying for no reason, being mad for no reason, feeling depressed, etc. I'm not exaggerating any of this; it was horrible, and I'm glad to have it out. The only thing I liked was not having to take something every morning, but I would rather do that now than have to deal with those side effects again."
- Eli...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- April 7, 2021
For Birth Control "Horrible! I got the Nexplanon 2 weeks after having my daughter in April 2020, and it is now April 2021, and since giving birth, I have not stopped bleeding. In a year, I have maybe not been bleeding a total of 3 weeks. And in between bleeding, there has not been a let-up in the cramping, bloating, and extreme fatigue. I have gained weight since giving birth (I do not overeat or eat extremely unhealthy), and I am a pretty active person. I have also broken out worse than a teen, and I’m 30 years old. I am constantly either very irritable or just numb, I have zero libido, I have anxiety, and just overall unhappy! I do not recommend this to ANYONE. I have an appointment today to talk to my doctor about removal."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 25, 2014
For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon approximately 6 weeks ago and have had no side effects so far! I had a nasty bruise from where the implant was inserted for about a week, but now there is no pain where the rod is, and I can easily feel it under the skin. I was on my period when I got the Nexplanon inserted, but have not had a period since. No spotting or anything! Also have not noticed any particular weight gain or moodiness so far. I would definitely recommend this."
- Fir...
- October 5, 2019
For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted at the beginning of September of last year (2018), a little over a year now. The only good thing I have experienced is that I haven't gotten pregnant and that I have only gotten my period about 2 or 3 times and without any menstrual cramps. I experienced spotting every day for the first month, but after that I got a period every few months, my last period being in May (it is now October). I have gained 35 pounds since getting the implant, and prior to that, I was actually losing weight without effort. It now feels impossible to lose any weight. I have terrible mood swings, worsening depression, panic and anxiety attacks, and am an emotional wreck quite often. I am very irritable, angry, and extremely fatigued. My sex drive absolutely disappeared, and my poor boyfriend has had to put up with all my moods because of this little stick in my arm! Not to mention it has caused me to have an increased heart rate, which is very dangerous. I'm planning to get it removed ASAP!"
- Sam...
- November 20, 2013
For Birth Control "I just wanted to post my encouraging experience. I got mine done 2 months ago after being on the pill for 3 years. Prior to my appointment, I couldn't help reading all the horror stories. I decided to change to the implant because it is the most reliable contraceptive method. The procedure was so simple and only hurt a tiny bit, and only left me with a small bruise, which I had for about a week. I got the implant inserted on the second day of my period, and the bleeding stopped the same day. After 3 weeks with the implant, I had another period around the same time as what is normal for me, maybe slightly lighter. Other than that, no weight gain (lost 2 lbs), increased sex drive, and much happier in general! I love it! Definitely worth a try!"
- Bjo...
- September 13, 2014
For Birth Control "I love Nexplanon. I got it in August 2013 when I was 18, and it's currently September 2014. The week I got it implanted, I had my period for a few days and have not had my period since. That's one year without periods. It's fantastic. I haven't experienced weight gain, moodiness, or any other symptoms. I think it's extremely effective."
- Ang...
- February 15, 2020
For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon 6 weeks after having my youngest in November. I got it removed that following June. The whole time I had it, I gained an insane amount of weight due to being hungry ALL the time. I had horrid migraines almost every day. It was a great week if I had 1 or 2 days migraine-free. My mood swings were horrible. My depression and anxiety were the worst they had ever been. Since August or September of 2018, I have not had a normal period. I bleed extremely heavily the first few days, have a day or two with no bleeding, then start bleeding again. Then the bleeding multiple times a month started. I'm not talking 1 normal period then some spotting. Nope, I'm talking 2 or 3 normal periods a month. I told my doctor about it, and she said it's my body getting back into balance. But almost 2 years later, still trying to get back in balance?"
- Sen...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 9, 2020
For Birth Control "Got Nexplanon inserted about 2 weeks after I gave birth. It was quick and easy. After about a month, I started having severe stomach pain. I've gained some weight. After 5 months of having it, I started my period, and my period is so much heavier, and the smell is very strong. My hair has been falling out like crazy! I plan on getting the Nexplanon removed and trying the pill. A pro is that I have not gotten pregnant."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 15, 2014
For Birth Control "I've had it for 4 months now. Had a regular period for 3 weeks, then I just spotted for a month and a half. No period since then. (Yay!) Downfall is I'm blowing up like a balloon! If I keep gaining weight, I will consider removing it. Losing my period is not worth not fitting into any of my clothes."
- p19...
- June 26, 2019
For Birth Control "If you’re reading this because you’re trying to decide if you want this birth control - READ THROUGH ALL THE REVIEWS. I heard horror stories on Facebook and through friends about it traveling through their bodies and getting lost. Let me tell you, it’s very effective when preventing pregnancy. When I got it, no bruising and no pain. The first year, I loved it!! I had so many great things to say. Right around the mark of my first year, all the symptoms came at once. My sex drive - a 0. My acne started to break out, my boobs constantly hurt. Now the #1 complaint - WEIGHT GAIN. I was 115 pounds, size 0. I gained 35-40 pounds. I am now 153 pounds and a size 7-8. I’ve had it out a year this month, and the weight still lingers. My face became swollen and fat with fluid retention, and my mom constantly told me I looked toxic. Please read the reviews, I would never want somebody to go through what I did. I’m about to try the Kyleena IUD, wish me luck."
- Bad...
- September 6, 2017
For Birth Control "Had 3 Implanon implants and currently have Nexplanon in. I loved the Implanon, no real side effects, regular periods, and I managed to lose 4 st whilst on them. But the Nexplanon is another matter: brain fog, hair thinning, anxiety, depression, non-existent sex drive. I can't even bear for my husband to touch me, sore boobs to the point that it makes me cry. Now weight gain, since I had it put in May 16, I have gained 2.5 stone. I have an active job and eat healthily, no matter what I do, my weight keeps jumping up at 7 lb at a time, and I cannot shift it. I cannot wait to get it out. Please, ladies, do not have this implant!!!"
- amb...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 1, 2020
For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for four months now, I got it implanted in early October. I have been bleeding every day since November 19th, it is now the first of February. I have lost all of my sex drive, which used to be very high. I have gained twenty pounds, as I have lost motivation to do almost anything. It changed my skin tremendously. I used to only have a few pimples around my cycle, but now I am almost always breaking out. Pimples used to be isolated to my chin, but they are now all over my face, neck, shoulders, and chest area. I used to be a great sleeper, I cannot remember the last time I had a full night's rest with ease. I am now heavily considering getting it removed ASAP."
- Thn...
- March 26, 2019
For Birth Control "Update, this Nexplanon birth control has been the best one I’ve used thus far. My arm had little to no bruising for a few days, and my scar is very unnoticeable. Yes, I was moody for the first 2 weeks and felt easily lightheaded/nauseated for about a month. I also had headaches, but again, this is normal for me during a birth control transition. No weight gain really, it’s diminished my appetite if anything, but there’s been no weight loss or weight gain. I never get bloated on this birth control, and I immediately stopped having periods. This is my third form of birth control after the IUD Skyla failed, and the combo pill was raising my blood pressure. Overall, a great choice, especially for someone very busy with life and isn’t ready for kids. 10/10 recommend for anyone!"
- xne...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 4, 2019
For Birth Control "If you are looking for an effective birth control, this is it. However, the side effects are horrendous. I got Nexplanon in Oct 2018. Since getting it, I have been very depressed. It has gotten to the point where I have no desire to get out of bed and go to work or school. On my off days, I'd rather just stay in my bed and sleep. I have also gained 25 lbs since getting this birth control. My sex drive has gone down and has put a strain on my relationship due to my mood swings, low sex drive, and having no desire to do anything at all. I'm looking to take this garbage out ASAP! I cannot take it anymore."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- November 1, 2015
For Birth Control "I'm reading a lot of bad reviews on here, and I cannot relate to them at all. I've had Nexplanon for almost a year now. I do have a period that is a few days longer than my period was prior to Nexplanon, but it is certainly nothing unbearable. I have not gotten pregnant, and my mood is steady. I did gain a few pounds when I first got on Nexplanon, but they quickly dropped off as my body readjusted. I barely notice the implant is there. I'm very sorry for the ladies who have had a bad experience, but I would definitely suggest this to anyone looking to be on birth control."
- Cap...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 14, 2021
For Birth Control "I would recommend using goat skin as birth control before I’d ever recommend using Nexplanon. I’ve had it for two and a half years and finally got it taken out today. It’s caused me severe PMS cramps, severe pain during/after intercourse, depression, weight gain, and bloating."
- Anonymous
- May 12, 2014
For Birth Control "As far as birth control, it definitely does the job. Unfortunately, I have never had acne until I had it inserted, and it's horrible. I have been steadily gaining weight ever since, 15 lbs and counting in the last 10 months. Headaches and nausea make me think I am pregnant. Not to mention, I am extremely emotional, and my 'period' is irregular, much lighter, but I probably spot 20 days out of the month. I have only had it for 10 months."
- Hda...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 7, 2016
For Birth Control "I got the implant a bit ago, and have had ZERO negative side effects besides the awesome no more menstrual cycle! The reviews of endless spotting, weight gain, and acne have not been true for me at all. I put off getting the implant a long time from fear stemming from bad reviews, so I decided to throw my good experience in the hat for perspective! I'm one of the 1:3 who it stopped my period quickly after having it put in. The bruise on my arm was there for about a week, and my very mild hormonal acne cleared up about two weeks into having it. Most importantly, it has helped even out my energy throughout the month. I am a 24-year-old graduate student with a history of ovarian cysts and adult onset mild acne."
- Anonymous
- March 13, 2017
For Birth Control "Do not recommend at all. I got the Nexplanon when I was 18, and I'm almost 21 now. While it is great BC for keeping you unpregnant, I have not one ounce of motivation to get out of bed and do anything. I am always so tired. The acne is insane, and I have spots all over my shoulders, chest, and face that look like a rash and are extremely noticeable (especially fresh out of the shower or when hot), and the weight gain is crazy. I was about 110 pounds when I got on it, and I always had an extremely high metabolism, but after being on Nexplanon, I have a constant hunger that I cannot fill, and I am up to 140 pounds. I am very easily angered and moody, and overall, it is not worth it when it comes to being happy in your own skin. Getting it removed this week."
- New...
- June 17, 2013
For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since late October of 2012. At first, it seemed great, not having to worry about taking a pill every day at the same time. Mainly, that's the reason why I chose Nexplanon in the first place. But over the many months now, I've experienced lots of negative things about it from my perspective. 1) Huge weight gain, like 20-30 lbs. 2) Lots of headaches. 3) X2 the acne. 4) More stress. 5) My emotions are much more sensitive than they ever were. I cry a lot more now; sometimes I have no idea as to why I'm even crying in the first place. Just too much estrogen to handle after being in my arm for so long now. 6) My periods are very irregular now. Sometimes I'll spot, sometimes I'll bleed for just a day."
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For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon inserted June 30, 2014. A week or two after insertion, I had bleeding for 10-15 days, it stopped for about a month and a half, and now I'm spotting every time I'm ready to become intimate with my boyfriend or just random times. I have gained weight, and I have felt some nausea. Yes, it's very effective against pregnancy because you are constantly either spotting or bleeding unexpectedly. It's annoying, I'm getting it removed very soon. There's nothing fun about bleeding all the time. I appreciate a 4-5 day cycle now."