Etonogestrel and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• ava...
• July 7, 2014

For Birth Control "I have had trouble with finding the right birth control in the past. I tried pills, NuvaRing, intrauterine devices, Depo-Provera shots, but all of those gave me side effects-mainly weight gain, headaches, feeling sluggish, slipping out of place, inconvenience, etc. My doctor recommended the Nexplanon, and I love it. It's so convenient and no worries for 3 years. I've had it for 9 months now. There was a bruise where they inserted it in my arm, and it was a bit sore for about 3 days. A week after getting the birth control, I got my period, which lasted 8 days. The following month, my period was only 5 days, with some spotting in between periods. Then after the third month, I got a light period. Spotting stopped in between periods. Now I have been period-free for 6 months."

• Ies...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had the Implanon since February 2013. The first day I had nausea, but the doctor told me that would be expected. I was on Depo before this. My first period was 3 days, and my next period was 2 weeks long. My side effects are cramps, headaches, depression, and sore breasts. I like the fact I haven't gotten pregnant, but the bleeding part drives me crazy. If the periods didn't come often and the side effects weren't so significant, I would love this, but periods are the negative."

• Lee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the NEXPLANON implant for eleven months now. I have always gotten my period once a month for seven days. Since NEXPLANON, my periods keep getting longer each cycle. My period started sometime in October of 2018 and is still on, and it is January 29, 2019. Enough is enough! I have lost weight and have headaches, and I’m always sad, which I believe is this NEXPLANON implant. I’m having it removed today, and I’m actually excited!"

• Sec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Honestly, it's not worth it. Was on it years ago for almost the whole 3 years, went from 65 kg to 96 kg. I just got another back in 2 weeks ago after successfully losing 23 kg. In the time of having it back in, I'm almost 4 kg up ALREADY!! I crave food all day, every day, I literally cannot stop eating. It's all I want to do. I'm constantly tired, have headaches, and feel depressed because of all these symptoms. I'm so upset about my weight gain and so scared it's just going to get worse. I'm having it taken out tomorrow."

• Kat...
• August 20, 2017

For Birth Control "After reading reviews for this, I was afraid to try Nexplanon. But, as another helpful reviewer stated, try looking up your current birth control, and you will also find some horror stories. I switched from the pill (Reclipsen), and I have had nothing but a great experience!! The insertion was absolutely painless, but my arm was sore (soreness similar to vaccination pain in arm) after for about 3 days with some bruising. Once inserted, I never again got my period. I have lost weight but kept it in the good spots ;) I have no problems with headaches, moodiness, dryness, increased acne, etc. Most importantly, it is doing its job as BC!!"

• Go ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon implant for 11 months now, and it's never let me down! I'm in love with it! I used to get horrible period cramps, back pain, and headaches every menstrual cycle, and this birth control has taken it all away. I have only gotten my period once throughout this whole year, and it was very, very light with no cramps. The key to this birth control working is making sure you have an experienced and truly trustworthy doctor. Remember, this implant affects every body differently! Some of these reviews say they hated it because it was painful, moved, or left pain even after it healed, and those all seem to me as doctor errors. If you're considering getting this amazing birth control, make sure your doctor knows what they're doing!"

• Peb...
• July 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon implant done in June of 2015 by my NP at my OB. I was roughly 5 weeks postpartum and had to choose a BC since I was nursing. Before my Nexplanon, I was on numerous kinds of BC pills for years. This is by far the first one that has done what it was supposed to do and no side effects. I did have a light period for a few days after the insertion, but have had no period since, granted I'm still tandem nursing. No side effects whatsoever. I haven't gained any weight, no headaches, no mood swings, no nothing!"

• Amb...
• August 19, 2020

For Birth Control "So I had gotten the Nexplanon in 2013 after my first child and had it in for 5 years, never got pregnant even though it was supposed to be removed at 3 years. Only problem I had was mood swings and no period. Just occasionally, every 6 months or so, I would have one. Soon as I got it removed, I got pregnant the next day. After my second child, I decided I wanted it again. Worst mistake of my life. In 2019, I got it put in because I was having severe pain from cysts, so I knew getting birth control would definitely help. Well, I haven't had a problem with that. Now I have severe mood swings, gained 50 pounds, tried everything to lose it and nothing. Severe UTI I've been battling for 4 months now that won't go away. Bacterial vaginosis, and I don't even have sex anymore as my sex drive went completely out the window. I get the sweats, I'm so fatigued, I get major headaches. I thought it was worth it, and now after years of everyone telling me I need it taken out and don't go back to it because of how off I am: the depression and anxiety."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I had my Nexplanon inserted in December 2014. So, I'm about a year and a half in. I have had mood swings, excruciating headaches, depression, and weight gain of 30 pounds! I would not recommend this to anyone!"

• anc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 7, 2014

For Birth Control "Wonderful birth control! Had bruising at the implant site, to be expected. Had very few side effects: one I really notice is headaches, otherwise, nothing. Had periods maybe once every two months, and I now haven't had one since February, I think? It's August, so I can't even remember! 100% contraceptive. 4.5 stars."

• Dag...
• July 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Implanon and then Nexplanon back to back. I had the first one 6 weeks after having my son back in 2011. With Implanon, I bled constantly for the whole 3 years. I’d have 3 weeks on, 1 week off on my “period,” and gained like 30 lbs. I got the Nexplanon inserted in Dec 2015. Within 3-4 months, I had gained 30-35 lbs. I kept it in because I was dead set on not getting pregnant, and after all, it works great on that. Over the next couple of years, I didn’t have not one period, which was great. But along with that came the 0 sex drive, headaches, acne, and continued weight gain. Overall, I’ve gained 65 lbs while on Nexplanon. No diet changes whatsoever. I finally got it removed 2 days ago, and my body is in turmoil. I’m having the worst anxiety I’ve ever experienced, and I honestly can’t wait for my hormones to even themselves out. Overall, Nexplanon does what it’s meant to do, but each person needs to decide for themselves if the side effects are worth it."

• Kat...
• April 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I would never recommend Implanon (the rod) as a form of contraception to anybody. I have had mine in almost for the full 3-year term. As I was on the pill and kept forgetting to take it, I needed some form of contraception, so I came across Implanon. It all sounded well and good, but the whole time it's given me nothing but grief. I have put on 10 kg, sometimes I don't have my period for 2 months, then other times it will be every week on and off heavy bleeding. I am so lethargic and never feel like going anywhere or doing anything, and I've also been diagnosed with anxiety since being on this. The headaches are constant! I CANNOT WAIT TO GET IT OUT! WOULDN'T RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY! Especially young girls!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the Nexplanon since May of 2012. I have not had one single period, no depression, no acne, no more headaches than before. (I have always had migraines). I haven’t gained any weight. I really haven’t experienced anything negative. In the first year or so of having it, I did kind of have pregnancy symptoms. Enough that I questioned if I could be pregnant and would take a test, but never a pregnancy, and after that year or so, that stopped. I honestly think it was just my body adjusting to the hormonal changes. I have an older teenager who has recently become sexually active and also has excessive heavy bleeding during her menstrual cycle. I have her an appointment the first week of December to have her a Nexplanon implant. I have no hesitations. I adore this miracle drug!!!!!"

• MsS...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2016

For Birth Control "Getting Nexplanon in and out was the easy part - really didn't hurt much more than a shot in the arm. I had mine put in this past February during my period. Once my period stopped, I spotted for about 3 weeks, nothing terrible. Then the rest of it hit. Mood swings worse than when I was pregnant, crying over little things, angry, just not me. Also felt like constant PMS - bloating, sore breasts, backache. Gained about 10 pounds. Also had worse acne than when I was a teen. The frequent headaches (migraines sometimes) were annoying. I had Nexplanon out 3 days now. I feel so much better and calmer. No headaches and no PMS."

• Cas...
• December 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon for 3 years now. No weight gain. Acne is just as bad. My periods last weeks to months. And I bleed huge blood clots. (Sorry, TMI, but I thought I had a miscarriage once because of it.) I am an emotional wreck. Like it makes me cry over the littlest things. I overreact, and my depression and anxiety are horrible. It has done its job not to get me pregnant, but I hate it so much. And waking up with a headache every day is killing me."

• 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!"

• ops...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had it for a year this month and have had quite a bit of sex, and still nothing, thank the Lord. My periods are usually on for a month, off for two, and repeat. My periods are not crazy, no awful pains, no headaches, no weight gain. All these women complaining about this birth control.... Maybe this form just wasn't meant for their bodies. It's turned out to be a wonder for me. Free at the health department, it's worth a shot. I recommend it 100% based off of my experience."

• Jos...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 1, 2022

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in 2020 at some point. I have always had anxiety, but never this bad. It gets to the point where I feel like I'm going to pass out or as if nothing is real. My hair will not grow. I am so moody, and I start fights 24/7 with my fiancé. At first, everything was fine, but after a couple of years, I am ready to rip this out of my arm. I have an appointment in a couple of days to get it out. Getting this was the worst decision ever, and I don't recommend this to anyone. I have mood swings, fast heartbeats, feeling like nothing is real, headaches, tired tummy aches, it is terrible. DO NOT GET ON THIS."

• Ale...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Had Nexplanon inserted December 2016 and removed July 2019. It is now December 2019 and I have not had my period since January 2017 (almost 3 yrs). At first, I raved about Nexplanon to anyone who would listen, because I was not depressed and had no spotting whatsoever. In October 2018, I became ill with a really bad virus (although being 22 yrs old and fit), and since then I have been battling crazy anxiety, depression, headaches, jabbing pains, and fatigue. Have had to do daily meditation, bi-weekly acupuncture, etc., to keep a straight head. None of the doctors (6) knew what was going on. This week (Dec 24, 2019) I found out I had really low estrogen levels, even nearly 6 months after having the implant removed and being on no BC. Turns out symptoms of low estrogen are fatigue, headaches, difficulty regulating sugars/insulin, etc. I can't believe I suffered for the past 14 months because of this. I'm going to avoid BC at all costs now."

• Kay...
• January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon put in July 2017, and just got it taken out January 2020. I should have just kept it in. I've since switched to the pill, and I've been taking it for two weeks. I'm bleeding, and my cramps are literally crippling. I've been miserable for three days. For the first three weeks after I got the Nexplanon, I was bleeding extremely heavy and had horrible cramps, headaches, dry mouth, and mood swings. Then it all went away. Over the last almost three years, I've bled four times, and each was extremely light and only lasted for three to four days. I didn't spot at all, and my mood was manageable. I was actually able to regulate my mood without my antidepressants and have since stopped those entirely. All in all, I recommend the Nexplanon to anyone that will listen. It's easy, worry-free, and I really enjoyed the way that I felt (after the first few weeks). The inserting/removal process was easy and took 20 minutes. I went to work right after."

• 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."

• AGP...
• May 22, 2021

For Birth Control "I opted for this implant after I had my second child. I was taken off the pill a few months prior to my pregnancy due to ovarian cysts, so, after little lady's birth, I didn't want to go down that route again, so this seemed like a good idea. At first, it was alright. Light bleeding, not many more symptoms. Then I didn't have a period for just over a month, then I got my period and bled for about 6 weeks straight. Three weeks afterwards, I started my cycle again. In addition, I have had headaches off and on, as well as feeling like I'm sitting in the room but I'm far away from everyone around me. I think I've been intimate with my husband once in the 5 months I've had the implant. I lost all sexual desire. I am irritated with him all the time, especially for little things that we both used to find humorous. While this medication has been effective as a contraceptive, I would personally not recommend the roller coaster."

• 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."

• GIR...
• August 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted like a week ago, and I have been feeling sad, depressed, annoyed, everything bothers me. Every smell, noise, I get easily angry. I am always with headaches, tired, dizziness, with no energy. I haven't been eating. In a week, I lost 3 pounds, and the worst is that I am skinny, so the more weight I lose, I look like a skeleton. I don't know if it's normal to be feeling this way, now wondering if I should get it removed or not."

• lee...
• January 3, 2014

For Birth Control "Insertion was virtually painless. I've had it for almost 5 months, and I hardly notice it. No weight gain or loss (I was really hoping to gain weight from it since I'm very skinny). I'd assume the people complaining of weight gain probably produce a lot of estrogen in general - but I'm not a doctor, so don't take my word for it. No mood swings, no headaches. I still get my period somewhat regularly, however, it's longer by a week or two but lighter. I hardly notice it, my period symptoms have also lightened up a bit (less pimples, less cramps, less attitude). I would recommend this to anyone."