Etonogestrel and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2015

For Birth Control "Got the Nexplanon 2 days after I had my daughter. Everything was cool. I bled my whole 6 weeks, then my period completely stopped until the first week of Feb. I spotted for a few days (3). Started gaining weight after, and no matter how much I work out, I can't lose the weight! Lately, I've started getting headaches for 4-5 days straight. No matter what I take, I continue to have a headache and increased appetite. Really considering getting it taken out. The no period or pregnancy is the only great thing!"

• Ano...
• April 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 19, and I got the Implanon towards the end of last year. My experience has been very positive so far. For the first two months, I had a week or two of random spotting, with very light periods maybe once a month for 2-3 days. Now I barely have a period at all, and it completely got rid of my awful cramps! I do get headaches occasionally, however, they are easy to fix with painkillers. Otherwise, I have had no side effects, and I've actually lost some weight (however, I attribute it more to lifestyle). It's also a big plus not having to remember to take a pill every day. Remember that Implanon experiences vary for different people, however, for me, it worked out perfectly, and I would highly recommend it :)"

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2014

For Birth Control "Previously had PMDD that included panic attacks, depression, oversleeping, mood swings, binge eating, etc. I feel like my life has changed, and I am so happy now. I have had no side effects apart from an occasional sore throat, two headaches, occasional muscle pain, and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms (cured with probiotic drinks!). This is nothing compared to the past. Very, very happy! I had bad bruising for three weeks, so it meant I had to wear long-sleeved tops to prevent questioning, haha."

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2009

For Birth Control "The only reason I give this a one is because it is effective. However, I have constant headaches, acne, mood swings, weight gain (over 40 lbs!), and the most important thing is absolutely no sex drive!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2019

For Birth Control "Please be informed before choosing the Nexplanon method of birth control. Maybe it works for some girls, but for me, it was the worst. Dizziness, palpitations, headaches, fatigue, very deep depression that made me freak out, and so on every single day since. I'm getting it out today after one month and one week of using it. It affected my work and my personal life. We are all different, but I wouldn’t take this risk again knowing what I am going through."

• Liy...
• December 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve gotten this birth control in only because my mom wanted me to have it. In the beginning, it was fine, didn’t have any side effects. Then, a year later, I’ve experienced the worst headaches and anxiety in my life. I’ve never had anxiety until I started to have this in my arm. I wake up feeling dizzy and lightheaded, sometimes still feel like I’m dreaming. At night is when the anxiety attacks are at their worst, to the point I cannot sleep nor breathe. My arm where it’s in hurts sometimes. I’ve begun to get cold-like symptoms, like little minor pressure in my chest. I don’t recommend this. It does work as if not getting me pregnant, but the side effects are hard to bear with. I will be having mine taken out in a week."

• kgf...
• February 8, 2016

For Birth Control "At first, before getting the Nexplanon, I read horror stories online. But then I was reminded that people who usually don't have good experiences will share their stories more than those who had good experiences. I got this in December 2015, so I've had it for about two months as of now. The insertion process was very fast, and it didn't hurt very much. The most painful part was the numbing needle. The pain started after. It took me about a month for the bruise to go away in my arm and have no more pain at the site. After getting it inserted, I did get headaches, but they wouldn't last very long. Aspirin did the trick. I had my period for two weeks, and that was it. I would recommend this for sure to anyone who wants long-term effectiveness!"

• jdm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I finally got this after months of debating and reading reviews. I noticed headaches right away. 7 months later, my headaches are extreme, as are my mood swings, no real sex drive, I've gained at least 10 lbs. I've always been a very happy person and good-natured person. Now, on this, I've never been so angry and sad. One awesome thing was my period stopped almost immediately, luckily, I didn't get the constant bleeding like so many others. I've been so exhausted and hungry all the time. Lightheaded, dizzy, and headaches are so bad I was ready to take it out myself. I finally got it out today, and I could never recommend. Hopefully, I will feel better soon."

• Nat...
• May 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I received the Nexplanon implant on March 29, 2015, and yesterday marked my first full month being on Nexplanon. So far, it has not been a 'terrible' or extreme experience. I did not have intense bruising or swelling when it was put in, it didn't hurt at all, it was much like a bee sting. I have a small dot-like pink scar. I have yet to have my period in the entire month. No spotting, no intense mood swings, just one or two so far, but I can feel them coming on. Some small pimples on my face, but not severe acne. Not much weight gain, although I have lost about 3 pounds. One or two intense headaches, but Advil can fix that. So far, I would suggest Nexplanon to anyone looking for an effective, easy solution. Don't let all the other reviews scare you."

• Gra...
• August 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I decided to try this implant soon after giving birth to my first child. I had it put in June 6th of this year. At first, I loved it. Didn't notice any strange side effects for the first few weeks. Then I started to have headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and significant hair loss. My periods have been light and spotty from the beginning, but now I've been having constant bleeding going on three weeks now. I'm also experiencing severe joint pain in my hips, knees, and shoulders, along with muscle aches. I feel like an old woman when I get out of bed in the morning, and I'm only 29. I've also gained 7 lbs in a month with no change in my diet or exercise routine. I'm not at all impressed with it and will be having it removed very soon!"

• Meg...
• August 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon for three years, and it did the job well. Didn't get pregnant and had barely any side effects. Since getting the Nexplanon... never again. After a few months, constant bleeding lasting more than a month at times. Irregular bleeding and spotting. Constant headaches affecting work and stopping me from getting enough sleep. The GP advised I keep taking paracetamol... not helpful. I didn't get acne but never have suffered with it. However, the mood swings are out of control, and I can feel myself getting angry over nothing at times. I have had episodes of depression and crying, and I am usually a very happy person. This implant messes with the body."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I was super excited to get this birth control because I wouldn't have to worry about taking a pill. Mirena or any IUD was NOT an option for me. Wouldn't have that if my life depended on it! Anyways, I had the Nexplanon placed on Aug 6, 2015. Today is Dec 31, 2015, and I'm planning on having it removed soon! First off, I have had brown discharge since the day it was placed, and I have only had maybe one period. There literally hasn't been a day that I haven't had to wear either a panty liner or a pad due to the discharge. Second, I have had headaches at least 4 days a week since I had my birth control placed. Third, my mood swings are crazy! However, I have always been the type to get aggravated easily, I've never been this hateful! Over it!"

• Ano...
• March 14, 2014

For Birth Control "It works, didn't get pregnant for the full 3 years, however, I had some mood swings from hell, headaches, anxiety, depression, dryness, and little to no sex drive. I didn't gain a lot of weight (maybe a couple of pounds). However, everyone is different, so side effects can be different."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to get the arm implant because of negative reviews on here, but decided to try it anyway. I couldn't have had a better experience. Insertion was fast, and the only thing I felt was the numbing shot-nothing else. I experienced absolutely no negative side effects, not once having a headache, nausea, or anything. For a month or two, I continued to get my period, but it was only light spotting. After deciding to invest in liners, my periods stopped altogether. I haven't bled at all in months, and it's been great. If you are seeking long-term, zero maintenance, highly effective birth control, I highly recommend giving this a try. Everyone's body is different, and there is no way to know how you specifically will react to it."

• Sea...
• April 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since the beginning of February 2016, and since then I've had uncontrollable mood swings, suicidal thoughts, breakouts that I usually never get, terrible back and hip pain. I always bleed during sex (it is never rough or something that would cause bleeding). I never stop bleeding to some degree, I get more frequent headaches. It's like I could go on and on. I was told by this point these symptoms should just be toning down and that by the 6-month mark almost all of this would be done, and it just seems to progressively get worse. I hate Nexplanon with a passion currently."

• Num...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 13, 2017

For Birth Control "Had this implanted in 2015. At first, it was working well. I had my periods regularly and no weight gain or mood swings. After a few months, I stopped having my period and had all sorts of mood issues. I would be extremely fatigued, and I had extreme anxiety at night, whether eating or no sleep at night. I did exercise and diet, but still had a lot of obsessive cravings all the time. I complained about it to the doctor, who suggested I drink water or ice (did not work), and told me to exercise, which I did (did not work). I gained a lot of weight from 110 to 201. If I tried a strict diet, I would have severe headaches where three pills wouldn't work at all. Sometimes, I felt numbness in my arms and legs, they said it was normal. Now I totally feel depressed and unhealthy."

• Ivo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 10, 2016

For Birth Control "My first experience was in April of 2011 with the implant Implanon. The first few months were the hardest. I was depressed for about six months and had severe mood swings. I refused to take any medications such as antidepressants and relied on my friends and family for support. The first year I only got my period twice. The second year just one time, and my third year I didn't get one. I randomly get cramps but no period. I have also randomly experienced headaches, backaches, sore nipples, brownish discharge, and nausea. I am sexually active with my husband. We do not use protection (condoms), and let me tell you, it is VERY effective! I am going on my second year with Nexplanon with a total of five years with this particular birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I thought it was great the first two and a half years. No period at all, which worried me at first (I spent a lot of money on pregnancy tests), but I never got pregnant. I did have a lot of headaches, and I kind of felt pregnant sometimes (sore breasts, cramping, fatigue, nausea). The last six months was hell, though. Had an ectopic pregnancy, which was caught early. Four months later, I got pregnant again and had a miscarriage. I wasn't aware that I was pregnant, though, I took a test, and it was negative right before I miscarried. I got it out and had a new one put in. The first three months I spotted nonstop, and I've had horrible anxiety problems and depression. I had sinus problems for an entire month. I'm definitely getting it out now."

• Jax...
• April 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon about 6 weeks after I had my son in May 2013, and I've had a mostly positive experience with it. For the first couple of months, I had no period. The next few months, a very light period, which is great because before getting pregnant, my period was pretty heavy. Then last month, my period was about a week long and VERY heavy. I haven't had any other side effects at all. No moodiness, a little bit of weight gain, but I think that's because I stopped breastfeeding, no headaches, and no acne. I love not having to worry about birth control. This thing is great."

• Don...
• March 16, 2016

For Birth Control "Got the Nexplanon in March of 2015 after I had my son (my kids are 369 days apart, so I wanted something good), but this has been awful! I have worn a pad for the past year straight. It goes from gross discharge to heavy, heavy bleeding and blood clots. I have awful headaches, acne, weight gain, mood swings that are insane. I'm rarely happy, always in a bad mood-so angry. No sex drive-like don't touch or kiss me. My relationship is horrible, I feel so bad for my fiancé. But even worse for my kids, I flip over ridiculous stuff and yell when I shouldn't. For some reason, I thought to read the reviews, and all these bad experiences are exactly what's been happening. Don't do it. I can't wait to get this thing cut out!!!"

• Che...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2014

For Birth Control "Before I got Nexplanon, I looked up reviews. Which was a horrible idea. I read tons and tons of bad things about it. Eventually, I built up the courage to finally get it. These are my 'pros' and 'cons.' Pros: I didn't have to worry about taking a pill or changing a patch/ring/diaphragm. I only had 2 periods! And I didn't get pregnant on it! Cons: It gave me headaches, hot flashes, and I felt super nauseous when I would get hungry. And I gained 50 pounds! Today was 9 months of me being on it. I got it removed this morning. Now I'm going to try Mirena. Not every form of birth control is right for everyone!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this implant for about a year. I absolutely hate it. I weighed 120 after having my baby. I was so small, my doctor told me I would only gain about 5 pounds. I am now at 199. I've tried losing weight, that doesn't work. My acne is out of this world. I barely get a period, and when I do, it lasts for like a day and a half! This implant is causing my body so many problems. I have headaches all the time. My breasts hurt. My back hurts. And it's so difficult trying to lose weight on this, it makes me eat unusually. I eat all day. It keeps you baby-free, and I don't want to get it removed, but it comes with so many side effects that your doctor doesn't really tell you about!"

• Noh...
• February 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted in my arm in March 2015, two days after my period ended, and I love it. I haven't gotten my period since then, I don't bloat, no headaches, and no cramps. I haven't gained weight with this implant either. Everybody is different, so don't base your judgment of this on one bad review or one good review. It takes 10 seconds to insert and remove, so try it, and if it doesn't work well with your body, remove it. I personally love it, and it lasts 3 years."

• not...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2019

For Birth Control "It gave me IBS, depression, hair thinning, weight gain, bloated stomach/diarrhea, severe anxiety and panic attacks, blurry vision, dizziness and headaches... I get it out next week. Thank God. Do not take this. It seems intriguing because it's so easy and highly effective, but the side effects are a killer."

• Anonymous
• July 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I started to experience feeling dizzy a lot, lightheaded, really bad headaches, and also nausea. I can't eat as much as I would like to or used to because most of the time I feel sick. And sometimes I don't like to go out because I feel too dizzy or have a crazy headache. I'll take ibuprofen or Tylenol, and I get nauseous! I've had crazy mood swings that I've never seen myself have before. My depression has increased so much that I'm starting to think that my kids would be fine without me. It literally has taken over my life. Honestly, not sure if it's the Nexplanon doing all this, but I haven't felt like this until I got my implant. I'm hoping if I take it out, it'll all go away! Totally life-changing."