Etonogestrel and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Gue...
• May 27, 2010

For Birth Control "I had my Implanon inserted in October 2009 and had it removed today. At first, I was very happy, felt great, it healed super fast and easy. The skin around it did itch a whole lot. No rash, just incredibly itchy skin! The itching started about 2 weeks after the procedure when the original bruise went away and lasted for another 2 weeks. I was thinking I was allergic to it and almost had it removed, but the itching stopped just as suddenly as it started. I still had my periods, but they were irregular and not very heavy. I did gain 8 lb, not a big deal. Now, the reason I had it removed is I became SUPER emotional, always unhappy for no reason, often tired, had headaches, lost sex drive, and it just kept getting worse."

• Sup...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 19, 2016

For Birth Control "OMG! I have had such a horrible experience with this stick. I had it inserted in September 2015. I was okay for two weeks, and then had a period of bleeding for four months. That stopped in January, after that, I started to feel dizzy, had brain fog, and the headaches are horrible. Sex drive non-existent. My anxiety and depression levels are so high. I have no energy and feel so tired all the time. I cry all the time. I have turned psychotic with this thing. I feel irritated and do not want to go anywhere or see anyone, and my memory has been terrible, and I am only 39. I never knew that a birth control method could do this. I am getting this out tomorrow, and hopefully will start to feel better. Do not recommend this form of bc. Good luck, girls!!!"

• Lan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had my Nexplanon implant for almost three years, and I am close to finally getting it removed. I would recommend this birth control to anyone wanting to ease their heavy periods and extremely painful cramps, but if you're ever at all concerned with having bad acne, do not get the implant. I am truly grateful I have not had a period or even spotting in two years, but the acne has only gotten worse. I have spent hundreds of dollars on acne treatments. These treatments have been very intense, but rarely work. Also, I randomly have pain in my arm, headaches, unprovoked periods of depression, and anxiety. My dermatologist has recommended a few products that don't faze my acne. I hope this review was helpful."

• Cas...
• July 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I was writing this wonderful, very wordy review on this when I discovered that I have a word limit. Dang. In a nutshell: I've never had so many problems with a BC. Significant weight gain, headaches, nausea, fatigue/insomnia, no periods for months and then weeks of bleeding. The worst is the change in my mood. DEPRESSION. I couldn't no longer trust my instincts. Everyone noticed a change in my attitude. It may be a convenience to just pop a rod in your arm, but it is NOT WORTH IT. I am telling you, stay away. I cannot wait to have mine removed."

• Don...
• April 25, 2017

For Birth Control "Even since I've had Nexplanon, I've gained mad weight that no matter how much I work out, I can't lose. When I think my cycle is over, it's not, and the headaches are the worst. Glad to be getting this out soon. The side effects aren't worth having it in."

• CJa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon inserted 3 years ago. The first 6 months was okay, thereafter, I started getting terrible headaches. Breast tenderness where I could hardly lift my arms. Constant periods... having literally 3 days a month period free. For the last 6 months, I have been waking up with night sweats. I started at 72 kg and now weigh 58 kg. No appetite. No sex drive. Worst decision I have ever made regarding contraception. I can't stand feeling like crap anymore. I am taking it out on Saturday."

• Pam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2022

For Birth Control "So first let me explain why I chose this type of BC. I am a single mother of 4 small children and work full time while being a part-time student. My usual type of BC was the pill, but as busy as I was with all the running around my lifestyle caused, I was having trouble taking the pills. Every child I had before I was on the pill, so I decided to do something I never thought I would do before and take a different form of BC that I wouldn't have to worry about remembering to take every day. I have now had the implant for almost 4 years, and now it is causing eye problems, blurry vision, severe headaches, stomach problems, and severe fatigue, also suicidal tendencies and depression. The first year I had the headaches and nausea but was very excited because I stopped having my period, so I thought it was a great change. With my hectic and busy life, it wasn't until the 3rd year that the problems got more severe, and now the blurry vision to the point where I'm now going blind. DON'T USE THIS BC."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2019

For Birth Control "For some, this method works and is amazing. For me, it was NOT! I only had it for a month. As soon as I got it, my moods went crazy. My counselor told me to get it taken out immediately because I was becoming depressed and my anger got out of control. It did help my heavy bleeding. But I couldn't handle the headaches. Mood swings. The final straw was when my chest hurt. I went back to the doctor four different times, and they kept refusing to remove it. I literally had to go in with a razor and threaten to cut it out myself before they would remove it."

• Mom...
• November 27, 2016

For Birth Control "My 15-year-old daughter had Nexplanon implanted 3 months ago. Best choice given she has horrible periods and a busy schedule. Since then, she has been sick several times, lost interest in a lot of things she once enjoyed, and has continued to have light spotting since the implantation. 2 months ago, she had a sudden onset of facial swelling. Then, 5 weeks ago, she started having sinus/allergy symptoms. After 3 rounds of antibiotics, a steroid plus starting allergy pill and nose spray, she has not gotten better at all. Actually seems to have gotten worse. She's miserable. She has constant cold chills, headaches, shortness of breath, restless sleep, and moodiness. She almost seems depressed. She has had spotting the entire 3 months since it was implanted. She goes Monday to get it removed."

• Jaz...
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I am not sure which implant I got, but I am sure it is the Nexplanon. I got this May 2015. I had a period for at least 2-3 months straight. I have gone from weighing 150 to 220 pounds. I have experienced major mood swings, feeling really low about life, horrible cramps, and headaches all the time. I still have irregular periods. Sometimes I bleed for 2 weeks or more straight, or I bleed for 4 days, stop for a day, and continue bleeding. Sometimes I don't even have a period. Everyone's body is different and reacts to birth control differently, but I recommend you not get the implant. I had an awful experience with it. I get it taken out in 7 days and I am looking forward to it. I have talked to others, and they have had an awful experience with it as well."

• Ver...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon in for 8 months, and after the first three weeks of getting it, I got an extremely heavy period, and it didn't stop for 7 months. I also started getting more headaches and nausea always! And I'm constantly tired! It's gotten that bad, I'm getting it taken out this week."

• non...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had this thing in my arm for a little over a year. First, my periods are so random and last for weeks at a time. I've gained 35 pounds despite my increase in workouts! My depression/anxiety is at an all-time high, which makes it hard to do just about anything, let alone have sex, WHICH IS THE REASON I HAVE THIS DANG THING IN THE FIRST PLACE. I get nauseous very easily and suddenly. I also tend to have headaches that last for days on end. This implant has caused me more problems than having a second child would have! I have an appointment with my doctor to remove it, and I cannot wait to be done with this thing and feel like myself again. It might be convenient, ladies, but it just isn't worth it."

• HOC...
• February 7, 2014

For Birth Control "Honestly, I haven't had a problem with this birth control other than irregular bleeding and prolonged bleeding. I haven't had any other side effects (headaches, acne, etc.) except for a little bit of weight gain, but I can use it because I'm already really skinny. I have had a great experience with this birth control, except for the bleeding."

• CJL...
• August 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I've tried two other birth control methods before Nexplanon, which didn't work for me. I've been on Nexplanon now for six months. Insertion: The insertion process was easy, quick, and painless, although I was left with a sizable bruise that I had to explain away to acquaintances and coworkers. Period: I got the injection on day two of my period and haven't had a period or any spotting since, which is awesome. Even better? No cramps! Acne: I have mild acne and haven't seen a change for better or worse. Libido: My libido decreased when I first got on Nexplanon, but it's now back up to its original level, unlike when I was on pills. I had an increase in headaches for the first month, but now there are no other side effects to report."

• jch...
• August 15, 2015

For Birth Control "There seems to be a lot more negative reviews on this than positive, but I can't recommend the Nexplanon enough! I was recommended this as I get extremely nauseous with most birth control pills and haven't experienced any since getting it. I got the implant in Oct 2014 and have had only one period since. I have gotten occasional spotting, but it's been extremely minimal (literally like a spot), and it's only been a total of three days out of nine months. I've actually lost weight and my skin has cleared up as well. I do have a suspicion that this has made me more susceptible to headaches, but they are very infrequent and manageable. I didn't think birth control would ever be this hassle-free and effective!"

• Sha...
• July 10, 2017

For Birth Control "So I've had this awful device since March 2, 2017. Thank God my appointment for removal is tomorrow, I have had a period since I had it inserted, headaches, awful nausea for the past two weeks, and feeling super depressed and tired. I would not recommend this to any woman ever! For the fact when I went to my GP and they said bleeding for 3-4 months is normal, that's when I realized there's something not right! How can that be deemed normal? The longest I have gone without bleeding has been about 8 days, and that's without exaggeration. The amount of money I have spent on pads, the discomfort, and I have even developed thrush due to excessive pad wear. Cannot wait to have this removed. I'm 22 and very upset about the side effects."

• viv...
• April 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had this since Jan 4th, 2017. It's been almost four months, I've had two periods that have lasted me three weeks. That is the only downside. I've been on many other birth controls, this is the only one that I have not had any major depression on. I feel completely normal. I've lost 20 pounds since, it's been easier to lose weight as I work out! I've now recently developed some really bad headaches here and there, I'm not sure if it's from the implant or something in my life. I recommend, procedure very easy and fast!"

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "When I first got the Nexplanon, I was very emotional, had major headaches, and horrible acne like never before. I went through a deep depression with non-stop outbursts. Although it did help my painful periods, I constantly bled non-stop for about 7 months. The good thing is I don’t have periods anymore, but I still spot every now and then. I’ve now had it for almost 2 years and am thinking about removing it because I’ve gained 30 pounds even with working out and trying to cut down on eating too much. I also have cramps out of nowhere every blue moon, but the headaches and fatigue have been going on ever since. I probably wouldn’t recommend this to anyone."

• Jul...
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had the Nexplanon inserted September 24 of 2019, and I've been bleeding non-stop since. It's now November 22 of 2019, and I just can't take this anymore. I'll go 2 days spotting, then have a regular period for 5 days, then right after have a heavy period for 3 days, like out-of-control bleeding where it's too much, even with a tampon and the huge Always brand Kotex. I have to run to the bathroom every 15-20 minutes to change and clean up again. I've even had to throw away some of my jeans because it will overflow, even if I just changed and cleaned up 10 minutes before. It would still go through. I just be so embarrassed, it's just the worst thing ever to happen in my life. I've been having my period non-stop, like seriously, I haven't had not one day free of bleeding since I put this thing in my arm. I'm going next week to take this thing out, I can't wait. Also, the side effects are terrible. I get really bad headaches, and I get really dizzy. I honestly don't recommend this birth control."

• Cal...
• September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I got this inserted in April. Going on 5 months now. I have had period, after period, after period, and they last about 2 weeks. No sex drive, headaches, acne, mood swings like no other. I'm tired of feeling sick to my stomach day in and day out. How am I supposed to care for my 7-year-old while going through this? All my doctor told me is it's not regulated yet, give it 4-6 months. 4-6 MONTHS? I get cramps, but not the normal period cramping. It's down lower and hurts like hell. I wanted this to work out, but I'm not going to go through this for 3 years."

• Ash...
• September 2, 2014

For Birth Control "Have had Nexplanon for 9 months. Insertion left a bruise, and the first week was difficult with headaches as my body sorted out the hormones. Overall, this has been an effective product. Does the job as a contraceptive. Only get a period every three months, but they are getting heavier each time, which worries me. They last about a week. I have gained about ten pounds, and depression and anxiety have gotten worse. You really need to weigh the pros and cons before choosing this method."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2016

"I got the Nexplanon implant because my periods would come with extreme cramps that put me down for 4-5 days. I would sleep all the time and couldn't help but cry because I was in so much pain. So, my OB suggested a birth control, and I heard really bad things about the Depo shot, so I didn't want that, and I hadn't heard anything bad about the implant. So I went with it rather than the shot. I had the implant for three months. In the time that I had it, I had nothing but horrific migraines, cramping, and I bled for 3 weeks, stopped for 6 days, and now I've been bleeding for 30 days. I've had a headache since 2-1-16. I am an emotional wreck. I cry at the stupidest things and I get upset over nothing. I highly recommend not getting this implant."

• lal...
• June 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had my Nexplanon for about four months now, and I am so happy I got this! The insertion was bearable, and I got some breakouts the first week or so, but it wasn't too bad. So far, my period has been pretty much regular, I have a lighter flow, which is great, and I get fewer cramps. It still lasts about 5-6 days, but I'm not complaining. I haven't had any spotting in between periods. Also, I never had a history of having headaches, but after getting it, I do get a few headaches here and there that last 5 minutes, but nothing bad. I was nervous because of all these bad reviews, everyone is different, but just give it a try, please. So far, I am really happy I got it, and it could work out for you like it did for me!"

• ste...
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had this birth control for almost two years now, and in the beginning, I had horrible mood swings, granted, I was already diagnosed with depression prior to getting this birth control. On top of the mood swings, I gained 20 pounds despite going to the gym religiously and creating meal plans. What really is driving me to get this removed are the headaches that it causes, as well as feeling lightheaded, nauseous, tender breasts, and tired all the time. I was really worried for a while, thinking I had a serious condition, and after a couple of tests, my doctor realized it was the implant's side effects. The reason I'm giving it 5 and not something lower is because it is amazing at preventing pregnancy, I just wish I would have reacted better to it."

• hea...
• October 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon since February 2012, and I hate it. The first six months were okay, I only had two periods on it, not got pregnant, but I've gained a lot of weight, more than I did when I gave birth. Before birth, I was 156, now I'm 198. I get bad headaches and stomach aches. My back always hurts, and I always feel tired. I get dizzy a lot, and it scares me having our little girl while I'm driving. It has caused me to faint one time at home while my husband was there. I just want my energy back so I can do the things I want to with our little girl, who is almost two. I haven't lost my sex drive, but my husband's job is one week on, one week off, so I guess it's hard to tell. I just want to feel normal and happy again. I'm tired of the mood swings and depression also."