Etonogestrel and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kat...
• October 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon for two years now, personally, it is more hassle than it is worth. My periods are heavy and long-lasting, sometimes for over a month. There is often a tiny break between one period ending and the next starting, which is knackering. Every few months, it will disappear altogether, which is a godsend. When it returns, my emotions/mood swings are extreme."

• I...
• February 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon for a year and a half. When I first got it, I was spotting for the first 3 months every day, but then I completely stopped having periods or any spotting after that. I didn't gain any weight, no acne, no changes in my appetite, but it made my sex drive really low, and it has caused problems in my relationship because my boyfriend thinks I'm not sexually attracted to him, but it's not that, I just don't have the same sex drive, and it's so frustrating. I also had bad mood swings, and I just feel like everything annoys me. I have never gotten angry like I do now. I notice I start to throw things or hit the walls or slam doors, which is really not like me. I also feel depressed sometimes, like I just want to do nothing. It makes me feel so tired, like it's draining my energy, and I would feel fatigue throughout the day, which makes it harder to do daily routines or even be in a good mood. I literally can't wait to take this thing off, it's not worth my health."

• khe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 2, 2014

For Birth Control "I have had Implanon for over a year, and the side effects have been going on for that long. My hair is falling out, I have the worst anxiety and mood swings, and have gained over 30 lbs since on it. No amount of exercise and diet can help. I have an appointment in 3 weeks to have it removed because of the side effects."

• GQa...
• January 11, 2020

For Birth Control "Well, I got a nice story to tell that goes like this: I almost died because of this thing in my arm. I had it on for a year and a half, and since the first month, my period disappeared, which made me turn into a monster. I became a completely different person: mood swings like crazy, extreme headaches, always tired and depressed. Long story short, over the summer of 2019, one day this vomiting started. I thought it was a stomach virus until 15 days went by and all I could eat. I was on IV at the hospital for weeks, under observation and under medication to ease the vomiting. They came to the conclusion that I had an anxiety disorder to an extreme, got to a psychiatrist for her to tell me that all of this was happening because of that little inoffensive tube I had in my arm. She ordered to get it out of my body immediately, and I promise you I’m not making this up. After 48 hours, I was a different person. The vomiting stopped, and as the days went by, I started getting better and better. Never again."

• Nik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Nexplanon is very effective as a birth control. But the side effects... I’ve had Nexplanon put in my arm for almost three years, and I finally made up my mind to get it removed. And I’ve been experiencing spotting the majority of the time. It messed up my sex life, 'cause I only have limited blood-free days. I can’t enjoy sex either. It makes me very emotional too. I can’t stop myself from being sad and anxious. I think it makes me easily tired. My back and waist are always sore. I wouldn’t recommend this birth control to anyone, since I’m feeling sooooo depressed while I type this comment."

• hah...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 27, 2019

For Birth Control "This has been the worst experience with birth control ever. I used to be so happy, and I had the privilege of not really experiencing depression. Ever since I've been on Nexplanon, I became so severely depressed and have such dark thoughts. I have crazy mood swings, and I'm super irritable now. I'm having this taken out in hopes of returning to normal. It works as birth control, sure, but is it worth it having that many hormones in your body and essentially scarring your mental health? Not for me. Also, I gained 15 pounds."

• 4ba...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I have the Implanon, and I'm seriously thinking about removing it. The birth control part works, but what I've been going through to prevent pregnancy is awful. My mood swings are often and more stressful than before. I'm never in the mood to have sex, I could go without it forever, is how I feel. I get the inflammation issue down there as well. My periods are sporadic and heavy or light, but never consistent. I also haven't been able to lose my baby weight since I've been on this. The other times I was able to shed the weight, no problem. I miss the Patch!"

• Sch...
• September 2, 2016

For Birth Control "What everyone needs to realize is that everyone's body is different and reacts differently. You have to see what's best for you!!! You may react differently than the next person. I was on the shot for 8 months and gained 20 pounds and fell into a terrible depression. I've switched and have been on the implant for 8 months now and have dropped 10 pounds! No depression! I'm actually happy! No mood swings. I'm very satisfied so far with the results. So my advice, find what fits you and your body. You may have to try a couple until you find a fit. But don't go off of how other people's bodies reacted."

• nik...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on for almost six years. I've had it replaced once. This upcoming October, I'll probably have it replaced again. For me, the first one, my periods were random. No period for 3 months, then spotting for one month. After having it replaced the second time, it's been less period all around, light spotting. Again, considering it again in October, just wanted to see the effects others have had. No weight gain or acne for me. I have a slight temper already, so wouldn't have noticed mood swings."

• Nik...
• June 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had this since March of 2010, and at first, it was great. I had a period maybe every other month, sometimes they would last for a week or a little longer, sometimes they would be shorter. Now, after 2 years, I've been bleeding for about a month, and it is heavy. No pregnancies, but I feel like I am. I've had crazy mood swings, sometimes I'm super hungry, and sometimes I can't eat, and I feel like I'm always tired. Thinking about taking it out."

• Mac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Implanon placed back in 2010 for 3 years, later found out it was extended to 5 years. I didn't notice any side effects right away. My sex drive was normal, skin normal, everything was fine. I noticed a major change after 4 years. I started getting depressed, angry for no reason, 0 patience. As time went on, I started becoming a really mean person, uninterested in everything. I would eat and snack constantly. I didn't want to go anywhere or see people because I just didn't care to converse or act like I cared what was happening in their life. My sex drive was low. My health started being affected too, I suffered from severe migraines, nausea, mood swings. I went to the doctor, had MRIs done, and nothing came from it. I was 'fine.' I didn't even think to associate my birth control with it. I started getting educated, read reviews, and saw that I was not alone. It is now removed, and I am slowly becoming the woman my family deserves. I would 100% not recommend this birth control. I hope this helps someone."

• Ano...
• April 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon inserted 6 weeks after giving birth to my daughter. I was 148 lbs at the time, still losing weight from my pregnancy. I reached an all-time high of 175 lbs on Nexplanon. Extreme bloating. I even wondered myself if I was pregnant. I had severe mood swings, increased anxiety (it honestly became uncontrollable), always hungry, and I overate daily. I felt so tired I didn't enjoy doing anything like I used to. I got to the point where I didn't even feel like myself. I bled all the time: 3 weeks on, 1 week off, and even 6 weeks at a time. I had it for a year before deciding to have it removed, now it's been a week since I had it removed. Please research before choosing this b/c option, it does prevent pregnancy at a price!"

• ypa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2014

For Birth Control "I gave it a 2 because I never got pregnant on it. After much research, I decided Implanon was my best bet since I wouldn't have insurance anymore. The first couple of months were good until I got a period that never ended. After 2 months of bleeding, I got on birth control pills to regulate my period. I was good for 2 months, then started the bleeding again. I basically had my period for 3-4 weeks, then spotted for 2, and if I was lucky, had 2 weeks period-free. I gained about 20 pounds in the first 3 months, which I could not lose no matter what I did. Mood swings were awful, at one point, I was depressed. My skin got bumpy. Finally, I got insurance to take it out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since June 2013, and it's been great except for the first seven months. I had an almost nonstop period, but since then, no period-been almost a year and a half, no period. Pretty happy about that. No weight gain, actually lost weight. At first, it did affect my mood, but after a while, I got back to myself. Little to no acne. I plan on getting a new one when I get this one taken out. Best birth control!"

• Cap...
• April 22, 2023

For Birth Control "I have tried a few different birth controls, and I like Nexplanon the best. Birth control pills always gave me terrible mood swings and the worst attitude. The NuvaRing made me bleed for 5 months straight, and I am not able to have an IUD placed. The Depo injection was awesome, but my doctor only recommended it for 2 years. Nexplanon got rid of my period for 2 years, but in year 3, it has returned, though more manageable than without. I would use this form of birth control again."

• jay...
• March 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I started getting terrible side effects. Ridiculous mood swings, rage, social anxiety (I'm usually a social butterfly), depression, suicidal thoughts. I got a period/bleeding/spotting for 30 days straight, constantly exhausted, fatigued, lost my sex drive, very constipated and bloated, nausea. Because of the way I was reacting, I at times thought I was pregnant, so add in constant pregnancy scares. Hair was shedding like crazy. I have now fallen out of love with my boyfriend, I am unsure if this relationship will survive. He has been nothing but absolutely supportive and caring, but I've tried to break up with him at least 6 times in the last 2 months. I got the implant out after 3 months and now am on nothing. Everyone is different, trust your body and gut. Nothing says 'effective birth control' better than being super gassy, bloated and constantly cramping from not being able to poop around your new significant other, lol – can't get pregnant if you don't want to have sex, lol."

• Mor...
• December 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Okay, so I got the implant for two reasons: I was terrible at remembering to take birth control, and my menstrual cycle every month used to be awful (heavy bleeding, terrible cramps, vomiting, and headaches). I absolutely love Implanon. My monthly symptoms stopped, and I only bled three times this past year for only a few days. I can't speak highly enough of this! It stopped my mood swings caused by hormones, and this past year has been amazing. I was so worried about getting it because there are some bad reviews of this. I was worried about weight gain, mood swings, and breakouts because I used to have severe acne. I did not experience any of those symptoms."

• des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I can't stress enough how hard the last four months have been since the implant insertion. Mood swings, sadness, fear, no sex drive, sex is literally an irritable experience, no sleep, constantly tired, can't make me leave the house, thrush, constant bleeding, over a stone weight gain. I am having it removed tomorrow, I wish I could have ripped it out myself earlier. My life is so miserable that the lively, happy, active person feels like I have been imagining her. I wish someone had told me this earlier. I feel doctors and nurses are aware of these problems and yet still using and offering it. Don't do it, not sure how I will go back to my old weight and life, but God help."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I only had the Nexplanon implant for about 6 weeks, and then had it taken out. I already suffered from mild anxiety and depression, but once I got the implant, it was like a whole other world. I couldn't get out of bed and go to work, I was crying all the time, and I was borderline suicidal. I got it taken out last Friday, and I'm so glad I did. I'm not sure if the mood swings would have gone away or not if I had given it more time, but regardless, my mental health got so bad because of the mood swings that it just wasn't worth it anymore. I didn't get pregnant on Nexplanon, which is why I didn't rate it a zero, but I would strongly caution against getting the implant if you have pre-existing mental health issues. And if you recently got the implant, and you're experiencing this and wondering if you should get it taken out, do it. It's not worth the negative impact on your mental health. There are other options."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I got this implant in February of 2013. I've not had a single period since. Every once in a while, some old blood will come out, nothing heavy at all, and it lasts maybe a week. I had no pain with insertion. As far as side effects, I've only had mood swings, sometimes the insertion site itches, but not often, and usually subsides quickly after itching. No weight gain, headaches, periods, acne, and no decreased sex drive. I love this implant because I was on the pill before, and I could never remember to take it, with this, you don't have to worry about remembering anything. I would definitely recommend this."

• one...
• August 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I love the Implanon! I have been on it for almost 2 yrs. I get it out in Dec 2015. So far, I like it because I always forget to take the pill or get my shot for Depo. I decided to try it, and I love it. I did gain weight, about 60 lbs, but it's not the birth control. It was stress with home, work, and family. I won't get my period for months, then one day I get it. I would have it for like 2 weeks. I had it with everything like cramps, mood swings, and a heavy flow."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2022

For Birth Control "I got this implant a few weeks ago, and after 3 days, I experienced a serious mood swing, which then became an underlying depressed mood. For the next few weeks, my anxiety got so bad I could barely eat. My mood swings became absolutely crazy, and I became suicidal. I have had problems with anxiety in the past, but this made it a million times worse. I cry about everything, I am scared to be alone with my thoughts, I can barely recognize myself. I have been so rude to everyone around me and pushed everyone away. It has interfered with my relationships, mainly with my partner. I quickly decided that I did not want to keep it in any longer, and I got it out. I only had it in for around 3 weeks, and I felt its impact on my mental health. I hope that removing it will improve my mental health and I'll be myself soon. I forgot to say that I was constantly bleeding too, why would I want to be permanently bleeding while on birth control? I don't recommend the implant at all."

• Dis...
• May 11, 2021

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon from 2017-2020 and had no issues with it. I had my old implant removed and replaced in February 2021, and I have had a massive change in mood since it was put in. From the next day, I found myself struggling to concentrate on anything, staring into space for long periods of time, very low mood. It’s gotten progressively worse since then, I cry when I wake up and cry myself to sleep every day pretty much. I have no interest in socializing with anyone, even speaking on the phone is hard. I’ve had a lot of thoughts about harming myself, which at 29 I haven’t experienced since I was a teenager. I’ve not been able to concentrate on work or do anything, most of my days are spent struggling to get out of bed. I feel like a shell of who I was, and it’s quite scary how much my personality has changed since getting this thing in. The mood change itself is contraception enough because I feel absolutely hideous. Do not recommend, counting the days till I get this thing out."

• Dan...
• November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon for 4 years now. Here are the pros: 1. Can’t get pregnant 2. No weight gain 3. Don’t have to worry about taking a pill every day. Cons: 1. I get depressed out of NOWHERE, and I’ve never felt like this before I was on Nexplanon. I get major mood swings. I feel like I’m going crazy sometimes. 3. Long periods- I would have my period for 2-3 weeks at a time. Sometimes I would spot for 30 days. My normal cycle without Nexplanon lasts 3-5 days. 4. Bruised arm- when I got my new rod put in, my arm still looks bruised. 5. Acne- I eat clean, exercise, and drink lots of water, and still, my face breaks out. I get really big, painful pimples too. 6. Distorted thinking- I get so many negative thoughts out of nowhere, and I get into this really dark place. So, I am getting my implant taken out at the end of this month, thank goodness! I appreciate that it does prevent pregnancy, but it’s not worth costing me my mental health and relationships. I do not recommend this product."

• JSa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2020

For Birth Control "Daily spotting started about 5 months after the procedure. Some mood swings, gained some weight (but working from home due to COVID-19), casual bad headache, and acne around my chin (never had acne since 2003)."