Etonogestrel and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• 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."

• Arl...
• November 21, 2013

For Birth Control "Starting Nexplanon about four months ago (7/20/13), yesterday (11/20/13) I had it removed. At first, it was alright; then, a couple of weeks in, I started being moody, which I didn't notice was the birth control. All the while having my period, which didn't stop for the whole 4 months, except days here and there. Four days ago, I felt symptoms come back even worse; experiencing mood swings, manic depression, suicidal thoughts, back pain, anxiety, heavy period. I could only take a couple of days of this before I needed it out."

• 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."

• Ale...
• April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I got this birth control thinking, great, no period for three years. Honestly, I would rather have my period every day for the rest of my life than have this thing in my arm still. At first, it seemed fine, I felt great, and then a week or so went by, and I was overthinking everything, became extremely stressed, and kept having anxiety attacks. I'll be fine for a few days at a time, but then something small happens, and I want to cry and yell at everyone. It has ruined my relationship, and I feel crazy. I would not recommend this birth control. I get it out in a little over a week. Hopefully, my mind can remain stable enough to make it till then without another crazy mood swing of depression. Also, I feel like a pregnant lady craving food constantly."

• Anonymous
• June 3, 2009

For Birth Control "I've had the Implanon for about 6 months now. The insertion hurt a little bit, but it was definitely worth it - the next 3 years of worry-free birth control. I absolutely LOVE not getting a period anymore, and I truly trust this method enough to not need the reassurance of a period. The ONLY things I do not like about Implanon are the mood swings and weight fluctuation (about 5 lbs more or less). People close to me have really noticed a change in my irritability. I wouldn't consider myself extremely bad by any means, it is tolerable, I just demand a lot more alone time than I used to. I would recommend this birth control to anyone."

• Kco...
• January 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I personally haven't had the mood swings or any of that, that doesn't automatically come with the privilege of being a woman, lol. BUT I have had recurring bacterial vaginosis every. Single. Month. With no explanation. The doctor would say maybe it's my partner giving me an imbalance. Blah blah. I've never had BV in my entire life until my second round of Nexplanon. The first time was decent... as much as you can expect. But instantly after I got my second one put in I had BV. And it took me over 2 years and a lot of money on prebiotics and doctor visits to finally research and realize I needed to take Nexplanon out. I've had it out for a month and I've had no problems since."

• Ali...
• August 18, 2017

For Birth Control "From reading the reviews, I was very skeptical about getting Nexplanon because many people seemed to have a bad experience. However, so far, I cannot fault it. I got mine inserted at the beginning of April, and there have been few problems since then. The first week, I was very emotional, and my mood swings were crazy, but that settled down pretty quickly. My periods have been regular, but they last longer than they used to, which is a small price to pay. At first, my period lasted two weeks, but now it lasts only one. I feel happy and healthy, just as before. I was very worried about the reviews that talked about feeling down and a lowered sex drive, but fortunately, this hasn't been the case with me. Everybody definitely reacts differently."

• Mad...
• September 18, 2017

For Birth Control "Rating this a 9 because I spotted for a month after insertion. I have my period every other month with the same flow as before. No weight gain, acne, or mood swings. Just had my first bar removed and another put in. Insertion and removal are easy. The area is numbed with local anesthesia. Every woman is different, and it may take some trial and error to find a birth control that works for you! I chose this BC because I was sick of having to worry about the pill. Plus, Nexplanon is practically 100% effective! Don't be scared of all the negative reviews. Most people only write reviews when they are displeased!"

• Qui...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2019

For Birth Control "My rating is a 4/10 because I did not get pregnant. It's extremely effective, and like some other women said, it worked great for the first few months. During the first 3 months, I had no period, and I was completely fine with no side effects. Then, after 3 months, I began having month-long periods, getting anxiety, panic attacks, and bad mood swings. Couldn't even smoke weed anymore because of the overwhelming anxiety. It got so bad, I got to such a dark place in my head I just felt like it was ruining my life. Got it properly removed at the doctor's 5 months after insertion. Started feeling better just knowing this stuff was out of me and felt back to normal within a week. Yes, you will not get pregnant, but you might turn into a crazy lady. I prefer the pill."

• Jan...
• October 24, 2018

For Birth Control "I've had the implant for almost 2 years and bled for almost 2 months to begin. Each month following, I would have heavy bleeding once or twice a month, irregular periods, long periods. Once, I was bleeding very heavily for about 4 weeks and had to go to the hospital as I felt like I was slowly dying from blood loss. I used to be on the pill, which at the time I didn't realize how crazy it made me until after I stopped, and now realize the Implanon is the reason I have been depressed, unhappy, anxious, and fatigued. I'm getting this out next week and planning to use Natural Cycles for a while to rid my body of excess hormones. My friend had a nerve wrap around her Implanon, which caused numbness down her whole arm. Other friends have experienced mood changes and generally not feeling themselves. One friend had this in after having a baby, and to my knowledge has had no issues with it, so it really does depend on the person."

• Lau...
• January 12, 2013

For Birth Control "Your body will either love or hate the Implanon. I had the Implanon for one and a half years, and for me, it was bad. I gained 5 kg and would go through these cycles - two weeks on, two weeks off - of non-stop bleeding, mood swings that nearly altered my personality, and a huge increase in anxiety. I actually thought I was mentally unwell, and my doctor was so reluctant to take it out, over and over again convincing me to keep it in. But then I insisted on switching to Yaz, which worked beautifully with my body - I am myself again, losing weight was easier (I'm back to my usual weight), and my cycle is back to normal."

• Cou...
• June 23, 2014

For Birth Control "Implanon is awesome. I've had mine in for over 2 years now and have never had a problem with it. The first two months were tricky, my period lasted for about 3 weeks, then just spotted and then stopped completely. I haven't gotten it since. I also don't get period pain or the mood swings. It's awesome."

• Rld...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I love Implanon. I went to my doctor to complain about my birth control pills (different kinds for 6 years) that caused mood swings, breakouts, etc. She suggested Implanon, and in 20 minutes I walked out with it! It does not hurt. It looks intimidating, but they numb your arm and afterwards it feels like a normal bruise. I have had it for 6 months now. I have no period and no side effects! No mood swings, no breakthrough bleeding, no breakouts, it's amazing."

• MIa...
• March 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my first implant when I was 17. The first 3 years were great. I never had another period, no other side effects. I got it replaced when I was 20, about a year ago now. About 8 months into the new implant, I transformed into a completely different person. EXTREME anxiety, zero motivation to do ANYTHING, and CRAZY emotional all the time. I have been picking fights with my husband constantly, as I am extremely irritable and angry all the time too, which makes me cry. (I have never been an emotional person.) I will snap for no reason and can feel the anger inside me to where I could probably punch a puppy and feel no remorse. I can't focus, I am constantly fatigued and sad. I skip my classes just because I can't manage to pull myself out of bed. I called my doctor today, demanding they take it out today or else I would cut it out myself (yes, it's that bad, I swear I feel like I'm losing my mind). I am hoping after it's removed that maybe I'll start to feel like a normal person again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve had the worst experience on this birth control, and I’ve decided on having it removed ASAP! At the beginning, I didn’t notice anything unusual as I was only 2 months postpartum, but now, after having it for 7 months, my moods are all over the place, I feel like a crazy person at times. I have to wear a pad now every day, going on 2 months. Noticed a change in vaginal odor (when I wasn’t bleeding). I feel lightheaded at times and weak. My sex drive is nonexistent, but more so now since I’m always on a period, I don’t even want to be bothered."

• Bos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 27, 2019

For Birth Control "DON’T USE NEXPLANON. I got it on June 23rd, 2017. I will get it removed on May 8th, 2019. IDK why I waited this long. I got the BC (birth control) because I have always had really bad cramps. I would miss school when I was younger. The BC is terrible. I have mood swings, I am extremely angry, I am depressed, and I have anxiety. Almost every day I wake up, I don’t want to even wake up. I cry every day. I’m easily overwhelmed and sensitive. I’m so mean to my boyfriend. I don’t like cuddling after sex. I don’t like to be touched, but when I’m away from him, I’m constantly telling him I miss him and want to be kissed all over, but all of that changes when I actually get with him. I push people away, then complain I’m lonely. Whenever I’m mean to someone in my family, I don’t feel bad until after I’ve left them. I beat myself up for being so mean to them, and then I start crying. My boyfriend is probably more excited than I am to get this BC out, lol."

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2016

For Birth Control "Personally, I love this birth control method, and I even have recommended Implanon to several of my friends. Insertion didn't hurt much, although, I do have a very high pain tolerance. The days following insertion were the worst, pain-wise, but it wasn't unbearable. I did experience nausea and dizziness in the first couple of weeks as my body adjusted to the hormones. I've actually lost weight, and I haven't had a period or even a single pimple since insertion. The only serious side effects were emotional lability (probably the most concerning), rapid mood swings, and some slight depression, but honestly? Worth it. It's a hassle-free birth control method, and I absolutely love the peace of mind it gives me."

• Scr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2023

For Birth Control "I gained 23 pounds in less than 3 or 4 months. I developed a complex ovarian cyst that burst and sent me to the ER. I am experiencing cystic acne galore, horrible mood swings, and loss of energy. Do not recommend."

• mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2016

For Birth Control "2 months after I had my baby, I decided to get the Implanon. Worst mistake EVER. I had no sex drive at all, and my mood swings were so bad that my husband and I almost broke up over me being in such a bad mood all the time. I also got very depressed. I knew it wasn't the baby blues because I was so happy with my new daughter. Right after I took it off, I started feeling like myself again."

• a s...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon inserted a month ago, and overall the first month has been fine. My period started the same day it usually starts. Normally, my period cramps are unbearable, so I wanted to get Nexplanon to see if it would help. When I received my period this month, it was still as heavy and lasted for a day longer, but I didn't have any cramps. If you're looking into Nexplanon, do not let all of the negative reviews scare you, just do it and see because no matter what everyone else says... everyone reacts differently. I rated this birth control a nine because I have experienced some crazy mood changes, but it was only for the first two weeks! Don't give up if you're angry for the first two weeks, just go with it, it will get better! :)"

• TCI...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Nexplanon = the worst mistake of my life. I had it inserted in July 2014, removed in April 2015, and I'm still dealing with the side effects today - I'm now being treated for painful cysts and debilitating cramps, and I'm convinced this drug caused them. Side effects included: prolonged/heavy periods (lasting 3-4 weeks), anemia (due to periods), recurrent yeast infections (due to periods), painful vaginal fissures (due to yeast infections), lack of sex drive, constant bloating, rapid weight gain, increased appetite, acne, irritability, extreme mood swings, anxiety, and depression (honestly, who wouldn't be depressed). If you are at all sensitive to hormonal birth control, I do not recommend this drug."

• aba...
• March 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I love Nexplanon. I got it in November of 2013. They made sure to numb my arm, so insertion was painless. My arm was sore for about a day, but no worse than a harsh workout. I did have mood swings in the first few weeks, but nothing out of control. Then I had my period for about 4 weeks, which I'm told is normal. Since then, I've only had a few days of spotting and nothing else. I'm on a nutritionist-guided weight loss plan and have managed to lose 40 lbs. So far, while on Nexplanon, so no problems with weight gain. I get the occasional acne here and there, but again, nothing too bad. Overall, I rate Nexplanon high, and it's so great to no longer have the responsibility of taking a pill every day."

• Kri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 19, 2014

For Birth Control "My experience was very mixed. I have to say it was effective in preventing pregnancy and not having to worry about taking a pill was wonderful. However, I spent one month on my period and sometimes one month off, usually 2-3 weeks off. That's really effective in preventing pregnancy when you're constantly on your period. Oh, and the mood swings? Terrible. I couldn't even stand to be around myself. It also killed my sex drive and made me tired all the time. Just a warning to potential users. It's not all peachy and period-free! Two months post-removal, I'm finally starting to feel like myself again."

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2010

For Birth Control "I'm one of the 5% that experience all the VERY bad side effects that no one mentioned when I got the implant. I used it for 8 months after the birth of my son. It was removed 6 months ago, and now I'm having to see an endocrinologist due to the continuing hormone imbalance Implanon caused. I lost hair, gained 50 pounds, acne, facial hair, mood swings, fatigue, slept most of the time, no libido, just plain MISERABLE. Not to mention I missed out on enjoying my son's 1st year of life."