Etonogestrel and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• Sed...
• August 31, 2015

For Birth Control "Nexplanon was the worst decision I ever made. I got it in October, bled for 6 months straight. Got it taken out in April. Killed my sex drive. Gained 20 pounds, which I can't get rid of. I was extremely emotional and depressed. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone. It was the worst thing I've ever done to myself."

• 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."

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2018

For Birth Control "As I'm sitting here writing this, I have the Implanon in and trying to figure out what's wrong with me as I'm crying reading these reviews. This birth control, as far as not getting pregnant, it works. But I used to be happy, energetic, loved going and doing all the time. And now it's like I don't even know who I am anymore. I'm lost, weak, and just feel like dying, laying down and never waking up again. All it has done for me is make me have heavy bleeding, mood swings, depression. I don't recommend this to anyone."

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

For Birth Control "I have had the implant for 4 months now. I have my period every month right on time, but it is much lighter and there is no cramping. My doctor let me know that the implant is even safer than getting your tubes tied, and you should not gain any weight from using this birth control. She told me the only thing people complain about is their period because it can come whenever or not at all. I haven't experienced any weight gain or mood swings like I did on the pill. My sex drive is healthy as well. I recommend this birth control!"

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon for 2 and a half years now. I can't wait to get it out, and I will never get it again. The main reason is I have gained a LOT of weight with this, and also I feel it is the cause of my acne/mood swings. My periods have now stopped completely, besides the odd month of spotting. Spotting that may last about 2 weeks, then stop for one week, then come back for another week. It definitely does a great job as acting as a contraceptive. Handy for people who don't want to take the pill every day."

• Tm0...
• June 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I had it implanted in October of 2013. I didn't have a period at all for the first year, and then the week of the one-year mark, I got one. Totally normal, about 5 days, just like my periods before getting pregnant. From then (Oct 2014 to now, June of 2015), I've had a period about every 3-4 months. They are totally normal or very light. That part has been GREAT! The negative side effects I've seen have been some breakouts on my face, mild mood swings, and irritability. But it hasn't ever gotten bad enough to make me want to get it removed. I have sex regularly, and it has done its job. No babies. And I also started losing weight after being on it. I would say this is a great choice if you don't want to worry about taking a pill every day!"

• Gsa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I got this birth control twice, and let me tell you... SWITCH YOUR BIRTH CONTROL AFTER THE FIRST TIME. First time was in 2012-2015; first time experience was great, no period, no cramps, weight gain, or weird pains, I couldn't even feel it. I developed horrible acne, but I got it under control, and I got crazy off-the-wall mood swings that I didn't realize I developed. 100% effective with me, times where I should have gotten pregnant, it never happened, not even a scare. Second time has been absolutely horrible. Mood swings went crazy, I got depression and anger issues, irregular periods that would come and go whenever it pleased, shortest one lasted about a week and a half. Needless to say, I got it removed, not even a year into it."

• yos...
• October 19, 2015

For Birth Control "So I got this thing in June 2015, and the first month was completely normal. Before I got the insertion, I would get my period maybe three times a year, randomly and light too. After the first month, I got my period, and it hasn't stopped. It chills out for a bit, but as soon as you have sex, bam, instant period again. It's extremely frustrating. Not the kind of birth control I thought. My hair has never shed more in my life, I'm short-tempered and emotional, which isn't really normal for me. I have no sex drive, either, at all. So not only can I not have sex, I don't really want to do anything else. This little 1-inch pinch is Satan, and I recommend this to no one because you'll turn into a bleeding crazy bitch for a couple of months if you do."

• Ked...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted in May 2013 and still have it in now (January 2015). There have been positives and negatives. Positives: I have not had a period since the insertion, I did not get pregnant, my arm was bruised for a day. Negatives: I have no sex drive, have gained 35 pounds (rapidly) since the implant, I have slight mood swings and have been short-tempered since starting this birth control method. I have been on a strict diet for the last six months to lose weight and cannot shed a pound. My Implanon days are numbered."

• Luc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 28, 2024

For Birth Control "I was asking for a hysterectomy due to pain, a week a month in bed. My doctor asked me to try this first. I did 5 yrs ago. Very emotional for 3-5 months, but... zero periods, zero acne, zero weight gain, zero PMS, zero PAIN!"

• Ult...
• August 12, 2014

For Birth Control "Implanon does its job, but I do have really crazy mood swings, and I have gained 10 pounds since I've had it in (even though I work out regularly). I have periods every other month (light flow but the worst cramps). Don't know if I can deal with it anymore. Not really used to the changes."

• Ash...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I had my Nexplanon implanted about two years ago. The implant was practically painless. My arm was very sore for two days after the implant, but I figure it's less painful than giving birth. I have had NO PERIODS since the day of the implant, no arm pain, cramps, weight loss/gain, or mood swings! I'm scheduled to have a new Nexplanon in 2015."

• Loa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for 1-2 years now. When I first got it, I started bleeding extremely heavy every single day for 7 months straight, NONSTOP. My periods then went up and down from super heavy to spotting every day. Ten months in, I started having extreme, horrible pains in my lower abdomen and stomach. I was getting very bloated and having pains so bad I had to curl up in a ball. I also have extreme pain with sex. I have to stop my partner in the middle of it and got to the point where I’m terrified to have sex. Though, I rarely have a sex drive anymore and was dry or bloody anyway. Mood swings have been up and down, affecting my relationship. I now have depression, and anxiety has become worse to the point where I am on medication and my doctor suggested a therapist. I went to the ob-gyn for the stomach pain, and she said, “it’s definitely not the birth control.” I wasn't so sure. I really do not recommend Nexplanon AT ALL. Getting removed!"

• Ash...
• January 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon put in on July 19th, 2015. I have had the Implanon in for 5 months and 23 days. I had it taken out two days ago after noticing my periods getting heavier. I have had a period every day I have been on the Implanon and bad mood swings. No weight gain, though, which is good. I would not recommend this to anyone."

• M A...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 20, and I got Nexplanon 8 months ago. The first 6 months, I bled constantly (although it was light, it was still a huge pain in the ass), but I stuck it out because my GP said it would take 4-6 months for my body to fully adjust. I've gained about 30 lbs. I have terrible mood swings, I get angry very easily, and I also have a very low sex drive, so my relationship is suffering. Since the initial 4-6 month period, I've had terrible acne, which I've never suffered from before, and I've had discharge and regular spotting. At least it has been effective, since the weight gain, low sex drive, and acne have pretty much made me never want to have sex again, but I cannot wait to get it taken out of my arm... although I hear that's the worst bit!!"

• Mak...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 3, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had this birth control for one year. I got it two months after having my daughter, and I had slight postpartum depression. However, after getting this implanted in my arm, I became a whole different person. I started to get depressed, extremely anxious for no reason, and I have had horrible mood swings. I have always said I love this birth control because of how effective it was and because I haven’t had periods. I have had my period five weeks straight now. Today I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and PTSD. The PTSD is unrelated, obviously, but the birth control hormones aren’t helping at all. I have always been happy, and I’ve always laughed at everything. I haven’t had the desire to laugh since I got this BC. I’m begging the person reading this, do NOT get this birth control. My life has been hell, and I cannot wait to get this removed."

• Lla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I wish I would've read these reviews earlier. I'm relieved to know I wasn't losing my mind and that it was this drug. It all makes sense now! I've never been so depressed in my life! I was wondering what was wrong with me and why I was losing interest in life altogether. I couldn't think, I couldn't sleep and had zero energy, mood swings... I had it removed after only 7 months due to bleeding almost incessantly for 3 straight months. I guess it makes great birth control if you can never have sex, lol. I feel like it has damaged my relationship with a very special person. I would spot all the time and think it stopped, but when it came to intercourse, it was like a full-on period. We tried several times and it kept happening. I've never been more embarrassed and mortified. It was a fairly new relationship, and this drug has taken a huge part of what should have been great about it away from me. I'm so disgusted and angry that they can even sell this."

• 05d...
• May 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Okay, so I got my birth control in July of 2013! The first week I had a cold as a side effect! After that, everything was going smooth! I got really light periods for a few months, and then it eventually went away! I weighed 127 when I got on the BC! After the first year, I was 144! And I am currently 161! This birth control has literally ruined my life! I was always very small with a fast metabolism! I play sports and work out, but the weight kept coming in! No matter how much I exercised or ate healthy! I began to notice cellulite on my stomach and legs! THIS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE BIRTH CONTROL! I can't shake the weight! My arms have increased in size! Other effects (acne, mood swings, depression, laziness)."

• mis...
• July 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I've always had irregular periods since I started at 13. I've also always had very heavy periods lasting around 5-7 days. I tried the birth control pill for 3 months about 2 years ago and wasn't able to take it regularly, so after about 9 months of being off of birth control, I was ready to try something a little more low maintenance! I had my Nexplanon inserted a year ago and was aware of the possible side effects, but I didn't expect to experience so many! Ever since I got the implant, I have had even HEAVIER periods lasting a solid 7-10 days each on average. I even had a period that lasted 21 days straight of heavy bleeding. In the last 5 months, I've had these heavy, 7-10 day periods 2-3 times a month. I've also gained nearly 20 lbs since getting it. My acne is worse, I've had mood swings, and I now have back/butt acne which I didn't have before. I just made an appointment to get the implant removed, and I'm so excited. Please be prepared to experience symptoms if you choose the Nexplanon."

• Lee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon implant for almost a year now after I switched off from the Depo Provera shot. The first several months, I was fine. No bleeding, cramps, or mood swings. But just recently, I started spotting, and I noticed my anxiety has gotten worse with it, and I can hardly sleep at night. It’s to the point where I feel like I need to go to the emergency room every day now. My chest feels like it’s vibrating, my hands sometimes get numb, I get these weird pulsating feelings all around my head. I went to the doctor and they all tell me it’s just anxiety, which I already know, and they just prescribe me pills that do absolutely nothing. I’m at the point where I want to cut this implant out of me. Hopefully when I get it out, I’ll feel back to normal again."

• Fir...
• October 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted at the beginning of September of last year (2018), a little over a year now. The only good thing I have experienced is that I haven't gotten pregnant and that I have only gotten my period about 2 or 3 times and without any menstrual cramps. I experienced spotting every day for the first month, but after that I got a period every few months, my last period being in May (it is now October). I have gained 35 pounds since getting the implant, and prior to that, I was actually losing weight without effort. It now feels impossible to lose any weight. I have terrible mood swings, worsening depression, panic and anxiety attacks, and am an emotional wreck quite often. I am very irritable, angry, and extremely fatigued. My sex drive absolutely disappeared, and my poor boyfriend has had to put up with all my moods because of this little stick in my arm! Not to mention it has caused me to have an increased heart rate, which is very dangerous. I'm planning to get it removed ASAP!"

• Hi0...
• April 9, 2015

For Birth Control "For some people, it works. Not for me, though... I've had a period ever since I got it before Christmas. It makes me extremely moody and emotional. It's now maybe working better? But not sure. I regret it, and I'm too scared to get it taken out. Even though it didn't hurt that bad to put in."