Etonogestrel and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cie...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had my Nexplanon for over a year now, it's very effective against not getting pregnant, and that's the best part only. I have 2 periods a month, one light, one heavy. I randomly bleed, as well as cramp horribly before I start. I've had headaches, nausea, hives, nasal sinus issues, depression, mood swings, weight gain, loss of appetite, peeling skin on my face, dandruff, a rash on my arm, constantly itching, loss of sex drive, tiredness, and the list continues."

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon fitted in May this year. From having it fitted, I think I bled for nearly 9 weeks. I have put on a stone in weight and have suffered really bad mood swings, feeling sometimes like I'm going mad. I felt tired all the time with no energy. I was really snappy with my children and my other half all the time. I am normally a really laid-back sort of person, but this changed me into a nutter."

• mpv...
• October 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I absolutely love it! I've had it for 2 years, only got my period once a few weeks after I got the Implanon, and never got a period again. No mood swings, gained a little weight, but I don't think it all has to do with the Implanon. No side effects at all. It all depends on how your body reacts to it. I was reading some reviews where they have been bleeding forever. If that would have been me, I would have removed it already."

• Kay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 21, 2023

For Birth Control "Do NOT get it!!! I got the Nexplanon inserted a year ago, and I'm getting it removed next week. It has been the worst experience, both physically and especially mentally. I gained 10 pounds and am constantly bloated, and I am someone who is a very healthy eater and regularly exercises. My skin also plummeted, and I now have painful acne. I am also bleeding CONSTANTLY!! I'll go for 3 weeks bleeding and 1 week not bleeding. Finally, my mental health has completely spiraled!! I have constant mood swings and waves of anger that have been completely ruining what are supposed to be special moments. I have zero control over my emotions and reactions, as if my brain and body are separate! I'll be telling myself I'm angry and crying over nothing, but I physically cannot get out of the terrible mood I am now somehow in. I am not myself anymore, and you are not alone if you feel this way with Nexplanon. I cannot wait to get this mood-controlling parasite of an implant out!!"

• Mon...
• January 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon about 3 months ago. I'm gonna break down my list of issues. I have been bleeding/spotting ever since then, total change in my hair texture (bad), acne which I have always had clear skin, always feeling down, weight gain, weak, and no energy whatsoever. I have done everything but the Depo Provera shot. I guess I just gotta take my chances. Wish I didn't have to take it out, but I can't deal with ALL the side effects. Hope this helps anyone."

• Hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 12, 2015

For Birth Control "So far, I love the Implanon! I read so many horror stories before getting it inserted that I was so scared. I'm 21 and have horrible periods normally. I had to stop taking the pill as I gained 8 kgs, my breasts were so tender all the time, and I was so emotional and teary. I honestly thought the Implanon would do the same to me, but so far, NO periods, NO weight gain (in fact, I've lost weight). Great sex drive, my mood is the same as always! Really happy! Don't let all the negative stories affect you, everyone's body works so differently!"

• nex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2016

For Birth Control "First off: Please, please, please have your estrogen and progesterone levels checked before starting Nexplanon. It will save you so much time and trouble. If you have low levels of progesterone (like me), this will work miracles for you. However, if you already have high levels of progesterone, this might make you irritable, give you acne, cause weight gain, etc. (these are symptoms of having high progesterone levels). I've always had migraines with aura, so my birth control selection was limited to progesterone-only along with non-hormonal options. I haven't had a migraine since starting this, my adult acne has cleared up, my depression has lessened, and I haven't had any spotting or periods! But seriously, ladies, get those hormones checked!"

• Ria...
• January 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I used Nexplanon back in 2014 after I gave birth to my daughter. It worked great the first two years, but once I hit year 3, I was bleeding nonstop. I couldn’t handle the bleeding anymore, so I got it removed. I recently had another one put in again in August 2020 and have been bleeding ever since. Maybe one or two days off every two weeks, but it’s been constant bleeding. I’ve also noticed an increase in hair loss. I’m emptying my brush every single time I brush my hair. Literally, handfuls of hair are gone. I also noticed that I have developed major anxiety. Specifically, “death” anxiety. I’ve never been paranoid of tragedies before. It keeps my mind going at all times. I’m also gaining weight little by little, and no matter what I do, I can’t seem to lose it. I’m hoping to get it removed this week so I could see a change in my overall health. After reading other people’s feedback, I’m realizing the effects of this birth control that I didn’t even think about as listed above."

• g19...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 17, 2023

For Birth Control "I am totally appalled by the lack of information regarding the side effects of this implant that is given to women before having it put in. The nurse I spoke to said nothing about negative effects besides the fact that it may interfere with my periods. It was simply made to sound like the best thing ever. Within a year, I had gained so much weight that I would be out of breath just walking down the road. After 2 years, the weight gain was so bad my GP put me on tablets for fluid retention. I didn't realize until last month, after coming across a TV show by chance about the lack of proper information provided to women regarding contraception, that the implant was to blame. After suffering from anorexia all my life, I am now obese!! And as for mood? I am in tears over everything, back on anxiety medication and antidepressants, as I have suffered from blood clots. I should not have been given it in the first place! BAN IT!"

• Hol...
• February 14, 2020

For Birth Control "Please do not get Nexplanon. I just had it removed 2 days ago, feeling a bit better. Mood swings lessened. Had severe mood swings, depression, weight gain, and I ate very little carbs. Lack of energy, troubling constant thoughts, anxiety, high blood pressure. Please do not get."

• ANI...
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon in my arm for over 2 years now, and only within the last 2 months have I come to realize that all these things I have been experiencing: lack of concentration, constantly hungry (especially for sweet things), acting like a pit bull on crack with the mood swings, breast tenderness, backache, itchy, irritable scalp, gripping pains, feeling anxious and crying for no reason, headaches, erratic periods (e.g., none for 3 months, then 2 heavy in one month, followed by spotting on and off for 3 weeks), and the worst thing for me: WEIGHT GAIN! I have put on about 2 stone and I was always good at dieting, but not this time, IT WILL NOT SHIFT! It was not until recently when my headaches got worse that I started to dig on Google, and I feel so stupid that I didn't do my research on this horrible thing! Yes, it stops you from getting pregnant, but is it worth it? Definitely NOT!"

• ROC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had the implant for about 6 months now: I LOVE IT! Nevertheless, like with any other contraceptive method, there are side effects. For me, I haven't had my period in 3 months. BUT if you do your research and speak to a doctor, you'll realize that this is perfectly normal and not harmful to your health. I haven't had any migraines, no weight gain, no pain, nothing. I am okay with not getting a period - I'm just as healthy. Remember: just because it did not work out for you, does not mean that it won't work out for others. So, do your research before, during, and after getting a contraceptive. Stay safe and give it a try; if it doesn't work, take it out. It's not the end of the world; don't just bash it. Every woman's body is DIFFERENT."

• Emm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I would just like to tell people my story of having the Implanon and the side effects I have experienced during this time. I got my first implant 7 years ago. My experiences with the implant have been awful! And this is the reason I would like to give people an idea of what it can do to your body to hopefully help people deciding whether the implant is for them or if people are experiencing symptoms like the ones I had, then it is most likely due to the implant and the doctors really don't have a clue, as I was told by my GP on several occasions, 'No, it will not be the implant that is causing this,' when in reality I knew it was. When I had it removed, it confirmed that I was right. So here is my story.. With the implant, I gained so much weight, which I have been unable to lose. I bled heavily during sex, and when I say heavily, I mean it went everywhere!! And this was on every occasion during intercourse, and when I explained to my GP, in her head, there was no way it was the implant! And this was when I was not bleeding, which wasn't very often. This really does affect your life, your sex life, and your relationships. I bled almost all the time without a break, which makes you feel so uncomfortable and self-conscious. I never had clean knickers!! I know, not nice. My hormones have been everywhere since I got the implant, also depression, anxiety, etc. Pain during intercourse was a big issue while on the implant. I had so much pain that sometimes I could not have sex with my partner. Sometimes I would not lubricate myself, which was also another symptom. GP did not help with this either, apart from offering me lubricant!! If I was not bleeding, I had dark brown discharge. Until having the implant removed, I cannot remember the last time I wore white knickers. There is so much more, but these are the main symptoms I have experienced more recently. I had my implant removed on 6/11/17, and when having it removed, I was intimidated by the nurse who was removing it, she was very rude!! Anyway, I stopped bleeding straight away. I started my period on 10/11/17, which lasted 4-5 days. I have never bled since, not even a spot!! My partner and I can finally enjoy intercourse without the worry about me bleeding or being sore. I can even wear WHITE knickers now, and they stay WHITE!!!! IT'S AMAZING!! I have never felt so happy! I was starting to doubt my body while on the implant. I thought, my body isn't normal, there's something wrong with me. At one point, I thought I had cervical cancer due to the bleeding during sex. My whole life has changed since having the implant removed, I feel so much better and back to normal, whatever normal is.. I really hope that by sharing my experience, if I can even help one person, I will be happy☺️. Thank you for reading, and if anyone would like to write to me regarding this, feel free to do so. Thank you."

• Arm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Implanon going on 3 years in September. I have been having unprotected intercourse for just as long and no babies for me. My periods are beginning to regulate, before I had it, they were sporadic. I have had no weight gain or other issues for that matter. Overall, this form of birth control is my favorite and very worth it."

• 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."

• yok...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I have a really good experience with Nexplanon. After insertion, my arm was sore for about a week, after that, I could go back to my gym and daily routine. It doesn't bother me at all. No migraines, no weight gain, no skin problems. My mood is the same, maybe even better, I'm not as moody as before. I had some irregular bleeding about a month ago, but it was very little. After a month, I don't have a period (hallelujah) and no bleeding at all. The only disadvantage I found is my libido. I noticed my sex drive changed quite significantly. I really recommend it!"

• blo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2014

For Birth Control "I chose to change from Yaz to Nexplanon because I wanted something new and easy. I had normal cycles until I started the implant. I bled for 30 days, then stopped for about a week. My ovaries hurt, my breasts hurt, I have gained about 15 pounds in 2 months, constant headaches, and absolutely no sex drive. Even cuddling and knowing what he wants next is dreadful. Do not get it. I want this out. Obviously, it does its job with no babies because you bleed too often."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for 5 months, and it's just great. No periods, no babies. My sex drive is down a little, and I've put on a few pounds, but it's worth it to have no periods. I took my last month of pills at the beginning to transition, and I think that helped - I had a very brief period one month in, but haven't seen it since."

• bab...
• April 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in August of 2014. All around it's effective. My only issues are with occasional nausea, increased appetite, weight gain, and horrible headaches. I am a little worried about the fact that I have zero libido and no desire to be intimate with my husband. I can deal with the rest, but that's a little nerve-wracking. And it's really annoying because he reminds me of it every day. Anyone else have this problem?"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 22, and I have been on since I was 21. I haven't had a period since I have been on, which is fine, but my sex drive is out the window. Haven't had sex with my boyfriend in 6 weeks, and we live together. I'm just not in the mood AT ALL. Also, I notice I have been dry, and that has never been the case. Also, a lot of weight gain, and no matter how much I exercise, it won't come off. I also feel like my feet keep growing. It's perfect for effectiveness, but it's the price you pay, so to each its own. Different bodies react in different ways, so my story may not be yours."

• No...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2023

For Birth Control "Nexplanon has ruined my life! I have spent endless days trying to figure out what the heck was wrong with me. I had an abortion in college, and a few years later, I was faced with the same decision. I refused to leave Planned Parenthood without birth control and took the easiest option, never thinking about it again. First of all, my doctor told me it would last for five years, so I literally didn't think about it during that time. Over those years, I have gained at least 50 pounds. I attributed it to getting older and poor health habits, even though my habits remained the same. When the five years were up, I went to have it replaced and randomly decided to read about it. That's when I realized that this stupid drug is the reason for my weight gain, increased anxiety, and depression, among a few other things. I freaked out and had the new implant removed within two months. Since then, I have had frequent suicidal thoughts, and I am extremely miserable."

• Anonymous
• February 14, 2015

For Birth Control "Everything is great. I've had it for about two and a half months, no bad side effects. I've gained like four pounds, but it's not the end of the world. I've also had lots of spotting, which is expected, and that should stop since I haven't had Nexplanon for very long. Besides those two things, nothing bad, and I love it."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2010

For Birth Control "I got the Implanon late 2009, now December 2010, I'm debating if I want it removed. I thought this was going to be nice. A friend of mine warned me the worst was yet to come. A few months after getting it put in, I experienced weight gain. I'm still dealing with this unexplainable fatigue, and I've acquired a thyroid issue, as well as the nonstop bleeding, almost no sex drive, and I'm only 21. I don't know how much longer I can deal with feeling a wreck, but I have not been pregnant, and that's the only thing keeping me on this birth control."