Etonogestrel and Weight Gain: 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."

• Lex...
• May 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I was nervous about getting the Nexplanon due to the reviews on this site. I was worried about mental illness, weight gain, and acne. About a year ago, I spoke with my doctor and decided to give it a try. The process was painless, a small needle prick, but I did have some extreme bruising during the healing process. At first, I gained a little weight and had some acne, but I got into working out and washing my face more, and both subsided. I never once had mood swings or depression symptoms. Everyone reacts differently to each medication and method. Take into account everyone’s experiences, but make sure to speak with your doctor. I am very grateful I had the conversation with her and got the implant, one of the best decisions I have made."

• Rob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 6, 2018

For Birth Control "Well, I have had this implant since March, and it is now August. I am very impressed with this product. I did pills, shots, IUDs (don’t recommend at all), and none of those worked for me. I never remembered to take my pill (thank God I was single). Shots were too much of a hassle with the bone thing, and the IUD nearly fused with my uterus, causing me incredible amounts of pain. I have yet to run into any problems emotionally, and the constant bleeding only lasted a month until my body got used to it. My periods were horrible, but now they are only 3 days long and very light, with hardly any cramping at all! There are a lot of people who gain weight with this BC, but I have a good workout regimen, so I’m good. Not to mention, I think most people who try a product and it works well won’t make the effort to comment on it because they have nothing negative to say. Don’t let scary stories keep you from trying what looks best for you."

• 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."

• 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."

• Agu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon in after my 1st son was born. Never had a problem with it. Didn't gain weight, didn't get a period for the whole 3 years I was on it. Now that my second son was born in Jan 2015, I got it again in March 2015. Once again, I loved it. Not a period in sight yet. This is the best for me because I don't have to remember to take a pill every day. No oops babies here."

• kas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication now for 4 months, got on it before my first period after childbirth. About 2-3 weeks later, I got a period, lasted a little longer than normal but light. Haven't had a period since. Hopefully it stays this way. The only thing I have trouble with is all the weight gain, it's just stacking on me."

• Ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using Implanon for almost 5 years now, and I didn't experience any bad side effects. When I had my first one implanted in my left arm, I did spot lightly for a little while, just a few months. Then I didn't have a period at all or spotting. I love it. When my 3 years was up, I had it removed and replaced in that same arm, and still no bad side effects. No weight gain, or skin changes, or pains, and I honestly forget that it's even there."

• kcz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2014

For Birth Control "Got it on 4/11/14. 1st 2 weeks couldn't keep anything down. Doctor tested and gave anti-nausea pills, which worked. Period started the 3rd week and seemed normal. Every time boyfriend and I get intimate, I start bleeding again. I have gained 35 lbs the last 3 months and have not changed my eating habits or lifestyle. I am nauseated ALL the time and sick ALL the time. Find myself running to the bathroom a few nights a week. Feel pregnant. More irritable. Boyfriend and I have discussed things, and we both are not happy with the way it's making me feel sick all the time. Getting this thing removed next Tuesday morning!"

• 199...
• July 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm on my second Implanon, and I love it. The first one I got, I didn't have a period for the whole 3 years I had it, some weight gain but nothing extreme. No mood swings or anything like that. I got it put in because my cramps were excruciating and my periods were irregular as ever. As soon as I got the first one out, I got another put in. This one has been different than my first. I have my period every other month, almost sometimes longer than that, and they last about a week but not heavy. Still no babies though! I would absolutely recommend the Implanon! Don't have to worry about taking a pill every day or going in to get a shot. You can't even tell it's in your arm, and it doesn't hurt to get put in."

• Tro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon implanted in November of 2013. The site was initially lumpy and swollen, but now I don't feel it. For birth control, it is amazing, but that's where my benefits end. I have been bleeding every day for the past five months. I am extremely moody and have experienced a slight weight gain. It affects my sex life, and I will be removing it if the bleeding doesn't stop in two months."

• Cla...
• October 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon inserted about 5 months ago. I stayed on my birth control pill for a month after to help my body adjust, and everything was going fine. I had 2 normal periods and, up until about a month ago, everything was running smoothly. My mom and boyfriend have noticed a big change in my attitude, noting that I'm becoming more 'bitchy.' Can't say I disagree with this, as I can tell I get more annoyed and on edge about literally everything. Not only have I been having attitude issues, but my acne is out of control right now. I've been on my period for 4 weeks now, and my acne continues to get worse. I believe I've also gained about 10 pounds since I got the birth control and am having a hard time losing it. Planning on getting it removed."

• 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!!"

• Anonymous
• September 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon inserted June 30, 2014. A week or two after insertion, I had bleeding for 10-15 days, it stopped for about a month and a half, and now I'm spotting every time I'm ready to become intimate with my boyfriend or just random times. I have gained weight, and I have felt some nausea. Yes, it's very effective against pregnancy because you are constantly either spotting or bleeding unexpectedly. It's annoying, I'm getting it removed very soon. There's nothing fun about bleeding all the time. I appreciate a 4-5 day cycle now."

• Kat...
• April 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I would never recommend Implanon (the rod) as a form of contraception to anybody. I have had mine in almost for the full 3-year term. As I was on the pill and kept forgetting to take it, I needed some form of contraception, so I came across Implanon. It all sounded well and good, but the whole time it's given me nothing but grief. I have put on 10 kg, sometimes I don't have my period for 2 months, then other times it will be every week on and off heavy bleeding. I am so lethargic and never feel like going anywhere or doing anything, and I've also been diagnosed with anxiety since being on this. The headaches are constant! I CANNOT WAIT TO GET IT OUT! WOULDN'T RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY! Especially young girls!"

• Lau...
• July 28, 2016

For Birth Control "Before getting this, I religiously read the reviews, and I was terrified. Weight gain, no sex drive, depression were common things I was reading in every thread. However, I have had an amazing experience, and I just want to remind everyone that everyone has different reactions, and keep in mind that it's normal for people to post negative reviews, but people rarely post positive reviews. I went on this from the NuvaRing. I haven't gotten my period since I've had it, which is great! No weight gain (but I do work out and eat decently), and I haven't had feelings of depression. My sex drive isn't as high as it was without any birth control, but it's definitely higher than it was on the NuvaRing."

• Dag...
• July 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Implanon and then Nexplanon back to back. I had the first one 6 weeks after having my son back in 2011. With Implanon, I bled constantly for the whole 3 years. I’d have 3 weeks on, 1 week off on my “period,” and gained like 30 lbs. I got the Nexplanon inserted in Dec 2015. Within 3-4 months, I had gained 30-35 lbs. I kept it in because I was dead set on not getting pregnant, and after all, it works great on that. Over the next couple of years, I didn’t have not one period, which was great. But along with that came the 0 sex drive, headaches, acne, and continued weight gain. Overall, I’ve gained 65 lbs while on Nexplanon. No diet changes whatsoever. I finally got it removed 2 days ago, and my body is in turmoil. I’m having the worst anxiety I’ve ever experienced, and I honestly can’t wait for my hormones to even themselves out. Overall, Nexplanon does what it’s meant to do, but each person needs to decide for themselves if the side effects are worth it."

• spi...
• July 13, 2015

For Birth Control "Pros: Easy and always there. I feel more secure with this method compared to birth control pills. I also don't get periods anymore! Cons: I have had this implant since Feb 2015. It has barely been 5 months, and so far, I have gained 20 pounds! The weight gain is terrible, and I am worried that I will keep gaining weight even though I eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Sometimes the implant makes my arm very sore. About the time I would normally have a period each month, I get bloated, cramp, and get very moody, the symptoms I associate with a period, but have no bleeding or spotting. Overall, this is a good contraceptive, but if you are considering it, the weight gain is a significant side effect."

• 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."

• toq...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on the Nexplanon since 2013. It's been great these past few years, no period at all. These past 2 months, I started getting my period every other week! Nausea and tender breasts. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but I don't like the changes. I got used to not getting a period, and now every two weeks, and it lasts longer than my regular 3-day period-now almost a week. I have gained weight tremendously these past 5 years-about 50 lbs in total. I can work out and eat healthy, but it's so hard to lose weight. My hormones are out of control as well. I am just grateful that it has avoided a pregnancy but..."

• Tir...
• February 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had the implant since May 2015, and a month after I gave birth to my 4th baby, I bled for 2 months straight with spotting for the 3rd month. I've gained 40 lbs, and no matter what I do, it won't come off. I've been exercising for 2 months now and eating clean, and not even 1 lb off. I get moody, I have face and neck acne, which I have never had, not even as a teen. I'm always sluggish with no motivation for anything. I don't feel myself 50% of the time. I get nausea at night and feel dizzy like crazy. The only positive is that I'm not pregnant. Just made my appointment for it to come out. Yaaayy, can't wait to feel myself and lose this weight ASAP. So not too good for me."

• Mis...
• August 11, 2010

For Birth Control "I got my Implanon inserted in September 2009, 2 1/2 months after my son was born. Before insertion, I had a sex drive, good skin, lost all my weight from my pregnancy, and wasn't angry or impatient all the time. I didn't have a period until December that lasted 5 days. My next cycle was at the end of January and was heavy until March. I have had a period either every month for 14 days straight or every other week with 7 days of bleeding. I like the idea of no pill, but this has got to stop. My OB has put me on the pill to stop my bleeding, but I have taken the pill every day for the last 5 months. And I still have it every other week. I have bad acne, moodiness, and gained 30 pounds. My marriage is probably suffering because I have no sex drive. It's time to get it out!"

• Fis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 4, 2017

For Birth Control "When I first started using contraception, I was put on the pill, and it really messed with my emotions, plus, I'd end up forgetting to take it every day, so I tried Implanon. During the first year of insertion, it did cause my periods to become heavier, longer, and less predictable. However, after a few months, they lessened to the point where I no longer had a period anymore (huge bonus). Anyway, I'd highly recommend Implanon as a form of contraception and will continue to use it myself. Hope this helps!"

• 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."