Nexplanon implant and irregular periods
Reviewers that reported irregular periods as a side effect
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 14th Nov 24
I am 27, and I have been on some form of hormonal birth control since I turned 15. I have used Nexplanon for the last 5 years. Overall, it was a good pick for me because of my irregular schedule and my inability to remember to take something at the same time every day. An IUD was not an option for me because of some family medical history, and at the time that I was looking, I was told that I was not a candidate for Nuvaring. Nexplanon did make my periods significantly lighter, and for a while I didn’t have a period at all. Now my cycles are very irregular (anywhere from 29-44 days in between period start dates) it lasts 2-3 days, and I can survive with light and regular tampons. Before the implant, I had heavy periods that would last at least a week, and I would go through boxes of the super and super plus tampons. I usually had minimal cramping with Nexplanon, although, as I am nearing the end of this second implant, I do think my cramps are starting to become stronger. I have gained quite a bit of weight while I’ve been on it. I'm 5’6” tall, and I started out at 195 lbs in August of 2018. I was at 225 lbs By December of 2019 (16 months/30 lbs), and 250lbs by January 2022 (41 months/55 lbs). My heaviest was in November of 2023 at 271lbs (51 months/76lbs). I’m currently weighing in at 265 lbs (61 months/70lbs). I do not think that all of my weight is attributed to the implant. I think I have some other factors that have contributed to my specific scenario, but I am curious to see how my weight changes once I have this one removed. I think my plan is to go hormone-free after this implant to give my body some time to regulate itself, and see how hormone-free feels.
Gained weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Oct 24
Gained a lot of weight at the beginning 110 -> 120 and now losing a lot -> 100 would have period every day for a month long, none for months, or 5 days of blood every 2 weeks i love and hate it
Very negative mood
1 more effect
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Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 22nd Jun 24
To start, I gained about 20 pounds. My periods were sometimes non existent and then I would have a two week period, then two days of no bleeding, followed by another two week period. After a while the implant migrated in my arm and started to cause aches whenever I exercised. I could handle most side effects but the real issue was low libido. The implant made me actively avoid sex and even be a little repulsed by it. It definitely hurt my relationship. I did love the security of it and how little I had to worry about getting pregnant.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
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0 comments
Nexplanon implant common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Period like cramps
67% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported period like cramps
Headaches
67% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported headaches
Breast enlargement
53% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported breast enlargement
Vaginal discharge
50% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported vaginal discharge
Vaginal dryness
50% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported vaginal dryness