Nexplanon implant and irregular periods

The first few months after insertion I did not get my period, which was great. However it started to come back, infrequently and light at first. However within 18 months, my period was regular and heavy again. I have a lot of breakthrough bleeding and spotting with nexplanon as well. After 3 and a half years, I got a new implant inserted. This did not change my period at all. As time goes on, I think I have more spotting than I did before placing my first nexplanon. I still really like how easy it is to insert/be removed and how I can just forget about it for years at a time. I just wish it had lightened or stopped my period long term (as it had for many of my friends).

No major negative side effects (yet) the most annoying being the acne increase. The spotting doesn’t bother me, but having a period every 2-3 weeks is bothersome.

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.