Birth control implant and weight gaining
How our community feel birth control implant has affected their weight
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
No change
30%
Don't know
14%
12%
Out of the 43 reviews for birth control implant, 19 people (44%) reported weight gaining.
Reviewers that reported weight gaining as a side effect
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 day ago
I went from 100lbs to 140lbs in just 6 months after getting the implant, which personally was a positive. I am much calmer and little to no mood swings. My period stopped, just occasional brown spotting and light cramps. My skin and hair got a bit more dry, and my nails & hair don’t grow as fast.
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 week ago
I loved having Nexplanon. Light periods for 6 months then stopped having periods entirely. My periods didn't return for a year after I had it removed, though. No side effects other than acne & weight gain. I lost all that acne & weight as soon as it was removed.
Very positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2 weeks ago
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
Birth control implant common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Period like cramps
63% of birth control implant reviewers reported period like cramps
Headaches
63% of birth control implant reviewers reported headaches
Vaginal discharge
54% of birth control implant reviewers reported vaginal discharge
Vaginal dryness
47% of birth control implant reviewers reported vaginal dryness
Breast enlargement
47% of birth control implant reviewers reported breast enlargement