Implanon - Changing side effects

Dortilolma

I've had the Implanon for 2 years now. At first it was fine, my periods were quite settled even if they were irregular I didn't get them ver often.

About 3 months ago this changed. I now two in a row (which I don't really understand the biology of) and I seem to only be getting a weeks respite in between them.

I was wondering if any one else had anything like this and if it eventually stops to go back to how it was (maybe one every 3 to 4 months). More than anything it is annoying and I'm considering getting it taken out and just avoiding all hormonal contraceptives.

theg81der

Sorry wish I could help I did have it but I had no periods what so ever. 1 in 3 women have none but I`ve heard a friend who bleed constantly and had to have it removed.

My doctor won't prescribe Implanon to new patients anymore.
Because in her expierence most people are unhappy with it, because of excessive bleeding.
I have recently started having problems too.
I wouldn't turn my back on all hormonal contraceptives, but if it goes on for much longer. I would be looking into taking it out.

LilMrsDahamsta

I had the implanon for 2.5 years. For about the first 3 or 4 months, I had a period more than half the time; the doctor told me to wait and see what happened. It settled down to about once every 3.5 weeks after that. Then after 2 years, the periods became more and more frequent again. I was given the choice to go on the pill as well to see if the combination of the two would make it stop, but I opted to just get it out because it was coming near the end of its lifespan anyway.

Hope that helps!

LegacyUser

So it's not just me? This is driving me nuts atm! It just won't stop. I can't afford to get it taken out for a while though. Gah! Anyone know where I could get it removed for less than €150?

Dortilolma

In relation to going off hormonal contraceptive all together, one of the reasons I decided to get the implanon was because it was supposed to be a small dosage of hormones and progesterone only? (I'd been on the pill for 8 years prior.)

Would side effects be similar on progesterone only pills, I ask because I'm uncomfortable bombarding my body with high quantities of hormones.

I know alot of people who are happy on the implanon it's just frustrating that the side effects change and the bleeding is almost constant. I might go the same way as LilMrsDahamsta.

LegacyUser

Hi there, I just got the implant in today was really nervous but so far my arms not even sore just a little stingy. I had to come off the combined pill coz it gave me high blood pressure so i started on the mini-pill but since ive been on that (6months) ive had spots greasy hair and my body hair and facial hair grows quicker than normal....im keeping veet in business single-handedly!! I also havent had a period since i went on it which is great in a way but was starting to worry me. The doc said as implanon is a slow release dose of the same hormone ill prob continue to have the same side effects but a bit less. I suppose time will tell but if i end up having constant bleeding ill def be getting it out! She said ill prob have a bit of irregular bleeding for the first few months but i have heard horror stories about neverending periods and weight gain. Fingers crossed it wont be too bad coz i love the idea of not worrying about a pill for the next 3 yrs!

LegacyUser

I cant go on the pill for health reasons. I have it in 3 years now (cant afford to get it out yet, using condoms).

I was fine for ages, hardly ever got my period. But about a year and a half later I was getting my period every second week, about nine months ago I would get my period for two weeks, have a break for a week and then getting it again for another two, plus the pain was severe compared to normally.

Id suggest getting it out if you are comfortable using something else.

jildwy

Hi All,

I got the same story from my GP about Implanon. She is no longer prescribing it because of the number of patients who are coming back with problems.

LegacyUser

Im now on my 3rd implanon, started using them in 2003. The first 2 were fine, no real side effects, irregular bleeding but lived with that. Periods never disappeared as was predicted - dat was a bummer!!! But since I got the last one put in 7 months ago........its been awful. Like some of you, my periods can last 2-3 weeks, get a break for a week and back again for 2-3 weeks, and so on. Mood swings and depression are very evident, never in my life have I ever had such low feelings, and no real reason for it. I am seriously thinking of taking mine out in next couple of months. Obviously, with such heavy bleeding my iron levels are very low and I have no energy whatsoever. Anyone with some advice??? Thanks a million.

LegacyUser

I'm a year and a half into my Second Implanon. I have had no problems whatsoever with it: irregular periods for first two months and then nothing since then (yay!)

I will be getting a third when this one is up. I cannot recommend it enough.

theg81der

Just a heads up lots of docs don`t do it cause they can`t, its quite difficult to put in and take out properly. That was the reason for most of the problems, GP error - so go somewhere else, don`t let their fear put you off.

I personally think its great once it settles down as a form of birth control but ,with me, I turned into some kind of monster quite likely to kill or eat people with little provocation, so mood related issues which I have with every birth control, so there a no for me altogether.

LegacyUser

i got it in in september 2010 ever since then im very anxious worried iv never felt like that before its worring me because im having palpatations for no reason but when i was getting it in my doctor said i hope u dont come to me in a few months to get it out and thats the only thing stopping me but im soo tired of feeling this way its putting me down any suggestions

Monife

I have had the implanon for almost 3 years now. I went to my doc with the idea of getting the injection and she refused to prescribe it to me as it can cause a huge amount of weight gain (already heavy) and depression among other things as it is such a high dose of hormones.

At first my periods were irregular, every few months. They kind of evened out in year 2 although I do get the odd time where I get my period then 2 weeks later it arrives again. In my opinion, it is not much to put up with for the sense of 3 year security, and as long as u dont have any other negative side effects. Its a low dose, so shouldnt cause many side effects. My friend got it soon after me and she had her period for a full 28 days once, and then a few more longer ones but after a while it evened out.

I am getting mine taken out in 2 weeks and a new one put in the same day.

sam34

kimsheridan26@yahoo.com wrote: »

i got it in in september 2010 ever since then im very anxious worried iv never felt like that before its worring me because im having palpatations for no reason but when i was getting it in my doctor said i hope u dont come to me in a few months to get it out and thats the only thing stopping me but im soo tired of feeling this way its putting me down any suggestions

if you have new symptoms of any description you should see your doc as they may or may not be related to the implanon.

secondly, I'd imagine the doc meant that as a throwaway remark to say she hopes you tolerate it and don't get side effects- for your sake. so don't let that comment put you off going back if you've got problems.

Azureus

I've had the implanon for nearly three years now after my mam reccomended it actually. The two of us love it, she is on her third one and Im getting mine replaced shortly. The unpredictability of periods is irritating, and I get occasional bouts of mood swings but nothing drastic that I cant manage. I love the freedom it gives you-in a long term relationship and not having to worry about condoms etc is fantastic.

Ive recomended it to tonnes of people, a few went for it (most were put off by the thought if having no periods-strange for me because I consider that a massive plus!) but every one of them got it taken out after 6 months or under. I think it suits some people, but not most by the looks of things so it varies so much from person to person as anything hormonal would I suppose.

Another thing is my GP wouldnt give it to me as he wasnt comfortable inserting it, so I had to go to an external doctor for it. Be careful who is doing it for you, as research shows that most of the problems with Implanon are down to incorrect insertion.

LegacyUser

hey all,
looking for some advice. I got the implanon bar in just 3 weeks ago or so and since my health has deteriorated drastically. I haven't yet had my period since having it in cause it isn't due so no problems to report there.
What I'm wondering really is whether or not anyone has experienced any of the symptoms I have such as abdomenal pain, extremely visable veins all over arm that I have it in spreading to the chest and shoulders, headaches, sore throat, sore eyes and depression/anxiety.

I recently got tested positive for chlamydia and referred to the GUM clinic where I went yesterday, I got told my bloods wouldn't be back for 3 weeks and I'm paranoid as hell that I have HIV. I'm wondering if my symptoms could be cause of the implanon rather than something more extreme (HIV). My joints are very sore too, fingers, eblows, feet and knees.

I'm crying like a maniac and am a moody b***h to my family which I hate!! Having to wait 3 weeks for my blood results is killing me in itself.

Any comments/ideas you guys have would be appreciated.