Does Nexplanon cause an irregular menstrual cycle?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had Nexplanon in for six months and had a period on it for three months straight. But, I did not get period for the last three months. I had it removed before 20 days and no period still. While on it, I would throw up and even after having it removed, I puked. Since being removed, my nipples have been super hard and sore all the time. I just feel off. Could I be pregnant? Or is it just the left over birth control? Before three months, I had a pregnancy test while on birth control and it was negative. The period I had while on it was light pink, then brown and then red. It only showed when I wiped.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Nexplanon is a progesterone having implant (Etonogestrel). After insertion, the menses can be irregular or even stopped for 6 months to almost 1 year. But, if you had not gotten your period since last three months and you had regular intercourse, then you should do a urine pregnancy test first. If it is negative, then it is delayed menses due to Nexplanon. Periods become irregular because your normal hormonal cycle of your body gets disturbed due to Nexplanon (outside hormones) like drugs. And, your body takes time for recovering from this disturbance to a normal cycle. It takes time according to your body type, levels of hormone secretion in your body, tissue responses of your body and many other things. Some are known and some are not.

Nipple hardness is also due to this disturbance. Because, breast tissue and your uterus are the two major organs, which gets maximum effect due to hormones according to their levels. Other than this, the total body has effects of hormones, but not every single are appreciated or being experienced. Mood swing is also related to one of these. The bleeding for three months after Nexplanon may be because it does either more or less than what is required for your body. In both cases, you may have bleeding. But, it is more likely due to very low doses.You can take oral contraceptive pills for 1 or 2 months and then stop it to see whether periods get started regularly or not. Also, drink more water.