Leslie Carol Botha: Had an email from my long-time colleague and fellow menstrual health advocate, Renate Klein from Australia the other night asking me if I heard any news about girls committing suicide while on Implanon. [Sorry Merck & Co. if this is giving Implanon and you company a bad rap - but I have been repeatedly giving you a bad rap for pushing the Gardasil HPV vaccine on unsuspecting girls for years - so get over it. Oh, and one more think I thing pushing this implant on innocent girls who are too young to advocate condom use for themselves to prevent STD’s and then stand on the the other side of the fence and push an STD vaccine is unethical and immoral.]
I digress… back to my story. I did some quick research knowing how many women are currently struggling with other forms of synthetic birth control including Depo, birth control pills, IUD’s and the patch. Found a web site with hundreds of comments from girls and their mothers with complaints about Implanon. And one mother even said ‘one of these days a girl is going to commit suicide on this device.’
That is more blood on your hands Merck.
Renate pointed me to this article that she wrote and published in 2008. The link to the comments of girls having problems with Implanon are below.
Implanon - just slip it in?
Science Alert
by RENATE KLEIN
WEDNESDAY, 21 MAY 2008
Over the past weeks Implanon, the three-year contraceptive implant, has been in the media spotlight. It was reported that 12-year old Aboriginal girls were “temporarily sterilised” with Implanon in a number of Queensland and Northern Territory remote communities (see, for instance, Tim Dick in The Sydney Morning Herald, April 16, 2008).
This issue raises serious questions about health professionals aiding and abetting sex under the legal age of 16. It also reminds us that the law is often not enforced and males who have sex with underage girls get away without prosecution. However, other than reporting that some of these young girls were found with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Implanon itself was not queried for its medical problems.
As Implanon is gaining widespread currency as the new “cool” contraceptive for young women everywhere in Australia, it warrants a closer look at what it is and what it does.
Implanon is a second generation progesterone-like contraceptive implant. Its ingredient Etonogestrel is very similar to the Depot progesterone in Depo Provera and Levonorgestrel in the discredited Norplant (which caused blindness in women and was taken off the US market in 2002 but is now making its comeback as Norplant-II in Europe).
Implanon consists of a 40mm single polymer rod that is injected under the skin in a girl’s/woman’s upper arm where it can be felt. It can migrate and may be hard to find if she wants to have the rod removed before its three-year effectiveness has run out. Health providers need to be instructed in both implantation and removal.
Implanon was approved in Australia in 2001 and has since become one of the most favoured contraceptive options by reproductive choice groups. In 45 years on: What now in Contraceptives?, a widely-distributed free booklet available in GP surgeries published in 2007 by the National Council of Women in Australia, Implanon is listed as the number one non-daily method.
Its advantages are described as:
- convenience - not having to remember to take anything;
- long duration of use;
- reliability; and
- fertility returns quickly upon removal of implant.
All points that may especially appeal to young girls and women who have grown up with the “one stop-quick-fix-no-bother” approach to life.
Indeed, featured in the booklet as “Being a busy girl …”, is Biana Dye, presenter of Nova radio, a station for the young. She is excited about Implanon: “What a cool concept not having to worry about contraception for three years.”
The only disadvantage the booklet includes is that the “menstrual cycle is altered and some women have irregular periods.”
Throughout the booklet, Implanon is then repeatedly mentioned as the latest exciting contraceptive choice. Unfortunately, underplaying risk and adverse effects does no service to girls and women. In June 2003, the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) mentioned in theirAdverse Drug Reactions Bulletin that they had received 130 adverse reaction reports, 37 of which related to prolonged bleeding between two and 26 weeks. (33 of the 37 women had their implant removed.) Other well known adverse effects, listed by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration who only approved Implanon in July 2006) include “increased or decreased bleeding frequency including amenorrhea (no periods), headaches, acne and emotional lability [mood swings].”
The problems don’t stop there. As with the three-month injection Depo Provera (also still widely administered to girls and women of all ethnicities) there is the serious problem of potential bone mineral density (BMD) loss. Because Implanon has only been on the market since 1998 (in Europe), it will be years before Implanon users will know whether the oestrogen decreasing mechanism of this synthetic progestin will significantly reduce BMD.
Read the 392 comments about Implanon, anxiety and depression.
Can the contraceptive implant implanon cause anxiety and depression?
Montana Paxton says
Hello, I had the nexplanon for 7 months, Dre press ion started after 2 months and anxiety and 6, then panic attacks after the 7th month. I had the nexplanon removed a week after my first attack which is now 4 months ago, I still suffer from depression, anxiety & panic attacks. Mainly around my period. I don’t know what to do, I don’t trust my dr and don’t know where to even begin looking for a new one. I’m 25 years old and have never felt this way in my whole life.
Hello, Montana. Nexplanon is a progestin birth control method. Suppresses your natural production of progesterone.
All of your symptoms are due to excess and unchecked estrogen. Not unusual. And yes, sad that most women come to distrust their doctors because the are no longer medical professional but Pharma reps. Stdart researching natural progesterone benefits. You can buy in your health food store. Symptoms should diminish is a month or so.
If they do not you may need to see an endocrinologist or naturopath.
But, I seriously think you can pop out with progesterone supplementation.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Charli says
I’ve had my implant in for a year. No complaints EXCEPT that coincidentally, my anxiety has been worse.
Could the two be linked?
Yes. And will only get worse. Due to too much estrogen since your progesterone is being suppressed.
Consider your anxiety a side effect and find another method of birth control.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Ry says
Hi L,
I have been on the birth control nexplanon for three years now. I got it when I was 16 and now I am 18. The first 2 years of it was just fine and I didn’t experience any mood changes but just last year I have began to have REALLY bad anxiety and have been feeling really sad. I used to be so happy and outgoing all of the time and lately I haven’t been feeling like myself at all. I’ve also haven’t had my period while on it. I scheduled to get it removed this Monday and I am beyond happy to get this thing out of my body, I just want to feel like myself again. I was curious to when these hormones will be out of my system? When will I start feeling good again? Thank you.
Hi, Ry. Smart move on getting the Nexplanon out. The contraceptive suppresses progesterone so you have too much unchecked estrogen in your system. Estrogen and progesterone need to be in ratio with each other. It is hard to say how long it will take for the chemicals to come out of your system. In some cases it may be up to 18 months. The best way to know is to start tracking your cycle. And of course, while you are off the Nexplanon, you need to use another form of birth control (condoms) to prevent pregnancy. You should be using condoms anyway with any form of hormonal contraception to prevent STDs. Which always make me wonder why women are taking hormonal birth control.
Anyway - the best way to alleviate a long withdrawal is to get a natural progesterone cream and apply as directed. This should stimulate your progesterone production and the feelings of anxiety etc. should diminish.
Stay in touch.
Leslie
Pam says
Hi did your anxiety stop after having the implant taken out?
Danielle Marie Brooke says
Hi my name is Danielle
This is the third implanon implant I have had. It had worked well for me with the major side effect being amenorrhea. Since having this implant inserted I have noticed drastic changes in my mood, I was having problems at work so chalked it down to that. I quit that job and am still battling anxiety and depression which is now at it’s worst I feel a wreck. Have made an appointment to get it removed next week. I just got married last year should not be feeling like this. I am shocked to hear so many stories of women battling this like me. My implant is the implanon NXT Etonogestrel 68mg. Has there been changes in the production of this implant? Have not felt like this on the other implants.
Hi, Danielle - Thanks for reaching out. I did a quick search on the implant you mentioned in your comment and it appears it just came on he market in 2015. So chances are it is a new type of progestin. Either way you are having an adverse reaction and you need to be off of it. Am sorry this happened to you during your first year of marriage.
BTW amenorrhea is not a side affect of hormonal contraception. They are designed to suppress menstruation and replace it with a chemically induced bleed - which is not menstruation at all. Someone do not even have a chemical bleed on this type of contraception, and I think this is what you meant.
If you would like more information on what the implant is doing to your body and how you can recover, I would be glad to offer my services. Please go to the homepage on my blog and fill out the the calendar. There is a lot more you need to know especially if you are planning on a pregnancy in the future.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Pam says
Hi did your anxiety and depression go away after you had the implant taken out ?
For most women the depression and anxiety lessened noticeably.
You may also want to consider natural progesterone.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Blint says
I am so relieved to go through these comments and realise that l did the right thing.this is my story, in 2014 July l got my jadelle inserted but due to mood swings.acne outbreak.excessive weight gain l disliked it.however the thing that drove me to removal in 2015 Feb 2015 were the constant vaginal infections.sores n pimples or just inflammation down there..l had never had these before….so l got it removed..l got screened for std n sti s about 5 times in different centres and all negative..one nurse then told me that it was hormonal imbalance.l still have these every month just before my period n disappearing right after.please please help me.
I’m desperate!did this monster BC ruin my whole life
Hi, Blint - I am so glad you reached out and that other women’s comments were a source of inspiration and solace for you. Jadelle is similar to Implanon - as you can see. “Jadelle® (levonorgestrel implants unavailable in us) implants are a progestin-only product and do not contain estrogen.”
Progestin only birth control can cause serious side effects in many - if not thousands - of women. Progestin is a synthetic hormone that suppresses the body’s natural production of progesterone - leaving estrogen unchecked. My suggestion would be to try natural progesterone cream to see if that jump starts your progesterone production and eases some of the estrogen dominance issue including mood swings, acne and weight gain and vaginal sores and inflammation.
If you would like more information - I am available for a consult.
Please visit holyhormones.com and select a consultation date and time in the right hand column.
We can do a Skype call - since I believe you are outside of the US.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Blint says
Thank you so much!!!will update you on my progress with this.
Compliments of the new season !!
Ellie says
I stumbled upon this article and it has explained so much!
Hot flushes, anxiety, depression, constant bleeding, mood swings, joint pain, vision deterioration. I’ve had blood tests, ecgs, the works. I’m convinced it is the implant the timeline is too coincidental.
Thankyou for the info!
Samantha says
Hi,
I had the implant in for 6 years (2) and only had continuous bleeding. I took it out and had 2 children and got it out back in again. Since then I’ve got emotional issues, headaches, anxiety, panic attacks etc. I’m now on sertraline which isn’t helping because I don’t believe this is actually caused by anxiety. My husband just got a vasectomy so I can now take the bar out and I hope my mind goes back to normal. I’m wondering if it’s possible that this is the implants work and why it never happened the first 2 times I had it.
Thank you
Hi, there Samantha - first of all the longer you have the implant - the greater the chances of side effects. Combine that with two children and your chances increase even more. The implant contains a synthetic progesterone called progestin which suppresses your natural production of progesterone. Lack of progesterone will cause an higher estrogen ration - also called estrogen dominance. Too much estrogen may cause anxiety. I would have your progesterone levels checked. And you may even want to look into natural progesterone cream to stimulate your production of progesterone. Estrogen will build up over time especially since we are so exposed to it in our environment. And with the suppression of progesterone - you will feel the effects even more. In addition, during pregnancy your progesterone levels increase ten-fold. Post-pregnancy they drop to “normal” levels. And then you had the implant inserted and your no longer produced progesterone.
I hope this helps.
Stay in touch.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Tiff says
I’m tiff i got my nexplanon out october 2017 and ive been dealing with bad panic attacks and hot flashes and and stomach cramps i can’t eat in the morning being around too many people makes me nervous my mood changes fast when i walk or sit down i feel off balanced and i don’t know what to do? I’m more mean i was never like this.
Hi, Tiff - sorry for the late response. Please try natural progesterone cream and see if that does not help with you mood. Nexplanon contains a synthetic version of our normal hormone - progesterone and actually suppresses production of this vital “fee-good” hormone. It takes awhile after coming off the hormone to for natural production to begin again. I often suggest the women try a natural progesterone cream - called Wild Yam - available at the health food store to stimulate production. It will help with all of the above symptoms.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Jennifer says
Hi Leslie,
After getting the implant inserted two weeks ago I started experiencing many of the symptoms discussed here. I’m a wreck at the moment. I had it removed yesterday. I’m just wondering if you know how long it should take to feel normal again?
Hello, Jennifer - I am glad you reached out. And am very glad you recognized you had an adverse reaction to the implant. Now, that it is removed, I would get some natural progesterone cream to help stimulate your own production of progesterone which is what the implant suppressed. Since you were only on it a couple of weeks… you should be feeling better within a month. And the progesterone should help.
Remember to use protection when having sex. You do not know when you are going to start ovulating again.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Tanya says
Hello
My daughter has had an adverse reaction as well to her implant- Jadelle as marketed in our country.
Mood swings, self harming, crying constantly, suicidal tendencies, and generally not coping with life emotionally. I KNOW THE IMPLANT IS TO BLAME! She never had any issues with her mental health before being implanted with this awful thing. We got it out a week ago but our doctor has now prescribed her the pill Ava which is a combination pill. I had hoped this may even her out as it contains two hormones. But I’m not sure if this was the correct way to proceed. Am I doing the right thing as she’s been all over the place again in the last few nights? Nights are the worst. We called the Police tonight we were so worried about her mental health.
Please give me the best advise to best serve my daughter. I will do whatever I need to do to get her feeling better. I have requested an appointment with an endocrinologist but this probably won’t happen for a few weeks. Please help us!
Good Morning, Tanya - I am so glad you reached out. The implant is very dangerous - for a couple of reasons… one a young woman or any woman for that matter does not know how she will react to the chemical compounds in it - until it is inserted and dripping synthetic hormones into her bloodstream - and then it is too late. Secondly, the implant contains progestin a synthetic progesterone needed for so many vital functions in our body - including moods, and self-harming behaviors.
Earlier this year, another Mom emailed me on a Friday night - desperate and afraid for her daughter’s mental health and self-harming behavior. She also related this change in her personality to the implant. I sent her enough research to finally convince her daughter who denied the connection to have it removed.
Obviously, you have already made the connection. The brain is loaded with hormone receptors, high dose hormones makes everyone psychotic. For some reason she may not be able to tolerate them.
I am glad you had it removed. Personally, I am not a proponent of the mini-pill since it also contains progestin and many women have problems with that as well. And it sounds like she is already reacting to that. She needs to be off of that. Please consult with Dr. Michael - http://plattwelleness.com. He is a progesterone expert. Fill out his contact information with your question and he will email or call you.
In the meantime, I always suggest getting some natural progesterone cream over-the-counter from the health food store and start applying that… immediately. She should feel an immediate difference. Discontinue the pill. Give her body a chance to get rid of the synthetic hormones. Also make sure she is taking plenty of vitamin D and B’s - both are crucial for mental health. And please do see and endocrinologist.
Stay in touch.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Vanessa says
Hi L, today I’m feeling worse than I’ve ever felt since getting the Implanon implant, about 2 years ago. I have no direction, ambition or focus. I don’t know this person I’ve become. Overweight, aches all over especially down the left side of my body and legs, painfully bloated all the time…I’m taking it out myself as I don’t see a nurse at our free clinics doing a better job. Enough is enough and I’m never going on any hormonal contraceptives again….my eyes have been opened.
Oh Vanessa - Surely you can get a professional to help you take the Implanon out. Are you ok? Implanon is not the method of birth control for you. What you are experiencing are adverse reactions to the synthetic progesterone. Glad your eyes have been opened but now you need to be accountable for having sex. Your partner needs to be accountable as well. And if you have taken the Implanon out you need to make sure you do not have unprotected sex. Since ovulation has been suppressed by the Implanon you do not know if you will ovulate tomorrow - or in 100 days from now - and/or any day in between. So it is important to use another method of birth control every time you have sex.
Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Katie says
I have had the implant for about 7 months now. Within the past 2 months my anxiety had gotten so bad to the point of panic attacks. I’ve only had 2 but they are so severe I almost want to go to the hospital when I have them. I’ve been scared to drive or go out in public. Thinking about self harm. Things I have never thought about before. I’m going to get the implant out today praying and hoping that this is the reason for me not wanting to get out of bed.
Kate - so glad you reached out. You are having an obvious reaction to the implant and it should be taken out. I hope you moved forward with that. The implant suppressed progesterone which is so necessary for your moods and behaviors. Please read this article on the 7 Superpowers of Progesterone – by a highly respected naturopath… and you may also seek out advice from a naturopath in your area.
Try getting some natural progesterone from the health food store. It is also called Wild Yam cream and see if your symptoms abate. Apply as directed.
My suggestion is to stay away from progestin based birth control - mini pill - Depo Provera and the Mirena IUD.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Tina says
My daughter had this put in immediately after having my granddaughter she was 17 years old. She was a happy vibrant cheerleader. Since having this implant in she has had severe depression and anxiety. Today was the second time in two years she has tried to commit suicide. The doctor’s will not listen to me about my concerns. She has SO many of the side effects… Severe migraines, she is always tired, she goes from happy to an emotional wreck in less than a minute, she cries all the time. I am So scared I am going to lose my daughter because of this but because she is considered an adult I have no say. I’m at a loss
Please point your granddaughter to this web site - http://napmdd.org. There are many women who suffer from extreme hormone imbalance - it is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder - PMDD. And many experience suicidal ideation. There are many groups on FB who are dealing with women who are suffering and who reach out to each other when they are in crisis.
Implanon contains a synthetic progesterone hormone (progestin) that is causing havoc on these girls. Our body needs progesterone. PERIOD. `Not sure what your docs are thinking - but they are not helping. When a woman is pregnant her progesterone levels rise 10x’s normal levels. Then they drop post pregnancy. For some women this is like free falling off Mt. Everest. Then add the Implanon which shuts down what ever progesterone production that is left… and your daughter is on a continual free-fall.
I will talk to her. She needs immediate help. Migraines - too much estrogen - emotions lack of progesterone. Add to that the depletion of micronutrients during pregnancy. Chances are your daughter did not have enough nutrients going into the pregnancy (most of us are nutritionally depleted these days due to a lack of a good diet) and that developing fetus took ever vitamin, mineral and amino acid out of her body for the health of the body. And she is left with whatever. Which is not much.
I recommend this product immediately If you cannot get her to take it… break the damn capsule open and sprinkle on her food.
If you cannot do that - get some Himalayan salt (packed with minerals which is what the brain needs) and add to her food generously. It does not taste like table salt and it will not ruin the food. She desperately needs minerals for her emotions.
Get the implant out of her arm. I do not know what doctors are thinking. The body goes through a roller coaster with pregnancy and then add this synthetic hormone? It is dangerous and crazy. And she needs to regulate her hormones post-pregnancy. She can use a non-hormonal IUD.
Did she have the Gardasil vaccine as well? Gardasil is a known endocrine disruptor.
She has to get off the Implanon. She is having an adverse reaction.
Please email me at [email protected] and I will be glad to give you my phone number so we can talk. If you feel your daughter’s life is at risk - you do have a say - no matter what age she is. PERIOD. She is not herself. And you are her lifeline.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Kate says
Hi,
I was put on the implant 6 weeks ago. I was on the pill but despite thinking I was taking it regularly, I found myself to be pregnant. Being on the implant, i have notice serious mood changes - constant weeping, upsetting thoughts - I don’t know what to do. I have been having constant bleeding since it was taken out too and I am also on the combined pill in attempts to stop this bleeding. I want it taken out as before I got it inserted I was a happy person constantly, was never angry or upset unless for good reason. Now I seem to be angry and upset for no good reason at all. Do you know if there is any birth control that will both ensure I don’t get pregnant and stop all of these emotions? And why is it that the implant is causing all of these mood changes?
Thank you for the post as I now know what must be causing my mood changes.
Hi Kate - yes, it is the progestin (synthetic progesterone) in the implant that you are having an adverse reaction to. Many women do. I highly recommend that copper IUD vs synthetic hormones. Nothing is 100% safe for birth control - which amazes me all of these years. The reason you have constant bleeding is because your production of progesterone has been shut down. I suggest heading over to the health food store and purchasing natural progesterone cream to stimulate your progesterone production. Dr. Michael Platt has a lot of great information on this. http://plattwellness.com
You need progesterone to keep the uterine lining intact. The lack of this hormone can cause heavy bleeding.
Does not sound like you are a good candidate for progestin methods of BC. You are not alone. Also check out the information on this site http://napmdd.org
And always increase your micronutrient intake. This is crucial. Synthetic hormone deplete vital nutrients in the body.
Hope this helps,
Hormone regards,
Leslie
EVerlyn says
i inserted my implant last year and i had not had periods for one year. I started having them again in july and ever since av had periods and they only skip one week and they come again should i be worried and have the implant removed.please advice.
Hi Everlyn - The implant contains a synthetic progesterone - called progestin. It essentially shuts down your production of progesterone. However, progesterone is needed to maintain the health of the uterine lining. When there is not enough progesterone women hemorrhage- which is what is happening in your case. I would suggest that you look at other options and make sure you are not getting a form of birth control that contains progestin. The Depo Provera shot and the Mirena IUD are both progestin based. All of these forms of birth control may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
I’ve long suspected the Yasmin pill makes me depressed. My dr suggested Implanon when I refused to take Yasmin any more. I’m perfectly fine & dandy when I’m not taking any hormones & repeatedly informed him I was worried about becoming depressed again after being hormone free & happy.
Well this is week 2 of the implant in my arm & I nearly drove myself to the cliffs near the beach tonight. My mind tried to trick me, like “Oh it’ll be nice to watch the ships at night, it’s a beautiful vista”. There’s no reason to drive to a known suicide spot in the middle of the night, in the rain, after crying for 2 hours, yet my mind is trying to convince me to grab my keys & drive.
Anyway I’ll be fine. I’ll have a sleeping pill & knock myself out so I don’t risk doing anything stupid in the moment. Then tomorrow I’ll get a dr to remove it. Luckily I’m in Australia so that’s not a monumental or expensive task. I’ve also jotted all this down so I can express it adequately if there’s a problem getting someone to remove it.
Hi Gemma - thank you for sharing. And thank you for being strong enough to fend off your racing mind. Beautifully written by the way. Did you get the implant out of your arm? This is the craziest thing… birth control - once in women’s control is now in doctor’s control and is controlling our minds, moods, and behaviors. I would say that is a backlash against women right? Personally, I would stay away from any contraceptive device that I do not have control of. PERIOD. I would not want to argue with a doc about being “fine & dandy” when not on hormones and then have to go back and argue to get the damn thing out. If I had to do that - I would be driving the doc to the cliffs on the beach. PERIOD.
Please come back and let us know you are ok - and that your doc took out the device.
Hormone regards,
Leslie
Geraldine Pettit says
Worried about daughter Since having implant in January has been suffering from extreme uncontrollable mood swings Incessant weeping ,OCD ,extreme anxiety ,major panic attacks ,unexplained fears insomnia and suicidal tendencies.
Geraldine says
My daughter had implant done in January this year Since then has turned into an emotional wreck Constant uncontrollable weeping major mood swings self harming incidents Keeps asking whats wrong with her and begging for help to become normal again Suggested removing implant but she hasnt Need to know if it can exceberate feelings of anxiety low moods OCD and feelings of no control over her life and emotions I think its the implant
Hello, Geraldine - I would concur with you. It appears she may be having an adverse reaction to the implant.
Since I do not have enough information to fully understand the situation, I am including this link where you can try and find out why this adverse reaction is occurring. http://www.drugs.com/implanon.html
It might have something to do with timing and her previous form of birth control.
Please make sure she gets some medical attention for her moods, depression and suicidal tendencies until we get this sorted out.
Do you know if the implant has progestin in it - or is it estrogen based?
What is the brand name.
Maybe I can track down more information.
Please stay in touch.
Email me at [email protected]
Leslie