Hormonal Issues? Contemplating removal, wanting other’s insight
First and foremost, I’m sorry if this post is a bit scattered. I feel very overwhelmed and anxious about some decisions I need to make and thought maybe a Reddit post could help me by putting the thoughts into the open. Sharing experiences, thoughts and tips is very welcomed and appreciated.
It all started three and a half years ago. I got my first Nexplanon arm implant and it was great. No problems and no period. Then, towards the three year mark, I started to get irregular bleeding, excessive periods (multiple times a month) and nonstop spotting. I decided to get the implant removed and a new Nexplanon put in. This was December 2025.
Fast forward to now, it’s been nothing but a nightmare. The irregular/ excessive period situation continues, somewhat worse. For the past year I’ve had a suspicion that my hair was falling out but my hairstylist recently commented on it, confirming the suspicion :( I think the last couple of months especially the hair thinning/ loss has been especially bad.
I had to go in mediation about seven months ago for terrible acne on my face.
And my mood is unstable, I feel very depressed and sometimes suicidal, even though I know I have so much to be grateful for.
Recently (the last month) the fatigue has been so so bad. It’s hard to wake up and hard to go about my day. I’m always exhausted.
The worst is the swelling in my legs. Especially ankles and calves. It started progressing at the beginning of the year but the last two months the swelling feels painful. I don’t understand how my collarbones stick out but my legs feel big and heavy. I’ve lost weight and have a healthy lifestyle.. what’s going on?? It feels like water-retention?
I’m not sure if Nexplanon could be the culprit of this, because it’s a hormonal birth control. Could it be? I want to go off it but I’m scared that everything will become so much worse. I don’t know what to do and I feel scared.
I went to the gynecologist and she was really unhelpful. I live in a foreign country and she claimed to not even know what Nexplanon is. I have the option to get it removed at an emergency clinic. But I’m just so scared of removing it and everything becoming worse. It’s so hard now.
Has anyone had an experience like this?? And able to offer insight?? Please let me know. I’m really anxious.