Can Implanon Rod Cause Mood Swings And Depression?

Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 Answered on

Tue, 8 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have had the implanon rod inserted for about eight months. Within this time period I have had crazy mood swings and become depressed and anxious taking it out on my partner. Could these be connected? I found I also had mood swings on levelin but am desperate to know what is causing this!? Is implanon linked to depression? What other methods of contraception could I use that won't cause this? I have had no bleeding since insertion and no mental health issues prior to contraceptive

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be related to implanon.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The mood swings and depression that you are having can be related to implanon. The mood changes differ from person to person with these contraceptives. You can get a Mirena coil inserted. It is less likely to cause such mood swings.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (32 minutes later)

I don't want to use the Mirena coil as I have heard of serious complications. In your experience have you had a lot of people develop depression through implanon and did trying various oral contraceptives help? Do you think a low dose pill/condoms would be a better option or should I leave the rod in?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mood changes can subside if left inside.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Depression can happen in 20-30% women using implanon. It can subside in next few months. You can use a low dose oral contraceptive alternately. Condoms have a high failure rate.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar