Nexplanon and too many periods

I got a Nexplanon inserted in my arm on December 14th 2010, and before that I used Cerazette for six months without experiencing any problems. With Cerazette I completely lost my period without any trace (I've never had cramps during my periods). I had a normal period from December 30th to January 6th, but it was rather painful. Then I had a new period which started on February 6th (about a week late after my normal menstrual cycle) and ended on February 10th. I had a new one which started five days later and lasted one week. Then I had a new period, which started at the beginning of March and lasted one week. Three days after it ended I had a new one. That period lasted six days and ended on March 9th. Today is March 12th, and a new period just started.

I have just been ill with a fever, and on Wednesday 2nd of March I was ran to the hospital because they thought I might have a blood clot in my lungs (extreme pain in ribs, coughing). Since they were busy and the morphine stopped the pain, all they did was take a blood sample and send me home. Pregnancy is not a question, since my boyfriend and I are very careful.

I am 19 years old and otherwise healthy.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I like your nickname!
It is quite common for irregular bleeding to occur initially after the insertion.  This usually sorts itself out within about 3-4 months.  At the six month mark, many women have no periods at all; some have very light periods, and some have normal monthlies. Almost everyone settles down into a tolerable pattern if they can just wait it out.
I DO recommend a pregnancy test, any time there is unusual bleeding.  Also, it is sometimes possible to regulate the periods by adding some estrogen, so if the problem persists, call your doctor!
Good luck!
Dr B