UK Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

My Experience combining The Implant & Cerelle

If you've been following Lucyy Writes for quite some time you'll have probably read my experience with using contraceptive methods Cerazette and the Implant. September '15 marked one year since my second implant, it's definitely not been the same easy ride as the first. At the start of this year I decided enough was enough, it couldn't be down to the 'stress' and contacted my DR for some advice. 
My Experience Combining the Implant & Cerelle
Being the NHS, they're pushed for appointments, I was also greeted by the useless receptionist that caused me great grief at the start of my journey. With no appointments until the next month I was put down for a phone consultation a few days later. When my DR called I listed off my issues, she assumed I needed a hormone top up OR to remove the implant and try a different method. As I hate going for pill checks I decided to stay with my implant and opt for a three month 'top up' of Cerelle which from looking online seems to be a much cheaper alternative to Cerazette, the pill I'd previously been on before the implant. If she had suggested to remove it I would have, though she was insistent it was just a top up that was needed to stop the twice a month, week long periods.

How have I got on with this three month top up/trial? I haven't enjoyed taking extra 'hormones', it's indeed no fun to have twice as much going into you. BUT it was worth trying to see if this could prolong my preferred method. It's stopped the twice monthly periods. One thing on my mind is if there's anything in the flaming implant. Surely if there were it would have been doing it's job. What if I were relying on it as contraception? I suppose being on all the time is enough contraception.

Whilst doubling up I've had a lot going on, though I've felt higher anxiety, a lot more headaches and had a sea-sickness feeling. On top of that I've cried a whole lot, snapped a lot and kept urging to be sick like the old days of cerazette. This wouldn't be EVERY day, or as much as I did on cerazette but it's got to be this pill and the combination. Weight wise I dreaded having to have a new pill. With being on the implant I'm used to it and don't worry as long as I'm active and healthy. I've put weight on since being on it BUT I put weight on because whilst at the end of cerazette I was starving myself and very unhappy. I went incredibly small, with UK6's falling off of me. I still fit into UK6's-UK8's - even after doubling up. Basically I shouldn't worry myself but when you suffer with such thoughts rattling around your head it's just horrid. A week or so since finishing my three month trial? I started 10 days early according to my app (I may have clicked a date wrong somewhere recently) - though the length of period seems to be sticking to 3 days, lets hope it definitely keeps that way. As long as I don't have two week long periods again, I'll be happier.

In all honesty whilst this may have worked, I don't think I'll ever find a cure for my monthly, apart from to have it all removed. My Mum found that after years of toying with different methods that the coil was the one that worked for her. Whilst I know that I'll probably face this method one day, I just don't feel ready for it yet. I guess I'm a wimp and for now I see that as far too intrusive. I'd love to hear if you too have suffered with the Implant? Or what method works best for you? I'm sure I'll be back with another chapter to this story. Lucy xx

24 comments

  1. Sorry to hear that you've had to go through all that crap! :( If it works though I'd try and stick at it. You'll probably find that all the side effects you've mentioned will ease off with a bit of time xx

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    1. Thanks Sophie! Fingers crossed this will have done the trick. <3 x

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  2. I had problems when i went on the Implant - and I’m actually still writing a post about my experiences just so other people can read about it like you’ve done. In the end, i was given a 6 month supply of the pill to ‘balance out’ the hormones as thats what my dr said was the problem... I had my implant removed in February which was early as it wasn’t due out until august but within a month of not having any sort of ‘plastic’ hormone in my body, no pills, nothing, i felt 100x better and i’m now not actually taking anything and I’ve never felt better! It’s tough to rely on condoms but i feel normal, i feel like myself so it’s the best option for me at the moment! xxx

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    1. It's also really odd to hear those who had it around the time I had my second also struggle, I'm sure they've changed something in it. It's so annoying because I need something to control the periods, without they're SO heavy and painful. I'm glad you're feeling yourself :) xx

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  3. I loved reading your story. I suffered with the implant too. It made me feel very sick, constant headaches, weight gain etc. In the end I had to get it removed early because I couldn't stand it no more. They had trouble getting it out so they ended up having to cut my arm open quite a bit with a lot more stithches needed afterwards and now it's put me off ever having another implant x

    Dreaming of Diamonds

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    1. Thank you so much Elizabeth, I'm so happy that these posts can help others. I wish more would share their stories. I'm so sorry you had to suffer also, that can't have been nice to have had extra stitches either. <3

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  4. Thank you for posting your experiences. I have come back from the Drs today with the Cerelle pill as over the past couple of months I've have been suffering from irregular bleeds. I spent 16 years on the Depo injection and the past 2 with the implant. I'm getting married in November and I wondered if the pressure of organising the event was the reason for the bleeds as I've had nothing for 18 years. I came across you whilst googling the side effects (I'm worried about the weight gain and skin blemishes that I'm reading about!) I've taken the first tablet but I'm worried. Am I doing the right thing? It was an amazing change going from the Depo (which contains one hormone) to the implant. My figure changed (for the better up top!) and from never wanting kids, I'm now considering them. It's scary how your outlook on life changes as you swap over, what exactly are we all putting in our systems?

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    1. Hi Sharon, sorry I'm only publishing your comment until now! It's scary but I'd say trying other methods/pills as you are is the right thing to do. This could be the solution you've been wanting. I'm still off of Cerelle, I haven't had another bleed - hopefully this means I'll be back to one a month and it was much shorter! Ignore the weight gain claims, a couple girls I follow got in touch when I first started Cerelle and they'd had no issues. I just use it as an excuse to be a little healthier with my food :) I haven't had any major breakouts, the odd 'spots' I moan about aren't even noticeable to those around me. How are you getting on? Lucy x

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    2. Hi Lucy, I wanted to give you and the other girls an update. I took the Cerelle tablet for 6 days. During this really short space of time, I was surprised at the effect it had on me. The stomach cramps and the sickness feeling after 2 days were uncomfortable but I could cope with that. What I really hadn't expected was the severe mood swings that started from day 3 and by day 6 were extreme. On the whole, I'm an optimistic, out going, happy person. I don't hold grudges and apart from the odd feeling of annoyance, I have never really felt anger towards anything/anyone. By day 3, I was snapping at my partner for no reason, quiet at work, I couldn't be bothered to talk to colleagues. Day 5, we went out for a lovely meal with friends and I barely spoke, I felt exhausted and not myself at all. However, it was day 6 which scared me the most and made my mind up not to continue with the Cerelle. I had no energy (I'm normally up by 6am at the latest and this day it took me to 11am to surface), when I got up I felt so angry over everything and experienced the most intense feeling of rage that it physically hurt. I was crying and angry - over absolutely nothing. It really scared me how my attitude to life had changed in such a small space of time. The feeling of depression and anger. I decided that I was not prepared to ruin my life and my relationship with my partner. I had joked with him before starting the tablets that one of the side effects was mood swings, I'm just very grateful that he is so supportive. I don't want to put anyone off trying this combination, because for lots of women, it will be the welcome answer they are looking. I'm writing about my experience, in case anyone else thinks they are alone with these side effects. I've been off the tablets for 2 days, my energy is back to normal and I'm glad to say the happy, non angry Sharon is back! Thanks for your blog Lucy, it really helped me.

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    3. Oh gosh! Sharon I am so sorry you had to experience this! I'm glad you're back to yourself <3 Do pop back with any future updates, take care of yourself <3 x

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  5. Really glad you write these posts. They are so helpful and I am sure your story helps others too.

    Zoe
    xx

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  6. sorry to hear you've been having a shit time lucy <3 :( i hope things improve and thanks for writing these posts. they're very honest and informative.xx www.jesskadenise.com/

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    1. Thanks Jess! I'm glad they help others :)

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  7. Hello :) I've had the implant in since August this year and was constantly bleeding. I went back to the nurse who has now put me on cerelle which I've been on for 9 days and nothing has changed period wise (is this normal how long should it take to change?.)
    Since being on both I've noticed I'm over thinking things moodier than usual stressed headaches and tender and lumpy boobs (which I am now stressing over if it's something more serious) which I never do. With Christmas fast approaching I cans see getting an appointment anytime soon and I've been bleed since the 17th of November (now the 16th of December) my poor husband!!! Any advice welcome sorry I've talked to much and proberly to much information lol :)

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    1. Hi Sarah,

      Sorry to hear you're having a rough time, I keep meaning to update my journey. I'm now on cerazette teamed with the implant - still not ideal but better though I started later this month and now worried if I'll stop at all. I started last weekend, Friday and I'm still on.

      With Cerelle it took a while longer for it to take affect, whilst I was on the three month dose it was great at stopping the issues but as soon as I was off I had the trouble reappear, worser. I actually left the doctor's in tears when she refused to give me a new implant (I was even numbed, cut and bleeding before she refused), or the injection and gave me cerelle again - which I'd made clear affected my mental health and stomach. With a lot of arguing I was given Cerazette. Cerazette stopped the constant/twice monthly periods. My moods are better, mental health improved a little and my stomach doesn't feel like it's about to explode. I even had pains in my legs with cerelle which isn't a good sign, another the DR didn't care about.

      Keep pushing for an emergency appointment before Christmas, a month is too long and as my DR classed me as not normal....ironic when she doesn't actually help. Do you have a clinic you can pop to for a different pill? I'd push for a blood test for iron levels too, something I'm going to have to do. Always ask for the practice manager to complain you're being neglected, this is what we did. I'm 22 and my own Mum had to but in and call them to get me a better pill.

      This probably makes no sense what so ever but I truly hope you start to feel better soon. I'm constantly worried I'm seriously ill, whether it be a infection, hormone imbalance, cysts or worse but in reality it all started with this second implant. I've heard from various girls that the injection is a great alternative, when they didn't get on with their pills be it cerelle, cerazette and more.

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  8. Heyyy! Thank you for your reply, I got an appointment and they told me it was too early to tell with only being on it for 9 days and see how I go over Christmas!!! Well it was the worse Christmas ever..... I got a throut infection (terrified I had cancer luckily haven't been to the doctors) I had migraines dizziness my ears where unbalanced went slightly deaf oh the works... I took my self off The pill and mostly all them symptoms have gone away. But now since coming off to pill I feel sick all the time I get heartburn with foods I'm used to eating all the time and feel bloated and like I've put on 10 stone. I've cut down with my smoking cut all fuzzy drinks out my diet and started changing the way I eat. Oh and I'm still bleeding!!!!! Now 5th of jan I just want this stupid implant out trying To get round the hubby to have the snip even the no sex isn't persuading him ha ha!

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    1. Hi Sarah,

      I hope you're feeling better or have tried a new method! I haven't had a period yet on just Cerazette. I too however seem to be dizzy and ear ache. See below comments for some updates/info <3

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  9. Wow.. excellent read. I thought I was alone or if something was wrong with me. Reading your blog and everyone else's comments has put my mind at ease somewhat.
    I was on the depo for 9 years sick and tired of waiting in the walk-in clinic for hours on end I opted for something long term. The implant, just last year 8 months before my implant was due to be replaced I was having fortnightly periods. So had the implant replaced a month later which didn't resolve the issue in fact up until a couple of days ago I had experienced a period since Christmas Day so desperately went back to the clinic to see if they can help me out sadly no Dr around so ended up visiting the GP. I've been on cerelle now for a few days and it's playing with me, making me feel hormental and triggers my migraines. I don't know what's worse this or the periods and the symptoms that come with them?
    I haven't had any children so don't want to go to the coil as my friend suggested. Do I just give it a few more months and see how I get on? is there light at the end of the tunnel?

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    1. Hi Leanne,

      I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling, I'm now on Cerazette alone - which I haven't had a period since finishing Boxing Day. I still don't feel right, but thankfully the bleeding has stopped. I don't like however not having a period - I worry there's something wrong with me if I don't get one. I'm much more level headed than I was on the implant, I'm sure something changed to hear so many others struggling with similar issues. Doctor's will argue that Cerelle and Cerazette are the same - they are the same hormone HOWEVER ingredients do differ and they have much different reactions in me. I also know girls who can have Cerelle and not Cerazette but they're Mum is like myself. Cerelle is basically a third of the cost of Cerelle. Always worth fighting for. Steer them this way in an appointment if you have trouble.

      I've actually been told that the implant is the worst for managing periods - especially when you have heavy ones. The injection is also only preferred for a short period - worrying when my uncles partner had it for 10 years and they say only a couple years now. The coil is a very good option and probably my next I just worry about the fitting having never had a smear or examination before (which I'm trying to brave up for and ask for). My mum was happy on the coil & my uncle partner is settled on hers now, I also know a few girls through blogging who made the step and after a little cramping are really happy. I think we all over think about things down there when Doctors see them every day and are there to help - still doesn't make it any easier but <3

      If you aren't happy on Cerelle I'd suggest seeing them again, having experienced Cerelle and the misery and mental health issues it gave I wouldn't wish for anyone else to struggle. I felt like my clothes were going to burst and cried so much I wouldn't leave the house. I cried pretty much every day and had pains in my legs. I've got SO much more to share on LW from September and will do soon <3 Please keep going back and demanding help - if all fails demand a gynaecologist - which is what my own family are now suggesting. Migraines are enough for the Doctor to take it seriously - its one of the first things they ask at mine now that I'm seeing someone else. There's always light at the end of the tunnel and I'm always a comment or email away! Never feel alone.

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  10. I just want to point out it’s really rude of you to call the doctors receptionists ‘useless’ as it’s pretty clear you don’t understand what they actually have to do for their job. Also it isn’t their fault the doctor is booked up so maybe don’t blame them for something they can’t control.

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    1. Dear Luna - I am one myself. This is also my blog. Please leave helpful comments to help others not argue on the internet. The woman at the time was useless and unhelpful.

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  11. Hiya girls my nurse Lucy funny enough gave me cerelle today as she is taking my implant out next Tuesday. I have looked online and the reviews have scared me. Like weight gain depression ive had both of them. I honestly don't know what to do lol im meant to be starting the cerelle tomorrow morning she has given me six months worth x

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    1. oh lovely, you'll get a solution. Take care x

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I love receiving and reading comments. I always try my best to reply as quickly as I can. If you have any urgent questions feel free to email or tweet - details found to the side or top of my blog. Lucy x

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