Nexplanon, a widely used birth control implant, offers long-term contraception, yet some individuals experience various side effects. A common concern among users involves the occurrence of hot flashes, prompting questions about the implant’s role. Understanding how Nexplanon functions and its potential impact on hormonal balance can help clarify why some users report experiencing hot flashes.
Understanding Nexplanon and its Mechanism
Nexplanon is a small, flexible rod, about 1.6 inches long, inserted under the skin of the upper arm. This implant continuously releases a synthetic progestin hormone called etonogestrel into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy for up to three years. Etonogestrel primarily works by inhibiting ovulation, stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg.
Beyond preventing ovulation, etonogestrel also thickens cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg. Additionally, it alters the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to a fertilized egg. This multi-pronged approach makes Nexplanon a highly effective form of birth control.
Hot Flashes as a Potential Side Effect
Hot flashes can be a side effect for some individuals using Nexplanon. While irregular menstrual bleeding is the most common side effect, hot flashes have also been reported by users, though they are considered less common. These episodes typically involve a sudden sensation of intense heat spreading across the face, neck, and chest.
The experience can also include visible skin redness, a rapid heartbeat, and sweating, particularly in the upper body. After the heat subsides, some people may feel chills. The duration and intensity of hot flashes can vary significantly from person to person, often lasting one to five minutes.
Why Nexplanon Might Cause Hot Flashes
Etonogestrel, released by Nexplanon, is a progestin, a synthetic version of progesterone. Progestins influence the body’s thermoregulation, which controls internal temperature. Studies indicate that progestin administration can raise core body temperature and the temperature threshold at which sweating begins.
This effect is linked to the thermoregulatory center in the brain, specifically the hypothalamus, which sets the body’s internal temperature “set-point.” When this set-point is subtly altered by progestin, the body might trigger heat-loss mechanisms, such as sweating and vasodilation, to cool down, leading to the sensation of a hot flash. The continuous release of progestin from Nexplanon can suppress natural hormone cycles.
Managing Hot Flashes While Using Nexplanon
For individuals experiencing hot flashes while using Nexplanon, several practical strategies can help manage symptoms. Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing in layers allows for easy adjustment to sudden temperature changes. Avoiding known triggers such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine can reduce the frequency or intensity of hot flashes.
Maintaining a cool environment, particularly in the bedroom at night, can minimize discomfort and improve sleep quality. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is effective. Practicing stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation may also help, as stress and anxiety can sometimes trigger hot flashes. If hot flashes are severe or persist, consult a healthcare provider to discuss further options, including potential short-term treatments.
Other Potential Causes of Hot Flashes
It is important to recognize that hot flashes can stem from various causes not directly related to Nexplanon. One common cause is menopause and perimenopause, where declining estrogen levels lead to hormonal fluctuations. Certain medical conditions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), can also cause hot flashes by speeding up metabolism.
Some medications, including certain antidepressants, opioids, and osteoporosis drugs, list hot flashes as a side effect. Other factors like anxiety, stress, blood sugar fluctuations, and some infections can trigger these sudden sensations of heat. If hot flashes are a concern, discussing all potential causes with a doctor helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.