Does Nexplanon make you sweaty?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to user-reported data, as many as 37% of Nexplanon users experience sweating more than usual [1.4.2]. So, to answer the question, 'Does Nexplanon make you sweaty?', the evidence suggests it can be a relatively common side effect for some individuals.

Quick Summary

Yes, Nexplanon can cause increased sweating and hot flashes. This is linked to the progestin hormone, etonogestrel, which can affect the body's temperature regulation. This side effect is a known possibility.

Key Points

Direct Link: Yes, Nexplanon can cause increased sweating and hot flashes as a side effect [1.3.1].
Hormonal Cause: The progestin etonogestrel in the implant can affect the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, leading to sweating [1.2.1].
Prevalence: User-reported data suggests that as many as 37% of people using the Nexplanon implant experience more sweating than usual [1.4.2].
Most Common Side Effect: The most frequently reported side effect of Nexplanon is changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, not sweating [1.9.5].
Management: Side effects often decrease after a few months; if they persist and are bothersome, consult a healthcare provider [1.5.2].
High Efficacy: Despite potential side effects, Nexplanon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy [1.8.1].
When to Seek Help: If profuse sweating is paired with severe symptoms like high fever or chest pain, seek immediate medical care [1.9.1].

What is Nexplanon and How Does it Work?

Nexplanon is a long-acting, reversible contraceptive implant that is highly effective at preventing pregnancy for up to three years [1.8.1, 1.8.5]. It is a small, flexible plastic rod, about the size of a matchstick, that a healthcare provider inserts discreetly under the skin of the upper arm [1.8.2].

The implant contains 68 mg of a progestin hormone called etonogestrel, which it slowly and continuously releases into the bloodstream [1.6.2]. The contraceptive effect works in three primary ways [1.6.1, 1.6.4, 1.6.5]:

Inhibition of Ovulation: It prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
Thickening Cervical Mucus: It makes the mucus in the cervix thicker, which acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.
Thinning the Uterine Lining: It alters the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), making it less suitable for a fertilized egg to implant.

Because it only contains progestin, Nexplanon is a suitable option for individuals who cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives [1.8.4].

The Link Between Nexplanon, Sweating, and Hot Flashes

One of the reported side effects of Nexplanon is increased sweating, sometimes accompanied by hot flashes [1.2.1, 1.3.1]. In a compilation of user reviews, 37% of people reported sweating more than usual while using the implant [1.4.2]. Hot flashes are also listed as a less common side effect in medical literature [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

The hormonal changes induced by Nexplanon are the likely cause. The progestin etonogestrel can influence the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. Fluctuations in hormone levels can trick the hypothalamus into thinking the body is overheating. In response, it triggers a cooling mechanism: blood vessels in the skin dilate, causing a feeling of intense heat (a hot flash), and the sweat glands activate to cool the body down, leading to sweating.

While bothersome, these side effects are not typically considered dangerous. However, if sweating is profuse and accompanied by other serious symptoms like high fever, severe headache, or confusion, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention as this could indicate a more severe issue [1.9.1].

Managing Side Effects and Other Considerations

For many users, side effects like increased sweating may diminish or resolve after the first few months as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels [1.5.2]. If the sweating is mild and manageable, you might consider these strategies:

Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen.
Keep your environment cool, especially at night.
Avoid known triggers that can exacerbate hot flashes, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Use a strong antiperspirant.

If the side effect persists and significantly impacts your quality of life, it's important to consult your healthcare provider. They can rule out other medical causes and discuss your options. In some cases, another medication might be prescribed, or you might decide that removing the implant is the best course of action [1.5.1].

Other Common Side Effects

Besides sweating, the most common side effect of Nexplanon is a change in menstrual bleeding patterns. This can range from no periods at all (amenorrhea) to irregular, frequent, or prolonged bleeding [1.9.5]. Other potential side effects include [1.9.1]:

Headaches
Weight gain
Acne
Breast tenderness
Mood swings or depression
Abdominal pain

Comparison of Hormonal Side Effects


Contraceptive Method	Primary Hormone(s)	Common Hormonal Side Effects	Notes on Sweating/Hot Flashes
Nexplanon (Implant)	Progestin (Etonogestrel)	Irregular bleeding, headaches, weight gain, mood swings, acne, breast pain [1.9.1].	Hot flashes and increased sweating are reported side effects [1.2.1, 1.4.2].
Hormonal IUD (e.g., Mirena)	Progestin (Levonorgestrel)	Similar to the implant, but with much lower systemic hormone absorption. Can cause irregular bleeding, headaches, and mood changes [1.7.2].	Less commonly associated with systemic side effects like hot flashes compared to the implant, but still possible [1.7.1].
Combination Pill	Estrogen and Progestin	Headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes. Risk of blood clots is a serious but rare side effect [1.7.5].	Hot flashes are not a commonly cited side effect; some users may experience it during the placebo week due to hormone withdrawal.
Copper IUD (Non-Hormonal)	None	Can cause heavier, longer, and more painful periods. No hormonal side effects [1.7.1].	Does not cause hormonal side effects like hot flashes or sweating [1.7.1].

Conclusion

Does Nexplanon make you sweaty? Yes, for a notable percentage of users, increased sweating and hot flashes are a possible side effect. This is caused by the progestin hormone etonogestrel affecting the body's internal thermostat. While this side effect often improves with time, it can be persistent for some. Nexplanon remains one of the most effective, convenient, and reversible forms of birth control available [1.8.5]. If you are experiencing this or any other bothersome side effect, discussing it with your healthcare provider is the best way to determine the right path forward for your health and comfort.

For more information from the manufacturer, you can visit the official Nexplanon website.

Frequently Asked Questions

User-reported data suggests that up to 37% of Nexplanon users report sweating more than usual, making it a relatively common side effect [1.4.2]. Official drug information lists hot flashes as a less common side effect, occurring in 1% to 10% of users [1.2.3].

Nexplanon releases the hormone progestin (etonogestrel). This hormone can influence the part of your brain that regulates body temperature (the hypothalamus), sometimes causing it to trigger cooling responses like sweating and hot flashes, even when you aren't overheating [1.2.1].

For many people, negative side effects from the implant, including sweating, usually go away after a few months as the body adjusts to the hormones [1.5.2]. If it persists and is bothersome, you should speak with your doctor.

The most common side effect of Nexplanon is a change in your menstrual bleeding pattern. About one in five users will have no periods, while another one in five will have frequent or prolonged bleeding [1.2.1, 1.9.5].

Yes, you can try lifestyle adjustments like wearing breathable clothing, staying hydrated, and avoiding triggers like spicy food and caffeine. If these measures don't help, consult your healthcare provider for other options [1.5.1].

Generally, increased sweating or hot flashes alone are not dangerous. However, if you experience profuse sweating along with symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fever, you should seek immediate medical help [1.9.1].

Other hormonal methods containing progestin can potentially cause similar side effects, though it may be less common with methods that have lower systemic hormone absorption, like hormonal IUDs [1.7.1]. Non-hormonal methods like the copper IUD do not cause sweating or hot flashes [1.7.1].