Nexplanon Hormone – About Etonogestrel

David Fuller

Last Updated On: September 23, 2025

When choosing birth control, understanding how it works inside the body can be just as important as knowing how effective it is. Etonogestrel, the hormone used in Nexplanon, plays a central role in preventing pregnancy, but it can also influence menstrual cycles, mood, and other aspects of health.

Research shows that changes in bleeding patterns are among the most common experiences with the etonogestrel implant, while a smaller number of users report mood shifts or weight changes. Even so, many continue with the method because of its reliability and convenience.

Nexplanon, the most widely used etonogestrel implant, delivers a steady release of this hormone for up to three years of highly effective contraception. In this article, we’ll examine closely what etonogestrel is, how Nexplanon utilizes it, its benefits and side effects, and what the evidence reveals about long-term safety and outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Etonogestrel is the active hormone in Nexplanon, working by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the endometrium.
• The implant delivers a steady, controlled release of hormone over three years, offering more than 99% effectiveness with minimal daily effort.
• Side effects like irregular bleeding are common and the leading reason for discontinuation, but they are not harmful and often improve over time.
• Fertility usually returns quickly after removal, making it a flexible option for family planning.
• Nexplanon is considered safe for most patients but may not be suitable for those with breast cancer, severe liver disease, or a history of thrombosis.
• As a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC), Nexplanon provides convenience, peace of mind, and a trusted option for women who prefer low-maintenance birth control.

About: Operating since 2016, Med Supply Solutions is known for being one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. If you’re looking to buy Nexplanon online, contact our sales department for more information.

How Etonogestrel Works as the Active Hormone in Nexplanon

The etonogestrel implant works by targeting several points in the reproductive cycle to prevent pregnancy. Its primary action is to suppress ovulation, which means the ovaries do not release an egg. Without ovulation, fertilization cannot occur. At the same time, the Nexplanon hormone thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to travel, and produces changes in the endometrium, which further support contraceptive effectiveness.

For patients wondering what hormone is in Nexplanon, the answer is etonogestrel—a third-generation progestin derived from desogestrel. It acts in a way similar to the body’s natural progesterone, but with controlled, steady release. Unlike pills that require strict daily use, the implant provides continuous coverage with no action needed after placement.

Organon, the Nexplanon manufacturer, designed the device to release etonogestrel gradually over three years. With a contraceptive efficacy of over 99%, it has become a cornerstone option in modern long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

Pharmacology of Etonogestrel in Contraception

After insertion under the skin of the upper arm, the implant begins releasing etonogestrel at a measured pace. The dose is not static but declines slowly over time while remaining within an effective range:

• Initial release: about 60–70 µg per day.
  
• At 12 months: ~35–45 µg per day.
  
• By year 3: ~25–30 µg per day.

Other pharmacologic features:

• Absorption: The hormone diffuses steadily into the bloodstream.
  
• Distribution: Binds mainly to albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin.
  
• Metabolism: Processed in the liver by the CYP3A4 enzyme pathway.
  
• Excretion: Cleared through urine and feces as metabolites.

This pharmacokinetic profile keeps hormone levels stable without the fluctuations that come with oral contraceptives or missed pills. As the Nexplanon active ingredient, etonogestrel offers predictable, long-lasting coverage.

Benefits of Using Etonogestrel in Nexplanon

The choice of etonogestrel as Nexplanon’s hormone offers several important advantages:

• High Efficacy: Over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
  
• Low Maintenance: One insertion provides up to three years of protection.
  
• Rapid Reversibility: Fertility generally returns within weeks of removal.
  
• No Estrogen: A safe alternative for patients who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives.
  
• Steady Hormone Levels: Reduces spikes, leading to more stable effects over time.

These benefits explain why the implant is one of the most widely recommended long-acting contraceptive methods. Many women value the peace of mind, convenience, and long-term protection it provides.

Clinical Considerations for Prescribing Nexplanon with Etonogestrel

While etonogestrel is generally well-tolerated, healthcare providers consider individual factors before prescribing:

• Common side effects: The most frequent reason for discontinuation is irregular bleeding patterns, affecting about 1 in 10 users. Other possible effects include headaches or mood changes. Most are not dangerous but can impact quality of life.
  
• Contraindications: Nexplanon is not suitable for patients with current breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe liver disease or liver tumors, or a history of thrombosis or thromboembolic disorders.
  
• Drug interactions: Medications that induce CYP3A4 enzymes (for example, some anticonvulsants or rifampin) can lower hormone levels and reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
  
• Insertion and removal: Require training to avoid deep placement or migration. Palpation after insertion is important to confirm the implant is in place.

With appropriate screening, counseling, and proper insertion, the etonogestrel implant remains one of the most reliable and trusted methods for women seeking long-term contraception.

Conclusion on Etonogestrel as the Hormone in Nexplanon

Etonogestrel is the active hormone that makes Nexplanon a reliable, long-acting option for pregnancy prevention. By combining ovulation suppression, cervical mucus thickening, and endometrial changes, it provides highly effective, low-maintenance contraception.

With a proven safety record, reversibility, and decades of clinical use, etonogestrel has become a cornerstone of modern family planning. Backed by a trusted manufacturer, patients can feel confident that the implant is supported by strong research, careful monitoring, and a global commitment to women’s health.

For both patients and providers, understanding how etonogestrel works allows for more informed choices, better counseling, and greater confidence in this widely trusted contraceptive.

FAQs

1. What hormone is in Nexplanon?

The hormone in Nexplanon is etonogestrel, a synthetic progestin that works similarly to the natural hormone progesterone.

2. How does the etonogestrel implant prevent pregnancy?

It prevents pregnancy by blocking ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and making changes to the endometrium that reduce the chance of pregnancy.

3. Is etonogestrel safe for all women?

Etonogestrel is generally well-tolerated in eligible patients, but it may not be suitable for those with breast cancer, severe liver disease, liver tumors, or a history of thrombosis. A healthcare provider will assess safety based on individual health factors.

4. Can fertility return after removing Nexplanon?

Yes. Most women regain fertility quickly, often within a few weeks, once the implant is removed and hormone levels drop.

References

Mansour D, Korver T, Marintcheva-Petrova M, Fraser IS. The effects of Implanon on menstrual bleeding patterns. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2008;13 Suppl 1:13-28. doi:10.1080/13625180801959931

Bleeding and spotting episodes. Organon PRO. https://organonpro.com/en-us/product/nexplanon/bleeding-patterns/

Fei YF, Smith YR, Dendrinos ML, Rosen MW, Quint EH. Considerations in Adolescent Use of the Etonogestrel Subdermal Implant: A Cohort Study. Front Reprod Health. 2021;3:780902. Published 2021 Dec 23. doi:10.3389/frph.2021.780902