This post has been weighing on my mind for months. I initially hesitated to share it, not wanting to make assumptions. But time has passed, and it’s clear now is the moment to speak up. Why? Because if this helps even one person realise they’re not alone, that what they’re experiencing isn’t “all in their head,” then sharing this will have been worth it.
Back in January, I scheduled my annual check-up. My initial plan was to visit a holistic medical centre, but due to the bushfires at the time, they weren’t accepting non-local residents. So, I opted for my local clinic instead. What unfolded during that appointment left me completely flabbergasted.
I chose a female doctor, hoping for a more understanding and knowledgeable approach to women’s health concerns. Instead, when I presented her with a list of issues I suspected were perimenopause-related, she fobbed me off. I watched as she rolled her eyes, telling me I was “too young to be going through perimenopause.” Internally, I was fuming. How dare she dismiss me like that? Despite her reluctance, I insisted on a blood test to check for thyroid issues, which run in my family.
She noted my history of having the implantable contraceptive since 2016/2017. When I mentioned I still get a period every month, she promptly corrected me, stating, “That’s not a period.” Now, in my opinion, if I’m bleeding from my vagina every month, regardless of whether it’s artificial or not, it is a period. Most people get the implant precisely because it tends to stop periods, but for me, that was never the case. I’ve always had one, though recently they’ve been getting further apart – yet, according to her, this wasn’t related to perimenopause.
I also expressed my concern about the nearly 15-kilogram weight gain I’ve experienced over the past eight years. This isn’t for lack of effort; I’m an active person. In that time, I’ve run two 50k trail ultras and countless other events. I go to the gym regularly and have a stand-up job. I even tracked my food for a month and, while I found a few small anomalies, nothing that would account for such a significant weight gain.
Her response? “Oh, it’s a common side effect to put on weight with this medication.” However, my research after the appointment told a different story:
“may cause weight gain in some people while they’re using it, but this doesn’t happen to everyone. It’s not a very common side effect, and many people use the implant without gaining weight. Everyone’s body is different, so birth control affects everyone a little differently.”
Leaving that appointment, I was dumbfounded. How could a medical professional treat a patient with such a lack of care? Needless to say, I will never book with her again.
A New Chapter: The Implanon Comes Out
Fast forward to May: I finally booked another appointment at the holistic medical centre, this time with a clear purpose: to have my Implanon removed. I figured, at 45 this year, the likelihood of getting pregnant is low, and I’m done with the Implanon. Maybe it’s the root cause of all my problems.
So, that’s what I did. I had it removed. While chatting with the doctor during the procedure, she made an interesting comment: “I’ve never removed a 4th Implanon.” She was removing my third.
It’s only been a month since the Implanon was removed. While it’s still early days – I know I can’t make any definitive comments until at least three months have passed – I have already noticed a few things. I’ll share more about those observations at a later date.
What are your thoughts on being dismissed by a medical professional when you felt something was off with your body? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.