Is menstrual cycle irregularity a common side effect of Norplant?
Yes. Disturbance of the menstrual cycle is by far the most frequent reason for removal of the implants, and this must be emphasized in pre-therapy counselling. Some alteration of menstrual patterns will occur during the first year of use in approximately 60% of users. Abnormal bleeding may be a consequence of using Norplant but it may also arise from pathological causes such as infection or cervical pathology. Other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding should be ruled out in any woman if symptoms persist for more than 3 months.
