Can an implant disappear in the body?

After having an implant for three years, I went to a doctor but he could not locate it. Nowadays, I feel hot, sweat a lot and miss my period. Is it the lost implant and can I get pregnant?
Jannex

Dear Jannex,
Implants are long acting matchstick like birth control systems inserted under the skin of the arm near the armpit. The system releases a low, steady dose of a progesterone contraceptive which works by suppressing ovulation apart from thickening cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
The commonly used implants in Uganda are the three-year lasting Implanon (etonogesterel) and its newer five-year lasting version that can be seen on x-rays Nexplanon, after Norplant (levonorgestrel) was discontinued.
Eventually, after three to five years, the amount of the hormone released may not be enough to prevent pregnancy requiring its removal and replacement or instituting another method of family planning. The system can also be removed any time before three years if one wants to get pregnant. The implants have a few side effects including changes in periods such as over bleeding or not bleeding at all, vaginal itching or discharge, acne, mood changes, weight gain, menstrual cramps, nausea, stomach pain and breast pain. Most of the side effects wane with time after the system is inserted.
Whereas some women get pregnant immediately after removal, it may take averagely three months after removal for other women to get pregnant. Also, some side effects may continue for a few months after removal. If the system is not removed after three to five years, one may continue with the side effects although she will not be protected from getting pregnant.
In a few women, the device may migrate and become difficult to locate and remove requiring an ultrasound scan to locate an Implanon or a simple x-ray to locate and remove a Nexplanon.
Much as your system was not removed and may still be causing side effects from the little remaining progesterone being released, it is likely that your system was inserted towards menopause, a time when most women use contraception. Also, stress usually occurs around the time of menopause leading to the same symptoms. Also, since you are not protected against pregnancy, you need to do a pregnancy test.