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Depo shot

Is anyone on Depo Provera? If so, how long have you been on it and have you had any side effects? I thought I read somewhere that it was not safe to stay on it long...is that true?

Fri. Apr 21, 7:04pm

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The FDA has issued a warning that long-term use of Depo Provera may result in loss of bone density (unknown if and/or how much of this is reversbile) and Pfizer has added a recommendation to their web site that recommends women use depo for less than 2 years unless other forms of birth control are inadequate.

Aside from that I used Depo for 8 years (if I had known about the bone density findings it would have been less). And of course there were side effects. However the ones I experienced may not be the ones you or others experience. According to my gyno though. weight gain is the most common one. I definitely gained weight, and almost everyone I've spoken to who has used depo has reported weight gain and/or greater difficulty in losing weight. There were definitely others including; depression (mild), loss of libido, vaginal driness, and no periods (rawked!).

Since I had a raging libido, was underweight and very moody when I started depo - most of the side effects were a relief at first. However as I got older they were less appreciated ;-) Since getting off depo (and that takes awhile which is something to consider), I have noticed that losing weight seems easier, my sex drive has definitely returned and so has my ability to 'self-lubrcate'. I really can't tell if my depression has lifted because I found a great relationship and started a whole new, rewarding career, or if the depo really was a contributor.

So maybe a little TMI, but that's been my experience. I really, really don't want osteoperosis though, and thanks to the extended time I was on depo I am aware that my risk is much greater now than it would have been. Thus I am religious about getting all my calcium and incorporating weight-bearing exercise into my routine.

Friday, April 21, 2006, 8:05 PM

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^^^ link to a release containing info on the FDA warning and Pfizer's position



Link

Friday, April 21, 2006, 8:09 PM

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I've been on Depo for about 3 years now. The best side effect for me is no period. I used to have horrible cramps and headaches every month, and the Depo ended that. The bad side effect for me has definitely been weight gain. Some of the weight I have gained is my own fault, but some of it was due to the Depo. There was also about 6 months when I first started it where I had a lot of spotting. That was annoying, but way worth noth having a period for the last 2 1/2 years.

My gyno told me this year that I should really start considering switching to another form of BC because being on it for too long can affect bone density. She said I shouldn't be too alarmed, but that I should probably switch within a year or so. I've been putting it off though because I love not having a period.

I would definitely suggest reading up on it before you start it. I read a lot on it before I started it, and different people seem to have vastly different experiences with it. Once you get the shot you're stuck with the effects of it for a minimum of 3 months, so that's something to keep in mind. Also, my friend told me that once she got off it after being on it for several years it took her about a year to get back to a "normal" period.

Personally, I've liked it, but I think everyone's experience varies.

Friday, April 21, 2006, 9:35 PM

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I haven't personally been on Depo-Provera, but I am using Mirena. Mirena is an IUD, which means they "stick it up there...WAY up there". It hurt pretty bad for the first day or so, and then my body just got used to it. There's no major cramps, I haven't had my period in over a year, and there's no huge side effects. It's been great, and I don't have to think about it until 2009! So if you're looking for an alternative because of the convenience of not having a monthly period, you really should look into it. My nurse practitioner made sure I was in a monogamous relationship though, since there's an increased risk of STD infection. Anyways, there's a ton of BC options out there, and everyone should find one that's right for them!

Saturday, April 22, 2006, 3:52 AM

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One more thing... I have gained a little bit of weight since switching to an IUD, and found that it's a little more stubborn to get rid of, but they may be more because I'm not playing water polo for my college anymore :)

Saturday, April 22, 2006, 3:53 AM

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i was on depo once just to try it out but it made me feel super emotional all the time and i could not handle that, but i liked the no period thing.

Sunday, April 23, 2006, 10:13 AM

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The best part about Depo was not worrying about popping a pill every day and deal with it only 4 times a year. But risk of blood clots etc. outweighed the benefits, so I switched 1st to Ortho evra and then to Yasmin. Being longtime on oral contraceptives shrinks your periods anyway (I only have like a day or two), so I don't miss much the depo no-period thing. Anything sustained release like Depo cannot be good for you - drug companies have to formulate drugs with more drug concentration, so the effective amount of the drug reaches your bloodstream. I think I had also read that being on Depo for a long time - prolongs your infertility after you get off it (any OCs do, but with Depo I heard there are more difficulties to get pregnant if you decide to go off of it).

Monday, April 24, 2006, 10:01 AM

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I am on the Nuva Ring and I LOVE IT!! I have had ovarian cysts since I started getting my period in 8th grade(I am 27 now) and this is the only BC that has made them stop forming. I started it about 3 yrs. ago and hope to never have to change! I added the link below for more info. I also used to have cramps, breakthrough and nausea during the entire week of my period and I very rarely have any of the above now!

Link

Monday, April 24, 2006, 10:14 AM

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I was on Depo for 9 months (3 shots). I gained a bunch of weight and had acne for the only time in my life. Because I could physically see and feel a change in my body, I decided to come off of it. Now I'm on Ortho Cyclen, and have been for about 4 years. After I came off of Depo, I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for about a year, but all the changing hormones gave me horrible headaches. The constant hormone from Ortho Cyclen works for me.

Monday, April 24, 2006, 10:18 AM

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period lasts longer

ive been on depo provera for about a month now and the only side effect ive had is that my period is non stop.. ive had it for almost a month now.. whne i got the shot.. it stopped for a few days and then it came back before it was supposed to and wont go away.. my doctor said it was normal (just my body getting used to it), but this is honestly the worst side effect ever..
but i think ill stick with it, so that eventually my period will go away for good

Saturday, June 02, 2007, 1:19 AM

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Depo

I was on Depo for three years and gained thirty pounds. When I asked my nurse practioner, she said I should have only gained 5 lbs. Turns out you gain on average 5-7 lbs per YEAR. Once I stopped, it came off really fast without trying anything new.

Saturday, June 02, 2007, 8:47 AM

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i was on depo for three years... i gained a lot of weight and had absolutely no sex drive... the only bonus is not having a period.

i'm now on a pill that i take continuously simililar to seasonale, but take it to where i have a pill every 6 months...

Saturday, June 02, 2007, 9:30 AM

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I have now been on Depo for 10 years. Had about 3 weeks of constant spotting after my first shot, but no periods since, except the time I forgot to go in on time for my next shot. I used to get lower back aches when my period was due, BAD ones -- to the point that I could hardly stand or walk for 3 days. No more.

A few years ago, when the news broke about Depo causing bone loss, my doc sent me for a bone density test. At the time I was 35, and the test showed I had MORE dense bones than the average for my age.

I also have diabetes. Depo apparently makes it a little harder to control your diabetes, but I cannot tell if that is true or not. My A1c (overall diabetes control blood test) is fine. Maybe it would be a little better if I didn't take the Depo. I don't know, but I'm satisfied as things are.

Perhaps also the Depo is why I'm struggling so hard to lose weight. Again, I don't know. I cannot pin any of my weight gain directly to Depo, but I know I can to other meds (anti-depressant, a diabetes pill, and insulin all caused weight gain directly after I started taking them), but in general, I can accept that, because out of control diabetes can do a lot more direct damage to me (or kill me) faster than the extra weight can, and I'm working on the weight, too.

Saturday, June 02, 2007, 7:40 PM

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When I went on depo I gained 50 pounds in the first six months and also had more frequent and severe migraine headaches. Not my favorite method. Also, I had trouble getting my ovaries working again when I was ready to get pregnant (no previous fertility issues) and needed to use fertility drugs to kick start things.

Saturday, June 02, 2007, 10:42 PM

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Coming from a guy...

Depo is the most fantastic thing to ever be created!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Saturday, June 02, 2007, 11:32 PM

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Depo Provera

I was on Depo provera about 10 years ago after my second child was born. It was good for about a year then threw me into a horrible depression...I was very suicidal. I ended up having to go on Prozac until all the Depo left my body (about 3 months).
I was never told depression was a possible side effect.

Saturday, June 02, 2007, 11:53 PM

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depo - grr

ive been on depo for a year (4shots). my 5th injection was due early august 2006 but i decided not go anymore ever since then i have spotted twice early this year for one or two days and that was it. its november 29th 2007 and i still haven't had my period. its been over a year =( and im only 18 and im real worried so i hope so one can help me out with this too


Saturday, September 29, 2007, 3:06 AM

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Hey

I have been on the Depo shot since I was 16 years old and I am 22 now. I have had no problems with the shot at all. No period for years was amazing. The only problem tho is when you miss your shot for over a week they have to do a full exam and that is not fun. I have recently gone off of the shot about a month ago and have had my period on and off every day. Due to insurance and moving issues. So always keep in mind what may happen once you go off. Make sure to check on what medical issues may go along with it. Hope this helps.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007, 10:08 PM

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depo

I HAVE BEEN ON THE SHOT FOR 11 MONTHS. I SPOT FOR TIME TO TIME. I HAVE GAIN WEIGHT ON THE DEPO. AND NOW I'AM LOSING MY HAIR.I CAN NOT RISK LOSING MY HAIR. GOOD BYE DEPO

Wednesday, November 07, 2007, 9:48 PM

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I hated it! I actually passed out in the parkin glot of the doctor's office after having it. b/cI of the rush of hormones- I think. then I had my period for 3 months straight!! That was my whole summer at the beach!!!! Like you want to have sex then anyway!!! I was moody and I giained weight! Never again!
I now use Other Lo and its awesome!

Thursday, November 08, 2007, 11:38 AM

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im takeing depo and im 17

i have noticed that every time i have taken it. it always feels like somone hitting me over and overin the stomch i also get sick and dont feel like getting up for anything i even get light headed so i do not recomend that shot to anyone sure it prolongs ur chance of getting pregnant but how do we know when we come off the shot if we can get prgnant something that messes with your body that much has to be doing some kind of damage

Thursday, January 03, 2008, 12:43 AM

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I have actually had a good experience with Depo Provera so far...

At the beginning, I did have 3 weeks of spotting, but since then, I have had no period. I have not had any mood swings or depression... no loss in libido. But I do take calcium and Vitamin D (to help absorb the calcium), as per the advice of my MD in accordance to the risk of bone density, as mentioned in the above posts.

Good luck whichever way you choose. :D

Thursday, January 03, 2008, 9:48 AM

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I had depo once in a meager attempt to get rid of a period that I was having for several months. It failed miserably and I ended getting a lot heavier and having to go every hour just to make sure. It was bad. It also messes up with your hormones. With me it made me get a little hairy on the face. Not so much fun.

Thursday, January 03, 2008, 1:39 PM

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I was on depo for a year and bled CONTINUOUSLY for the last 3 months...I'm getting an IUD next week.

Thursday, January 03, 2008, 1:43 PM

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ive been on the shot for about a year, i just got off of it about a month ago. ive noticed loosing weight is sooo much easier, and while i was looking it up online, i saw something that said 70% of women gain 10 pounds in the first year. and that definetly happend to me. the no period was good, but there was something about it that i just didnt like. when you get the shot, at first you get really emotional

Tuesday, February 12, 2008, 12:16 PM

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depo shot question.

ok so i started off with birth control when i was 16 and then later moved to the DEPO shot and have been on it since. i am not 17 and soon 18, but i have havent gotten my period in i believe 4 months or 5, i lose track. i got a shot back in november, 3 weeks earlier than i needed it, and i didnt get my period in that week time i should have. and since then ive been sexual active and was scared that im pregnant. even thought i know that i feel no changes im still worried that by some change i can be. is that possible? its confusing i know but i just need to know if i should be worried or not.?.
but depo shot for me has been wonderful, no mood changes and really ive lost weight on it, its been wonderful, but the fact of the bone loss crap makes me want to change to something different.
just please help if you can.


Saturday, March 01, 2008, 2:47 PM

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bleeding between shots is probably just breakthrough bleeding as your hormone levels from the previous shot wind down. Since you got it earlier you probably just skipped that. The easiest way to alleviate worry - take a pregnancy test!

Saturday, March 01, 2008, 7:26 PM

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depo - bad choice

I decided to try the depo shot about 1 1/2 years ago. Big mistake. Within the first 6 months, I gained 15-20 lbs. I blame the depo 100% for this. I went from 115 lbs up to 130-135, depending on the day. It's like the weight was gained in chunks - sometimes like 5 lbs in one weekend with normal eatting. Plus, I'm no couch potato -- I'm very active with kickboxing and resistance training. The workouts are very intense. This took some of the weight off, but only with working out 6 days a week with a very restrictive diet. Not something that is easy to maintain. I spotted on and off the entire time throughout the 1 1/2 years. Kind of like - what's the point of even being on it? I also felt depressed like I could cry all the time -- and bad headaches.

I just now got off the depo after doing research that this was causing me so many problems (my health care professional didn't tell me these side effects ahead of time - otherwise, I would have never gone on it) I'm still battling losing the weight -- which I've decided to go back to working out 6 days a week with the restrictive diet to see if this helps. I would never recommend the depo to anyone. Good luck to you all in getting through this.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 8:37 PM

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depo-provera

I was only on it for 3 months. In the 3rd month, I gained 10 lbs in 1 week!! Scary. I went off it immediately and went back to my old method of BC. Wasn't really concerned with getting pregnant, as I am older and due for pre-menopause any time ;-)

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 8:20 PM

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all good stuff :)

I went on Depo when I was 18 and was getting into a serious realationship (I am now 24 and with the same man). I had heavy spotting for the first few weeks, but then no more periods. I went in for the shot every 9-10 weeks because i would spot if i left it any longer. My last shot was in Oct 07, so it ran out in january 2008. I have had regular periods since then! first week of jan, feb, march and april. Not pregnant yet, but im not too worried. I know it can take some time, but i was VERY suprised at how quickly my cycle regulated itself. I am also a diabetic so deciding to become a mom is taking a lot of planning and preping. I suggest to all to take calcium/viti D if your on Depo. Have an appt with OBGyn in a month and will report back with any news that she might think is related to depo.

Link

Thursday, April 10, 2008, 3:03 AM

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Ive had my period for more than a month

Ive also taken the shot i took it February 13, 2008 and it was my first time and ive had my period since March the 30 until today May 11 ive been bleeding it stops but then it goes away..now May 13, on Tues i go back to my gynocologist and take a new depo shot i hope it goes away !

Link

Sunday, May 11, 2008, 5:23 PM

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similar

So like you I was on depo and in October of 07 I took the shot for the last time because my husband and I would like a baby. I was supposed to get a new shot in jan of 08 but didnt and then from the last week of feb to the middle of march i had my period on and off but now its may and i havent had my period since march 15th....what does this mean?

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 12:38 PM

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Not sure this is pertinent anymore since it was so long ago, but... I had one shot in 1996 after my first child was born. Within a week after getting the shot, the bleeding began and didn't stop for 5 months! My hubby still jokes today about what great birth control it was because we couldn't have sex for 5 months!!

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 9:27 PM

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it effects every differently

I think it effects everyone differently. I have been on it for almost 7 years. I love not having to take a pill in the morning and not have a period. I hate the weight gain. My mother keeps asking if something is wrong with me - ex. When I had my son (pre depo) I was 185lbs. I lost all the weight in 3 months. I've gained it all back plus about 15lbs since starting the shot - and he's 10 now! We do a lot of walking and I eat right, but I can't get rid of the weight. I am thinking of switching - both because of the weight and the bone density - taking 3 calcium pills a day - I can never remember! But I need to find something else that works 100% with no side effects.

Monday, May 19, 2008, 2:34 PM

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depo

in jan 2008 i got the shot and didnt get another 1 i have been on my period since jan. about may 25 i got wat seemed to b a reglar period but it only lasted acoulpe of days today wen i got up it had jus stoped and now is spotting like its going away to add on to this i am having symptoms as if im pregnant ( sleepyness having to go pee getting hungry soon after i eat gas knots in my stomach stuff like that not 2 mention my stomach is gettin kinda big)and my friend told me that wen i was sick acouple of months ago wen i took medicine it cancels out the shot plus i missed my 12 week shot so she said its a possibility that i could be pregnant........ wat do u guys think heeeeelp

Friday, May 30, 2008, 8:23 PM

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here's the other side. Docs said I had a hormone imbalance because my periods stopped for no reason. I wasn't on any birth control at all and not in a relationship so not sexually active. I didn't have a period of 1 months and then the gyno gave me depo provera in pill form and said it would make my periods return. I took a pill a day for 14 days. Then got a period 9 days later and it lasted for almost 4 weeks. After that I got a regular 3-5 day period a month later and every month after that.

Saturday, May 31, 2008, 10:46 AM

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Oops. Mistake. I meant to say I didn't have a period for 13 months, for no apparent reason. Then the docs gave me the depo to START my periods back again.

Saturday, May 31, 2008, 10:51 AM

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depo

I was on depo for just under 2 years. While on the depo shot, I entered a pre-cancerous state of cervical cancer because I couldn't 'lubricate" myself and we had to use other lubrication methods. Plus, I gained alot of weight and when I firsted started the depo injections, I'd have my period for a month at a time. And then after about 6 months It lightened up. I'd only get my period a couple days before my shot was due. I finally decided to get off it when my period came and lasted for 3 months. And since I've been off of it, my period has basically gone back to normal. I mean, when I first got off it, I skipped periods for a while, but then they came and just about 3 or 4 months ago, it finally regulated out and I haven't had a depo shot in 2 years. Not only that, I'm now at the same weight I was when I started getting the depo shots and I didn't do anything to lose the weight. My only concern is that my fiancee and I have been trying to have a baby and it's not working and I'm thinking that it has something to do with being on the depo shot.

Monday, June 09, 2008, 4:26 AM

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I personally had a bad experience with the Depo, the only good thing about it was that I had no periods.
I got pregnant on the Depo not once but twice ...first time around I thought it was a fluke and gave it another try but when I got pregnant a second time I knew it wasn't something I wanted to use not to mention I gained 50lbs in one year on it!! I found that other women I talked to had the same problem with the weight gain

Monday, June 09, 2008, 8:36 AM

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depo and pregnancy

I have been on the depo for 8 years faithfully, I recently found out I am pregnant, now 3 months! I dont know what happened. I am now concerned about side effects on the baby? Does anybody have info on this? My last shot was Jan.29th, I figured I got pregnant around March 28th.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 1:06 AM

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I need some feedback on my situation. I received my first depo shot in december 2007 and i had no previous birth control. I was due for my next shot in March of 2008, my periods became normal again starting April, it is now going into July 2008, when do you all think I will ovulate again?

Friday, June 27, 2008, 10:40 AM

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I have been on the depo shot for 9 years now. I didn't have any side affects. (I have gained about 20 pounds in 3 years but that was because of lazyness and not being in sports any more) I think that it worked well for me, and am going to start the mirena IUD soon just because I want something a little more permenant

Tuesday, July 08, 2008, 1:33 AM

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I had used Depo as a birth control method and gained 40 lbs.I also suffered muscle loss and I suggest finding a hormone free method.I use an IUD now para gaurd Its great! Good Luck and remember hormone free is the way to be!

Tuesday, July 08, 2008, 12:51 PM

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Ah depo made me crazy! I was one it for two years and had radically sporatic periods they would stop for three months then one would last for a whole month and a half on top of which my mood swings were insane I would cry for no reason and get super angry, when I finally got off it my mood stabilized to my normal cheerful self, my period got regular, now I have an IUD BEST birthcontrol in the world! I dont have my period! and no hormones!

Tuesday, July 08, 2008, 8:37 PM

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depo shot

i have been on the depo shot for about 25 years. I know it cant be healthy for me but when i had a period i would have to go to bed for about 2-3 days because i would be so sick with headaches and sick at my stomach then i went and had the depo shot and never had it no mre but now if i wait to get my shsot i can tell it because when the shot os goin ou tof my system i start getting a headache and after i get the shot by the time i get to the car my head ache will be gone i cant understand some of these girls saying it takes so many months to get out of your system but i can tell just exactly when its time for my shot but its scary because i am having trouble with my legs being so weak and my back has been bothering so since i have read some of these answers i am going to have my dr to run a bone defincency test on me next week Thanks of r your part in this survey

Saturday, August 02, 2008, 9:32 AM

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Confused about the depo shot HELP!!

I have been on the depo for 2 years at first i noticed spotting on my very first shots and was told that was normal after a few more shots my periods came non stop i would be on my period for two months straight
recently about 3 months ago i had a shot and my periods completly disapeared but im not sure if its a good thing
i have been getting morning sickness and feeling very bloated i wonder if its a sign of pregnancy .From what i have read its not possible because i have on it for that long or isit?
Also i wanted to know how long will it take to wear off completly as i would like to know if i can really concive after being on the shot
PLEASE HELP!!


Link

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 11:41 AM

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Headaches with shot?

Does anyone get bad headaches with the shot? I have been getting headaches almost everyday since I got my first shot in April.

Sunday, August 24, 2008, 12:53 PM

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loved the depo shot

I was on the depo shot for 12 years. The only reason I stopped was because I lost my job, thus no health insurance. Prior to starting the shot, I had horrible periods that were very heavy, cramps that had me bed-ridden for 3 days due to pain, and mood swings so bad I lost many friends due to them. When I first started the shot I spotted for a few months. After that, I would get a period once every 3 months (right after getting the next shot), but had very mild bleeding and almost no cramping. I did gain weight, but had been before I started the shot so I can't say if the gain was due to the shot or if it was due to my lifestyle. I actually noticed a reduction in depression and the mood swings. Probably due to the freedom from bleeding and the lack of pain from cramping. I was a bit concerned when I found out about the possible loss of bone density, but my doctor and I agreed that we would keep a very close eye on it. I was tested yearly and my density is actually higher then it should be at my age. I would recommend depo to anyone to try, but would also advise close conversation with the doctor to watch for possible negative side affects.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008, 11:54 PM

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OK, I heard bad information about the "Depo" shot but I was curious so I decided to try it. When I started it. I think I had my period for 2 months straight. Finally, I decided that I did not like it and was only on it for 3 months. I haven't had my period for a month now. Well I had sex almost 2 weeks ago and I didn't know how long it took to get pregnant again after the shot. I feel like I am, but then again, I feel like I'm about to start my period. But the at home tests told me negative. To be honest I really would LOVE to be right now. GRR...I hate the waiting. ANY ADVICE?!?!?!?!?!

Thursday, February 05, 2009, 11:43 PM

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Yes

Yes, I found that I got more headaches. Which is very uncommon for me because I never used to get headaches like I did when I was on the shot

Thursday, February 05, 2009, 11:44 PM

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Regarding the preg question

I took depo and I too had the continuous shot for about 6-8 weeks and decided that I didn't want to take it again... Luckily my fiance and I had decided that we were wanting to begin trying for another child... That try took from March until November! So it was horrible and not to give to much info but we were trying a lot! We now have a beautiful 5 month old but it was a long process.
P.S. Just so you know I didn't have any trouble getting pregnant with our first daughter it took us trying twice.... so I know it wasn't us it was the depo!!!

Friday, February 06, 2009, 2:50 AM

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I HATE THE DEPO!!

I had gotten pregnant in sept. of 08 and had an abortion in October. After getting pregnant, I was extremely scared of getting pregnant again (and still am) so i got on the depo. I had my first depo shot at the end of October. Two weeks into November I started bleeding. It is now the end of March and i havent stopped bleeding since!!! It would be on and off...but 90% of the time, im bleeding. Sex is very unenjoyable and some how, painful. Any usage of tampons or (inserting anything into my vagina, hurts!!) My gyno suggested that it was an STD but condoms are my best friends and my partner and I use them ALL the time. I was jus checked and nothing came back positive....so its the depo...IT SUCKS!!! :(

Sunday, March 29, 2009, 8:07 PM

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I was on Depo for 10 years and did gain about 5 pounds a year with it but it was the best thing for me during that time. I have endometrosis and had periods that lasted for 15 days. And cramps that were horrible. It also helped me to treat my migraine headaches. The good thing for me too was that I didn't have periods and that helped my endometrosis. It also helped clear up acne.

I went off of it a little over 3 years ago and although between age and stress losing weight has been hard it is possible. I am now on birth control pills that I have to take every day but I do take them so that I only get a period 4 times a year.

Make sure you talk to your doctor about all of your options. And if you decide to go with the depo make sure you take calicum w/ vitamin D to offset any bone loss issues. I need had any but I did take the calicum. Good luck

Sunday, March 29, 2009, 8:56 PM

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I was on the depo shot for a year and it had to be the worst year of my life! I became agoraphobic or however you spell that...I couldnt leave my house for fear that the earth was going to lose its gravitational pull....how crazy does that sound? I was also petrified that my son was going to die...I had to sit and watch him at every possible moment...he wasnt allowed out of my sight at all...then....yes it gets better...I became suicidal because (in my head) i knew i was going to have to watch my son die....THEN i started having apocalyptic dreams....i thought i was just going freakin nuts...I went to a therapist and she suggested i try a different form of birth control and within 2 months of being off the shot i was completely fine...not once during that whole year did i even imagine that it could be my birth control but it was...in my opinion id say its totally not worth it...I almost killed myself AND i closed myself off from the world out of fear and depression just so i wouldnt get pregnant...weigh you options...taking a little pill everyday against insanity...not a hard decision

Wednesday, May 06, 2009, 8:25 AM

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im 16. second ay on depo.

omg. im hurting so bad. my cramps are min blowing i dnt think i can take it anymore. im spotting like crazy! well if its as good as you guys say it is. i guess i can wait it off. thx for all the info.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 12:36 AM

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i LOVE THE DEPO

I was on the depo two yrs ago i got on it when i was 15 and took my self off of it when i was 18, I loved the depo the first shot i started bleeding non-stop until the 2 shot witch was 6 month of non-stop period..but in the end i didnt have a period until i went off of it, i loved it i did gain a lil weight, after i took my self off of it, 4 months later i got pregnant, i took myself off of it bc i thought it was hurting me and i was scared i wouldnt be able to have kids..NOT true i'm now 20 and have two wonderful daughters..i just had a baby 4 weeks ago..on my 6 week check up I'M GETTING BACK ON THE DEPO..its soo worth it and not having a period is GREAT!! SO JUST WAiT iT OUT FOR YOU HATE THE BLEEDiNG i PROMiSE iTS WORTH iT

Tuesday, August 04, 2009, 7:49 PM

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depo-provera

i used depo for 10 yrs. off and on, i would stay on for 1 yr. then let me system get back to having 1 cycle. it would take about 9 months after the last shot for me to get a cycle, as soon as i did i took shot again. only side affect that i had was a heat rash and of couse no period (which was wonderful). as far as weight well i guess i was lucky it in that dept. because my weight was steady i wouldnt gain nor would i lose any. i suggest the depo if you are looking long term coverage for BC. and no i no longer use depo due to a wonderful thing called hysterectomy!!!

Sunday, October 25, 2009, 4:58 AM

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Side effects of Depo

I have been on the depo shot for three years, and i have also heard that you shouldn't be on it very long mainly because it can affect fertillity. i recently switched to the nuva ring, but i didn't like it and it had wayyy more side effects than the depo did. so i switched back. i mainly made the switch to regulate my body, and to make sure that i was still able to have a menstral cycle. the side effects, for me, of the depo shot have been minor weight gain and it makes my hair grow faster. i love it. it is the only type of birth control i'm comfortable with.

Friday, October 30, 2009, 2:36 AM

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It was love but turned into hate

Well I loved the depo shot at first but a little before I was in to get the second shot I started feeling sick and had no sex drive. Also, everytime me and my boyfriend tried to have sex it woul hurt so much like it was raw that we couldnt even do anything. I went to the doctors and found out I had a bacteria infection. I got medicine then everything was fine. But after a while it started to hurt really bad again. It got me so depressed because I felt worthless that something was wrong with me. My other doctor told me that because I'm not having any periods at all my body is still trying which is causing blood to dry and get stuck on the walls of my vagina instead of flowing out, which is causing the bacteria infections. Like many others there isnt any self lubricant I can produce and it still hurts when I do. Most recently I went back again and got told it might be an STD. I know for certain its not because my boyfriend is my first and I'm his(trust me I know), but she kept mentioning it and mentioning it getting me so scared and more depressed. If anyone else is on the depo and experiencing the same thing please respond so I can feel more comfortable knowing its that. That way I can only worry about when it expires.

Friday, January 15, 2010, 8:20 PM

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depo

yes i was on the depo for shot for about 3 years and then i decided to go off of it and it still messed up my menstral cycle and also when i was on depo it made me very moody and i read a lot of horror stories about the depo it can really mess up your system.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 9:45 PM

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the depo sucks for both parties

my comment is that i dont recommend the use of depo theres other protection
and other means.So teens do yourself a favor. if your man says yes to the depo say no .also when i went for the depo they never told me that i wouldn't have bad side effects down the road and like i said i still messed up my periods eiather i had heavy bleeding at first or i didnt have any.dont try the depo thats my opinion to you.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 10:04 PM

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Opposite side effects...

I originally started depo at the age of 12 and stayed on it till I was 15 No weight gain problems, no mood change, no change at all that I noticed (then again I was too young to notice) Then I got pregnant with my son at 16 and refuse to leave the hospital till I received the shot.. I then noticed all my side effects were completely different from others, I couldn't keep weight, gaining weight was then an issue, my sex drive increased and I was the same b*tch I always was lol I stayed on it until July 2005 when I decided to have my daughter.. it took me 9 months to get pregnant with her due to the depo. It was so heart breaking to think I may have ruined any chances of having another child by being on that form of birth control. But yet again after having her in 2006 I went back on it and have been up until 3 months ago to cleanse my system out. I'm still yet to get my period and it's starting to worry me. How long does it usually take to get it back? Most importantly how long till it is regular again?

Saturday, March 26, 2011, 3:57 PM

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RE:Wednesday, May 06, 2009, 8:25 AM

Now that you mention it in your post.. I too had the same weird effects after having my son. Including very vivid nightmares of him being murdered. I did not leave his side for 2 years. which is around the same time I took a break from the depo for about 6 months hmmm never really thought the 2 were associated until now

Saturday, March 26, 2011, 4:03 PM

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I hate hate hate this shot. Find something new.

Saturday, July 08, 2017, 11:03 AM

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Depo Shot

I used it during the time span of which all 3 of my daughters were conceived-and I never missed a shot. So to say it was highly ineffective for me is an understatement. The biggest side effects I experienced were severe weight gain, depression, and a Vitamin D Deficiency even though I am always outside. From what I have heard from friends my age that use it now still? Not good, so nothing has changed. In theory I don't ever think it is a good idea to mess with the "nature of things" when you are female. And stopping cycles indefinitely has to be a major factor later on in life I would think.

Monday, July 10, 2017, 10:38 AM

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