depo-provera (3 month contraceptive injection) anyone been on it?

[Smoke Jaguar]

I could NOT shift the weight for over a year until the crap was out of my system and my metabolism started to slowly kick back in. I had hovered aroudn 60kg all my adult life until the blow out straight after the depo. And I'll reiterate the complete kill off of my libido. Prior to the depo I was a raging sex kitten (no joke!!) and then nada, nothin, niente.
Side effects the administering doctor told me nothing about.

[Visitor8]

I always have it in my arm... the doc did ask if I wanted arm or thigh though. I prefer to pull my sleeve up then my pants down

[~clover~]

I've been using the depo between kids since DD1 was about 11 months old.
For the first 3 months I had spotting almost the whole 3 months, but I figured it was worth it since I didn't fall pg, so I kept going with it.
I never had spotting like that again. I only got AF at the end of the 3 months, which was a good reminder to go get it again.
I do think the longer you are on it, the longer it takes to fall pg, but I really don't know. I did fall pg both times when I wanted to, so maybe I just wasn't trying hard enough, lol!
I have gained 8 - 10 kgs over the years, but I don't know if that's the depo, or the 2 extra kids & not exercising like I used to?

I love it, I swear by it. I get it in my arm too. Due for it now actually...

[Kitt3n]

depo is a horrible, horrible drug and its creators should be ........ well, i dont think i can say that here, but i promise you its not nice at all

stay away!!!!!!!!!!!!

google "depo horror stories"

[[M]umma[M]ia]

oh Kitt3n, there are horror stories for everything. Google is an evil place to visit... lol

[Kitt3n]

yeah i know babe, but i was one of them........................

[Visitor8]

oh Kitt3n, there are horror stories for everything. Google is an evil place to visit... lol

So true!

[Smoke Jaguar]

Well, you haven't googled, you've asked here on BB for real life stories, and here they are!

[nagromeyk]

ive been told.. they arnt meant to put it in ur arm as it can get lodged in the muscle. They are meant to put it in fatty tissue, like your bum.

anyone heard this????????

Yep in ya bum is better, thats what was done when I had the Depo shot done a couple of years ago.

Personally I would never ever have the shot again, not even if I was paid to

I was one of the very few who didnt get any bleeding but as most others have said I lost my libido BIG TIME - not that I had much anyway hahaha but it took 10 months for my cycle to come back! I also had major breakouts with my skin but overall the side affects for me weren't nearly as bad as other people experience.

It's a personal decision that only you can make. You have to take into consideration your own situation and whether it is the best suited contraception for you or whether there is a better alternative.

Good luck!

[blessedatlast]

I wish I had found this thread earlier.. I had a depo shot and bled a week later and didn't stop for 2 months! I have just had my 2nd shot which should stop the bleeding and so far so good.. (It's only been 3 days) But I also feel bloated and don't have much sex drive.. (My doctor seems to think it's due to depression after the loss of my bubs tho, not the shot) Anyway I thought I would have one more shot after this one then ttc again.. It took me forever to fall pg with the twins and I am scared of not being able to fall pg again after being on this shot..

[~clover~]

I went of depo after 12 months on it & it took 4 months after the last one ended for me to fall pg with DD2.
I got it when she was 2 weeks old & was on it til she was 18 months old. It took around 11 months to fall pg with DS.
So I do think the longer you are on it, the longer it takes to fall pg, but my cycle returned to normal within 2 months & with DS I wasn't actually TTC for the first few months, just not worrying at all. After about 10 months I was starting to worry, so we DTD every night for a month...It worked!
So I can't really say it was the depo that held it off, or just our timing with DTD.
Either way, as with everything it is different for everyone. I know alot of people who use it. I think it is trial & error, but I do believe you have to give it 2 injections to see how it really goes as the first one your body needs to get used to it.
As I said before, I love it & I'm going to stick with it.

[Kitt3n]

the internet is full of these horrible stories because women want to save YOU from a fate like theirs.

here are some comments taken from ask patient

this is page one of MANY

4 Birth Control During the first year I experienced some spotting, usually when it was time for the next shot. Some vaginal dryness, but that is about it. I have had no severe issues with the shot. After reading all the comments I have become concerned. Also, my husband and I are thinking of having another baby and I am afraid it will take a while to become fertile and conceive again. F 23 2 years
2/20/2009
1 I have severe endometriosis For the first 2 months or so I felt completely fine. The only problem I had was spotting and my doctor said that was normal and would go away after 3 months. Around the 3rd month I started to feel completely different! I started to feel depressed, cry over EVERYTHING, headaches, LOSS OF SEX DRIVE, extreme pain during sex ontop of the pain I already feel from having endometriosis, vaginal dryness, BAD mood swings, starting to slowly gain weight, and feeling hungry more often. I've been on this shot for 4 months now and I feel like a completely different person! My boyfriend has even noticed I've been different! AND my spotting didn't stop after the 3 months! It's been 4 almost 5 months and I am still spotting...its really gross! I am going off this shot! It's horrible!!!!!!!!!! I get annoyed so easily or I'm super emotional and I cry over anything...I feel like an emotional rollercoaster...happy for a min angry the next then I'm crying! I CAN'T WAIT TO GET OFF THIS SHOT AND FEEL NORMAL AGAIN!! I hope anyone who is thinking about going on this shot reviews it first! F 19 4 months
2/20/2009
Email 1 birth control Weight gain, depression, mood swings, paranonia, insomnia, fatigue, lower back pain, increased hunger, memory loss, no energy, possible endometriosis, crying fits,delusions I think it really depends on the person but I took the shot in December and have nothing but negative side effects. The doctor warned me of the "normal" ones but if she told me how it really was going to be, I would have said no. Haven't been able to lose any weight even though I am working out at the gym almost everyday doing tons of cardio and strength endurance training. I am also hungry all the time too. I start fights with my boyfriend every other day to the point now that when I tell him I love him, he responds "love me today, hate me tomorrow." I haven't wanted to see my friends, pretty much avoiding them, even their phone calls. Crying spells all the time. Sometimes putting the cereal in the refrigarator and the shrimp in the cabinet and a few minutes later realizing what I did and trying to figure out when I did that; things I was already paranoid about being more intense like thinking that there are cameras in my room or someone looking at me from the ceil F 22 3 months
2/19/2009
1 help ease menopause Loved it for first 3 shots...then had several UTI's, pain when urinating, severe depression, terrible head aches, swelling in hands and feet, ache everywhere (especially in back and ankle where I'd had injury in the past) I've been to several specialists, had a CT scan, a scope of my bladder, sonogram, they found NOTHING...then I go to St Luke's hospital and find out it's the damn depo. I am miserable...I miss lots of work, scheduled for hystorectomy next month and hope like hell I get back to normal when this poison gets out of my systom. F 46 18 months
2/18/2009
Email 2 prevent pregnancy minor abdominal craps, tiredness, extreme pounding headache, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nauseau I saw my doctor about some dizziness/vertigo I was experiencing. Before she gave me a prescriptions, she did a pregnancy test to make sure it was safe for me to take the medication. I went for a followup and she asked if I was on any kind of birth control. I told her no because I've had problems with other kinds of birth control before. She quickly goes on to tell me how great depo prevara is and that I should be on it, side effects are minimal, its the best out there for me. It was so sudden, I didn't really have time to think to really ask any important questions. Any questions I did ask, my concerns were downplayed and all I heard was how great this would be for me. So I went ahead with the shot. Now I'm having these side effects, the headache is extremely intense. I've only been on it for about a month. Has anyone else been in my shoes, will the side effects eventually calm down? If this continues, I want OFF! HELP! F 30 28 days
2/17/2009
Email 1 PREVENT PREGNANCY NO PERIODS AT ALL, MOODINESS, CRYING ALL THE TIME, ANGER, DEPRESSION, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, FATIGUE, UTI'S, JEALOUSY, WEIGHT GAIN ONLY IN MY STOMACH I have been on the depo shot b4 when i was single, & i loved it b/c prior to taking the shot i was under weight and i gained a healthy amt of weight. Months later I started dating now in a serious relationshp, I absolutely hate the way i feel. I am always crying, always depressed, very tired and never in a good mood, i get very annoyed by everyone, especially coworkers and its effecting my job, i over anylize EVERYTHING, sometimes i feel like life isnt worth living, i havnt talked to any of my family, i have a toddler boy and i feel like im not as close to him as i was b4 , i dont think i will be taking this shot anymore .. i would much rather have a baby than to feel like this. F 23 5 months
2/16/2009
1 i had terminated a pregnancy, i experienced bloating, weight gain, depression, mood swings, hair loss, headaches, dry skin, a very foul odor from my vagina, and alot of discharge. i took the shot to avoid another pregnancy because i had just terminated one. i only took one shot that was in june. i got my period back in december about the 26 to be exact. during those months without my period i experienced all the symptoms mentioned on the left of the screen, now that my period has returned i have been experiencing pain, i mean pain during intercourse. i have to hold my stomach if i try to make a bowel movement or urinate. the doctor can not tell me what is wrong because he cannot find anything. but i know that it is from that damn shot. F 24 3 months
2/16/2009
1 Extreme PMS WEIGHT GAIN & CELLULITE!!!!!!!!! I gained 30 lbs in six months & got cellulite in places I never imagined a person could get it!! I still can't get rid of the cellulite or all of the weight!! It's been several years and lots and lots of exercise, super spinning bike classes for just one thing. I always had the matabolism of a humming bird until I took this shot and when I talked to my doctor he said the shot would not cause weight gain. I guess he thought I had suddenly become a gluttonous pig that ate non-stop, but no, he knew it was the Depo, I wasn't sitting there stuffing my face while in his office. He must have been getting a kick back from the drug company to tell someone with that kind of sudden weight gain to keep taking what was causing it. Doctors take an oath to do no harm but that was obviously a joke to him. We all know too much weight is unhealthy. I'm not stupid!! I changed doctors!! This shot completely ruined my body forever!!!! If you would love to gain lots of weight and have lumpy, bumpy cot F 35 6 months
2/16/2009
1 birth control Severe depression, INTENSE ANGER, sudden weight gain, hair loss, decrease in sex-drive, dissatisfaction I would never recommend the shot to anyone, it's terrible. I can't wait until it leaves my system. F 20 6 months
2/16/2009
1 birth control during breastfeeding anger, rage, restlessness, sex drive increase, annoyance, irritability, dissatisfaction I was ANGRY all of the time, at my husband, random strangers, even my poor 3 month old baby girl! I wanted to hit a wall instead of hitting one of them. I was restless, found it hard to sleep and my sex drive actually increased but I was unable to do anything about it as nothing seemed to satisfy it. I think the only solace I could get was going for a run until I was exhausted then a long bath. Minor annoyances would set me off, and I found it very hard to reason or focus. It did work as birth control - but I would never put this in my body again. F 29 3 months
2/13/2009
1 painful periods/birth control Panic/anxiety attacks, depression, hair loss, weight gain, hypoglycemia POISON!!! I started getting the shot in March of 2007. In September, the day after I had my 3rd shot, I was rushed to the ER with severe anxiety attack and hypoglicemia. Four days later another anxiety attack and another trip to the ER. I asked my OBGYN if these symptoms could be related to the shot and she always told me absolutely not. So I kept getting the shot while my nightmare of panic, anxiety, palpitations, depression and hypoglycemia was getting worse and worse. I was afraid of sitting home alone but also afraid of going anywhere by myself. Even walking into the grocery store would give me palpitations. I?ve always had a very busy life and could not understand why all of a sudden I was not able to do anything anymore. Then about a month ago I decided to do some researches online. I could not take it anymore. OMG!!! I could not believe how many women had the same symptoms!!! I don?t know why I did not think about it before but I was glad I had found out just in time F 45 20 months
2/11/2009
Email 4 prevent pregnancy spotting off and on, anger It's been a month and so far it's been ok, i just started spotting last week. I haven't had a period since my baby was born (5 months ago) so this might just be my first one. Problem is it's been over a week. As for the anger issues, it could just be being frustrated sometimes. But i don't recall ever being that angry. Other than that it's been great so far. I'm not pregnant so it's doing it's job. Also i've still been able to continue breastfeeding. No weight gain, sex drive is fine. No dryness that i've noticed. Then again it's only been a month. But all these comments on here kind of scare me so i don't know if there'll even be a second shot in my future F 29 6 weeks
2/9/2009
1 Prevent Pregnancy WEIGHT GAIN....ANGER>>>lots of it depression, fatigue, aches, GI problems, etc. I stopped taking the Depo shot a little of 2 years ago and I am still having all the side effects you can think of. I've been so angry to the point that I lost all of my friends. I've been depressed and had many many GI problems....I just received my period back about 8 months ago but it is not normal at all. I'm married and I want to have children now but my body won't start ovulating (due to depo) and I have had many ovarian cyst (also due to depo). I've known my husband since before I started depo and he tells me that it's so obvious I have changed but due to all these HELPFUL comments regarding the shot, he understands completely. Don't get me started on the weight gain. Before I started depo I was 235 pounds. I've always been big boned so when I gained a little bit I thought it was normal...the little bit did not stop. I have gained a total of 70 pounds due to depo and I can not lose it no matter how hard I try!!!! THIS SHOT IS EVIL AND I FEEL LIKE IT HAS STOLEN SO MUCH OF F 21 2 years
2/9/2009
Email 1 Birth Control Migraines, Hair loss, Much more emotional than I have ever been, Pain during intercourse, Recurring urinary tract infections and yeast infections/vaginitis This is really a terrible drug. It worked great for about 2 weeks before I started having problems. It really bothers me that it's so painful to have intercourse, I feel so bad for my poor boyfriend having to deal with it just as much as me. The thing that scares me the most though are these recurring UTI's, I'm scared it might really be a serious problem. Please don't get this shot. F 17 1 times
2/9/2009
1 TAKEN ORAL PILL FOR 20 YEARS After first week bloating, acne and then cysts started forming under both arm pits. Over over the next 3 months continuous heavy bleeding. Extreme weight gain which looked like puffiness. The cysts became unbearable needing antibiotics. My first Depro injection 1995. I've always had a normal 28 day cycle. The injection was advised as a suitable replacement to the pill which I had taken for 20 years. The doctor was keen to use it saying side effects were rare. The adverse effects kicked in within a week. Bloatedness leading to weight gain. several cysts reoccurring under each armpit making any movement unbearably painfull. The periods did not cease and STILL HAVEN'T. I couldn't wait for the drug to leave my system but foolishly convinced by the GP the symptoms would pass if I kept with Depro so I allowed another toxic dose. The cysts got worse, the weight increased along with heavy dull aching periods constantly, plus deep aching lower back pain. I had 3 children plus a part time job to maintain at that time. Moving on I'm still bleeding continuously and suffer anaemia leading to extreme lethargy intermittantly. This constant bleeding definately affects my health. Osteosporosis was diagnosed at 41 with an early meno F 45 6 months
2/8/2009
Email 1 Menorraghia
KNOW THIS== YOU SHOULD AVOID DAIRY PRODUCTS IF YOU HAVE TAKEN DEPO OR PROGESTERONE OR MIRENA. DAIRY COMES FROM PREGNANT COWS. PREGNANT COWS HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF NATURAL PROGESTERONE JUST AS HUMANS DO. IF YOU EAT CHEESE, MILK, YOGURT, ICE CREAM, ALL YOU ARE DOING IS ADDING MORE AND MORE PROGESTERONE TO YOUR SYSTEM. YOU HAVE 18 MONTHS UNTIL YOU GO BACK TO NORMAL. F 39 1 times
2/7/2009
Email 1 birth control weight gain, severe mood swings/psychosis, acne, gross brown/black spotting, brittle nails, crappy hair, hip pain, leg pain, back pain ok. i got on this shot bc i had taken it years back and it was ok for me, but this time it was pure hell. after a week or shoulder and neck stiffness i started getting moody and noticed slight weight gain. periods vanished and were replaced with some funky brownish black spotting that has been almost contstant since i got the shot (4 months ago) i became even more moody. like ending relationships randomly with ppl, crying, super anger, suicidal thoughts..just BAD depression. the worst ive ever felt in my life. i weighed 115 before the shot, im now about 140. this drug is BAD. i dont even see how it is still given to women. please do not take this crap. just after one shot and it screwed me up this bad. BAD STUFF. F 27 4 months
2/5/2009
2 To prevent Pregnancy At first I was a poster child. Once every three months is all I have to remember and no period! Where do I sign up? My first month on it too a little bit of time to regulate my periods, so I would have it on and off, however this wasn't that bad. When I used to have mine they were awfull made me tired and moody and weak and would last 5 days and be very heavy. After the first month it went away completely. I couldn't tell enough people how much I loved it. I noticed that I started to lose my sex drive and I was moody, but it still didn't bother me enough. On my wedding day I did not have to worry. Then after 2 years I got really sick. I had extreme GI problems and headaches (I never had headaches before) and body aches and abdominal cramps and fatigue. I started getting night sweats and just feeling awful. I have had every test. I had a CT scan and they did not find anything, except a spot on my liver. (They say that is related to the depo-provera shot/ birth control) I had a Please weigh all your options and discuss the side affects with your doctor. I had no idea I would have all of these side affects 2 years into using it. F 26 2 years
2/4/2009
Email 1 not to get pregnant, bad periods headaches everyday, gullbladder problems, VERY VERY VERY BAD anger probems, cramps all over my body, tiredness, when i get my period its for a long time, weight gain, loss of hair (lots of it), breakouts, severe increase of appitite, strechmarks on my boobs. i dont even think it should be a one it should be a 0 it should have no rating its so bad. my first shot on the depo was alright until i started getting really angry at everyone and being really meen towards people and my boyfriend, i didnt understand that it was the shot i just thought i had sudden anger problems. also my boobs got very big but when i got the second shot they got really small and i have bad bad streach marks on my boobs. my second shot wasnt too bad except i was still very angry and depressed and had major pains all over my body in my legs and arms to the point where i had morning stiffness all the time. while my second shot was almost over i got my period for a month straight...im a very skinny girl and always have been i have a very quick motabolism i was 108 pounds when i started the shot now i am 136 pounds, i have love handles flopping out of my pants all the time. i ripped 3 pairs of pants within a week and when from a 1 to a size 7 jeans. recently i started get F 16 9 months
2/4/2009
Email 1 birth control nausea, headaches, fatigue, hunger, muscle ache, frequent urination, moodiness, depression, weight gain, acne. i have never been more miserable. my doctor only briefly warned me about a little weight gain and spotting, but ive had no period at all. that would be fine if i wasnt so worried about being pregnant now. this has been the most stressful experience of my life, i would rather have had a baby. F 18 30 days
2/3/2009
4 Birth Control Acne on my back, slight weight gain I've only had my second shot so far, but I adore it. I hated taking a pill every day (I could taste the ortho-tricyclin, and it wasn't good.) I don't have to worry about remembering anything more then an appointment, and it helps that I enjoy getting shots. My only issues are that I have gained 5 lbs - though I've been inactive - and that I've started getting acne on my back (which is so not pretty... especially since I've been wanting to get a tattoo between my shoulder blades.) F 20 4 months
2/2/2009
3 birth control no period, acne I was on depo for 5 years and thought it was great because I never had a period. I was young so didn't really have much sex drive anyway. Didn't gain weight but started breaking out and am still dealing with that 10 years later. The only problem is that I have been infertile for the last 10 years and that definitely does not run in my family. The osteoperosis part scares me as well...haven't been checked yet though. It worked as far as birth control but I do not recommend it-the side effects or even potential side effects are not worth it. F 29 5 years
2/2/2009
3 Painful Periods I gained significant weight while on depo (more than 30 pounds over 11 years). I took it so long I'm not sure what side effects I may have had because I probably thought they were normal. I loved not having a period;I never had one while on Depo. In October I discussed concerns of weight gain and bloating with my GYN and he said it was time to stop the Depo. I did not take the shots due in October or January and got an IUD. 01/01/09 I began having symptoms of panic attacks (shortness of breath, heart palpatations, tingling in arms, lightheadedness, heavy arms...), signifcant weight loss, fatigue, decreased apppetite, and hair loss. I've had 2 EKGs, an echocardigram, and chest x-ray which were all "normal". My blood work showed I'm on the verge of being hyperthyroid which could cause all of my symptoms. I'm still seeking medical advice about what to treat (hyperthyroid or panic or continue testing for other issues). I've never been one to get easily depressed and never experienced anxiety or panic until January. Please e-mail me if you have quit Depo. I'm curious to know about the weight loss that follows quitting as well as if anyone else has experience F 33 11 years
1/30/2009
Email 2 Birth Control Hard to regulate weight gain. Mood swings were more extreme after about a year(2nd time on Depo). Getting off of Depo has been a stretch as well. My hormones seem so far out of whack that I'm experiencing insomnia and a multitude of gastrointestinal issues. I am 2 weeks past when I should have had my last shot and the insomnia is awful. I'm hoping that as my body re-adjusts that my sleep issues fade and my energy levels come back. F 30 1 years
1/30/2009
1 Birth Control Depression, Vaginal dryness(hurt to have sex), NO SEX DRIVE, Mood swings, rash, SPOTTED BLEEDING!, weight gain 20lb+, tired all the time. I want to ask if anyone else has had the experience where when having sex or doing other various things that it just didnt feel good or didnt feel normal or right? For me it was almost as if I had gone numb. I would like to know if it was just me or if others have had a similar experience. I dont recomend this for anyone! At first it was ok. I had some spotted bleeding but my doctor put me on the pill for a bit to help which worked really well until I hit the one year mark when I would have one month with no bleeding then the next two I would have spotted bleeding. Over the year I gradually lost all sex drive that I had had. Also there was an increase of vaginal dryness. I also gained weight while I was on the shot about 20 pounds. I have never been a person to be depressed but I would get several days of depression shortly after I got the shot. It was so bad that I would get ideas in my head that were completely ridiculous (my boyfriend didnt love me and was just using my for sex which would never be true because if it were he certainly wouldnt have stayed with me through all of this). I would also get very emotional about small things for example I'd watch a Disney movie and ball my eyes out. There are two other things that I think have been caused by the shot tirednes F 21 1 years
1/29/2009
Email 1 prevent preg. migrains, tired all the time, EXTREME hunger.which assisted in extremem weight gain! 5-6 lbs per month! cramping when not on menst. cycle. didn't help with ovarian cysts actually made it worse! and the worst thing i got out of this was not the mood swings or the decreased sex drive (altho those effected my marriage the most) the worst for me was the DYSFUNCTIONAL UTERINE BLEEDING! which got really bad! and drs only say oh it should go away withen a YEAR!!! so i can bleed for a year and thats perfectly normal? im not gonna die? the prescript. says online that it can have irreg. heavy or no periods and thats normal it does not say that dysfuctional uterine bleeding is normal.. B/C it isn't! and it also says it can help keep u from being anemic... um hello losing all my blood might help me become anemic!! THIS IS A VERY BAD DRUG TO TAKE. even for those in perfect or near perfect health... the bone loss alone should scare ppl away. i only wish i woulda been given even a short explaination of this drug when i got it. i didn't even get a side effects warning i was simply just told to wait 20 min b4 leaving the dr office to make sure i don't have an allergic reaction.. if this is what u get when ur not allergic to it.. can u imagine what ppl go thru who are allergic!!!! and all this and im only on my first (and only) shot and in my second month of it.. i won't be going on it n e more.. i still have possibly 7-9 mos b4 it all leaves my body! good luck to those who have already experienced so many problems. may God F 23 2 months
1/27/2009
Email 1 Yes Weight gain and facial hair I am now 34 but took the depo provera at the tender age of 16. I was on it for approximately two years and didnt have a period the entire two years. Now that I am older, more knowledged in my decisions, the depo was a huge mistake that has left me with scars- both internal and external. my external scars are my hormone issues. After coming off the depo, I did succeed in having two healthy children. but I noticed prior to that I began to grow really light facial hair. the hair eventually began to grow thick like the hair on my head! also, i have PMS symptoms a lot sooner and a lot longer than normal. I exerpenced facial breakouts, mood swings, and I could never gain more than 120 lbs until the depo shot - I gained 40 lbs in 6 months! Please spread the word regarding the dangers of any form of birth control. It isnt designed to help us be better women, you may have underlying conditions never exposed due to the cause of your birth control. I feel they should do a study on all the women F 34 2 years
1/27/2009
1 To Prevent pregnancy Migraines (Pain that resulted in getting an MRI!), vaginal dryness, and always feeling lethargic I have been taking this drug for about a year now and everything was fine until a month ago. I started to get major migraines where they would wake me out of my sleep, my doctor put me on a daily drug called topamax to prevent them and I even had an MRI. After reading all of the comments I know this is the issue and will not be getting my shot scheduled next week! I will keep you posted on the results. Hopefully the migraines, vaginal dryness, and lethargic feeling will disappear quickly. I was thinking that since I just had a daughter that was the cause of my vaginal dryness. I thought I was broken forever! F 29 1 years
1/26/2009
1 severe menstral pains BEWARE!! If you have a seizure disorder DO NOT TAKE THIS SHOT. My daughter was started on it with approval of her neurologist for her painful periods, she started having small breakthrough seizures and I kept questioning if it could be the shots, she had 3, but was reassured that it was not a SE, after the 3rd she had the worst seizure yet and ended up on a ventilator and didn't wake up for 5 days. There have been permanent effects from the seizure and we are still dealing with those. Please don't take if you have seizures!!! F 15 6 months
1/26/2009
Email 1 I have stage 4 endomitriosis Side Effects: Extreme mood swings, (i have never been so angry, irritable, personality change and depression) Knees aching, cramping, terrible periods, Discharge (yellowish color and alot of it..its horrible and embarressing!) Vaginal Dryness, Hurts having Sex, Trouble remembering things, Insomnia, Fatigue, Energy Loss, Increased appetite, Weight Gain.... Just way to many side effects for me. I have had 3 surgeries within the past 2 years due to endomitriosis and ovarian cysts. They put me on Lupron which I loved. Took me off of it because of the bone loss...I work out 4 days a wk and eat healthy. Dr. decided that depo-provera...informed me of some side effects. I do not like this drug. I have felt like crape and wouldnt wish this on anyone. F 35 2 days
1/26/2009
Email 3 Birth control Fatige, dizziness, weight gain, mild depression, insomnia, peripheral pitting edema, loss of sex drive, migraine-like headaches, anemia (never diagnosed as to cause, so could be related to drug), stress fractures (running related, but calcium depletion likely played a role), irritability, foggy thought, joint pain I didn't realize how awful I felt on depo until I missed my last shot. Prior to that, I honestly felt like a positive poster child for the drug. I only had a few instances of breakthrough bleeding over 6 years, and just thought the side effects were "other things". I just happened to not make it in for my last shot. It wasn't a big deal because sadly, my sex drive was so low there was no reason to be taking depo. Within a few weeks of missing that shot, it's like the fog has lifted. Honestly, the only way to describe it is 180 degree change. I have more energy, not hungry all the time, my sleeping is better and I don't feel like I'm dragging myself through the day. I've lost a bit of weight (weight gain over 6 years was only ~10-15 lbs, but that's a lot for me, I feel more energetic, my head feels clear, I'm back to my normal "sunny" self. Strange as it is to say, I was so happy to see my period, and my sex drive almost feels like it's in overdrive after four years F 33 6.5 years
1/25/2009
Email 1 birth control constant bleeding, mood swings, depression, back pain, stomach cramps, irritable, lack of sex drive Don't do it, I only has one shot and feel like ****e wish I had never taken this drug it should be banned, Doctor never informed me of any side effects. F 32 11 weeks
1/25/2009
3 don't want to get pregnant,convenience EXTREME vaginal dryness...painful sex as a result, discharge, stomach pain, slight mood changes, REALLY BAD INSOMNIA I didn't realize until I found this site where the vaginal dryness came from. It's awful and nearly destroyed my sex life with the guy I am seeing. I'm 20, I don't want to use lube! Sex was painful, almost with a stinging. Strange discharge and itching and I have been tested twice, with clean results, so it is depo's doing. I love the freedom of not worrying, but if I start gaining weight there is no way I will take my second shot. Also one thing I wasn't expecting, because I had been on an estrogen based birth control pill before, once I got the shot, my breasts have actually gotten SMALLER...which at an A already is pretty bad. I look like I'm 13. F 20 1 times
1/24/2009
4 birth control I like it , but I am getting off it because the docotor that gave me my shot hit a nerv in my arm. and that scares me. and my whole arm went numb and didnt get feeling back in it for a month. weightgain. more hungry then more. pain at the ejection side. if you dont want to have any more kids you should get your tubes tied that is what iam doing. F 26 4 years
1/23/2009
3 Prolonged menstrual bleeding hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings i havent been on it that long, less than a month. the side effects im experiencing are tolerable, well so far. my body did start to feel weird a week after i got the shot. my doctor said thats why she prescribed a multi-vitamin supplement for me to take also. maybe that can work for some of you experiencing stronger side effects. Good Luck!!!! F 30 20 days
1/23/2009
Email 1 heavy and long periods Literally within 1 week of getting this horrible shot I started breaking out like a 13 year old, I became severely depressed and hated everyone and everything. I could not stop crying ( I have a history of depression and my doc should have never put me on this shot), I felt like there was no hope with anything in my life and I just didn't care. I got the shot on Oct 20, 2008 instead of having the endometrial ablation, I figured why have surgery if the shot could stop my periods? Well, that was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life....I decided to have the ablation right away knowing I would not be getting the shot anymore. I had the ablation done Dec 1, 2008, my 90 days from the depo shot was up about 4 days ago and I have not stopped bleeding since I had the ablation!!!! Not sure if this bleeding is from the lingering side effects of the depo shot or the ablation. The ablation is supposed to slow your periods down or even stop them. As of today I have been bleeding for 5 This shot is no good!!!! It's POISON M 41 90 days
1/22/2009
Email 5 Birth Control Loved it!!! Only one side effect- My teeth became very soft. I could be the poster child for this shot!! Loved it!!! Only one suggestion is to make sure you take calcium w/ viatim D supplements. F 35 11 years
1/19/2009
1 Extreme Nausea, Severe Calf and Stomach Cramps, Headaches, Backaches, Extreme Fatigue where I dont want to get out of bed, Stomach Pains, Mood Swings, Depression, Breast Tenderness, Smell Sensitivity, No period after a year. I was fine taking depo until my 5th shot, I then came down with all these symptoms and my doctor did not tell me about the loss in bone density and how long it will take to get pregnant afterwards. I won't ever go back for my next shot. I'm supposed to go back February 28th, I will be switching back to the pill and hoping my body will go back to normal. Never take this medicine! It's horrible!!! F 19 1.5 years
1/19/2009
Email 4 Birth Control Absence of period for 3 years (which has been GREAT), decreased sex drive, weight gain (which I was able to correct through diet and exercise) I had horrible periods before the shot (even on birth control), and being without any periods at all for the past 3 years has been a real blessing for me. I did gain some weight, but I was never a thin person to begin with. I certainly wasn't exercising and was eating constantly...which a sure-fire way to gain weight regardless of your metabolism or your body type. I lost over 50 pounds by changing my attitude about what real hunger actually is versus eating out of boredom or emotional issues. (I recommend hospital-sponsored weight loss programs for serious weight issues.) I just think you have to do your research before deciding on what birth control is right for you. And if you go on Depo, be vigilant about what you eat and how much you exercise...especially if you are not an active person in the first place. Just because you are thin now doesn't mean that your body will always stay that way...drugs or no drugs. I'm no doctor, but if you have a history of any kind of mental issues, I F 29 3 years
1/17/2009
4 Prevent pregnancy. Weight gain though not bad random spotting and bleeding. I absolutely love taking the shot, alot of women are having so many side effects, and so few arn't. I guess I'm one of the lucky few. I have been taking the shot since i was a Freshman in highschool (8/06) and i have not had any bad problems. The only problem that i had was random spotting and bleeding for the first 9 months now i have absolutely none at all. Only recently since my last shot (11/08) have i had any weight gain, i gained 5 pds., but my weight varies all the time so i'm not 100% possitive about DEPO being the problem. I am extremely overemotional but i have been that way since i was little i don't think the DEPO is to blame. I am thinking that some of the women on here are trying to find an easy excuse for their problems and DEPO seems like the easiest. That's only my opinion though. I'm sorry for everyone that have had so many problems but I LOVE IT! It just isn't right for everyone. F 17 3 years
1/17/2009
Email 3 i take this shot because i have a moderate case of endometriosis. birth control wasn't strong enough, so this was my last option. after about the first week on the shot, i felt mild to no pelvic pain at all. however i did break out severely and wasn't able to control it even with proactiv. (it used to work like magic for me). ive also had strange food cravings for days, and also spent days in HORRIBLE mood swings. severe depression no matter how good my day was going, lashing out and secluding myself. a lot of angst:/
F 19

1/16/2009
1 prevent pregnancy Most of all I gained weight! I am 5'5 and I went from a skinny 117 to a big 180! My body looks so bad from all the stretch marks. Other than the weight which is bad enough, extreme vaginal dryness, decreased libido, I now have hypertension, and moodiness which also caused extreme jealousy. I quit doing Depo and ever since I can tell the difference. It was the worst mistake I made in my life. F 18 1.5 years
1/16/2009
Email 1 prevent pregancy, regulate cycle severe mood swings; one minute frisky and over stimulated, next minute moody and depressed; crying for no reason; suicidal; steady bleeding for three months; dizziness, joint stiffness, loss of appetite and then raving hungry, hair drying out and falling out, extremely dry skin do not take this EVER for ANY reason; NOT EVEN ONCE; i only had one shot and will never take another one ... just can't til it leaves my system ... F 29 3 months
1/13/2009
1 Birth Control Constant hunger, irregular bleeding, lower back and leg pains, bloating, nightsweats, nightmares, mood swings, dizziness, fatigue, extreme irritability, headaches, painful cystic like acne, and vaginal dryness. After my first and only shot all I had was the acne, headaches and vaginal dryness. It was after I didn't get my 2nd shot everything started happening. I bleed for 4 weeks stopped for 2 then had a regular period so I thought till it started back up super heavy 2 days later and has continued. It's hard to take care of my 2 kids tired all the time. I'm so irritable that sometimes the noise when my toddler plays bothers me and I yell at him, it's awful and I hate it. Constantly eating I look pregnant and have always had a nice body. This is the WORST drug I have ever taken and I would NEVER recommend it. F 22 1 times
1/13/2009
5 birth control I didnt experiance any side-effects. I lost a lot of weirh because I didnt have a weeke long cravings as I had before my period, and was able to lose 20 lb. I stopped have any acne, my face looks much more better.no changes in sex dive at all. I get calcium suplements.
F 24 2 years
1/12/2009
3 birth control / help with periods my sex drive is way up :] and thats great. however shortly after i got my first injection i started spotting and i have been ever since. brown discharge too. i had really bad periods where i'd bleed so much i was sent to the hospital for loss of blood and once i started depo- provera i dont have that problem. however spotting all the time is annoying and im worried that my guy will get freaked out if we have sex. My sex drive is way up though all i want to do is hook up with him. F 18 1 months
1/10/2009
Email 2 Heavy bleeding around normal period time, mood swings, weight gain, constant urination, vaginal dryness, and tiredness NIGHTMARE I wish I would have researched more before taking it. My doctor also didn't help by telling me it could cause depression seeing in my file that I have a history of depression. and I had to use a LOT of lube to have sex and go dry 2 minutes later. I have also been having severe cramps and very heavy period. I bled through a super plus tampon in an hour and a half. it also made my vaginal area smell strange and strong. I had no infection or std before I got on it and it smelled fine before I got on it about the second day of being on it my partner and I both noticed it became very strong smelling and smelled different. F 21 3 months
1/10/2009
1 didn't want to fall pregnant again mood swings, anxiety, nausea, pain in injection site & no periods. I have actually only had 2 Depo shots and it's played havoc with my body. Lately I've just been constantly wanting to cry or shout at everyone/thing. I can't stand the fact it's turning me into some sort of emotional train wreck. It's horrible. And it's heartbreaking putting my boyfriend through what he's going through with me just now. I only started with this after an unwanted pregnancy but I don't think I'll be continuing with it due to this. Avoid at all costs. If anyone has any tips on how to control these moodswings can you please email me? Thanks. F 21 4 months
1/10/2009
Email 1 Essure procedure Period started late by one week -- that was 45 days ago. Still bleeding! Not heavy, but still not fun! I was given this shot in order to have the Essure procedure. No pros or cons discussed with me. I did my own research. I was hesitant but figured it was one time deal. My hesitancy was more because of my age - 41 - and I didn't want to jack with my hormones - more afraid of an emotional roller coaster. Didn't expect non-stop bleeding, since I took the pill in my 20's and had very light periods. My physician said the shot is more to thin the lining of the uterus to make the procedure easier. After 3 months, for birth control, she suggested another shot until tubal blockage is confirmed. I told her I will chose absentince over more hormones of any kind! I don't think this doctor gets a cut in $ because I picked up the presription at the pharmacy. My brother, a Physician's assistant, says women get fat on this shot. Thank goodness I've been able to maintain. F 41 75 days
1/9/2009
1 birth control No noticable ones the first two years, except I never had a period after starting the Depo the day I left the hospital after my last son was born. After this I gradually put on 20lbs which I couldn't lose no matter how much I dieted or excersized. Then the depression kicked in every morning. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I had a great life, but was depressed every morning. My hands fell asleep at night and this woke me up. Lots of insomnia. Acne, which I hadn't had since I was 13yrr old. Hot flashes and sweating. I have been off depo since Oct. of 08'. I no longer have insomnia, am dropping the weight with diet and feel none of the heavt depression. I still haven't had a period, but I understand it may take up to two years to come back. My doctors only informed me of bone density issues and never mentioned these other side effects. Please investigate before taking. Not having a period is cool for 5 years, but the side effects weren't worth it. So glad to be over them. F 44 5 years
1/9/2009
5 no period/no baby! 46 years old....I have been taking depo for a little over 11 years and have enjoyed not having a period. Over the past 11 years I've gained about 5 pounds, which I have no problem with. Sex is great not worrying about getting pregnant...vacations are even better not trying to schedule around a period!!!
F 46 11 years
1/8/2009
1 irregular/heavy, painful periods I LOVED Depo for about 3 years. No side effects, no period and no other problems. Then as I was washing my hair one day a huge amount of hair came out in my hand. I had a beautiful bald spot right in front. I did not take the shot anymore and I really do miss it, but I am NOT going to be bald. No weight gain until after I stopped taking the shot and now it's like I can't lose it. I wish I could know I could get the shot again and not lose my hair. I have been off of depo for about 1 1/2 years now and my hair is finally growing back.
F 43 3 years
1/6/2009
1 Dr. made me before I got Essure bc extreme weight gain (112 lbs to 183 lbs)in 8 months!!! no sex drive, vaginal dryness,depression, anxiety attacks, mood swings, 41yrs old and I have acne, hands stay swollen and tight and arms feel like they are asleep all the time and my knees are always giving out with a very sharp pain. Even sex hurts really bad. I had to take this shot because I was getting a alternative method of a tubaligation called Essure, where they insert titanium springs in your tubes and U of C in Illinois strongly suggest you take this shot before they do the proceedure or they act as though you can't get the Essure. That is the only reason I got depo and they push it or poor minority peolple. I hate like hell I got that poison in me. There should be a class action law suit regarding this drug. NEVER ALLOW THIS IN YOUR BODY.I belive once the damage is done there is no turning back.And I only had ONE shot!!! Lord please dont let this drug be the death of all who have received injections. F 41 1 times
1/6/2009
1 Birth Control 20 lbs weight gain, acne, joint aches, depression, tired all of the time, extreme hunger, mood swings. im trying to lose the weight i gained from depo and it is really hard. i was not told about ANY side effects of depo from planed parenthood until i told them i was gaining weight and they said that was usual. im on the ring now and i would recommend it over depo any day of the week. F 21 2 years
1/6/2009
1 Heavy periods Weight gain (set on fast); irritable (and I was the easy going one!); dizziness; fatigue and a 48 day period (and counting) I was a bad patient. I should have read more about it but I was about to do the 60 mile breastcancer walk and suffered from anemia due to heavy periods. The doctor said this would work. I'm on day 48 of my period which started ten days after the shot. I am just waiting for the side effects to stop - I would never take this knowing what I know now. F 45 3 months
1/5/2009
1 birth control headaches, SEVERE depression, weight gain, moodiness, loss of sex drive, no energy i have only had 2 injections but it has had its effects already. i have gained about 30lbs in the past six months. i have had thoughts of suicide to the point of cutting my self. my boyfriend bless his soul has put up with me but i know im damaging our relationship with all the highs and lows i go through everyday. i had seizure out of no where and my dr. contributes it to the shot. i had bad knees before the shot and now they kill me ALL the time. and the arm i get my shot in hurts in the muscle to the point that i need heavy medication to take the edge off. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE!! F 19 6 months
1/5/2009
Email 1 No peroid/no baby's INSANE WEIGHT GAIN I JUST TURNED 33 YEARS OLD AND WOULD NEVER EVER RECOMMENT THIS DRUG. I HAVE TAKEN THIS DRUG 3 OR 4 TIMES. THE LAST TIME I TOOK IT WHICH I STARTED IN JULY OF 07 I WEIGHED 110 LBS. I STOPPED TAKING DEPO IN MAY OF 08 I NOW WEIGH 150 LBS. I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY WEIGHT BEFORE. I ALSO TRIED WORKING OUT EVERYDAY FOR THREE MONTHS AND DIDNT LOSE A POUND. I NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE WHEN I GOT THE SHOT. LET ME ALSO SAY THAT GETTING BACK TO "NORMAL" IS NOT AN EASY THING. I'VE NOT HAD A SHOT SINCE MAY OF 08 AND IVE HAD TWO PERIODS SINCE THEN. CRAZY!! F 33 6 years
1/4/2009
Email 1 not wanting to get pregnant loss of sex drive, nasea, horrible stomache ache, depression with suisidal thoughts, horrible mood swings, dissy, head aches, ect i only took it a few weeks ago. i didnt find out how bad it was until the same day i got the shot and one of my friends said she got a stomache ache from it. well she was right and more. my boyfriend has to deal with me being happy one minute to yelling at him for no reason the next. he also had to sit there and listen to me say oh life sucks, why am i alive, stuff like that. if i could go back, i would never have gotten this shot. im going to not go back for my next one in march. i hate the feelings of mood swings, stomache aches so bad i just wanna puke. i have like no energy. my boyfriend noticed that im not into sex as much as i was before. THEY SERIOUSLY NEED TO TAKE THIS OFF THE MARKET!!!!! also my boyfriends mom said she has known people on it, and she never heard a good thing about it... F 14 3 weeks
1/4/2009
4 Don't want anymore children I've had some bleeding and spotting but only been on the shot for less then a month and already it's slowing as far as the depresson and such nothing my sex drive has increased and my boyfriend loves it, no dryness as for the spotting and sex it's hardly an issue. So far this drug has been great no weight gain no urges to eat my doctor told me the drug does not put weight on food does as he knew this was one of my main fears. As far as mood swings or depression not at all I think some people are blaming the drug for other issues in their lives. My sex drive has increased and I can't get enough so I hope this helps not all people have a bad experience with the shot. M 37

1/3/2009
1 Out of control periods Mood swings, depression, anxiety, loss of sex drive, affected a good relationship, weight gain. This drug seems like it is so wonderful but it really isnt, i became a monster and pushed a really great person out of my life due to this drug, ruined my friendships and work and to add insult to injury i gained weight, had thoughts of suicide, wasnt interested in sex, and had many fits of rage (including when i was driving). NO ONE SHOULD EVER TAKE THIS DRUG IT SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET!!!! F
1 years
12/31/2008
1 Doctor recommended it for endo. I have endometriosis and two doctors tried to push this and Lupron on me after having laparoscopy surgery to keep the endo from coming back. It makes me sick reading how many of you had to go through this suffering. Before going for the injection, I researched this "medicine" and read this site and talked to Depro patients, and I chose to listen to my body and not take it. I am 26 years old and had bad side effects from birth control pills in the past. The doctors wouldn't listen to me and told me I "have to" go on this but I didn't. Doctors are pushing this on people because they get a large cut from the drug companies. It's a sad world we live in. F 26 0 days
12/30/2008
1 prevent pregnancy LOSS OF SEX DRIVE- I don?t even want my bf near me MOODINESS everything and everyone annoys me LAZINESS- all I want to do is lay down, watch TV and sleep, and having an 18mon old this is hard I want to do stuff with him!! NO motivation!!! RAGE- out of nowhere! DEPRESSION- I just fall in and out of this SAD- just feel sad at times VAGINAL DRYNESS- I?ve never needed lube until now! JOINT ACHES- I feel as though I have arthritis! BACK ACHES- it?s unbearable STOMACH ACHES & CRAMPING- especially when the shot is due again I get really bad cramping, esp. after urinating to the point it makes me want to cry, its feels like your uterus is contracting when you are giving birth WEIGHT GAIN- none of my jeans fit, they are all tight, even though I have not been eating because: LOSS of APPETITE- I?m not hungry, then I am, then I?m not, then I am... its driving me Nuts!! Since taking the shot it has TRANSFORMED ME my boyfriend is the sweetest guy you will ever meet but yet I find ways to be mean to him, for NO REASON! I don?t know where it comes from and I CANT STOP the anger! everything irritates me, I have not felt the same since I have taken it, and it feels almost as if I need it now, last month I went to PP and told them my side effects and how I was having severe stomach pain and I wanted to know whether that was normal, they said that it was just because I needed the other dose to help with the pain, and I just wanted to be rid of the pain, and is why I decided to take the next shot, that was the second time, now again I have 2 weeks until my next shot is due and I am experiencing the same excruciating pain, it is almost unbearable, and it is especially worse right after urinating, it feels as though my uterus is contracting, and quickly after I spot blood. I?m afraid for my relationship with my boyfriend because to be honest I know F 23 6 months
12/29/2008
Email 1 Birth control Extremely long-lasting period!!! Mood-swings, loss of sex drive, weight-gain! I have had 3 shots so far. At first I was satisfied with it, but after about a month I took my fist shot I had my period for 6 weeks. My doctor said its because I had stopped breastfeeding, so I thought that made sense. 2 days after I got my third shot, here comes my period again, 24 days and still going!!!! I wish I knew about these side effects, because they seem to be so common. Also, I lost my sex drive completely! F 23 7 months
12/29/2008
Email 1 birth conrol Depression... constantly felt sad and unmotivated, which is very unlike me. I am more irritable than usual and it has affected my friendships and relationships. No other birth control has had any effect on me whatsoever. I am going off it next month and can't wait to be myself again.
F 24 5 months
12/29/2008
1 birth control Severe headaches, weight gain, irritability, severe depression, suicidal thoughts. While not having a period is nice, it isn't worth all of the other side effects. I have had only two injections so far, but I've already gained 10 pounds. This drug has nearly ruined my relationship - it destroyed my sex drive. I've had headaches since I started the shot and they have been most intense the day of and the few days following the shot. This drug has also triggered depression and suicidal thoughts. I spoke with my doctor about the lack of desire to have sex, as it was becoming an issue with my fiance. She assured me that although this is a less common side effect it should go away with the second shot. Well, the lack of sex drive hasn't gone away and to top it off my mood swings are out of control. I have been severely depressed and lately have been having suicidal thoughts. I will not be getting my next shot. F 28 5 months
12/29/2008
5 birth control slight weight loss, period stopped, acne cleared I liked Depo while I was on it, but missed appointment and discontinued using it because am no longer seeing anyone. It took just over 6 months after discontinuation for my period to return. My acne got worse again only about a month after discontinuation. F 20 6 months
12/28/2008
2 prevent pregnacny I was on the shot for 6 years and than decided to stop taking it because of people telling me it was not healthy to not have your monthly cycle. I got back on the shot a year later and it has been hell on earth. The brown discharge with foul odor is horrible. I want the spotting to stop. I did not have these problems when I was on it the first time. I have never had problems with acne and now it is out of control. My attitude is what you would have to call poor. I am irritable and quick tempered now. I have one more month to go and I am not getting the next shot.
F 23 2 months
12/26/2008
1 Birth Control I started Depo about 3 years ago. I gained a total of 80 lbs over the last 3 years. I never had a period, which was great, but I still had terrible mood swings and etc. I stopped taking the depo shot about 6mos. ago because I became concerned that I wouldnt start a regular period. I have not had a period in the last 6 mo and have gone 9 mos since my last shot!! STILL NO PERIOD~!!! I wish my doctor would have told me it can take up to 18MONTHS to start you period and that is IF you body starts to regulate!!! Not to mention the fact that NO ONE told me it effected your bone DENSITY!!! I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANY WOMAN THAT HAS A BAD HISTORY OF BONE ISSUES OR TO ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FUTURE KIDS~~!!!!! F 19 3 years
12/26/2008
Email 1 to control heavy periods intense bleeding during sex, near-constant spotting, excessive perspiration, weight loss (i went from 160 to 129- the only side effect i was cool with). it was never proven to be related, but i know deep down that it had something to do with needing my gallbladder removed at the age of 16. ANYTIME I HEAR OF SOMEONE TAKING THIS RAT POISON IT MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. this drug made my life A LIVING HELL FOR TWO YEARS, AND EVEN NOW, 5 YEARS LATER I AM NOT BACK TO NORMAL. While on it i developed vulvar vestibulitis, which a specialist linked directly to this poison. for over a year my vagina felt like it had a constant yeast infection. sex was impossible. after i saw several doctors and finally a specialist, i was placed on hormone therapy for six months. Depo had basically given me menopause at the age of 16. i had to go see a physical therapist because my pelvic muscles were constricted from being in so much pain. i still have recurring vaginal dryness. im 21, but i feel like im 50. please, PLEASE ANYONE WHO IS READING THIS DO NOT INJECT THIS POISON INTO YOUR BODY! THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE F 21 180 days
12/25/2008
2 birth control weight gain , headaches, long periods
F 20 2 months
12/24/2008
1 prevent pregnancy, regulate period Mood swings, backaches, headaches/migraines, loss of sex drive (completly), vaginal dryness, increased acne, loss of motivation, loss of energy, hot flashs, depression/thoughts of suicide, foul odor, no period of 1st 2 months then a constant 4 week period and counting... I got this shot because it was one of my only options (due to my history of headaches), but it is been the worst choice I could of made. My headaches have worsened (I had 5 in one day; including a migraine). I would never recommend this to anybody. I've never felt worse in my life. F 19 3 months
12/23/2008
1 to prevent pregnancy at 15 weight gain, bad headaches, mood swings, nausea, no period, tired and lazy all the time...no energy I would not recommend anyone to take this shot!!! I was 15 when i started taking this and im almost 20 here in a few months. I have my life together and now want to concieve a child with my fiance. Ive been off of this shot for a little over a year now, I am getting my period once every few months for like 3 days. If your on it you should get off it now...this shot ruins your body, and I was just being stupid at a young age. F 19 2 years
12/22/2008
4 dont want kids or my period Slight spotting a cpl weeks after my first shot. Some moodiness and emotional changes but not bad. I havent been on depo long but so far im liking it. My sister has been on it for years and has never had any problems these other women have had. 1st of all, it can make you gain weight...IF youre not active. All birth control puts you at a higher risk of a stroke. And some of you need to give it more time. Its a new thing for your body not to have its period every month so you cant expect NO period right after you get the shot..give it a little time. It seems like some of the symptoms these women put have to do with something else and not the shot. I agree it can cause vaginal dryness and loss of sex drive..but there are ways around that. I like the shot and will continue to use it. F 24 2 months
12/19/2008
2 to prepare for Essure procedure constant spotting about three weeks after taking 1st shot I had used Depo Provera when I was in my early thrities with wonderful results. The one down side was when I stopped the shot, I had cramps so bad I ended up in the hospital. That should have been a sign however I am not interested in having more children and began the process for permanent birth control which involved using some type of hormonal assistance. I never remembered to take BC regularly so I figured the shot was a safe option. Wrong answer. I have been spotting everyday since October 29 that approximately 54 days just shy of two months. So I accomplished my goal permanent birth control because I am not comfortable having sex while I continue to "adjust". Hopefully my doctor and I can come up with a solution short of a hysterectomy to stop the spotting. F 44 80 days
12/19/2008
1 Birth Control Hair loss, anxiety, panic attacks, weight gain, spotting while on shot, never ending period after quiting the shot. Thought this was great UNTIL I realized that I was doing an old man "comb over" to cover up my hair loss. Quit the shot and was due to get one almost five months ago. I finally got my period six weeks ago, and I am still bleeding!!! I'll go to the doctor tomorrow and see what they say now. I'll repost to let you know the results. DO NOT USE THIS GARBAGE! I also gained about 15lbs, though I have weighed the same for ten years without the shot, so now I need to drop the weight, and it is TOUGH. I've dieted for about a month and have only lost 3lbs. F 38 2 years
12/19/2008
Email 1 NO PERIODS BIRTH CONTROL Mood Swings, Anxiety, WEIGHT GAIN. I gained 40 pounds in the 4 1/2 years taking the depo shot with out of control eating and suffered from terrible anxiety and moodswings. M 21 4 years
12/18/2008
Email 3 birth control/ period loss irregular brown spotting, anxiety, severe depression and agression, weight loss, fatigue I used to be sweet, kind, and really hard to irritate considering I constantly work with children, but after my shot it all changed. My boyfriend and I get in a huge fight almost every day, usually over nothing I just get angry. I did not have a period however, just spotting, so that was good, but I still don't know if I'll get a second shot. F 17 2 months
12/16/2008
1 BIRTH CONTROL PAIN IN ARMS AND LEGS LASTED 3 HAYS SATRTED 1ST DAY OF SHOT. THEN CAME THE HOT FLASHES A FEW TIMES A DAY. THEN WOKE UP ON DAY 6 OF THE SHOT WITH FEELING DEPRESSED BY THE 9TH DAY STARTED HAVING EXREAM MOOD SWIND AND AGGIATATION LIKE A TICKING BOMB AND A RACING MIND , SUIDIDE THOUGHTS , BY THE 12 DAY OF THE SHOT STARTING CUTTING ON ARMS , DAY 13 IN THE HOSPITAL. I CAUTION EVERYONE TO RESEARCH THIS DEPO SHOT , I AM THE MOTHER OF THE GIRL YOU ARE READING ABOUT HER SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE DEPO SHOT. SHE IS STILL IN THE HOSPITAL AND THE DR'S HAVE CONFIRMED , THIS IS FROM THE DEPO SHOT. IT WAS HER FIRST AND LAST SHOT. SHE HAS NEVER BEEN DEPRESSED A VERY OUT GOING AND DOWN TO EARTH GIRL. WATCHING MY DAUGHTER THE PAST WEEK WAS LIKE WATCHING MY MOTHER GO THROUGH METAPAUSE ONLY WORST. SHE IS STILL IN THE HOSPITAL TO BE STABLIZED. WE WERE NEVER TOLD OF THESE SIDE EFFECT EXCEPT FOR MIGHT HAVE SOME WIEGHT GAIN AND SOME ACNE. FAR CRY FROM. THIS SHOT SHOULD BE BANNED. READ UP ON IT GO TO THE DRUG COMPANIES WEBSITES , CALL THE DRUG COMPANY , I DID AND SAD TO SAY THEY HAD TO LOOK UP THE SIDE EFFECTS, THEY OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW OFF THE TOP OF THERE HEADS. BUT THEY DON'T. THEY DON'T CARE PLAIN AND SIMPLE. CAUTION , CAUTION , CAUTION. MY GOAL IS TO HAVE MY CASE POSTED ON THE FDA SITE AND EXPOSE THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DEPO SHOT. I WILL BE DOING NON STOP RESEARCH F 15 15 days
12/16/2008
Email 3 Birth Control - Stop Periods I started taking depo around the age of 16 to stop my period- it was great but i didn't take it constently only when my period would come- maybe twice a year. THEN - i got in a serious relationship and needed to take it constantly (ive been on depo for about 5yrs with 1 yr break to try ortho evra. at first i had no weight gain. I was full timer at age 21 then started the weight gain, nausea(this is serious)I'd be in the middle of eating (in which im hungry all the time) and feel like i need to throw up. Less sex drive vaginal dryness I love having no period but the weight gain, nausea and mood swings are unbearable. i weighed 115 at graduation, i didn't gain weight then probably because i was so active. when the side effects started getting worse i switched to ortho evra lost some weight was was down to 125 Ive been back on depo this last year and i now weigh 138. Im getting off and will do the patch again- Im thinking patch in the winter when i dont need to hide it and depo in the summer. F 25 9 years
12/15/2008
1 Pregnancy prevention AGAINST MY WIL 6 week period, extreme constant nausea, migraines, and intense headaches, I really just never feel good. I am EXTREMEMY irritable, and I get mad over nothing really. Pretty much, everyone will have the same lousy, terrible side effects. My mom took me to the doctor for a blood test to find out if I was pregnant or not, and the results mysteriously never came back. A week or so later, she took me in to get the depo shot without knowing the results of my pregnancy test. I was against getting this shot. A day after I got the shot I noticed immediate side effects, and I was miserable. When I asked her if she had given me an involuntary abortion, she called and said oh, your results are back and they are negative. Which personally, I think Is a lie. Either way, this shot should be outlawed in all 50 states. It has been black box labeled by the FDA, which means it can cause potential life threatening risks. The shot is painful to your body, causes through the roof irregularities, gives you un necessary aches and pains when you can get on Mirena or the pill and have no side effects. DONT GET THE DEPO! you will regret it. F 16 2 months
12/15/2008
Email 1 BC&to prevent period THIS SHOT IS HORRIBLE!! I got this medication twice lasting three months each time and was fine then the third one I got I had all really bad side effects, I am experiencing severe depression, severe ANXIETY to the point of not being able to be alone, spend 3 days in the hospital because of CONSTANT NAUSEA as if I am pregnant(but I'm not) morning sickness, lost about 10LBS(in the low 90's) am drinking protein drinks and forcing myself to eat, no appetite, can't tell when I'm hungry or full, constantly gaging, separation anxiety, I'm on ativan, paxil, etc because of this stuff, headaches, irritability. THIS STUFF HAS ALMOST RUINED MY RELATIONSHIP though it has strengthened my relationship with GOD, I would never recommend this shot or get it. NO MOTIVATION WHAT'S SO EVER, can't work, can't do anything idk what I'd do if I had a kid and was going through this. My gyno didn't tell me any side effects about depo besides weight gain and I didn't have any problem with weight gain. I regret not looking it up myself before trusting it. F 20 9 months
12/15/2008
Email 1 Prevent Pregnancy Low sex drive, Discharge (with a foul odor), Depression, Irritable I was soo excited when I first got the shot thinking ?great, sex with no worries of a pregnancy.? I am a smoker and this was the best method for my lifestyle. Well?my sex life went from great to non-existent. Not too mention that the foul smell on the discharge is something I can not bear. I had NEVER had any problems in that department and now feel traumatized with the side effects of this garbage. My next shot is due in two months and I WILL NOT be taking it. The red flag should have gone up when my doctor told me that if I didn?t like the side effects I was going to be stuck with them for up to three months. I?ll be lucky if I even have a relationship by the time this poison is out of my body. F 32 5 weeks
12/15/2008
5 didnt want children i honestly cant remember any bad side effects. i lost a whole lotta weight no period and had a very good sexual drive I LOVED DEPO, worked perfectly for me.but as i was 16 at the time and am now about to be 21 things might have changed. i will be going back on depo this coming week, i just had a child and do not want to be pregnant for quite sometime, lets hope it goes as well this time as it did last time=) sorry to all of you who had bad experiences F 20 1 years
12/13/2008
5 No Period! Birth Control Some weight gain in the beginning.. I guess only the people with bad experiences are looking this up because I am by far an exception to what appears to be horrible experiences. I was on the pill for years, went off to have a baby.. after baby, couldnt remember to take my pill (go figure) so I switched to the Depo shot.. I am also a smoker so this was a better choice for me. Keep in mind that I was 31 when I started this shot so I am not as concerned with my "bone density" because of my age. I am still on the shot, and will continue to stay on it until I have a hysterectomy. I am at high risk of endomitriosis but have always been on some form of birth control so keep it from developing. I do not have health insurance so I get the generic form which is 1/2 the cost of the Depo. I also give myself the shot. F 40 9 years
12/13/2008
Email 3 prevent pregnancy headaches, mood swings, weight gain,
F 18 1 years
12/12/2008
2 Prevent Pregnancyy Depression, anxiety, weight loss, loss of sex drive, moody, discharge, spotting...
F 16 3 months
12/11/2008
Email 5 Birth Control Weight gain, lengty bleeding associated with period, slight depression off and on My positive outweigh my negative. As a young adult I'm pleased with Depo and will only be on it 2 years because of the calcium problems associated with being on it for too long. It took the first two shots to get used to the body changes, but now I'm not experiencing any more weight gain (10lbs total gain), and I only get an "extended period (2 weeks give or take)" once every few months. F 20 1.5 years
12/10/2008
2 birth conrol Acne, head aches, weight gain, depression, mood swings, hair loss, nausea I received the depo provera shot one time. After all the side effects I decided not to get it again. Imediately after the 3 months the shot was in affect I began spotting it did not stop for almost 2 months. It has been 4 months since the shot stopped being affective and I still have no regular period and now only occasional dark spotting. Every body responds differently but I would never recommend this type of birth control F 20 3 months
12/10/2008
1 Birth Control Anxiety, depression, oily skin, lack of sex drive, irritability, insomnia, emotional I took Depo from the time I was 22-28 without any side effects and was a HUGE FAN! Then around the time I turned 28 and my internal hormones changed the drugs side effects came on like a freight train. I stopped the drug and within 12 weeks was a totally different person. Sleeping, enjoying relationships, no more paranoia! F 34 6 years
12/10/2008
1 Birth control I applaud anyone who has experienced wonderful effects of Depo but I will NEVER take the shot again. At first everything was fine but then there was significant hair loss, my period started 2wks late, then the irregular bleeding for 3wks and COUNTING. I can't even have sex! The bleeding won't stop. Its very dark brown and as soon as I think it has finally stopped it starts again! It's not healthy to alter your normal body mechanisms this way. I hate this progesterone. I just want the bleeding to stop. I've also had bouts of depression and I blamed it on myself without knowing the shot could have caused it. I will not return for the second shot. I would like to find a way to detox F 19 3 months
12/7/2008
5 to prevent pregnancy very light spotting once or twice a month which only lasts for less than a hour no weight gain, no periods, no mood swings, my doctor only recommends me to take it for 2years because of the side effect of reducing bone denisty. I take calcium pills twice daily as a precaution, I am very pleased with Depo. F 32 5 months
12/6/2008
1 Birth Control Back Pain,extreme irritability, psychotic depression, intrusive thoughts of suicide, mood swings, fatigue, EXTREMLY Oily Scalp, So bad I want to shave my hair, I tried dying my hair..Changing Shampoo's..This has never happened to me before. I know it is because of Depo. I will be switching back to the Pill F 23 4 months
12/4/2008
Email 3 Severe menstrual cycles Weight gain, abnormal bleeding, backaches I have never had a problem with weight gain until I began taking depo-provera. I have been on the shot for seven months and I have gained 20 pounds. I am 5"3 so the 20 pound weight gain has made me very uncomfortable. However, since I have been on the shot I no longer have horrible menstrual cycles or unbearable pelvic pain. F 25 7 months
12/3/2008
1 Birth Control slight headaches, cramps, period!, irritability out of the wazoo!! mood swings, random crying, laziness, i'm lethargic and unmotivated all the time, weight gain, etc. I'm getting married in a matter of days, and i started taking Depo 2 1/2 months ago so my body could be used to it... little did i know I would start a period and still be on it, so far a week later. And my poor family! This should be a happy time, but I get ****ed at everyone for everything. I have never disliked people more, and I tend to snap on people where I used to be really laid back and apathetic towards most things. Then I randomly start crying- and I-- am NOT a crier! I hate crying, and i hate it more since I don't do it by choice-- it's just something that happens... My doctor said it would take some time to get used to it,and my friend said her moodiness went away after a few months... but I don't think all this is worth the high guarantee of not having a baby. gosh... I think I'd be less stressed if I had a baby! I'd probably cry less than I do now and not be so angry, let's hope. Regardless... I don't think I'm going to take the shot next week, and I will probably start F 19 2.5 months
12/3/2008
1 Birth control Severe joint/muscle pain, stiffness, extreme irritability, psychotic depression, intrusive thoughts of suicide, mood swings, fatigue, constant bloating, random cramping throughout the day, complete loss of sex drive, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse (feels like there's a piece of broken glass stuck in there), mild but almost constant headache, anxiety attacks, rage I had never been on birth control before and I just decided to try it out. I have battled with severe depression and anxiety my entire life and come close to attempting suicide many times. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and I started taking the antidepressant Effexor. I've been taking 300mg/day since and I've felt wonderful UNTIL I GOT THIS SHOT. I feel like it's completely canceled out my antidepressants and I'm back to being angry and wanting to die all the time. The joint/muscle pain makes me feel like I've aged 40 years over night. F 30 3 weeks
12/3/2008
1 birth control Nausea, non-stop bleeding I got the shot on Nov. 15 and it seemed as if my period was starting to go away, which is what I was hoping for. I just kept spotting and spotting for a couple weeks. Then I just started bleeding more and more. Now it's going back to spotting a tiny bit. Recently I've been nauseous and throwing up and have been having pregnancy-like symptoms. It's disgusting having sex. My boyfriend doesn't not want to have sex, so we do, and it's very messy and bloody. I can't take it much longer. I'm definitely not getting another shot. I'm too young to be destroying my body like this. F 20 18 days
12/3/2008
3 BC DEPRESSION, dryness, lose of sex drive I feel like I've flown over the cuckoo's nest. I cry all the time and sometimes I can't even feel it coming, I knew that hormone therapy could make my a little moody. But this is unbearable. My boyfriends feels like it's his fault when I randomly start crying. I just can't get a grip on myself sometimes. I thought I was just stressed from school, but then I noticed I was in school longer than I've taking the Depo. Also, I got the Depo as a just in case Birth Control. I thought great, I can get one shot and be covered for three months and we can have our special night of romance when ever we're ready. No way on this stuff, I barely get wet anymore and I keep scaring my boyfriend with all this crying. I don't even feel like I want it anymore, I feel unattractive and blue. Finally, I took this drug because it was 'discret' BC, but how do I explain why I feel depressed and cry all the time? For future women taking this drug, do your homework, but don't afraid to try hormones are differen F 18 2 months
12/2/2008
1 Heavy Bleeding WEIGHT GAIN, massive mood swings, hair growth I was on Depo because of fibroid tumors for approx 2 years. I highly do not recommend this drug. It provided me a 75 pound weight gain that I ams till trying to lose since 2003. My hormone levels are so out of control that I now seek assistance from a hormone specialist. My mood swings were ridiculous. I would yell, cry, scream for no reason at anyone. I have hair growth so extensive on my face and body now that laser treatment doesnt work for it. I can not stress enough how this drug makes your body a complete mess..it is TOXIC!!!!!! Please look into another way than this drug! F 34 2 years
12/2/2008
Email 1 cancer prevention, DR reccomended severe leg cramps, gained 50 pounds in 7 years, no amount of excersise will reduce my weight. My diet is so healthy I have had my annual blood work and my cholestorol was only 152! I have been acting weird lately too, I cry at the drop of a hat, or I will want to break the first toy I see on the floor just because it is in my way. I do not want to act like this towards my kids' belongings! I tell them to respect their things and yet I want to smash them.. talk about mixed signals! Until this last dose I have been what I concider emotionally balanced, although now that I think back and have been a cranky wench about a week after each dose hmmm, but by no means evil streaks or crying fits. connection? I don't know but I am not taking any more chances. I just thought my weight gain was due to aging, I never knew about all the side effects until this week when as a last resort to relieve the joint pain and muscle cramps I looked into maybe it being from Depo. I have read a lot about hypothyroidism in postings, is this a side effect too? I now have hypothyroidism and it is barely controled with meds (I am at the highest dose of 2 meds legaly prescribed) After reading this post site I will not be getting another shot right after x-mas. I love not having my monthly, but it is not worth my pain and suffering. No sex drive at all, nil, nada.In fact, I have not had sex in 7 years (how abnormal is that) just not interested enough to go out and find a good man after my low sex drive drove a wedge btween me and my boyfriend that could not be repaired, he thought I just didn't care about satisfying him any more. Women in my family have history of tumors and overian cysts, I was told that this med would greatly reduce that chance for me, my DR s F 33 7 years
12/1/2008
1 birth control uncontrollable appetite, migraines, fatigue, mood swings I am going back to the pill in January. I've had two injections of Depo and while it's great to prevent pregnancy, it makes me an absolute mess. Find another birth control method. This one isn't worth it. F 19 4 months
12/1/2008

[[M]umma[M]ia]

Well, you haven't googled, you've asked here on BB for real life stories, and here they are!

Exactly, u never know whats true or not on google. lol. I know u girls will tell me just how it is. Thanks

[[M]umma[M]ia]

so far so good tho.. u have not had any problems, not spotting, no bloating, no weight gain and no loss of sex drive.

[Smoke Jaguar]

Great to hear - I hope it doesn't sneak up on you like it did for me
I forgot about the rash. It arrived just in time for summer (first shot in July) and was itchy and all around my waist, mainly on my sides. It was an acne type of rash and highly attractive on my by-then expanded waist line and slowly disappeared when I stopped the injections. For ages I thought it was fabric softener, type of laundry wash, something I was eating...until I mentioned it to another GP who asked if I was on medication and I said no, just the Depo. That's when he informed me of all the side-effects I'd been having, so I just kept nodding as he listed them and he felt bad that the other GP hadn't informed me of it all.
So, add itchy, acneic rash to the list of possible side-effects. I stopped bleeding all together, which was the only upside to the whole thing and I decided that I would take bleeding over total loss of control over my body for the duration of the hormones in my body.
I probably didn't give a good timeline of effects. First shot in July, weight gain begins slowly in September, just in time for my 2nd shot. Keep putting on weight, DP getting bit sad that I no longer care whether I have sex or not and no matter what I do, there is no O. Have 3rd shot in November. By Christmas I've gone from regular, reliable size 8-10 to a size 14. Mind you, my sister had already bought bridesmaid dresses before the real ballooning and the weight kept coming on, no matter how many times I walked to work from home or walked the dog in the park! By February, my sister's wedding, I'm the absolute biggest I've ever been and not at all comfortable in my own skin. By now I fit into NONE of my old wardrobe adn the things I was trying to squeeze into until November have irreparable stretch damage to the stitching - it really did sneak up on me, rather than just ballooning in a couple of months from the start.
So, I was a bit naive to have these symptoms and never attribute them to the depo - I could have stopped the cycle months sooner had I copped on.
What I hope is, Hollye, that now you've asked the question, you can be right on top of any symptoms and if anything strange starts happening, point your finger at depo first, before looking at other possible causes - cos it's likely to be the depo and you won't have to wonder for months like a dummy (i.e. me!) what you've done wrong and why you can't fix it!
In hindsight, the symptoms were so obvious in origin, but to me depo was supposed to be the liberating wonder contraception that the GP willingly gave me when I asked about it...now, even for the simplest prescription or over the counter, I look at the side-effects list...lesson learned.
So, fingers crossed it stays stable for you!!

[Visitor8]

You have to remember it's only the 'bad' stories that are put on google like that Kitten.

[Kitt3n]

mel i know hun, but i am 99 % certain my miscarriages (not too mantion psychtic, irrational behaviour etc etc) were caused by the depo, and in my hours of hell going through them i just found way too many like stories and felt that i should say something to anyone considering depo.

please anyone on this just be very careful

[Smoke Jaguar]

Here's one extract from a journal article I found about conclusions of Depo:

Recent clinical issues related to the use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera?)
ISSN: 1040-872X
Accession: 10526923
Email Jumpstart
Find Citing Articles
About this Journal ≫
Author(s):

Cromer, Barbara A
Issue:
Volume 11(5), October 1999, pp 467-471
DMPA appears to have no apparent deleterious effect on mood. Although galactorrhea has been observed in association with use of DMPA, it appears to be a benign effect. Weight gain has been reported among users of DMPA, lasting for up to 6 months after discontinuation. However, some studies have failed to show a significant difference compared with results using other hormonal methods. There does appear to be a negative effect of DMPA on bone mineral density, especially among young women with long duration of use. Bone loss may be mitigated by a short duration of use and the possibility of at least partial recovery after discontinuation. Women who initiate DMPA mid-cycle should use a back-up method for 7 days. Finally, a potentially attractive non-contraceptive benefit of DMPA is its prevention of dysmenorrhea.

There are loads of studies in my database search about low-bone density, throughout the lifespan - so in adolescents and in post-menopausal women. There is a strong link for long-term use. There are some other studies relating to women's experiences and (mainly) on bone density issues, as well as perceptions of protection from STD's (!!), but I thought this conclusion was a good overview of issues studied
Also, there was a study I found there (accidentally closed the search prematurely!) that said some women reported glactorrhea - production of milk in the absence of pregnancy, immediate post-pregnancy or abortion. It's likely to be an underreported side-effect and that's why it doesn't appear on side-effects lists.
I know I don't need to studies to convince me depo is not a stable enough form of contraception to be widely used (was used a lot decades ago for some cancer and renal treatments). Not enough is known about it and I refuse to be a guinea pig for its probably long-term effects ever again.