How bad is Depo Provera, really?

[Amaranta]

*note: I am looking for opinions of medical professionals or anyone who's had experience with Depo. I know that only my physician, who has my full medical history, should diagnose/treat problems*

I've been on the Depo shot for about four years now. Never had any problems with it, love the stuff.

However, last time I went to the clinic to get it done, they referred me to a website similar to this http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2002/nichd-06.htm and asked me to sign a waiver stating that I knew it could cause bone density loss. My doc also said that though the clinic prefers people not get the shot, and does counsel about alternative forms of birth control, I still have the choice to receive it.

Should I be very worried about side effects from Depo? I'm in my early twenties, do not smoke, take calcium supplements, and excercise regularly. Would it be a good idea to seek out an alternative birth control, or is this just my clinic being overcautious? Thanks for the opinions.

*mods - sorry if this is the wrong forum or has been done before*

[SnakesCatLady]

I'm waaaaaaaay interested in any answers - I've been on Depo about 5 years and also love it.

[Stillwell Angel]

This must be a new thing. I was on depo for seven years, first through one doc, then another. Neither one made any mention of these things. I read the usual side effects like weight gain ( which never happened to me) and fewer to no menstrual cycles (which DID happen and I loved it!) but never anything that required a waiver.

I have been off it for about 3 years now because my guy is neutered, but at times I think about going back on it just because I loved having no periods.

[Lissa]

I've been on it for about six years because I had SEVERE menstrual cramps. Since I've been on Depo, my periods have stopped, which has to be the best thing since sliced bread. For me, the side effects seem relatively minor in comparison to the benefits.

I, too, never gained any weight, or had any mood problems. My bone density may be a problem in the future, because I don't eat right, and I have a few bad habits. If I could get myself in the habit of taking a calcium pill every day, it's probably be a Good Thing.

[Helen's Eidolon]

I'm gonna follow this thread, too. I'm heading into my fifth year of use, and REALLY don't want to give it up.

[SnakesCatLady]

I'm gonna follow this thread, too. I'm heading into my fifth year of use, and REALLY don't want to give it up.

Give it up? Over my cold, dead body.

I was one of those women with bad PMS. I mean severe. For a week prior to my period, I was useless. If you looked at me, I either burst into tears or removed your head forcibly without anesthetic. Knowing I had nothing to cry/be pissed off about did not help the situation, only depressed me about my lack of self control. And about every third month I would have such bad cramps I wanted to die.

Because I am childless, I was unable to find a doctor to do a tubal when I had insurance. When Mr. SCL was in the Army, my GYN told me he would sterilize me if he were seeing me in private practice, but Army policy forbid sterilizing a woman with no children. I went through years of hell trying different pills.

Findind Depo was a blessing. Just don't let them give you the shot in the arm.

[jsgoddess]

Give it up? Over my cold, dead body.

My doctor says he's not going to let me continue to get the shot once I turn 35 (next year). I nearly fainted. Periods were ruining my life and I'm not going back to them without a fight.

I'm the only person I know who is looking forward to menopause.

[DiosaBellissima]

Yay! I get to be the voice of dissent! :D

Depo was the worst experience of my life. I remember when I was talking to the doc about birth control options and she mentioned Depo, I asked about the side effects. "Oh, your period will stop, but that's it." I grabbed the lil' pamphlet and started to read. "Uh, doc? This says my hair could fall out, I could gain weight..on and on..." Doc: "Oh no worries. I've NEVER heard of any of those side effects happening to anyone. You know, they just have to say it because it might happen."

So I think: why the hell not?

At first everything was good. My period stopped altogether and that was just glorious. That was about the only good thing.

To begin with, I had horrible mood swings. I would just burst into tears randomly, scream at people- basically PMS-y every day of the month. I gained 20 lbs even though I got a trainer and nutritionist (because I knew there was a pretty good chance I would gain weight, as with all BC). And that was just the first shot.

The doc said my body was just adjusting and everything would even out, so she talked me into taking another shot. I gained another 20 lbs. I got migrains so bad that I was having them virtually non stop and passing out from the pain. My hair started falling out in chunks. My vision suddenly got worse. My feet would swell up. I'd get weird cravings for food- I honestly that I was pregnant.There are a million other things, but I can't think of them at the moment.

And surely, someone will say, "How do you know all of these things were the fault of Depo?" Well, everything got better within 6 months of me stopping (well, except the weight..working on that). I'm back to my normal, non psychotic self. My hair doesn't fall out. My vision went back to better then 20/20. And I stopped having weird, pregnancy-like symptoms.

After doing some research online, I found out that there are a lot of people who had the exact same symptoms I had. I also recognize that this medication is a Godsend for others. I think there just needs to be more information out there about the side effects of this drug and doctors need to be more forthcoming (or maybe mine was just an idiot...probably that, actually).

[DiosaBellissima]

I should also mention that, when I switched doctors, my new doctor told me that she tells people to stay away from Depo. Why? She's had so many cases like mine.

[Misnomer]

My doctor says he's not going to let me continue to get the shot once I turn 35 (next year).If it's not too personal, would you mind saying why? I'll be 34 in a couple of months, and have always thought that Depo would be one of my options if I ever find myself in a long-term relationship. Is 35 a general cutoff, or is it something about you personally being 35 that your doctor doesn't think would work with the Depo?

[jsgoddess]

If it's not too personal, would you mind saying why? I'll be 34 in a couple of months, and have always thought that Depo would be one of my options if I ever find myself in a long-term relationship. Is 35 a general cutoff, or is it something about you personally being 35 that your doctor doesn't think would work with the Depo?

He keeps pushing and pushing and pushing me toward a tubal. I've said about a bajillion times that it's not just the birth control that I'm interested in but the side effects of the Depo and, frankly, he doesn't listen.

I'm on the lookout for a new doctor. From what I've read, 35 isn't any sort of cutoff for Depo. This doctor for me is the same one that put me on anti-depressants for a week and then said that they weren't working when I didn't feel better.

Sooo, don't take my experience as anything to worry about.

[Amaranta]

jsgoddess- I know that the little pamphlet mentions women over 35 who smoke are at a higher risk of blood clots, but I hardly think it means "No Depo for you! You're cutoff!" after 35. Sounds like looking for a new doctor is a good idea, if he's pushing you towards something you're not remotly interested in.

DiosaBellisima, I'm so sorry about your experience. No one I know on Depo has had that happen, but I've read about a lot of cases on the internet. When I first went on Depo, my doc was very careful - she told me there may be some side effects, but they should be mild. She told me that if I gained a bunch of weight (like 5 or 10 pounds) in the first month, lost hair, got headaches, noticed anything about my vision or memory, or was having uncontrolable mood swings, to come see her right away and we'd figure out what was going on.

That raises another question: if I've had no problems at all in four years, is it likely to start causing problems? Like I said, I love the stuff - I haven't gained weight, my appetite has decreased (but not to an unhealthy point), my sex drive increased, no problems with vision or headaches. Is there a chance I could all of a sudden start losing my hair or gaining weight? Hmm, perhaps I'll ask the doc next time I'm in.

[jsgoddess]

jsgoddess- I know that the little pamphlet mentions women over 35 who smoke are at a higher risk of blood clots, but I hardly think it means "No Depo for you! You're cutoff!" after 35. Sounds like looking for a new doctor is a good idea, if he's pushing you towards something you're not remotly interested in.


I'm not a smoker and I would understand better his concern if I were. Instead, he just keeps rambling on about how it's not natural to disturb the hormones for a long time and that out of control periods are no reason to take birth control, that I should just get a tubal and if my problems continue *then* we should look at what's going on.

I'm 34. I had my first period at 11 (on my birthday! *sob*) and suffered for twenty years. No doctor could do anything for it in all that time, but I'm supposed to abandon the one thing that has finally normalized my life and just trust that he's going to be the exception because it's "unnatural" to take Depo.

Grr.

[DiosaBellissima]

Of course I am not a doctor, but I would imagine you should be fine if you haven't had side effects all this time. Then again, maybe if you have a hormonal shift or something, the meds may react differently? Someone else might have better knowledge in this area.

And don't worry about me, I'm on Yasmine now and I'm happy as a clam :)

[SnakesCatLady]

I'm 44 and still on Depo. I haven't had a period in years. How will I know when I reach menopause?

[mraldjenn]

Depo has got to be the scariest thing I have ever had in my body. I thought I was going to die before the stuff ever got of my system. I also gaind MAJOR pounds, my hair fell out, headaches, vision problems, and such. But not only that I had one long period for like three or four months. ONE LONG PERIOD. Never stopped, it was so awful, I was weak, and tired all the time. Then, even though I didn't get anouther shot, I never had another period for almost a year. I can't ever remeber when I have been so sick. I am on the pill now and I love it.

Okay ladies I know periods suck, but am I the only one that thinks that no matter how safe they say it is, that preventing your body from working the way it was made too is kinda strange? (As in the no periods on Depo)

[Idlewild]

Depo has got to be the scariest thing I have ever had in my body. I thought I was going to die before the stuff ever got of my system. I also gaind MAJOR pounds, my hair fell out, headaches, vision problems, and such. But not only that I had one long period for like three or four months. ONE LONG PERIOD. Never stopped, it was so awful, I was weak, and tired all the time. Then, even though I didn't get anouther shot, I never had another period for almost a year. I can't ever remeber when I have been so sick. I am on the pill now and I love it.

Okay ladies I know periods suck, but am I the only one that thinks that no matter how safe they say it is, that preventing your body from working the way it was made too is kinda strange? (As in the no periods on Depo)

Hormonal b.c. doesn't work for me (emotional lability, which is what my doc calls a sudden mood swing into murderous rage that I experience even on low dose hormones. Whee.) so I'm not speaking from personal bias, but no, I don't think that's terribly strange. In fact, there has been a theory raised in the last couple of years that menstruating so regularly and for so many years is the unnatural thing since before the widespread availability of b.c. most women a: lived shorter lives and b: spent large chunks of their life pregnant and therefore not having periods (large family sizes, high infant mortality etc.) This article fleshes that out a bit: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/1879/context/archive I'm on the fence but it's really interesting stuff to think about!

[jsgoddess]

Okay ladies I know periods suck, but am I the only one that thinks that no matter how safe they say it is, that preventing your body from working the way it was made too is kinda strange? (As in the no periods on Depo)

Nope. Periods don't just suck for me. TMI, sorry. But they mean 2-3 days of vomiting, mind-bending cramps, and diarrhea every 3-5 weeks (I'm extremely irregular). If that's the way my body is made to work, well, nature can bite me. :)

[DiosaBellissima]

It would be interesting to see what factors play into a person's reaction.

It seems that those with favorable reactions (ie no bad side effects) had heavy, horrible periods to begin with. I know that I had a really light period to begin with that was very regular and pretty painless- and I've said how I reacted.

[Misnomer]

That's exactly what has kept me off any kind of birth control to this point, DiosaBellissima: my periods are very light and regular, too, with little-to-no cramping or PMS or anything, and I haven't wanted to screw with what ain't broken. But still, if I find myself in a long-term relationship I'll want to rely on something more than condoms, so I follow threads like this with a lot of interest!

[DiosaBellissima]

For what it's worth Misnomer, I haven't had any problems with pills (and doesn't Yasmine have low levels of various things?). I think my body just blew a fuse at having a huge amount of hormones thrown in my body at once with the shot.

[DiosaBellissima]

And that wasn't redundant :::Jedi hand wave thing::::

[Merneith]

Give it up? Over my cold, dead body.

I was one of those women with bad PMS. I mean severe. For a week prior to my period, I was useless. If you looked at me, I either burst into tears or removed your head forcibly without anesthetic. Knowing I had nothing to cry/be pissed off about did not help the situation, only depressed me about my lack of self control. And about every third month I would have such bad cramps I wanted to die.

Because I am childless, I was unable to find a doctor to do a tubal when I had insurance. When Mr. SCL was in the Army, my GYN told me he would sterilize me if he were seeing me in private practice, but Army policy forbid sterilizing a woman with no children. I went through years of hell trying different pills.

Findind Depo was a blessing. Just don't let them give you the shot in the arm.
Same here. I've been on it for about seven years. The only side effect I get is that sometimes I'm a bit headachey on the day of the shot itself. It's only for that day though. So chalk up another vote for scary bad PMS sufferer who loves her shot!

jsgoddess - I had the same sort of problems with vomiting, etc. My doc used to perscribe me vicodin - 100 at a time with three refills. It was just impossible to get anything done in school because every couple weeks I was just sick as a dog. If my doctor ever refused to give it to me I'd go to Planned Parenthood. (In fact I'm thinking of going there anyway since they're chearper than my doc.)

mraldjenn - any sort of birth control changes the way your body was "meant" to behave. Most of us were not "meant" to have a period every 28 days. (Keep in mind that women who are breastfeeding often don't have periods either, even though they aren't taking pills.) The 28 day schedule was set up because it was the average, not because it was natural. So for me, if I'm going to do something unnatural, I'm happy to just skip it altogether. But there's no one right answer of course. Each of us has to determine what's natural for ourselves - and we're lucky that we have options.

[whiterabbit]

If nothing else, I had a friend who got pregnant on Depo. I know no hormonal birth control is 100%, but Depo is about as close as you can get. Fortunately they did want kids, just not quite yet, but little Alexandra was welcomed with open arms.

I've had no real problems (except fairly dramatically increased cramps, weirdly) on low-dose birth control pills. I've always been hesitant to try Depo in case I had three months of hormone hell, even though I've been mostly okay with pills. Since I have been, though, I'm sticking with them!

[Misnomer]

For what it's worth Misnomer, I haven't had any problems with pills (and doesn't Yasmine have low levels of various things?). I think my body just blew a fuse at having a huge amount of hormones thrown in my body at once with the shot.When the time comes, I'll probably start with Yasmine (or something like it) and see how I tolerate the hormones. I'm sure I'll be fine, I just hate having to chance the side effects in order to find out, ya know? If I could find a doctor willing to sterilize a childless 33-year-old, I'd skip pills/shots altogether! ;)

[Jillyvn]

If nothing else, I had a friend who got pregnant on Depo. I know no hormonal birth control is 100%, but Depo is about as close as you can get. Fortunately they did want kids, just not quite yet, but little Alexandra was welcomed with open arms.

I've had no real problems (except fairly dramatically increased cramps, weirdly) on low-dose birth control pills. I've always been hesitant to try Depo in case I had three months of hormone hell, even though I've been mostly okay with pills. Since I have been, though, I'm sticking with them!

Just as an FYI, I was nervous about depo too. Instead, my doc gave me the same dose, but in a daily pill form. When I reacted well to the pill, she told me I could get the shot. This might be an option for you, because the pill comes out of your system very fast compared to the three months of depo. I think it is called Micronor.

I'm on depo now and I love it. I hope I never have to give it up.

[Shirley Ujest]

I am going to be vague here...


If one gets Depo because of horrible cramps and heavy bleeding, there is a new procedure that involves something about inflating some kind of balloon like thingie inside your uterus that cuts down or stops your periods entirely. The balloon gizmo thing does not stay in.

Two of my friends have had this done.

I have no idea what it is called. But both were done with kids. Don't know if it makes one sterile or not.

Sorry for being so gray.

[Red Stilettos]

there is a new procedure that involves something about inflating some kind of balloon like thingie inside your uterus that cuts down or stops your periods entirely. The balloon gizmo thing does not stay in.

I was curious, so I googled it. It's called balloon thermo-ablation (http://www.pta.net.au/sgeg/PatInfo/BallTherm.html). From that link, it looks like it does affect the ability to be pregnant, but it's not considered sterilizing.

Very interesting. Thanks for the heads up, Shirley .

[toadspittle]

My wife was on Depo for a while. She loved it--no periods, no worries (even though she's never really had terrible periods). But the side effects, though quite mild, eventually made her quit: First, she gained 5 pounds every year she was on Depo. Second, it completely eliminated her sex drive, so, really, the shot's birth control benefits were rendered moot.

[whiterabbit]

Just as an FYI, I was nervous about depo too. Instead, my doc gave me the same dose, but in a daily pill form.

Huh, I hadn't thought of that. But I sorta like having periods -- not that I enjoy them, especially this last one since I switched pills and got the worst cramps I've had in years -- since I want to KNOW I'm not pregnant.

What I really want is to get fixed, but I need insurance for that.

[overlyverbose]

I was on Depo for about three years. It did eliminate my periods and any PMS symptoms I might have had, but I gained about 20 pounds before I went on it, then when I went on it, even when I made a concerted effort to lose weight (carefully measuring calories, working out at least 4 times a week - hell, I even ran two marathons), I could never lose more than four pounds, and it wouldn't stay off. I asked my doctor about it, and he said I could thank the Depo.

I also had emotional problems on the stuff. In other words, I couldn't really feel anything but mad. If something really good happened, I knew I should be excited, but just couldn't muster up any interest. Of course, if something bad happened, I had no trouble getting pissed off. As soon as I quit Depo, my emotions went back to normal. Most of my friends and family noticed a marked positive difference in my personality.

In addition, my sex drive plumeted almost from the moment I went on Depo. I just wasn't interested and had trouble orgasming when I was interested.

I originally went on Depo because I have a seizure disorder that seemed to cluster around my periods. Apparently the hormonal change set them off. The Depo seemed to eliminate that problem, or my trigger changed since I no longer have seizures at all, even though I'm not on any hormonal supplements.

I began birth control pills last year and was delighted to have my first period in three years. Now I'm not on anything because I'm trying to get pregnant, and the weight has been coming off steadily, I'm lots happier and I'm actually interested in sex again.

[Dogzilla]

Just another data point.

I was on Depo for about ten years. I stopped at 35, not because I was a smoker, but I had recently quit smoking. While on Depo + smoking, I gained about 2-3 pounds a year and didn't have any problem with that. When I quit smoking, I put on about 15 extra pounds and am now 30 above my formerly "normal" weight. I had a huge problem with that. No matter how I ate and how much I worked out, I could not lose any weight. So I quit the Depo. My goal is to drop the 30 pounds and go back on it.

I had very few side effects while on. In the last 3-4 years, I'd get headachy on the day of the shot and feel sore and sort of crappy the next day. I quit letting them give the shot in the arm because the soreness was worse.

I'm extremely disappointed: I was told it could be up to a year before I'd start having periods again. Three weeks after the last shot wore off: whammo! I found myself in the tampon aisle trying to remember what brand I liked and why. And now I'm surprised to discover (remember) that I'm on a 23-day cycle.

As soon as my size 8 clothes fit again, I'm going back on. I may go on a mini-pill or something in the meantime.

[Siege]

I've over 40 and I've been on Depo-Provera for about a year now. The only side-effect I've noticed is the lack of periods and I, too, consider that a good thing. In my case, though, I didn't have any problems with my period or PMS. While I wasn't exactly thrilled to have them, especially the one which started the day before I was to fly back to the States from England (I thought I'd timed it better!), they seemed normal enough in terms of duration and content. I did have one symptom of PMS which the gentleman in my life may be sorry to see go -- PMS used to make me horny! :o

CJ

[Dublin11]

Depo did not work for me. I bled every day for four solid months.
No periods, forsooth!! I was praying for the day it would wear off and I'd be able to have a normal period once more, then back to the good old condoms for us.
I hated it.

[Sierra Indigo]

Have you considered a birth control implant? I'm currently on implanon, I've had it for 3 years and just under a fortnight ago had my second one put in, so I'm good for another 3 years. It lasts longer than Depo, and the documentation I've read seems to present it as having less "possible" side effects than the injection, as well as being a little more reliable. Hubby thinks it's a godsend, we've been together nearly 2 years now and haven't used condoms in most of that time.

Has anyone else used the implant method? I know very few women who've had one, so it'll be interested to see what anyone else thinks.

[Siege]

I had a Norplant implant for 5 years, although I had it taken out years ago. I'd actually recommend it over Depo-Provera, simply because it's a one-shot deal. The side effects, to the best of my memory, were similar to Depo.

I'd use it again.

CJ

[Shirley Ujest]

I was curious, so I googled it. It's called balloon thermo-ablation (http://www.pta.net.au/sgeg/PatInfo/BallTherm.html). From that link, it looks like it does affect the ability to be pregnant, but it's not considered sterilizing.

Very interesting. Thanks for the heads up, Shirley .


Just sharin' the good news. My friends speak only very highly of the procedure. Neither has had a period since it was done, so that in itself is a vunderful thing.

[Misnomer]

According to the Planned Parenthood (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/files/portal/medicalinfo/birthcontrol/pub-birth-control-06.xml) website, updated 3 months ago, Norplant is "no longer available, but women who are using Norplant may continue to do so."

[Dr_Paprika]

Depo Provera remains an excellent option for many women. The association with osteoporosis means that women at high risk for osteoporosis should consider other options or take steps such as taking calcium and vitamin D and increasing weight bearing exercise.

Menopause can be detected by a blood test, such as looking at the amount of follicle stimulating hormone and lutenizing hormone. This is sometimes needed in women who have been on birth control without periods for an extended period of time.

Dr_Pap, MD

[Cat Whisperer]

Heh, Dr_Pap in a thread about female-type stuff. :D

Misnomer, I think you should keep on looking for a doctor to do your sterilization. At 33, I don't think there should be a problem with getting tied. Maybe you could contact Planned Parenthood or some org like that and see if they could recommend a doctor who believes in a woman's right to choose for her own self.

[adhemar]

before I went on the Depo shots, I read everythign I could find on them. I discussed with my doctor the problems I had read about like "hairy bleeding nipples". My doctor told me that the side effects weren't especially differnt from the pill, and that if I did have some problems that they could treat them. She told me the most common problem was some daily bleeding and that she had in fact been on the shots herself some time before. I did in fact have teh daily bleeding for a few months more annoying than anything else, and once my periods stopped I had no pms symptoms as friends who have had hystorectomies had. One freind claimed she no longer had periods but she "celebrated" them anyway. I often went moths without even thinking about periods and did not have the mood swings, sore breasts, bloating or the irritablity that comes from having to deal with the mess and discomfort of a period. I did have decreased libido but that could have been due to the accident that led me to Depo shots in the first place. I can't remember to take pills. I also had weight gain but I have gained more weight since going off of the shots than I did while on them. I was on the shots form age 38 to 45, if I had a doctor who refused to give me medication I thought I wanted and needed because I was over 35, Iwould at the very least seek a second opinion, of course I wouldn't go to a male Gyn, unless there was no other choice. But that is another topic altogether.

[irishgirl]

Depo is NOT associated with blood clots in the same way that oestrogen containing pills are.

Endometrial Ablation removes the layer of the uterus than an embryo implants in. It is permanent, and will render most women amennorrheic and infertile. It is a surgical treatment for heavy periods, used as a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy. It is not a solution for "I can't be bothered having periods any more". It's still a surgical procedure requiring anaesthetic, and with risks of bleeding, infection and rarely complications leading to a need for hysterectomy.

Ballon-thermo-ablation is just one method of endometrial ablation. There are also laser, roller-ball and a type of diathermy. In Ireland the Diathermy is preferred, as the endometrium is removed in strips, which can then be sent for hisology. This is because (very rarely) undiagnosed endometrial cancers have been seeded to the myometrium after the procedure, and at least if you have histology saying you removed normal tissue you know that it's unlikely.

Mirena IUD is another solution for people wanting light periods (or no periods, 20% of users are amennorrheic within 12months). It releases progesterone locally into the uterus, and has very few systemic side effects. It's about as much systemic progesterone as taking 2 progesterone only pills a week, so has fewer side effects to Depo.

Mirena lasts for 5 years, and is more effective contraception than a TL, so might also be something to consider for the ladies looking for long-term or permanent contraception.

(Me, I've changed from Dianette to Yasmin, and although my moods have been a little odd, I'm planning a wedding and studying for major exams, so I can't really blame the pill! I loves me my oestrogen, and know that anything using progesterone would not be my friend.)