I AM a girl (woman, whatever) and I take the Depo-Provera shot. It has completely eliminated the monthly bleeding, but I still get the monthly bloating and the emotional irritability at times (or so the BF tells me).
The best thing about this for me was (WARNING - TMI AHEAD) I had my period for 11 months straight once with incredible pain. I ruined every piece of clothing I owned. The doc I saw told me to “buck up, all women go through some abnormalities.” Er, 11 months worth? Of losing a significant amount of blood a day?
Unfortunately, and nothing against male Docs, but I will never see a male Gyno again.
I looked into Endometriosis, joined their national association, and found a doc who put me on the pill to regulate me. But I was SO adverse to the whole bleeding thing after my experience that he finally suggested the Depo because for many women, it eliminates menstruation completely. Not like, I am a fourteen-year-old-gymnast who doesn’t eat thing, but just doesn’t bleed. Although I notice around the time I am due for my next shot, I can have slight breakthrough bleeding.
For me, a shot in my ample butt a few times a year is well worth not having to deal with everything else. I know some women have had horrible side effects, like extreme mood changes and other things, but I’ve nothing but wonderful things to say about it. In fact, I’ll just go ahead and “laud” it.
Hope my opinion and experience helps.
Inky