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NEVER USE DEPO-PROVERA

by Amanda Lynn

My biggest mistake was taking a Depo shot nearly nine years ago. Within a week I gained 10 lbs, began losing hair, and developed saucer-sized whelps all over my legs.

The whelps went away after three months, once the Depo left my system. The weight gain and hair loss have never stopped. At the time I was 22, 135 lbs. I haven't seen that weight since. I never say anything good about myself, but the Lord had blessed me with beautiful, long, unbelievably thick and healthy hair. Because of my stupid mistake, it has never looked the same. I currently weigh 165 lbs.

I've seen countless specialists and have had countless tests performed. They all say I'm normal, of course, that I should just accept my weight problems and hair loss. Diet and exercise for the weight. They all said that the Depo-Provera had nothing to do with it. I believe the Depo-Provera sky-rocketed me into estrogen dominance and/or pre-menopause.

Since taking that ONE Depo-Provera injection, I have had ovarian cysts, endometriosis, cellulite, uterine fibroids, increased facial breakouts, hair loss, uncontrollable weight gain, follicularis on my arms. I have never taken ANY form of birth-control since. I tried to get pregnant for over a year, three years ago. I ended up having surgery. The surgeon said I had polyps, fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, and my insides looked like "melted chocolate." Six weeks after my surgery, and through the Lord's blessing and power, I became pregnant with my beautiful son, Joshua.

I have just begun the Progesterone cream once daily, about ten days ago. My hair loss worstened, but I believe it's my hormones trying to balance out. I have noticed, the breakouts on my back are beginning to clear up and my "bumpy" arms are clearing as well.

I dont' know whether to continue once a day or up it to twice daily. Through prayer, I know I will be healed of all these problems I brought on myself. I'm praying that this cream is the Lord's answer for me.

I ENCOURAGE ANYONE TAKING THE DEPO-PROVERA INJECTION TO DISCONTINUE IT IMMEDIATELY. As a medical assistant, I have seen the effects of the injection on many women. I unfortunately, received it before I began to see the side effects it caused these women. I just took my doctor's (who I worked for at the time) word for it that it was completely safe.

Thank you for listening. Please let me know what your thoughts. In Christ, Amanda Lynn.

Comments for NEVER USE DEPO-PROVERA

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Jun 19, 2010
 NEVER USE DEPO-PROVERA
by: Wray

Hi Amanda Lynn I couldn't have put it better myself, don't use any drug based contraceptive in fact. The only safe one is the copper T IUD as it leaks no synthetic progestin into the system. Many, many women now have problems after taking an OC, as it can upset the ovaries and more. Understandably as it suppresses all ovarian function. For more info please see our web page Contraceptives Research papers. Wonderful you had a son after all those problems. Please use the progesterone at least twice daily, as the level drops after about 13 hrs. Unfortunately progesterone does have a stimulatory affect initially, but if enough is used, this phase passes relatively quickly. It's best to use between 100-200mg/day. Take care Wray
Sep 25, 2010
 DON'T GO ANYWHERE NEAR DEPO!!
by: Ellie

My body has been completely messed up following the use of depo for 6 years. I came off the injection in april 2009 and am still not back to normal and my partner and I are trying for a baby. I have consulted a homeopathist who is confident she can get my cycle started and start me ovulating again so fingers crossed, but I feel depo should NEVER be given to any woman who intends on having children in the future. My doctor doesn't seem bothered by my massively irregular periods and says I should just wait and see what happens, however I saw a locum the other day who wants me to have the 21 day progesterone blood test to see if I'm ovulating, fat lot of good that is as I think the answer is obvious considering I haven't has a proper period since before I went on the injection, before which they were regular as clockwork.

Since starting to try for a baby and given the problems I have from the injection I have searched the net and am horrified to find so many storied similar to mine as well as so many regarding loads of other side effects.

I think something should be done to highlight the terrible side effects of this awful drug and force doctors to present all the information to women.

My advice to all women is NEVER EVER EVER use depo!!!!
Oct 06, 2010
 DON'T GO ANYWHERE NEAR DEPO!!
by: Wray

Hi Ellie Thanks for putting this on the web site, it needs to said repeatedly by many women. In fact all contraceptives come with adverse side effects, as does HRT. Please see our pages on Contraceptives and HRT for more info. The only safe contraceptive is the copper T IUD, please see here. I'm pleased you've found a homeopath who can help you, you might also like to read our page on Pregnancy. Take care Wray
Jan 04, 2011
 Coming off depo....
by: Anonymous

I was off & on Depo for 14 years. I loved being on depo as my breast swelling etc all went away however I didn?t link it to insomnia which slowly creeped into my life?after further research I now understand that depo lowers estrogen which is why my body reacted well to it (no breast soreness). I think my body naturally produces high amounts of estrogen hence bad PMS & breast soreness etc?not having a period & going through monthly cycles was (I thought) a god send. However, every time I tried to come off depo & give my body a break I would experience huge hormone surges (it felt like I was going through menopause). My breasts increased two cup sizes due to the surge of estrogen. I basically experienced estrogen dominance every time I tried to come off it & no doctor really understood. No amount of exercise, eating right etc fixes this. What I recommend is having a saliva test to find out what your hormone levels are & then trying to fix the hormone imbalance. I?m currently on progesterone cream (2nd month) & initially found that a small dose will make estrogen issue worse as it ?wakes up? estrogen receptors? I have also come across a supplement called DIM which is meant to be a natural estrogen blocker ? it can come in a gel form. I have ordered it online as I am desperate to fix this problem. We also need to take into account that women can be perimenopausal from the age of 35 years onwards where our estrogen levels start to gradually decline?I actually think depo completely stuffed up my hormones and I have also come off it at an age where my body is now in a perimenopausal state ? which is a double whammy?.

Eliza
Jan 12, 2011
 Coming off depo....
by: Wray

Hi Eliza All Contraceptives can cause problems, except the copper T IUD. Please read through this page we have. They also lower progesterone levels too, which exacerbates the problem. PMS and breast soreness is caused by excess oestrogen, it's an inflammatory hormone. Plus causing water retention, which also affects the breasts adversely. Using Depo you were making no progesterone, which counters this affect, as progesterone is an anti-inflammatory and an excellent diuretic. Progesterone can initially make things worse if insufficient is used, I recommend 100-200mg/day. The reason for this is Oestrogen Dominance, please read through this page as it explains why it occurs. Please make sure you are using enough. DIM does help the body excrete unwanted oestrogen. You are right, coming off the Depo in Peri-menopause would be a double whammy. Take care Wray
Apr 23, 2011
 Depo will destroy
by: Elisha

I was on depo for 5 years. I have stopped taking depo 6 years ago and it has been all down hill ever since. My cycle is still not normal. It took close to 2 years for my cycle to return. When it did return it was extremely irregular, and still is. I would spot, or go without a cycle or monnths, or it would be really heavy. So heavy to the point will I would pass large clots for days. I've had abnormal paps, severe mood swings and irritability. I have had many test. All my blood test say that my blood count, iron level, and thyroid function is normal. I've had a transvaginal ultra sound and my organs are healthy. All the doctors say is that there is no way that depo can cause there problems because I haven't taken it soo long. Depo has destroyed me.
Oct 20, 2011
 Depo is a Demon Drug
by: Melanie

I received my first (and last) Depo shot about 10 months ago, and I am still kicking myself for ever deciding to have that shot in the first place. I was told by several people (pharmacists and doctors) that the shot would last only three months, and my system should return to normal. Well, 10 months have gone by, and my system is so out of whack that it's not even funny. I have gained some weight, my hair is falling out by the handfuls, I have had very slight and spotty periods with terrible cramps, my IBS is worse, my breasts are so painful that I can hardly move, my scalp is excessively oily, I have varicose veins in my legs that have gotten progressively worse (thus putting me at very high risk of blood clots), I am extremely moody and basically feel like total crap. I am going to see a doctor so I can lay it all out for him, because I feel that I am dealing with estrogen dominance due to this demon drug. I do not recommend it to anyone - it is horrible and can cause a variety of health problems, many of which could be irreversible.
Nov 02, 2011
 Depo ruined my life
by: Another young woman

I took depo-provera when I was only 15, they said it was better for me because breast cancer ran in my family so it wouldnt increase my risk (since it progesterone based). I was young, naive and the doctors buffed it up like it would help with pms symptoms. It didn't. It caused me to bleed for months straight, caused weight gain, and back acne. I didn't realize how bad it was then until I went off of it less then a year later. Within six months of being off it (I was 17 at this point!) It through me into hardcore estrogen dominance causing near instant progressed gall bladder disease and gall stones. They took it out, of course back then, i had no idea it was all tied together. I went off and on other birth control pills, that kept me relatively regular, as soon as i stopped, back into estrogen dominance. Cysts, ovarian demoid removed at 21, hormonal migraines, rapid weight gain once off birth control, rapid hair loss, pcos, the whole works...It is now a struggle for my body to naturally create progesterone and i'm lacking an essential metabolic aiding organ to boot. I'm at risk for diabetes, breast cancer, uterine cancer, fibroids, endometriosis hypothyroidism....all of it because of that god damn stupid drug! NEVER TAKE SYNTHETIC HORMONES EVER! WARN YOUR DAUGHTERS! I have also been of course unable to conceive, tried unsuccessfully for 3 years. I'm now 25, I take chasteberry extract to help balance it out, and i pray that this won't be a battle for the rest of my life, but its likely always going to be a factor. Ladies, you are not alone in the struggle. I highly implore you to research as much as you can, and always take the natural route.
Sep 15, 2012
 depo is poison!
by: xandra

i had depo over 10 years ago as i suffered from painful periods, i was skinny etc, the drs told me i would never have another period again=no cramps, i would.gain weight..which sounded like all my dreams come true...except it didnt happen. i bled even heavier after my firat shot, and they thought a 2nd shot 3 weeks later would resolve it...it didnt. i bled for over a year solid, lives on iron tablets and paracetamol, then i started getting blackouts and dizzy spells, feeling very disorientated, severe hot flushes (at the age of 18) i developed cysts on my breasts,.cysts on my ovaries, and a whole load of digestive problems (mainly diah) i am 6feet tall and with the digestive upset i ended up dropping to 5 stone and was hospitalized ( this was 4 years after the shot) and from this extreme depression anxiety and panic attacks and agorapgobia..as a result i lost my job partner etc... it is now 10 years on...i am still struggling with heavy periods dizziness hot flushes and severe panick attacks i also have low bone density and will have to take supplements for the rest of my life. the drs are just one huge dissopointment they look at each symtom rather than the root cause.

i am still looking for ways to correct my balance...but i urge anyone thinking of getting it.....DONT...please dont. at the time all i thought..whats the worst ill bleed a bit...and believe me 10 years passes so quickly, i realise everyday that this depo has hindered my life and is holding my body prisoner, my body wont work the way it should and im losing so much of my dreams that i wanted to fulfil in my lifetime....please do not do the same, look at natural alternatives or anything ...dont be a guinea pig for theae drug companies

sorry for dodgy spelling...using my crappy phone and i had to type quickly otherwise id forget my point so didnt correct..but i think u get the message

xandra xx

try and treat each symptom seperatly rather than looking at the root cause
Sep 16, 2012
 depo is poison!
by: Wray

Hi Xandra Thanks for adding to the comments here about it's dangers. I see I've missed a few too, no idea how that happens. You might have looked through our Contraceptives page, but please also look through our HRT page too. Your doctors might advise you to take it once you hit Peri-menopause or Menopause. I hope the info on the page gives you enough info to never touch that too. Please consider using progesterone, all those symptoms you've given are generally greatly helped. We have more info about your symptoms on the following pages Hot Flushes, Anxiety, which covers depression, panic attacks and agoraphobia. There's info about heavy bleeding on our page about Menstruation. I do hope they haven't given you calcium only for your bones, as this is usually the case. Vitamin D and magnesium are far more important. Please have a vitamin D test done, as low levels also cause depression. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml (175-250nmol/L) and not the 30ng/ml (75nmol/L) most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Take care Wray
Sep 17, 2012
 depo is poison!
by: Wray

Hi Xandra Thanks for the kind words. I'm dismayed they've given you calcium only, this is so typical. As if bones only needed it, they're hugely complex, and need over 30 different nutrients. Excess calcium does not get into the bones, but stays in the blood leading to cardiovascular disease and depression too, see here, here, here, here and here. Please have a vitamin D test done. The co-factors needed by vitamin D are magnesium, vitamin K, zinc and boron, not calcium. Unless your level is very low. Vitamin K2 has been found to reduce osteoporosis, calcification of arteries and cancer, see here, here, here, here, here and here. Take care Wray
Feb 03, 2013
 One Depo Shot
by: Anonymous

I toook one depo shot in Aug. 2012 and was due for another one in Nov. 2012. I didnt go back because of the way the 1st and only shot made me feel. hot flashes, night sweats, panic attacks, sweating and just feeling "ill" all the time. I was tired, low energy and had a gloomy feeling only now to realize it was depression. Now I feel Im going through withdrawls and my body is fighting to get back to normal. I have been to the ER twice for dehydration due to losing my appettite. I have lost about 10 pounds. Im having digestive issues. I havent been throwing up (thank goodness) however some days I can eat other days I just dont have the appettie. I have gas and can hear my stomach at time just rumbling. Doctors are saying I have acid reflux. I have had an yltra sound on my stomach and all my organs are fine. I have had full blood work done and Im waiting on those results. My doctor seems to be confused and from what I have read other doctors dont seem to even know how to tackle depo provera withdrawls and claims thats not the reason for any lingering problems women have with this shot. Im a little women and weight lost doesnt help me at all. I can only hope I get back to normal soon per its be 10 weeks since my last and only injection. I pray to God everyday to get me through this awful expereince. I also have found myself to be very depressed in fear that something else with my body might go wrong.
Feb 06, 2013
 One Depo Shot
by: Wray

Hi there As you can see from the above comments, and my replies, no one thinks highly of Provera. All drug based Contraceptives have the potential to harm. They slow down or stop the reproductive cycle, many stopping ovulation. This prevents any progesterone being made, so you are now very low in this. It does help depression and Anxiety. Please look through this page, there are many nutrients which would help you. And please consider using progesterone too, to supply the very low level you now have. There's more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. You might like to look through this page here. Scroll down to contraceptives. Take care Wray
Jul 15, 2013
 Coming off Depo Provera
by: Anonymous

Hi Wray

I'm so grateful for all your help, when I'm stuck or need info I come straight to your pages.

I know someone who is on depo provera, she has been on it for about 12 years, for heavy bleeding, painful cramps, and mood swings apparently. I've been chatting to her about going the natural approach.
Her next injection is due on the 16th of August. When can she begin the cream? She doesn't have a period so does she need to try make her own cycle? And on what days must she use the cream as a contraceptive? Your advise is greatly appreciated.


Jul 18, 2013
 Coming off Depo Provera
by: Wray

Hi there Thanks for the kind words! You certainly came to the right page, those other comments are enough to put any woman off depo provera! That and other Contraceptives are the usual recourse of doctors, progesterone is just as effective and safe too. Although if bleeding is very heavy and continual I have found other nutrients are in short supply and should be taken. You'll find all the info you need on our Menstruation page. Before taking vitamin D it's best to have a test done first, please tell her this. It's such an important nutrient, and low in most of us. If she starts the progesterone now it will give her body the support it needs as the provera wears off. I would suggest she uses it daily for at least three months before attempting to create a cycle. And she does need to use at least 400mg/day if she had heavy bleeding, anything less won't work. Please warn her about Oestrogen Dominance, although this isn't too much of a problem if high amounts of progesterone are used, see here. There's info about safe contraceptives on the link I've given you. And if using progesterone as one, on our Pregnancy page, and this one here. Take care Wray
Aug 05, 2013
 The biggest mistake!!!!!!!
by: Anonymous

Hi, I'm glad to have come across this site. I'm 38 with 3 kids. I thought the shot would be a heaven sent because it was only a shot every 3 mths. I choose it only because I don't do well the pill. Well it turned out to be a nightmare. It was fine at first. Periods stopped, Yay, No adverse side effect beside weight gain which I knew would happen. I was on it for only 1 yr. My last injection was Nov 2013. During the time on it, I lost most of the hair in my bangs, I had horrible memeory and mostly felt like I was in a fog. I had to write things down just so I didn't forget. I had the worse muffin top. I wasn't moody or anything. I started with this pain in my right side. It would come and go. Then I just wasn't feeling right. I more research in the Depo and learned that after 2 yrs of being on it you lose bone density mass which is not reversable and can lead to osteoporosus . That alone made my decision to get off it. Since then, the pain in my side worsened. I recently been plagued with nausea, migrains, mild vomiting because of the nausea and migrains, fatigue, swollen and painful to touch breast and what I thought is a bladder infection. I recently went to my family dr and they did a urinalysis. No bladder infection. I've had them before and I'm pretty sure it's one but its not. She thought other symptoms were gallbladder related.. impossible because the gallbladder was removed a yr ago. She referred me to my gynocologist and said maybe female related..I went last week and find out that all my problems are a going away present from the Depo. Both ovaries are covered with cyst. My left ovary has a 6cm cyst on it thats pushing on my bladder and my hormones are out of whack. I go from not being on any medication to being on zophran for nausea and vomiting, nexium, tylenol 3 for migraines, caraphate to coat my esophagus because he seems to think I tore something from throwing up and to try and "shrink" the cyst. Of all things, 2 birthcontrol pills. I still don't feel well and I go back to my Dr in 2 days to see if its shrunk any or if surgery is needed..I tell everyone that I know if your on it or cosidering it DON'T! !!!!!!. THE BIGGEST REGRET OF MY LIFE. Through strength, prayers my family and God, I know I will get through this. I'm just suffering from my choice of taking that poision right now..
Aug 06, 2013
 The biggest mistake!!!!!!!
by: Wray

Hi there I'm sorry to hear this tale of woe, apart from the Mirena, Provera or MPA is for me the worst Contraceptive. As with all drug based contraceptives, it stops ovulation, so your progesterone will be rock bottom, did they test it? It can help with the Ovarian Cysts, the Breast Tenderness, the Migraines, the nausea too. Oestrogen stimulates substance P which is a neuropeptide involved in causing pain and nausea, see here and Migraines" target="_blank">here. Although Substance P inhibits progesterone, see here, if enough is used, progesterone suppresses substance P, see here. "Accumulating evidence indicates that the neuropeptide substance P is predominantly involved in neurogenic inflammation and pain perception...... Intriguingly, decreased pain sensitivity is found to be associated with high plasma progesterone levels. We hypothesize that progesterone may attenuate nociception and associated inflammatory response." If you do consider it, please make sure you use enough. Judging by the state you're now in I would suggest about 400mg/day. A high amount, but I feel you'll need it to overcome all those symptoms. Please have a vitamin D test done, a lack of this leads to too many problems to list here, but for more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the following websites, Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L, and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. A lack also reduces the benefits of progesterone. Continued below
Aug 06, 2013
 The biggest mistake!!!!!!! part 2
by: Wray

Hi there You might like to see these comments here, here, here and here. Take care Wray
Aug 06, 2013
 The biggest mistake!!!!
by: Anonymous

Thank you Wray for the insight. :). I'm going to my Dr tomorrow to see if there is any change. By the way I feel, i really don't think there is. Hopefully I find some relief soon. On bad days like yesterday ,I just tell people that I'm almost 5ths, because I swell up that big .I have to find some humor in this instead of crying and complainin about it, lol. Today my belly is semi normal.. I will definitely ask my Dr about the vitamin D. Thanks for taking the time to respond and for the feedback. God Bless. :)
Aug 07, 2013
 The biggest mistake!!!!
by: Wray

Hi there With all those drugs you're on it doesn't surprise me you don't feel well. Please look into the vitamin D, and consider the progesterone too. Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
Aug 08, 2013
 The biggest mistake!!!!!!!
by: Anonymous

Hi Wray. Well it looks like I have more problems than we thought but it's ok. My appt yesterday did not go as I thought it would. Last yr I had laproscopic surgery when I had my gallbladder removed. On top of tons of scar tissue he removed from previous surgeries, my Dr noticed that I have pelvic congestion syndrome. It might explain a lot that is going on. Also the cyst might not be one at all but a tumor, but it could also be Cystadenomas.. Will not know till its removed.. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy and removal of the left ovary in 2 wks.. I am no stranger to surgery. This will be my 6th surgery and hopefully my last..Hopefully it will solve a lot of my problems..
Aug 09, 2013
 The biggest mistake!!!!!!!
by: Wray

Hi there Well I'm sorry you've been through so many surgeries and now another! Please read that page on hysts, I'm not sure I gave it to you. I would hope there is another option than total removal. Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
Jan 07, 2014
 over it
by: Renee

I've had 3 injections equalling 9 months of being on the depo. I've notice significant hair loss, my hair type was full and perfect naturally without volumizers or treatments or vitamines. Another side effect I received was mild depression and irritable and again I'm always fun, and a full time RN, meaning if depression and irriability didn't set in before, I know this has to be the cause. I leave my work there and never was the type to bring it home at the end of the day. I get night sweats and never had body odor under my arms where my deoterant wore off. I have clear vaginal secreations (which never had before) which does not smell but its like an un wanted luberciant. I have mild swelling in my lower legs in which 1yr ago nevet occured and we can blame it on my job but i work out consistently which couldn't be the cause...all of this is caused by the depo. These side effects were dismissed in the side effects from my physician. The only side effect was explained to me was bone loss and irregular peroids. So my assessment came up with the issues I'm experiencing are the side effects and I off the depo now only one week and will never get on it again.
Feb 20, 2014
 Don't forget the bleeding
by: cerah

I've had horrible hemorrhage and became very anemic, was gonna need a DNC til God healed me of the bleeding constantly. I do have skin and hair issues as a result of it. Keep your head up The Lord is a healer.
Feb 26, 2014
 One shot
by: Anonymous

I took one shot 18 months ago and I went through hell the whole 3 months and after tbe shot " ran out" I experienced so many problems. My periods did return but I lost weight very quickly and I'm already a small women. I had stomach issues and night sweats, anxiety, panic attacks ect. All my blood work was normal and to this day I still have weird aches and pains through my body. I have bad depression as well. I refuse meds prayet has took me a long way and I will continue to pray my way through this fight. This one shot changed my life and I lost a lot behind one shot. I still don't feel nornal 18 months later however I not how I use to be so that's a blessing. Time is the only thing that seems to help. I sweat under my arms the odor is ridiculous.
Mar 03, 2014
 depo is the worst
by: Anonymous

I had my first depo shot 3 days ago and I've been feeling sick..I had my first dizzy spell today and I almost fell..even now I'm not ok..feels like my brain is not functioning right..my thing is I don't want to go for my second shot by I want to prevent because I'm not ready to have another kid again just yet.I'm trying to get my life back on track.what else can I use as condoms are not always available. Also I've always been the moody type so I'm worried I'll get worse
Mar 12, 2014
 depo nightmare
by: Anonymous

I got the Depo-Provera shot 3 times. I was encouraged to get it by a provider at Family Planning. I wasn't informed of any health risks--so when I had "side effects" I didn't know that's what they were. I became very depressed, started having severe panic attacks, lost at least 20 pounds, and, with that, most of my breasts which just shriveled and deflated. I had no appetite. I didn't attribute any of that to Depo-Provera. Why would I? My panic attacks grew worse, even after I stopped getting the shot. My weight sky-rocketed for a year or two and then dropped back down to an unhealthy range again to the point that strangers have advised me that I should quit dieting. Only I'm not. I only read about possible side effects of Depo-Provera a few days ago. I got those shots almost 20 years ago. And I haven't been the same since.
Jun 16, 2014
 Depo
by: Anonymous

Hi I was on Depo for about 6 years and seriously it was the best birth control I ever had. The pill always made me sick so I gave Depo a try. I never had any side effects from the shot (none). I have very fine hair and the weird thing was it made my hair thicker, I didn't have a period which was amazing but best of all my sore breasts and PMS issues just disappeared. I got off the shot in 2005 with the hopes of having another baby and knowing it would take some time for my normal cycle to return. It took about a year but I finally got it back and my cycles were pretty much normal from then on. I had a son at the end of 2006 and a daughter in 2008 and since then I've been on nothing. I have noticed though in the past 2 years that my PMS is back with a vengeance, sore breasts, insomnia, and shorter cycles. Still my period is every month like clock work but just shorter cycles. I was wondering if it was possible that the Depo caused my body to produce less progesterone and because of that I'm having issues with too much estrogen? I just turned 40 and I'm finding it hard to believe I'm already heading towards menopause. I think I'm still too young for that especially since my sister had her period till she turned 53 years old. Could this be just PMS or a result of the Depo Shot? I've been off of it for 9 years now and had 2 pregnancies. How can I stabilize my hormones and find some balance? I tried the progesterone cream which doesn't seem to help much. I'm going crazy with all these period symptoms and I'm about to go get back on the Depo if I can't find a resolution. Please Help!!!!!
Jul 17, 2014
 Stopping Depo
by: Amanda

I figured I would share my experience too, to help those looking for answers like myself. I have endometriosis and started young on Desogen. No problems. In 2007/2008 is started on Depo. It's now 2014. I have more acne that I did in my teens, I'm 29, and I've gained about 50lbs in the 7year period. I work out regularly and don't eat perfect, but average. I decided to get off the shot last year to give my body a chance to return to normal. I tried the Copper IUD, since it's hormone free, but my body freaked out and I lost a lot of hair for months. I think it was the drastic change, doctors couldn't tell me for sure. So to stop the hairloss I got back on the shot not knowing what else to do. The hairloss stopped, but the weight gain and acne have not. I think when this shot wears off I'm going to stop all birth control and see if my body returns to normal in a few months. It may take longer, but I don't know what else to try..
Jul 18, 2014
 Stopping Depo
by: Joy

Hi Amanda

I agree with you about stopping birth control, as mentioned in the posts above, all drug based contraceptives have a potential to cause harm. If you have not done so already, please read the posts above, Wray has explained about the dangers of Depo etc and how progesterone will help.

There could be a number of reasons for your Hair Loss – see here. If you are eating a lot of sweet foods/carbs, this could also cause acne, please read the page on Acne.
Nov 20, 2014
 Depo is ruining my body
by: a girl who is slowly losing everything

I was 17 when I got my first depo shot, last month I had my third one, my grandmother forced me to take it but I never even wanted it to begin with, I begged not to get the second, and I begged not to get the third... now I am 18, i was 94 pounds and although my current weight is considered healthy, my other weight was healthy too, every week I gain almost two pounds, in the last 4 months I went from 94 to almost 120 pounds, my abs began to fade and gain flab, for the first time, I am eating less and still gaining weight, before this, I could eat whatever I wanted, however I wanted and as much as I wanted and I wouldn't even gain a pound, I run constantly, do about 300 crunches a week, do 50 push ups every other day, and still, the weight continues, I do not mind the fact that I have no periods, but my muscle is vanishing, my strength has weakened, which really hurts, since I was proud of my tone, my shape, and my strength, my butt was shaped but never totally smooth, and I hated it, but now I really hate it, my toned thighs and butt now look like cottage cheese, everyone said it was my body changing, but I doubt it, and it only continues to get worse, right now it is worse than cottage cheese, and it sags, it lost its shape, even though over the summer I walked over 200 miles total and continue to walk and do lunges and squats and run, I no longer feel comfortable wearing anything short or even bathing suits, I have also gained a slight double chin, the acne on my nose is harder to pop, the black head populous has almost quadrupled even though I thought I had too many to begin with, I should have been happier with myself because now it sucks, my hair was thick and healthy, it falls out more and more and no longer makes thick ponytails anymore, and I have to comb most of my hair into my bangs to make them look nice. I have experienced more mood swings (and I was already depressed and moody to beggin with) my depression increased more than it already was and has driven me to attempt suicide only for my fiancé to come and find me and stop me before the act was completed, I do have anxiety but my anxiety attacks have gotten worse, my vag now excretes this sticky fluid that hardens and sticks my underwear to my vag and hurts like hell to separate, I planned for 3 or more children when I grew up around the age of 25 I wanted to start a family when I turned 25. My fiancé still thinks I am beautiful, and many other people think so as well, but my insecurity and our love life has suffered greatly due to these effects, we fight more and more because of it and almost split up.I experience extreme oversleeping and tiredness, stomach pain(which the doctors think is an ulcer) weakness (dropping from squatting 205 to 175 earlier before depo due to circulatory issue in the legs and then after dep0 dropping all the way to barely even squatting 150) i have insomnia i can barely even climb the stairs at school without wheezing half the time, I have vertigo worse than before, and just want to die because I'm losing the only good things i had going for me in life before the shot and i would give anything to go back to normal, i hate my grandmother for forcing me to take depo, I wish I had the choice before not to take the shot, and just rely on spermicide and condoms, she is trying to force me into getting the next shot, I know I need to stop, but I really don't want to lose all my hair, and I am scared to death that my metabolism and everything else might be permanent, not to mention, my asthma has gotten worse. will my metabolism ever return to normal or is it screwed up forever? and when will my hair stop falling out, could testosterone help? anything to get tone, thickness, and better health, if it will return to normal, how long will it take? I might sound selfish but I really don't want to go to the only prom I ever go to with super thin hair and increased weight gain....... I am short, so it shows more...... I think someone should link their problems to the drug so that scientists see how it affects people and sue the depo company and close it down so this won't happen to anyone else with forceful parents........
Nov 20, 2014
 Depo is ruining my body
by: a girl who is slowly losing everything

I was 17 when I got my first depo shot, last month I had my third one, my grandmother forced me to take it but I never even wanted it to begin with, I begged not to get the second, and I begged not to get the third... now I am 18, i was 94 pounds and although my current weight is considered healthy, my other weight was healthy too, every week I gain almost two pounds, in the last 4 months I went from 94 to almost 120 pounds, my abs began to fade and gain flab, for the first time, I am eating less and still gaining weight, before this, I could eat whatever I wanted, however I wanted and as much as I wanted and I wouldn't even gain a pound, I run constantly, do about 300 crunches a week, do 50 push ups every other day, and still, the weight continues, I do not mind the fact that I have no periods, but my muscle is vanishing, my strength has weakened, which really hurts, since I was proud of my tone, my shape, and my strength, my butt was shaped but never totally smooth, and I hated it, but now I really hate it, my toned thighs and butt now look like cottage cheese, everyone said it was my body changing, but I doubt it, and it only continues to get worse, right now it is worse than cottage cheese, and it sags, it lost its shape, even though over the summer I walked over 200 miles total and continue to walk and do lunges and squats and run, I no longer feel comfortable wearing anything short or even bathing suits, I have also gained a slight double chin, the acne on my nose is harder to pop, the black head populous has almost quadrupled even though I thought I had too many to begin with, I should have been happier with myself because now it sucks, my hair was thick and healthy, it falls out more and more and no longer makes thick ponytails anymore, and I have to comb most of my hair into my bangs to make them look nice. I have experienced more mood swings (and I was already depressed and moody to beggin with) my depression increased more than it already was and has driven me to attempt suicide only for my fiancé to come and find me and stop me before the act was completed, I do have anxiety but my anxiety attacks have gotten worse, my vag now excretes this sticky fluid that hardens and sticks my underwear to my vag and hurts like hell to separate, I planned for 3 or more children when I grew up around the age of 25 I wanted to start a family when I turned 25. My fiancé still thinks I am beautiful, and many other people think so as well, but my insecurity and our love life has suffered greatly due to these effects, we fight more and more because of it and almost split up.I experience extreme oversleeping and tiredness, stomach pain(which the doctors think is an ulcer) weakness (dropping from squatting 205 to 175 earlier before depo due to circulatory issue in the legs and then after dep0 dropping all the way to barely even squatting 150) i have insomnia i can barely even climb the stairs at school without wheezing half the time, I have vertigo worse than before, and just want to die because I'm losing the only good things i had going for me in life before the shot and i would give anything to go back to normal, i hate my grandmother for forcing me to take depo, I wish I had the choice before not to take the shot, and just rely on spermicide and condoms, she is trying to force me into getting the next shot, I know I need to stop, but I really don't want to lose all my hair, and I am scared to death that my metabolism and everything else might be permanent, not to mention, my asthma has gotten worse. will my metabolism ever return to normal or is it screwed up forever? and when will my hair stop falling out, could testosterone help? anything to get tone, thickness, and better health, if it will return to normal, how long will it take? I might sound selfish but I really don't want to go to the only prom I ever go to with super thin hair and increased weight gain....... I am short, so it shows more...... I think someone should link their problems to the drug so that scientists see how it affects people and sue the depo company and close it down so this won't happen to anyone else with forceful parents........
Sep 16, 2015
 this is me !
by: Toni Ann R

Hi- your situation is the same thing that I am going through. I am 26 years old and two years ago after I was done having kids ( I have 2 girls, ages 5 & 3 ) I decided that I didnt want to take birth control pills anymore and was looking for an easy birth control form. Well I ended up with a nightmare, after having my kids, I weighted 135lbs and was only 10 lbs away from my post pregnancy body. and I did the depo shot 2 years ago in June and I gained 15 lbs then weighted 150 and now its 2 years later and I cant get below 150 and now weigh 165. I went to my primary care doctor to make sure that I don't have a thyroid problem and tests came back and its not my thyroid for my weight gain, so now she thinks its a hormone imbalance and for me to go to my OBGYN. Do you have any advice for me on this situation?
Sep 16, 2015
 this is me !
by: Toni Ann R

Hi- your situation is the same thing that I am going through. I am 26 years old and two years ago after I was done having kids ( I have 2 girls, ages 5 & 3 ) I decided that I didnt want to take birth control pills anymore and was looking for an easy birth control form. Well I ended up with a nightmare, after having my kids, I weighted 135lbs and was only 10 lbs away from my post pregnancy body. and I did the depo shot 2 years ago in June and I gained 15 lbs then weighted 150 and now its 2 years later and I cant get below 150 and now weigh 165. I went to my primary care doctor to make sure that I don't have a thyroid problem and tests came back and its not my thyroid for my weight gain, but i have a vitamin D deficiency, so now she thinks its a hormone imbalance and for me to go to my OBGYN. Do you have any advice for me on this situation?
Oct 07, 2015
 To each their own
by: Anonymous

I think if anything my son has done more damage than depo (for me). Before him depo regulated my mood, got rid of my cycle and I lost 50lbs in 2.5-3months and was healthy and happy for the two years I was on it. Then I got off of it for financial reasons and immediately began gaining weight. Now after my son I'm only a month in and I've gained 10lbs but praying my dear boy hasn't changed my body so much that depo can't help me again. Everything affects people differently.
Jan 21, 2016
 never ever going to use depo again
by: Anonymous

I just got on depo a month ago. Everything was cool i had sex two weeks in and started to spot 3 days later. I was like okay thats normal. I went for a check and to get std checked. And talk about the spotting and light bleeding. Because when i got the depo i was already on my period and my spotting smelled weird. She said its normal just your body getting used to it. She said i had a bv. I took the medince. And i gained 7 or 8 pounds i was hungry all the time back pain on and off. I was having soreness under my rib cage. And then the on and off hurting when i pee started. I told my doctor she said it was a uti and all std test were clean. I was like okay. My stomach started to hurt along with my sides and i was itching every where! I was like this isnt normal.i went to my doctor again she just said let's do another sti testing and said i had a yeast infection. I was like omg. The 3 week of me bleeding i had blood clots coming out of me i haven't been eating cause i became depressed and my anxiety went up cause the doctor kept acting like i had an std. When the bleeding started to really lighten up i went to the er. I told them about my still on and off hurting when i pee and they checked everything i had nothing in my pee. And they gave me another std check up like really i haven't been having sex. And not only that they ignored all thw other stuff I told them about like my bones hurt and the itching and pain and the pricking feeling in my legs. I finally went to another doctor a few days later cause the spotting stopped and the pricking went on with hurting when i pee. And i was having pricking above my body too. So I'm freaking out. The doctor told me i had a uti and gave me different pills that work and the pricking started to go away. He said i should get blood work done cause my body pricking. And i keep having irration down there. And he did sti testing and I'm getting so tired of sti testing like why does it have to be that. I wish the doctors would look at the depo for this cause none of this happened until i got on depo. And i barely eat now its like i cant bring my body to eat. It all end up hurting i want this shot out of me now. But i have two more months.
Jan 21, 2016
 never ever going to use depo again
by: Anonymous

I just got on depo a month ago. Everything was cool i had sex two weeks in and started to spot 3 days later. I was like okay thats normal. I went for a check and to get std checked. And talk about the spotting and light bleeding. Because when i got the depo i was already on my period and my spotting smelled weird. She said its normal just your body getting used to it. She said i had a bv. I took the medince. And i gained 7 or 8 pounds i was hungry all the time back pain on and off. I was having soreness under my rib cage. And then the on and off hurting when i pee started. I told my doctor she said it was a uti and all std test were clean. I was like okay. My stomach started to hurt along with my sides and i was itching every where! I was like this isnt normal.i went to my doctor again she just said let's do another sti testing and said i had a yeast infection. I was like omg. The 3 week of me bleeding i had blood clots coming out of me i haven't been eating cause i became depressed and my anxiety went up cause the doctor kept acting like i had an std. When the bleeding started to really lighten up i went to the er. I told them about my still on and off hurting when i pee and they checked everything i had nothing in my pee. And they gave me another std check up like really i haven't been having sex. And not only that they ignored all thw other stuff I told them about like my bones hurt and the itching and pain and the pricking feeling in my legs. I finally went to another doctor a few days later cause the spotting stopped and the pricking went on with hurting when i pee. And i was having pricking above my body too. So I'm freaking out. The doctor told me i had a uti and gave me different pills that work and the pricking started to go away. He said i should get blood work done cause my body pricking. And i keep having irration down there. And he did sti testing and I'm getting so tired of sti testing like why does it have to be that. I wish the doctors would look at the depo for this cause none of this happened until i got on depo. And i barely eat now its like i cant bring my body to eat. It all end up hurting i want this shot out of me now. But i have two more months.
Feb 03, 2016
 On a positive note
by: Anonymous

I am very sorry for all the problems you have all experienced! I will say, for me personally, depo has been the only thing to make me feel "normal" all other BC were horrible for me. I was on depo for 4-5 years and then I got off it for 3-4 years. When TTC 2y/ago, I was pregnant in 2 months, so I just wanted to shed some light, that for some people this form of BC may be a good option. Statistics do show that most women gain weight, however I did not, weight gain for me occurred when on estrogen based BC.
Feb 07, 2016
 NEW FINDINGS LINKED TO THIS POISON
by: Anonymous

I'm sorry that there are so many people who are going through major/life changing problems. I'm no Dr and can agree that this shot effects everyone different, yet I know my body. So I've done a ton of research trying to figure out my symptoms... Diagnosed by a dr - PCOS, hyperthyroidism (only after I specified for T3, T4, TSH levels checked since basic blood panels don't check these), anemia, IBS (colonoscopy/endoscopy) and Gurd. Took depo without researching and trusting who I'm paying to inform and screen according to me as an individual. Regardless, unknowledgable Dr vs lazy, whatever: FDA, drug companies, Drs all involved. 2.5 yrs on it and 2.5 since the last shot (3mo was over). Going from a 25 yr old, 102 lb workoutaholic to feeling my body shut down with no answers - still suffering & not easy!! Multiple articles found relating this poison to excess cerebral spinal fluid mimicking a false brain tumor!?! There's a lawsuit on this right now! Look it up. Yes, this drug is poison! Even if it's not until later in life. I pray for all harmed and myself daily to get relief and our lives back. I'm learning to deal but not going to stop until I can function daily without crazy random "episodes" of sickness. Keep pushing through ladies!!
May 17, 2016
 Not so sure anymore
by: Melissa

I have been on depo for 14 years. Weight gain put me in a size I really love but now I'm not so happy! For the past year I have been laxative dependent. My colon will not work on its own and the doctors can't find anything wrong but I know it's the depo. I'm suffering from endometriosis and my doctor says the depo will help the pain...well now the depo don't and he wants to give me a hysterectomy. I kept asking the doctor if being on depo for this long was safe and he said yes as long as I take calcium but now my colon is messed up.
Sep 22, 2016
 Worst decision ever
by: Dakay

My daughter, age 17, took the depo mid July. Within a couple of days, she became suicidal (never before),angered easily, personality changed, was agressive. She has always been very good and normal. She now eats all the time cause she is always hungry and in 2 months gained 15 lbs. She became depressed and had to get her therapy. She started spotting 4 weeks after shot and still is. Like many others, we trusted her Dr. when we were told it was safe. So wrong, worst decision ever. Counting the days til this is out of her system and hopefully back to her old self. NEVER GET DEPO SHOT, IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE.
Oct 17, 2016
 Never again
by: Anonymous

I had the shot in June and fine for the first 6 weeks until I started to clot and bleed for 5 weeks and it was so bad I could not leave the house for nearly a week.

Went back to speak to the doctor who said have the second shot and you will be fine....big mistake!

Now experiencing severe body aches all the time, back pain, sore ribs tender breasts, stomach cramps and constipation followed by diarrhoea, tired constantly and basically just the feeling unwell all of the time.

My moods are up and down and I can cry at anything. I will not be getting the 3rd shot and can not wait to get this out of my system as I would rather have periods than experience all the side effects of that drug.
May 15, 2017
 HELP
by: Anonymous

I'm just curious as I have just stumbled upon this.

Did the progesterone cream work?

I am on month five after getting off the Depo and am still in hell. I just bought the progesterone cream and praying that it will be my saving grace. I cannot handle what it is putting my body through. The symptoms are horrible and I can't believe they can get away with giving this to women!

Please help, any advice would be great.
Apr 07, 2018
 never again
by: victoria

Worse decision ever was to have the depo, everyday since I've had hives, so unbearable that I don't want to leave the house as I'm covered.

I stopped depo in January this year and I'm now waiting for it to leave my system, I've also noticed hair loss but didn't think it was down to this, some days also bad back ache.

I've done so much research since taking depo and I'm horrified at what this drug can do to a healthy individual, I deeply regret taking it and just pray I have no long term effects.

I think women need to be more aware of the true dangers of birth control....

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