What does anyone know about the shot that stops you from getting your period? I am 27, no children & hate PMS?

Answer 1

The Basics

"The shot" is an injectable progestin-only prescription method of reversible birth control. It contains a hormone that is similar to the progesterone made by a woman's ovaries to regulate the menstrual cycle. The shot is also known as DMPA. The D stands for "depot," the solution in which the hormone is suspended. The hormone is medroxyprogesterone acetate. The common brand name for the DMPA shot is Depo-Provera.

A shot of DMPA can prevent pregnancy for 12 weeks. It


usually, prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation)

less often, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from joining an egg

alters the lining of the uterus, which, in theory, may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg

Effectiveness

The shot is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control. Of every 1,000 women who use it correctly and consistently, only three will become pregnant during the first year of use. Three in 100 women will become pregnant with typical use.

Protection is immediate if you take the shot during the first seven days of your period. Otherwise, use a backup method of contraception for the first week. Protection lasts for 12 weeks.

The shot is not effective against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom to reduce the risk.


Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

can be used by women who cannot take estrogen

can be used while breastfeeding

effective for 12 weeks

helps prevent cancer of the lining of the uterus

no pill to take daily

nothing to put in place before vaginal intercourse

Disadvantages


must receive shot every three months

pregnancies, which very rarely occur, are more likely to be ectopic (in a fallopian tube)

may not be used continuously for more than two years unless no other method is right for you

takes an average of nine to 10 months — or sometimes more than a year — to get pregnant after getting the last shot

Possible Side Effects

Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women using DMPA. It is more common in the first six to 12 months of use.

Periods become fewer and lighter for most women, and often stop altogether. The longer a woman uses the shot, the more likely her periods will stop. It may take up to a year for periods to return after a woman's last shot.

Some women will have longer, heavier periods.

Some may have increased light spotting and breakthrough bleeding.

DMPA use is associated with temporary bone thinning. Talk with your health care provider about the risks. To help protect your bones, get regular exercise and get extra calcium and vitamin D — either through your diet or by using supplements.

Less Common Side Effects


change in sex drive

change of appetite, weight gain

depression

hair loss, or increased hair on the face or body

headache

nausea

nervousness, dizziness

skin rash or spotty darkening of the skin

sore breasts

There is no way to stop the side effects of the shot c they may continue until it wears off (12–14 weeks).

Warning Signs

Serious problems are rare. Tell your clinician immediately if you have


a new lump in your breast

major depression

severe pain in the stomach or abdomen

unusually heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding

yellowing of skin or eyes

Who Can Use the Shot?

Most women can use the shot.

It may be especially appropriate if you

want very effective long-lasting contraception

cannot take estrogen

are unable to use barrier methods routinely or take a daily pill

Usually women who use the shot need special medical supervision if they have


current serious blood clotting conditions

high blood pressure

high risk for heart disease

a history of severe depression

liver disease, such as hepatitis, abnormal results on liver function tests, or a history of liver tumors

You should not use the shot if you


cannot put up with irregular bleeding or loss of your period

are taking medicine for Cushing's syndrome

are or might be pregnant

have a known or suspected breast cancer

have unexplained bleeding from the vagina

want to become pregnant within the next year


Women should not use the shot continuously for more than two years unless no other method is right for them.


Women who use DMPA may have temporary bone thinning. It increases the longer they use DMPA. Bone growth begins again when women stop using the shot. Whether or not there is a complete recovery of bone mass is unknown.

Whether or not temporary bone thinning leads to greater risk of bone fracture from osteoporosis much later in life is also unknown.

To protect your bones, get regular exercise and get extra calcium and vitamin D — either through your diet or by using supplements.


How to Get the Shot

Your clinician will take your medical history. Depending on your medical history, you may need a partial or complete physical exam.

Your clinician will give you an injection — you may have a temporary bruise.

You will need an injection every 12 weeks for as long as you want to prevent pregnancy.

Answer 2

Deop provera doesn't always stop your period and while it could be a great match for you, it might not be. When I was on it, no period for 3 whole months. Got my second shot and I spotted every day. For six months. I've heard this is the reaction that many women get while their body is adjusting, but it also made me much more depressed. I stopped after the third shot. And it probably won't stop your periods completly, my sis was on for 5 years and still had a few periods a year. Talk to your doctor and see if its ok for you.

Answer 3

Depo? It is a form of birth control, the only other thing that makes you stop your period is a hysterectomy, but then you will never be able to have children. I'd say you are talking about depoprovera. You can get it at any health department, or talk to your doc about it. They also have birth control pills now that you don't have a period with....but I forgot the name of them...anyways, hope this helped!

Answer 4

Depo caused me to gain 45 pounds in 90 days and I had never had problems with the pill or other methods. Once you get the shot it can't be reversed, you have to wait until it is out of your system.

Answer 5

it's called depo-provera. it is not guaranteed to stop all women's periods, and even when it does there can still sometimes be pms. talk to ur gyno! (btw, the depo shot is great! only gotta have it every three months).

Answer 6

strange info from a guy but try the nuevo ring it is amazing you get one every three months and is good b-control