Depo-Provera And Periods?

Question

I started Depo in January, around the 14th to be exact.

My doctor said that Depo can cause irregular periods, heavy periods, light periods, or no periods.

I was on my period when I recieved Depo and it stopped the same day.

I didn't get my period till early February (which is not the date it was expect, it was about a week early).

When I got my period that week early, it was shorter, lasting only about 3 days.

It was also a very light flow, but very dark in color.

Then about a week later the same thing happened again.

Now it's been happening every other week or two.

Some times lasting longer though, 6-7 days.

I've read online and talked to others who have recieved Depo and it said that this is normal and nothing to be worried about.

I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow just to be sure.

But I'm want to know if any thing like this has happened to any of you and want to know what you think.

Sorry if you read this and are totally grossed out, I apologize

I talked to even more people and they told me to be even less worried because

Some girls when first recieving Depo, they may have their period for the first 3 months!!

But still I am worried and wondering.

MOOBIEMUFFIN:

I can take birth control pills because I can't take pills. So even with all the of disadvantages Depo has, it's what I have to take.

AMANDA B:

Yeah, I asked a few of my friends about it at first. They all said that their doctors gave them the shot when they were on their period rather than after it's ended

To everyone:

It's not that having my period so often bothers me. I don't mind it as much as I minded my regular period. I just want to make sure that everything is normal and that there is nothing wrong.

Thank you so much for your help!

Answer 1

You have nothing to worry about, though I do understand why you be, for several reasons. For one you have just put a lot of hormones into your body that its not used to. Thus causing you to have the dark blood...and causing different emotions. You are doing the right thing by getting a hold of your Doc. s/he will make you feel much more comfortable about what is happening. Education on the depo. shot is very important.

You are lucky that you are having periods. I didn't have one EVER while I was on it. Which caused a lot of cysts to grow on my ovaries.... VERY PAINFUL. I was using the depo for the same reason you are. But I had to stop, thus I have 4 wonderful children..lol.

But at some point in time you body will get used to the shot. Remember to write all your questions down when you talk with your Dr.

Best of Luck, and sry that at this point in time you never know when Aunt Dot will visit!!!! : 0

Answer 2

I actually took depo for 8 years. I had the opposite happen. I did not have a period for the entire time I was on it. I Just decide to stop taking it because my husband and I were going to try to have a baby. We kinda put the baby on hold, (wanted to vacation a little longer) but I have not gone back on it. My periods are back to normal, but the great thing is that they are only 3 days long and very light. I love depo, and will probably go back on it after we do have a baby. I don't know if this helps, but I do remember them saying that when I started the shot, that I could have irregular periods. I think you have nothing to worry about.

Answer 3

I was on Depo quite some time ago and I hardly ever had my period. When I did, it was really light. I normally have very irregular cycles to begin with and when my OB/GYN found out that another doctor had put me on Depo, she was really upset. If the irregularity of it is bothersome to you, you might want to consider a different form of birth control. You mentioned that you can't take pills...is that all pills at all? BC pills are really, really small. Maybe you could ask your doctor for a sample pack (they usually have some) and just try taking them for a month. I found that thicker liquids like milk or even juice make it much easier to swallow pills. There is always the old trick of putting it in some applesauce or yogurt too. :o)

Answer 4

That is very normal. I was on the depo shot as well and had a non-stop period for 4 months and then it went away and came back again for a few days. Depo has a lot of disadvantages but everything you're describing is very normal.

Answer 5

I was on the depo shot for 5 years straight and had no period which is to be normal as well everything that you are saying is pretty much normal I am shocked that you received the shot while on your period they usually wait till your cycle has ended!! Good luck

Answer 6

If you can go on the birth control pill instead, do it. My doctor wouldn't let me have the depo shot because of irregular periods. It healthier to have a normal period instead of all this that your going through.

Answer 7

This is normal. When i first started that happened to me. The doctor should have gave you depo when you weren't on your period. You're fine though. After awhile for me I only got my period when it was time for the next shot.

Answer 8

You have one more month until your next shot is due, and during that time you should not go on the pill, because you will have an increased risk of developing blood clots, although the pill can help regulate your periods. Talk to your doctor, and see if anything can be done.

Answer 9

Yes it is very normal. It happened to me the first time I got it. After the second shot things got back to normal. One period per month for about 6 days.I got my last shot in december and got pregnant in March, so be sure to get them right on time for they leave you body very quickly contrary to what I was led to believe by my obgyn who said it would take 18 months to 3 years to get pregnant after the last shot.

Answer 10

It's not your only option. The NuvaRing is good. Still fairly new, but it's an option that will hopefully help women get away from Depo.