What are the main side effects of depo provera (Birth control)?

Question

Im about to start taking it and I need to know

Answer 1

People should really do their research on any drug they don't know anything about, or ask TONS of questions to their doctor about it.

Please please reconsider the shot. I would never ever recommend this for anyone.

I have heard and dealt with so many negative experiences I can't believe they still have this on the market.

I was on it for four years...

I had weight gain, loss of libido, horrible mood swings, headaches, fatigue, etc.

After five years you need a bone density check as it messes with your bone health in a bad way!

From the wiki link below:

In the largest clinical trial of Depo-Provera, the most frequently reported adverse reactions (which may or may not be related to the use of Depo-Provera) were: menstrual irregularities (bleeding or amenorrhea or both), abdominal pain or discomfort, weight changes, headache, asthenia (weakness or fatigue), and nervousness. Other, less frequently reported adverse reactions are listed in the patient and physician label information for Depo-Provera.

Answer 2

You need to talk to your doctor. You should NEVER simply agree to taking a medication--be sure to find out what every single side effect could be before taking it.

We can provide a pretty good list on here, but the doctor can tell you the whole thing, nothing left out.

You shouldn't smoke on any kind of BC. That increases the risk of blood clots and heart attack. You will have mood swings and funky periods for the first couple of months. It can interact strangely with certain other medictations or even vitamins, so be sure to ask your doctor about drug interactions.

There is a risk of weight gain; however, this has to do with body chemistry. Some will gain significantly, some will only gain a little, and some will gain NONE. If you want to take one that has been shown to actually cause weight LOSS in most patients, check into Cyclessa.

Answer 3

Your prescriber has a duty to tell you, also there will be a patient data sheet in the pack. To get a copy go to :
http://emc.medicines.org.uk/
Enter eMC and type in depo-provera ( not forgetting the hyphen ) you can then read both the doctor and the patient data sheets.

Commonest side effects are irregular bleeding for 3-6 months. Good news by 12 months 60% of women have no bleeding! Weight changes, headache, fatigue and abdominal pain.

Answer 4

Abnormal bleeding for the first few months is not uncommon. Also Depo has been associated with early bone loss in young women (osteoporosis).

If you haven't already, a good gyne will suggest a baseline bone density scan to check your bone health before starting on depo.

Also, make sure you are ontime with your shots and know your scheduled timeframe for each. Failure to get the shot on time will result in more bleeding and loss of protection against pregancy.

Also remember that Depo does not prevent STD's or HPV. Depo is only recommended for those in a monogamous relationship. If you have more then one partner always use CONDOMS to prevent the spread of STD's.

Answer 5

This is a great birth control if you are not planning on having any kids soon. I had no sickness, no weight gain and no periods. The only downside is that when I finshed having my injections it did take 1 year for my periods to return and another 9 months for me to fall pregnant. I would personally recommend the rod I had inplanted recently together with 5 of my friends. It lasts for 3 years and has no long term effects.

Answer 6

I assume you mean the injection?
I've been on it now for almost a year, and I have to say it's fantastic. I haven't had a period,and although I have put on some weight, I'm losing it now, it's the safest contraception, and as long as you go and have it every 12 weeks, then your very safe from pregnancy. Although it doesn't protect against STI and STD's. Use a condom too.
To be honest, I started getting the injection because I was on my own, with 2 children and I didn't want to take the risk of meeting someone and getting caught in the moment! lol

Answer 7

I dont know what the 'official' side effects are (google dep provera side effects) but when I had it, it 'changed' me...if you know what I mean!
Don't really want to explain it graphically on here, but 'bucket' springs to mind!
I spoke to someone else about it once and they experienced the same thing. I had 2 injections, then went back onto the pill. Within a month, I was back to normal! Hope this helps.
Try this link ;-)

Answer 8

I had the depo shot not long after i had my youngest son and although i didn't breastfeed him i was still producing breast milk two years later! Didn't stay on it after that once they worked out it was that that was causing it. When i had tests at the hospital they said they had heard it was a very rare side effect because i wasn't the only one that this happened to so at least they were aware it happened!
Bloody hormones...*tsk*!

Answer 9

I would advice you against Depo. Try the ring instead. Everybody I know gained a ton of weight (about 20 lbs), experienced hair loss, depression, and low libido.
Plus, you will be prone to bone loss. It's just not worth it.

Answer 10

i have had this depo injection for 11 yrs and never had any problems,no periods.I have now had to come off this because all women are being weaned off this depo due to health issues.I have now been told that my bones are thinning due to the depo,so please think on it was great while i was taking it but now i have problems big time so was it worth it at the end of the day.