Anyone on Depo Provera?

Question

I'm 18 and just got the shot yesterday. It's the first ever form of birth control that I've been on besides using condoms. My question is, does everyone experience extreme weight gain, and if so, how can I fight it? I already am rather active and eat well (I'm a vegetarian and a health freak). I weigh 135 pounds at 5'5l, but my biggest fear is gaining a lot of weight.

Also, how many of you have experienced a continous period?

Answer 1

I used the shot for four years and never gained a pound. It really depends on the person; also, being aware of what you put in your mouth food-wise is a BIG step in prevention.
The shot -- just like any hormonal birth control -- can cause cravings, which in turn will cause you to eat more and gain weight. Always remember, its not the method specifically that does it - it's what and how much you end up eating.

As for periods, mine stopped within 12 hours of my first shot, and then I would only get one period about every 15 months or so (and it would last about 2 weeks).

Everyone is going to be different. If you find yourself experiencing side effects that you don't like, then just don't get the next injection and instead, switch to a BC method like the pill or Ring.

Answer 2

I gained 5-10 lbs but I didn't really eat healthy. It sounds like you probably won't have that problem. When I was on the shot I didnt have a period at all. When I got off of it I bled straight until using birth control pills to control the bleeding but for the most part I didn't have too many problems at the shot.

Answer 3

I was on it about 6 years ago and I had a few problems with it but everyones differant. I gained wait but didnt eat much and excersised alot then. My hormone level for sex went to nothing! That was horrible. I wasnt interested in sex. I also got pains where i got the shot in my arm and still do. I also swelled alot etc. Good luck! Ps dont missed a dose or be late hon you will regret it.! .questions im me!I agree with the other lady about the shot. Dont use it. Take caution. I had bad bleeding then none for along time then when i got my period it was very painful and wouldnt go away. After i got off I bleed badly and had pain very badly. I had problems with each preg since and even miscarriages. Its scary!I still 6 years later am not on monthly cycle like b4 it.

Answer 4

I was on it for four years and am so glad I am OFF of it.

There are way too many negative side affects that I am surprised they haven't taken it off the market yet.

Weight gain, mood swings, heavy bleeding, spotting at odd times, cramps, loss of libido, headaches, weight gain, after five years you need a bone density check as the depo royally screws up your bone health.

I am on Kariva now (pill) and I have no more weight gain (its slowly coming off) and no more negative side affects.

I would get off of depo as soon as possible. I rarely hear good things about it.

Answer 5

I've been on depo since april 4th I haven't gained any weight but I lost some. All types of birth control can make you gain weight or lose it. It all depends on your body.

Answer 6

I have been on Depo for several years now. I have not gained any weight from it and have not had any bad side effects from it. I also had a co worker who had been on it for a long time with no weight gain as well.
The one side effect we both got was a GREAT one. No more visits from aunt flo. WOOOHOOOO!!
I am dreading the day my doc takes me off of it!!!

Not everyone suffers from any or all the side effects of a given medication.

Good Luck

Answer 7

Pleeeeeease don't use Depo Provera as birth control! It's dangerous! It can **** up ur fertility, and u may never be able to have children. It was never intended to be used as birth control. That's what my doctor told me too late. He wouldn't tell me what it was originally intended for.
Yes, when I used it, I bled for about three weeks straight, then nothing. When I stopped using it, my body didn't come back to normal for about 18 months. Please don't use it as a contraceptive.