I'm getting my first Depo-Provera shot on Wednesday...?

Question

and I've talked with my gynecologist about the side effects.
Normally, my PMS is EXTREMELY bad and the day that
I get my period, I'm having the best day of my life for about
a week and then my PMS hits again. My doctor said that
in cases like mine, it's possible for Depo to reverse that.
I wanted to know if this has happened to any of you because
the women I've talked to about Depo say that they didn't
have extreme PMS like I did but it reversed their symptoms
causing them to be very irritable. I'm wondering if the reason
for such terrible Depo side effects is the normality of
pre-menstrual symptoms prior to beginning the shot.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

My PMS includes insomnia, extreme irritability, nervousness, fatigue to the point where I sleep
an entire day, migraines, anxiety, cramps so bad I can't walk, and severe depression.

Oh, and I forgot to add that I've been on 3 kinds of birth control. Two pills, one regular and one low dose hormone and the patch. All made me throw up constantly. I'm using this as a last resort. I've done my research and this isn't a last minute, first choice decision.

Answer 1

I'm 49 and I started Depo in August. Thank God. I haven't had a period since December. That's a good thing. Don't worry about your periods stopping. It just means there is no endometrium to shed. Before Depo, I had bad migraines and terrible PMS. The migraines are gone. Depo is worth it for the migraines alone. The reason I went on Depo was to avoid surgery for fibroids and to let the fibroids shrink. I beld for 10 days with some hemorrhaging. I had terrible irritability - I felt good maybe three days out of a cycle. I will be on Depo for at least 5 years (or until I go through menopause) if not longer so I don't understand the statement below about 2 years. You will need to take a calcium supplement as Depo can leech calcium from the bones. My gynecologist didn't tell me that - I found out by googling. Good luck. Give it a few months to work. It may be your perfect solution.

Answer 2

Honestly, I would not suggest Depo-Provera to ANYone. It is a nightmare. I began on Depo Provera last January, my final shot was last April (2006). My period still is a mess. I'm bleeding more than I ever have. My period used to last a timed three days, skipped a day, and then a fourth day. Now it lasts 7 sometimes even 8 days. I used to have mild to moderate cramps, now I get severe cramps (tylenol used to help--no longer does). I think for people experiencing such problems as your sound, you should probably look into the pill. The pill regulates your period--the shot takes it away. Its great not having your period while your on it, but also be prepared to have NO sex drive. When I was on it, I couldn't even stand to sleep with my fiancee because the shot made me so irritable. Good luck dear. Just make sure you know all the facts before you get it.

Answer 3

I am 31, and have been on Depo for 9 years...and havent' had a period the whole time. Sure, that sounds great, but Depo has ALOT of side effects that I was not made aware of, or were unknown, when I started.
Bone density is an issue, which I was not told about. I did get a bone scan done this year, and luckily it was fine.
I recently lost weight, and since then have been having issues that my doctor can't explain...loss of sex drive, irritablity, low iron, fatigue, sleeplessness, "fuzzy" sensations in my hands, feet and face, odd bleeding.....the list goes on and on. Because we are not sure if the Depo is causing these, I have chosen to go off the shot next month....MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THOUGHT THIS THROUGH, AND THAT THERE ARE NO OTHER OPTIONS. READ THE PAMPHLET CAREFULLY AND GET ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!!
Good luck.

Answer 4

I was on depo for almost 3 years. I didn't have a period the whole time and I only was a little irritable around the time I would of had a period. I loved being on depo however everybody reacts differently to it since it is hormones. Try it and if it doesnt appeal to you next time you go in for your shot (3months) talk to them about something different like the novaring. My pms was the worst on the pill, mild with the novaring and even less with the depo. Unfortunalty FDA only allows you to be on Depo for about 2 years.

Answer 5

Dont take the depo shot it has so many side effects its unreal one is that i weighed 120 7 months ago i gained 50 pounds in that short amount of time i did not over eat or do anything that would cause me to gain weight. Now it is so hard to lose i also had major mood swings depression and thoughts of suicide. Hopefully you wont have any of those but there is a good chance you will. It is your choice but if i knew what i know now i would have never taken that shot!!

Answer 6

I would go on a low hormone dose birth control PILL instead of the shot.

I would never ever recommend the depo shot for anyone. I can't believe its still allowed to be administered its that horrible.

I had horrible mood swings, weight gain, and other negative side affects of the shot. I was on it for four years and I would really reconsider the shot if I were you.

I am on a pill (Kariva) now and much happier, my weight is coming off and I have no more horrid mood swings.

http://www.rateitall.com/t-330-birth-control-methods.aspx

Answer 7

Be really carefull with this stuff. If you are a small, thin woman the chances are really high that you could experience a calcium reduction in your bones and teeth. This , in some cases, will cause ostioporosis. There are other side effects-read the pamphlet carefully as the doctor may make light of some of these effects but---its your body.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Having Depo shots was a bad experince for me. But it might be diffrent for you!!