Depo Provera side effects!?!?

Question

I got the depo shot about 5 weeks ago and I thought I was clear of the side effects. Then I was thinking about what an emotional NUTCASE I've been for the past 3 weeks!! I've been feeling like I'm about to start my period for the last 3 weeks and I haven't even spotted. I'm fine with no period, but these mood swings are taking a toll on my relationship and my boyfriend isn't being very sympathetic about it. I've found myself crying for no reason here and there, I've been getting jealous when he wants to go out with his buddies (something I never gave a **** about before), and I've just been emotionally stupid!! We just had a terrible weekend and I was really sappy all weekend and realized today that it must be from the damn shot. I think I've actually gained a couple pounds from it, too. I've really been watching what I eat to try to lose weight but I think I gained anyway. DAMNIT! So what can I do/use to try to ease the mood swings? I can't drink wine every night!

This was my first shot and I read up on it A LOT! I would have tried it years ago but I heard too many horror stories from friends. This time my bf and I decided it was worth a try. The dr at planned parenthood recommended it so I got shot up the 2nd day of my last period. I haven't bled at all since. We used protection for the first week, too. So here I am, in the midst of a ridiculous fight with my boyfriend fearing that it's over, ALL because I'm such an emotional wreck from depo. About 2 years ago we had a pregnancy surprise and he manipulated me into having an abortion. He left me shortly after that, and we just got back together 3 months ago. So my emotions being screwed like this aren't going to help us get closer. The guy is a jerk. I'm a fool. But back to the subject, I don't think I'll be getting a 2nd depo shot! Plus, I HATE crying over split milk BULL-CRAP! Condoms or abstinence is the only way to go for me. BC screws me up too much. I've tried it all.

Answer 1

With depo you could have side affects the ENTIRE TIME you have the depo shot.

I was on it for four years and the side affects were horrid.

I would strongly reconsider taking the shot.

I am on Kariva (pill) now and have had no side affects like I did on depo (moodiness, weight gain, etc).

Check this out for more reviews:
http://www.rateitall.com/t-330-birth-control-methods.aspx

Answer 2

I was a Depo Provera user in the past, they cause the following side effects:

Irregular menstrual periods, or no periods at all
Headaches
Nervousness
Depression
Dizziness
Acne
Changes in appetite
Weight gain
Excessive growth of facial and body hair
Hair loss
Loss of bone mineral density

Also Depo Provera caused me to bleed for 6 months straight and I became anemic (I never had more than 1 shot!!). I had to have my uterus cauterized to make the bleeding stop. I also had mood swings just like you are talking about. My physician gave me a mild sedative to take only when I was really "out of it" to help me calm down. I immediately stopped the depo shot after the first one!! Talk with your doctor and tell him your symptoms and hopefully he can prescribe you something. I would suggest not getting the depo shot again if it is effecting you in this way and look into a different kind of birth control. Good luck and I know how you feel!!!

Answer 3

I am experiencing the same side effects that you're describing while I am still taking the shot. I wouldn't get my period for 3 months and then I would get a very light period for 3 weeks. Since you haven't taken it in 2 years though it should have worked its way out of your system I would think. But I am no doctor. Especially considering that you are trying to conceive and your period is so irregular it may be best to call your doctor. Stress may play a part in it also. Stress can really mess up your menstrual cycle. Sorry I don't know anything more concrete, I hope this was even remotely helpful.

Answer 4

I got off of the shot after like 7 months...it made me gain a significant amount of weight, i was always moody and always felt sick, i would get headaches or just feel tired...i honestly never recommend the shot to anyone i didnt like it and the side effects were really strong..i would suggest switching birth control..only because no matter how hard i worked out or how active i was the weight was still there, and the mood swings would still get to me too...the patch wasnt to bad at all, i didnt have any problems on it, although yea i know there is warnings out about it..good luck !!