The depo injection.?

Question

Has anyone on here had the depo injection, and what was your experience with it? My doctor has put me on it due to very heavy and painful periods, I could hardly walk for a week a month, n since I have had it I have had no period at all, hence no pain. I am just concerned that when I come off it I may have a very heavy period that I may not be able to cope with. My next injection is due the day before I go on holiday, so I duno whether to have it again 2 cause less hassle, or go back on the pill. But then I would worry if I was ill or forgot it or something while we were away. Any advice?! xx

Answer 1

You'll get an array of opinions on Depo, most being negative. I've been on it not quite 3 years and I love it. Then again, my options are limited, as I can't take any estrogen-based birth control. It's likely your doc put you on Depo for endometriosis, which is when the uterine lining grows in other places besides the uterus. Symptoms are excess blood flow, heavy cramping, etc. The progesterone in Depo decreases these symptoms, and eventually stops the endometriosis all together.

Personally, I don't recommend Depo to anyone who's not willing to stick out the initial potential side effects. It's a long-term birth control. It's not something you can stop on a whim - the shot lasts for 13 weeks. For the first nine months I had horrible mood swings, breakthrough bleeding nonstop...it was pretty rough. But after that point, the side effects subsided, and my period stopped altogether. I haven't had any problems since. I love it. BUT...it's not for everyone.

I'd say if you've started it and haven't had any problems thus far, continue with it. Especially since it's helped with your bad periods. If you start to have side effects, stick through it - they'll go away over time.

Answer 2

I recommend some type of birth control pill and NOT the shot. You could always start a pill the day your depo shot is due and that should work for you missing your period during your holiday. I went right from depo to Kariva and did not get a period until my third pack.

I would not recommend the depo shot for anyone. I was on it for four years and am so glad I am OFF of it. There are so many negative side affects. I am much happier on the pill Kariva.

http://groups.msn.com/DepoProveraUsers/yourwebpage.msnw
http://pub12.ezboard.com/fdepoproverainformationsitefrm7.showMessage?topicID=2.topic
http://www.adrugrecall.com/news/depo-provera-lawsuit.htm
http://www.rateitall.com/t-330-birth-control-methods.aspx

Answer 3

I have taken the shot previously for 2 years. I would not suggest this to anyone. We all have different reactions but I did't like what happened after I stopped taking it. My period didn't come back for a whole year and it still isn't normal. With me, I experienced excessive hair growth. I went to the doctor and researched it a bit and learned about PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which causes women to experience hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth. I was already a hairy person, so this only made my hair thicker and grow in other places I didn't expect. My doctor wants me take birthcontrol pills to put back some of the female hormones. Im not trying to change your mind, just letting you know my story. Also, I don't want to blame the shot on my weight gain, but I did gain alot of weight during and after. I personally stop taking it because I didn't feel it was normal to not have a cycle at all. I know women hate their periods, but think about it... what is that doing to us in the long run? Just make sure that you are excersing and taking calcium supplements. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Well, you're lucky because the injection caused me to bleed for two months with no break! I have heavy, painful periods as well and when I came off it didn't make them any worse. Actually I think they got a little better.

Answer 5

I was on Depo for three years. Yes when you get off of it your hormones go BONKERS!!! It was miserable. It was more like three-month psycho PMS than anything else. The period coming back really wasn't that bad, but I have heard a lot of different stories. For instance, I bled black for my first two after getting off, (scabbing, etc...) and I gained weight. But that's all it took for me to balance out, and now my periods are back to normal. But oh how I miss not having one! It was wonderful on it, but it can be kind of a rough ride coming down. It can be up to a year before you get your period back. My advice: Stay on it as long as you can, and try not to switch around to birth control after birth control. That's even worse, as I have heard.

Answer 6

Ok, I used to get the shot. At first it was cool, but then I started experiencing the side effects. I lost some hair, I gained weight. Its different for everybody. Some friends of mine that had it say they would just spot for months without ever getting there period. And my one friend, once she got off of it didnt get her period for a whole year! I was on it for 2 years and when I got off, luckily I was fine and returned to a normal cycle. But honey, when you start messing with the natural instinct of your body you're bound to have problems....just be careful and if you feel its not working out for you than just stop.

Answer 7

If it makes your period stop...and you start before your shot..when you get it, it should slow it down and stop completly again. I always have no period on the shot..thats why I get it and its loverly :o) I would just see how it goes and get the second shot..I praise Depo! Just remember to counter it and take some calcium suppliments Good luck :o)

Answer 8

i get the shot every 10 weeks, no period for 3 yrs its great

Answer 9

yep had it twice n i had my period for 6 months straight. never again. if its working for u stick with it.