Editor’s note: Please see the 3.29.12 update on this topic, Questions Remain about Effects of Stopping Depo-Provera.
ABC News has an interesting article up on the withdrawal symptoms some women are reporting after stopping Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate), an quarterly injectable progesterone-only contraceptive method.
An internet search on Depo withdrawal turns up multiple online postings, suggesting that some women are concerned about or report experiencing a number of symptoms, including nausea, breast tenderness and fatigue.
As the piece indicates, there is not currently a lot of understanding of these withdrawal symptoms; a quick search of the medical literature doesn’t turn up much on the topic. One woman in the article reported that her physicians “shrugged their shoulders” in response to her complaints, and there is uncertainty as to whether cessation of the drug itself causes the symptoms in some women, or if perhaps the drug had been masking some symptoms that return once the injections are stopped.
A physician interviewed for the article used one of my least favorite analogies - comparing women’s bodies to a car to be worked on. Dr. Louis Weinstein, head of obstetrics and gynecology at Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, said: “It’s like you don’t know why your car won’t start. Most of [the symptoms] have nothing to do with Depo-Provera. There may be a lot of other things going and to blame that on Depo-Provera is just not fair. We don’t know.”
While existing labeling for the drug does not address potential withdrawal symptoms, it does include (in addition to other side effects) a boxed warning on potential adverse effects on bone mineral density:
Women who use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection may lose significant bone mineral density. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible. It is unknown if use of Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection during adolescence or early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion, will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture in later life. Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection should be used as a long-term birth control method (e.g. longer than 2 years) only if other birth control methods are inadequate.
Have you taken Depo and then stopped? If you have, please let us know your experience in the comments.
298 Comments
Withdrawal symptoms can be bad from this.
Thinking back to when I stopped having the injections, I did feel a little jittery, but I cannot remember any other withdrawal-like symptoms.
I had a good friend who stopped and she complained about nausea and jitters (like Jasmine).
i have a fiend that has been using the injection for about 6 years. just stopped using it in june 2009 but since then she has been having lots of pain in both breast.
I stopped the Depo injection 9 weeks ago (after 3 years) and have been suffering from nausea for about a week now. I was also on the injection for 8 years previously and stopped to have a baby. I conceived almost immediately, but suffered from terrible morning sickness. I am beginning to wonder if that sickness was a result of stopping the injection as opposed to being pregnant.
i was on the depo provera for almost 4 years and got off and since than i have been experincing migraines really bad and breast tenderness and i have been off of it for 2 months.
I recently stopped taking the Depo injection after seven years. I am a very happy person, however I have been feeling depressed and tired. I am wondering if anyone else has had this experience. When I first started the shot, my periods immediately stopped. I was due for a shot four weeks ago and have already had a period! I am not upset about this - I am glad to have a period, but the feeling of being emotionally and physically depressed is difficult to deal with. I hope that it passes soon.
I’m a teenager; I was on the shot for about two years, and I stopped about 4 months ago. Since then I have had awful anger flare-ups and mood swings to the point where my symptoms seem to resemble bi-polar disorder. My family and I have noticed that I never acted like that until I was no longer taking the shot. We came to the idea that with taking, and then stopping, the shot, hormones are completely out of whack, and it could cause serious changes in moods; including what I have been experiencing.
I used Depo-Provera for almost three years. For months after my last injection I experienced SEVERE side effects including extreme breast tenderness and swelling, migraine headaches, weight gain of 20 lbs, constant neck and low back aches, moodiness, nausea, and a general feeling of not recognizing my own body. My period did not return until almost seven months after my last injection. I had no idea that these side effects had anything to do with my discontinued use of Depo until I found forums online with women experiencing many of the same symptoms. I am only just now, almost 8 months later feeling any kind of relief.
I was on the Depo shot for only 6 months. I experienced a severe loss in my sex drive and just felt really blah. Whats the point of being on birthcontrol if your not having sex??? I decided to stop taking the injections and for the past 2 1/2 months I have had a peroid for 2 weeks then off for 2 weeks. I’m starting to get some of my sex drive back but cant wait til i am “normal” again!
i’ve been on the depo for 5 yrs and came off for about 5 months now and me and my hubby would like to have a baby but no period has returned yet,any one has suggestions on how to jump start my period again pls post.thanks
I was on the depo shot for a little over a year and have been off of it for a month. I have been experiencing extreme breast tenderness including my nipples and lately iv been really nauseous. Not only that but I feel very moody as well, anything can make me angry to the point where i want to cry. I feel llike i have no control over my body. I took a pregnancy test yesterday and it said negative, but i am still concerned. Doctors should notify us of these possible after effects. They are horrible.
Ok, I was on it for about 9 years with a few months break here and there. I’ve been off it now for 5 months and I have severe anxiety over things that normally wouldn’t be scary and I’m very very depressed for no reason. I feel like there’s no point to life anymore. My boobs hurt and I have no monthly visitor. I was really thinking I was schizophrenic until I googled Depo Withdrawls…If anyone has felt these things and then eventually felt better, please tell me because I can deal with it if I know there is an end in sight. Thanks! And any questions just message me on myspace. Click on my name to go to it
i came off the injection 7 months to try for baby and have not had any joy, my periods still havnt returned and have just had blood tests cause the nurse thinks the injection has sum how messed up my cycle and i am not producing oestrogen due to the deppo, my sex drive has only just returened and i have put on alot of weight, glad now to see the back of the deppo
just replying to a few things, as my wife was on depo for 7 years and now off because her age nearing 40 and as she was on it for so long might cause oestriposis ( if spelt right) plus we want more, but since being off depo her periods are back and lost a bit of weight, sex is the same but the last 3 months she has gone a bit wierd, asking if i love her, if she has done something wrong? ….where as there is no need to ask these questions.
But brave as i was tonight i tried getting answers, reply was….anxiety, does not want to go out, crying all the time.
when our life is great, ok i went through depression a long time ago and with my work i can see signs, and obviously the signs are there with my wife, i thought it might be the change ( as you ladies call it ) but i checked it up and no effects like she has.
Thinks i am blanking her out all the time, ( NOT ) she sits in another room when me and daughter are watching tv? ……ask her to come in and says be there in 5 mins……..this is after being off depo for 3 months….grrrr as a husband it is worrying as my wife has changed, as i was in depression at a stage in my life i can see she is going through the stage, luckily i can se the signs that no-one sees outside the house, it is a bad thing.
doctors give you tabs, make you brainwashed, and addicted..i took 2 and still got them and gave 2 to the wife to chill, in bed and hope be better when wake up, as this injection does not say what it effects….i.e
after taking it………………as a husband who loves his wife appreciate you lot for the site to show concern
Well I took the injection twice and stopped it as I had no sex drive, my hair did not grow and I gained weight. Istopped in the May and did not menstruate until the December and this was accompanied by awful migraines. I have felt depressed and moody and I can relate to Paul’s wife and her symptoms. I believe the hormones are up and down causing all sorts of depressed symptoms. I have suffered depression before and I am not terribly depressed (yet) but feel myself slipping and am exercising, doing all sorts to keep myself ‘up’…. I feel like my husband is treating me differently but I can also rationalise it and see that it is probably my stuff not his…
I think the injection should be banned…
I also have had really bad experiences with the depo injection. I started taking depo, not for contreceptive purposes but to combat pmt and the moods I felt at this time of the month. My doctor told me that if my periods stopped so too would the hormonal imbalance that caused the moods. My moods did level out and I no longer had sore breasts, stomach pains or periods. This all seemed great until I started to gain weight. I went from a size 10 to 14. I excersise vertually every day and have joined a slimming club but weight loss is very slow, despite sticking rigidly to the diet. I also noticed that my hair stopped growing. Again this is a plus when its leg hair etc. Since stopping depot in Sept 2009 I still have had no sign of a period and my weight is still coming of very slowly, half pound per week.
I am annoyed that I was not told about the damage that could be caused to my bones espfecially as I was 40 when first starting the depo. The fat that came on my body was around my stomach and back. Has anyone else suffered from this problem and does the weight come off eventually? I actually wondered if the injections had made my body believe it was going through the menopause as it stopped my periods. I would love some answers.
I just stopped about a month ago after taking the depo shot for a year and a half while being on it i completely lost my period and went from a size 9 to 17 and no matter what i did i couldn’t lose weight now i have had headaches,cramps, nausea,lower back pain,the week after my missed shot i had a very light period and the blood was brown not red or pink but i have lost 13 pounds since i’ve been off and like some others i didn’t know about the risks i recently found that if you have a history of depression you should not be on it and i’ve been through that well i got it from my mom and her from her dad its weird i dont think depo should b an option
i have been on the depo injection on and off for 10 years, i was on it constant for 6 years and stopped and my period came back about a month later but lasted for 3 weeks so i went straight back on the injection so my period would stop. it did and i was on it again for about a year and a half and came off it 1 year ago. since then i have still had no periods, and have put on 14 lbs in this last year (i put weight on when on the injection but not as quickly as that). i feel bloated, tired, have mood swings and recently have sore breasts, headache, nausea and dull tummy ache constantly. am really not sure what to do now
I am 17 and was on depo for a year and a half because my parents forced it upon me I have been off it for almost 2 months and the weight I gained while on it (23 pounds) has remained there I walk 2 miles almost everyday! I have a boyfriend of 2 years and he points out how I have changed emotionally and I seem depressed I have a crippling mirgraine for a week now and my calfs are “twitchy” upon telling my doctor she said hmmm yeah that’ll happen why didn’t she tell me that before! Further more me and my boyfriend (as hard as this is to believe to most) don’t have sex yet I have pregnacy symptoms. Me and him DO NOT have sex because of the risks involved and our faith is very strong so how do I feel this way?
Im sure what im experiencing is withdrawal from depo provera, I had been on it for 1yr and decided to give my body a rest as Ive done on and off over last ten years of using this drug and have never had any withdrawl symptoms before, I was due for my shot feb 1st 2010 and didnt have it, nine days later I had problems getting to sleep and staying asleep and I started to have bad continuous cramping in pelvic area felt like someone squeezing hell out of my uterus!, 5 days later sore nipples and more cramping that didnt stop with lower back pain, became sensitive to food smells and almost heave from time to time thought I was pregnant but wasn’t,
All these symptoms have contiued but they took a turn for the worst about 25th march when I started to lose my appetite and found myself feeling very nervous to the point of feeling a bit panicky and have become very insecure especially in my relationship, it escalated last friday after such little sleep I couldnt even go to work as I was so tired and felt terribly depressed, anxious and insecure, so i went to see doctor and she did not feel that they were withdrawal symptoms from depo since I had just finished my first period after coming off depo as she believed it would be out of my system by now, she said I have sleep deprivation anxiety and that its a number of things that brings her to that conclusion such as my having noisy neighbors resulting in lack of sleep and long days at work and relationship problems.
After reading forums after forums on the subject in the first 2wks of withdrawal symptoms from this evil drug, I was convinced that this is what i was experiencing and couldnt stand it any longer and stupidly I demanded the doctor to put me back on it which she did that day all because I had read in a forum that a women who couldnt handle it went back on it and the problems stopped and she felt back to normal, however my doctor was adamant she was right and prescribed me Lorazipam for anxiety and sleeping tablets, I had been trying natural methods but couldn’t wait for herbal stuff to work, however I am using L-Theanine 150mg it is good for panic attacks and is non drowsy and works within 30mins I thought it wasnt working for me but I wasnt taking the correct dose for the level of anxiety i was suffering so I got my first noticeable level of relief after correcting the dose.
I have been taking doctors meds for 3days and anxiety has settled and more bearable but depression hasn’t lifted yet, Can anyone tell me if it would have been better for me to switch immediately to the pill when I came off depo and if so why? Im so desperate for answers so please can anyone help, I dont want to have next shot if I can transfer to something else that will have far less withdrawal symptoms.
If anyone can please help me with sound advice please email my address is: [email protected]
I was on the injection for 6 months only. My sex drive disappeared while on it and I had skin break outs while my body adjusted. I also picked up weight and this was why I stopped it. I had my period which was when I was due for my next shot (which I didn’t go for) I then had a week of horrible moods, tiredness and general apathy. And then came on again. And then another week of listlessness and have come on AGAIN a week later. At least my mood is improving slowly, but I’m hoping that my periods stop at some stage!
I was on the shot for six months and decided to stop because of a slight weight gain and depression. I’ve been off of it for a week now and I already am regretting ever taking it. I’ve been an emotional wreck, suffered from massive migraines, nausea, moodiness and anxiety. I’ve already taken a pregnancy test and it came out negative. However I have a doctors appointment next tuesday and I’m going to let her know all of my concerns. I wish I would have been privy to all of this withdrawal information before beginning this “hell shot”
I took the shot once to prepare me for the Essure procedure. It’s been 5 months since I had it and I feel horrible. I have nausea, digestive problems, anxiety, moodiness, exhaustion, depression, moments of crying for no reason, huge weight gain, sore breasts and still no period. It’s ridiculous. I’m so angry that no medical person acknowledges these withdrawal symptoms. I wish this info would be included in the information that is given out when the shot is given. At least then we could be prepared for the withdrawal. I thought I was going crazy and I was ready to see a psychiatrist because I thought I was going nuts. Thank goodness I found so many web sites that can reassure me that this is normal and I’m not a psychotic person. People need to be warned!
I have only not had my shot for 2 weeks and I am having abdominal cramping that is more like poop cramps and nausea, headaches. back aches and sweating. I am also spotting. This has been horrible and has happen 2 times waking up feeling like this in a 2 week period. I hate the depo never again!
I am 36 years old. I was on Depo for 13 years STRAIGHT…never missed an injection. During this time I lossed my labido but still gave it up to my hubby. I didn’t really enjoy sex, but the thought of it seemed…normal?
I quit the injections, and had my 1st period about six months later. Soon after I found myself longing to have sex…MY LABIDO’s BACK! LOVE IT!
It has now been 2.5 years since my last injection. Labido is GREAT (too much maybe), I still have No periods…possibly menopause? And I am back to my nromal weight of 119 (vs 154). Life is great…unless I want to have children again!
DEPO is like tying the tubes! maybe even more strict! If you WANT kids DON’T TAKE DEPO!
I’ve been having HOT flashes! Not hot sweats…HOT FLASHES! Very much different (I know cause I’ve had BOTH)…
Hot sweats are mild: A little warm…kick the blankets off for a minute, then put them back
Hot flashes: My forheads on FIRE, my feet feel like LAVA, and I itch…slapping myself and irritable to anything that touches me in my sleep…GET THE HELL off me! Then 2 minutes later FREEZING!
A ridiculous trick to play on us lasies!
I have been on depo since 1990 - which means 20 years and around 80 injections in all. I am 37 and have been on depo longer than I haven’t!!
I have tried to come off it twice before and always bled continously so resorted to going back on it. I am off it 8 weeks just now and I have breast tenderness, more or less constant nausea, stomach cramps and bloating, headaches, anxiety and a general feeling of being ‘uncomfortable in my own skin’.]
I had regular bone scans (dexa scans) every 5 years while I was on depo and they always came back ok so doctors continued to agree it was ok for me to get depo for such a long time. I have a medical condition where I cannot take the pill due to clotting risk and depo seemed like the right contraception for me but in the past 5 years I noticably have had a reduced immune system, depression and anxiety and numerous yeast infections that required anti-fungal medicine for 3 months at a time, I experienced vaginal dryness along with this. I have had some hormone tests done and been told by gnaecologists that the use of depo has affected my fertility and I was advised to come off it. I have been to my own doctor twice regarding the pains and sickness I have felt since discontinuing depo and he said that depo does not cause withdrawal symptoms ‘absolutely not’ he says. What does he know - he is just a man, a man who has not had a synthetic hormone injected into his bum for 20years. Inject anything into yourself for 20years and there is bound to be serious withdrawals when stopping it!! It makes me angry that there is complete ignorance from medical and health care professionals about discontinuing this injection especially after prolonged usage. Doctors need to know more about this ‘injection of insanity’ and what it does to you in the long run.
I would agree that this shot should be banned and urge anyone considering getting it to think again very carefully! It 100% does mess up your body and mind.
I had about 4 shots of depo and my experience since i was on it and now off it has not changed, it has been bad I HATE THIS SHOT, first 2 shots were terrible my period was 3 months long the first shot and about two months long the next shot, headaches non stop fatigue, i would feel weak, i get dizzy, my wrist started to hurt like if it was going to go out, i couldnt even hold my daughter for to long because i was scared of dropping her, i gained about 10 pounds my breast hurt, i have terrible mood swings now, i have heart palpitation which i never had until this shot like shortness of breath it feel likes, one big is that i cant sleep i have never had a problem sleeping i cant sleep and when i do fall asleep i cant stay asleep, i have hot flashes, so many to mention i cant keep up with it anymore i also noticed i am having bad memory which shouldnt be happening i am a 23 yr old in good health and bad memory plus wrist hurting and all the other bs this shot has brought to me i blame it on this shot all of it!! just talking about it and it gets me so mad that the doctors dont tell you before they inject this poison in your body ,
i have been bleeding for six months and could rip somebodies head off..DO NOT GET THE SHOT ITS WORSE THAN BEING PREGNANT..
I was getting the shot monthly because it was the only thing that would alleve my chronic pelvic pain but it wore off after one month so I would have to get it again. I went from a size 10 to a size 14 also, and the weight is in rolls around my belly and back. My pain finally was mild enough that I have gone 3 months without the shot. I keep trying to get a period but nothing a liner can’t handle so far and only like once at a time, not steady. But now my breasts feel like they do when you are pregnant and I am naseaus. I feel like crap but I have to get off that shot because I feel like it is the reason I suddenly got a torn rotator cuff simply from getting a flu shot. That’s just my opinion but it’s wierd, right?
I was supposed to receive my last depo shot in December 2010 but I decided against it. Initially I was on it for 2 years and then I took a 5 year break. I got back on the shot for 3 months and felt like I was going crazy. I stayed hot, nauseous, dizzy, weak and the list goes on. After stopping the shot I’ve had continual cramping and bloating. Seems like I can’t wear some of my jeans because they are too tight around my waist. I’ve been extra moody and it takes nothing to make me cry. I throw pity parties for myself all the time. Every other day my period is on..bright red and it’s not enough to leak on a pad but it is there when I wipe. Almost like a tease. I really hope these symptoms go away in time and I would not reccommend the shot to anyone.
I can’t believe how blindly people trust all this stuff that hasn’t even being tested & the long term repercussions. don’t you realize you’re being used as guinea pigs for Big Pharma? Wake up! Your being led like sheep to a slaughtr!
I had been out of injection for 7 months and i still don’t have my period. I had a lot of terrible migraines after having the last shot. I only had it for 6 months. I am experiencing pain on my breast right now which is really not good since I am a breastfeeding mom. I had been having low back pain and i get tired easily. I just hope right now this stops.
Omg I thought I was tripping. I have been on depo for a year and stoppen in jan. My breats constantly hurt, I put on weight, have hot flashes, and sleeping problems. I pray evryday my cylce returns and stop playing with me. I only spot lightly.
i had 2 injections, the first i had problems with, spotted near enough everyday. The second jab stopped this but 2 weeks before my 3rd injection i started bleeding alot, started feeling neausia light headed and even lost alot of weight. So decided to come off the injection. I bled for 3 weeks during that time but since then i have had nothing, not even a natural period or spotting. My last injection was october 2010. I still am feelin ill and tired with little energy. I had sti checks done and they were all clear, they even did a smear test which also came back clear. Im 18 and feel i made a big mistake going on the injection….i wouldnt recommend it as i fear it has messed with my body too much, with the freight of not knowing when my body will go back to ‘normal’
Okay so I thought I was crazy….I have all of these symptoms but have been off of the depo for about a year and a half….I have been going to the doctor and no one has any answers…The only thing that comes up is that my prolactin level is high….however I’m not pregnant(urine and blood test are both negative) I have terrrible nausea, migraine headaches, mood swings from out of this world….my poor boyfriend is doing his best to deal with me but I’m a monster! I was on depo on and off for about 7 years….then I was off of it for about 4 years…then decided to try it again took two shots which was probably one of the worst mistakes ever! I gained 30 pounds in about 4 months and had all of the symptoms of pregnancy without being pregnant…To anyone who is thinking about taking this shot I would tell your doctor that they’re crazy! Don’t take this shot it’s has nothing but negative side effects!
I was on the depo shot for about 4.5 years. I lost my period at first, which was a fantastic thing. I’m anaemic, almost to the point where I could have been hospitalized, so not having to bleed once a month helped me out a lot. I actually lost 30 lbs while on it, not because of the medicine, but through eating right and going to the gym. “Weight Gain” is caused by change of appetite from the medicine - if you watch what you eat, you wont put on the pounds.
I decided against taking the shot after a random hormonal fit I had beginning of February round about the time I was due. Don’t know what the issue was, it was like a bad fit of PMS, but my boyfriend and I decided I should start working on a regular cycle for the sake of my hormones and child planning in the future. Since I’ve been off it I’ve had depression/mood swings, slight breast tenderness, and dark spotting. My only serious complaint is the depression and I’m wondering if I can seek some medical help to stabilize my mood for the time being.
But in my humble opinion, depo is not an “evil drug” and honestly if you ladies are angry at your health care providers, I cannot help but hold you slightly accountable as well. There are infinite resources on drugs and their side effects and you should ALWAYS get a second opinion if you don’t have access to these resources. ASK about side effects, ASK about dependency, ASK about fertility. But bottom line, anything you put in your body will have side effects and possible withdraws - Caffeine doesn’t carry a warning label for dependency nor does Mcdonald’s carry a warning label for indigestion.
Depo isn’t the only prescription with negative side effects nor is it the Devil Spawn to the pharmaceutical market as illustrated in the above posts.
I had two shots of depo and decided not to continue becasue of the side effects (mood swings, spotting, rash, anxiety) and because, strange as it sounds, I miss my cycle. I was due to have my third shot about a week or so ago and I feel so awful! My symptoms include horrible abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, chest pains, depression, back aches and acid reflux.
And I have also had this strange obsession with my heath this last week, like every new symptom is cancer or something. My husband’s friend has lymphoma, and I spent a whole day convinced that that was what was wrong for me. Then yesterday I decided that it must be colon cancer. I just can’t shake this feeling of doom and gloom, and I think that bothers me more than the physical side effects, because most of those can be controlled (ibuprofen for the spotting and cramps, light exercise also helps.). Thank goodness for the internet or I never would have known that other women have experienced strange symptoms after stopping depo. I can’t wait to feel normal again and am hoping that since I was only on the shot for 6 months these withdrawal symptoms will go away soon! Hopefully this helps others who may be having bizarre symptoms and think that they are going crazy!
Yes i recently quit taking the depo shot I have been on it for about a year, i was due to get a shot March 22nd but i didnt, These past few days i have felt very shakey, dizzy, nauseas, weak/tired, hot flashes, i cant sleep or at least stay asleep. My throat feels “swollen” should i say. I pretty much dont feel like myself and its scary and really sucks, i wanna knw how long these symptoms will last cause its effecting my daily living. If i would of knwn about these syptoms i would of stuck with some other contraceptive. I would not suggest using the depo to any one, it is HORRIBLE. And all u can do is suffer through the horrible death like symptoms =( until they go away and thats IF they completely go away?! Answers please!
I have taken 4 depo shots and decided the last one was on 18 Jan.2011
I never stopped bleeding, and I told my Doc. about it and he said that it was common and I should continue to get the shots and eventually the bleeding would stop. That is not true for some. I have been so depressed, no sex because of the bleeding everyday, and sadness.
I was due a shot this week and NO WAY am I doing that. I woke up this morning to heavy bleeding and I am wondering how long this is going to last.
Judy
I am experiencing those very symptoms after being off depo for 4 months after 6 1/2 years. I liked depo because it was a reliable source for birth control, and I did not have my period. (What woman likes to bleed every month?) I actually just got through with a series of pregnancy tests which were all negitive, due to the symptoms, sore breasts, nausea and gas (burping and indigestion), fatigue, loss of appetite, very light and short brownish spotting and discharge, followed by a yeast infection, that seemed to disappear on it’s own. Due to these side effects, i will defiantly not be returning to the use of depo. It is obviously not right to the body, I never had symptoms this bad when i was pregnant!!! Or PMSing for that matter. Not sure where to go from here for birth control, but I will be doing my research!
I’ve been on the shot for over a year now and was suppose to get my injection last week but I’ve decided to stop all my meds. I’ve been on anti depressents for awhile and have just started to feel more and more anxious and not feeling like myself over the year. I’ve also had a lot of abdominal pain and had my gall bladder removed a year ago. Since I’ve stopped I feel so much better! I feel more like myself and I’m happier. It’s been two weeks since I’ve been off my meds. Just the past couple of days though my breats have been super sore and I’ve never had that problem before on or off the shot so that worries me a bit. Everybody is different though, so no two people will have the same effects and I feel that doctors prescrible meds without knowing the “whole” story just what they get from you in like five minutes. It helps to do your own reseach sometimes.
I Googled “symptoms for getting off Depo” because I was experiencing these very exact symptoms. I was on the Depo for a little over a year and just stopped a month and a half ago. I basically have pregnancy symptoms…feeling bloated..soreness of the breasts..moody..emotional.. I took a pregnancy test to confirm that I wasn’t and I figured I couldn’t be cause I’m sure the medication is still in my system but.. these symptoms are horrible. I guess its the hormones trying to level back to normal.. I still havent gotten my period..not complaining.. just hoping that the breast tenderness and mood swings go away ASAP.. won’t be getting back on the shot.. that’s for sure.
I was on depo for about 2 1/2 years. The first 2 years were fine, I had just stopped having a monthly cycle, which was a plus. However, about 5 months ago I had started having a lot of pregnancy symptoms: fatigue, nausea, headaches and weight gain. After researching the long term effects of birth control I had decided not to take my next shot. I talked to my physician, and due to my other health issues (not related to depo) it was best for me not to get another shot. So it’s been five months and the pregnancy symptoms haven’t stopped. I’ve had numerous pregnancy tests that all turned up negative, and now recently I’m urinating more often and my breasts have started growing and feeling sore. Since I’m not trying to get pregnant, feeling like I am is frustrating. I guess my hormones haven’t gotten back to normal yet.
(sorry, I hit submit before I was finished) I still haven’t had my cycle return, I burp all the time, and my chest feels so heavy its hard to breathe sometimes, especially from my breasts and nipples bothering me all the time. I just wish there was something I could take to get back to normal, because waiting for it to get out of my system isn’t working.
I have been on the depo injection now for 12 years, I am 33 - the only break I had was for 6 months when it was recommended I take a rest due to the issues surrounding bone density and I got the implant for 6 months - Didn’t like it so returned to the depo (liked the convenience of not having a period and it seemed to be a solid form for birth control).
Decided not to go for my injection in Dec 2010 as considering starting a family - My period returned at the start of April 2011 however for the last 3 months my breasts and nipples have been extremely tender and I’m sure they’ve got bigger - put some weight on, particularly round my tummy but not sure if this is linked to the depo (gone from size 10 to size 12) - to be honest think I just need to start eating better and cut out the rubbish.
Can’t say I had any issues with sex drive whilst on the depo and did enjoy being on it - actually bit scary being back off it and got bit freaked when my period returned.
Just now need to see if I’m fully back to normal or if it’s still going to be in my system for a while.
I was on the depo injection for around 6 years and on the whole was really happy with it, completely reliable and no periods. I came off it as I thought it would be good to have a break and wanted to flush it out of my system before I started trying for a baby as knew it could take a while to come out.
Just like everyone else who has replied I have had horrible symptoms since stopping it. I stopped in June and got the implant as it’s the lowest dose of hormone you can take whilst reliable. By September I was suddenly suffering from constant pms type symptoms after 6years with nothing, but as it was only a bit of stomach cramping and slightly swelling breast it wasnt too bad. By christmas my boobs were huge and often so sore I could hardly put a bra on and the movement of even just walking really hurt. In January I got my period back and it was just light and lasted a few days so not so bad, thing is it’s hardly stopped since then, on for a few days/week off for a couple of weeks, on again. It’s not heavy but annoying, like the pms symptoms.
A member of my family died a year ago so I’ve had a very hard year and so dont feel I can be objective on the mood swings and depression as I think I’d have these with or without it. Also I recognise that the implant is reported to cause some of these symptoms so maybe that’s making it worse, but I had the implant from june-september without any of this so I think it is from when the injections wore off rather than the implant.
Anyway really I just want to know if anyone has been off depo for long enough that these symptoms have gone away? or found another contraceptive which covers them up and evens out your hormones?
Thanks
Hi
Thanks for the posts. I have had a feeling that there would be issues when I come off the depo but when I asked the nurse, she said to take evening primrose oil and all will be well. I started around 11 years ago and had the last on around 1 month ago. When I started, I had several symptoms like others are expereincing when coming off including the worst temper ever. I have never been the type to lose my temper and that was 10 times worse than I have ever imagined I could ever be. The nurse I spoke to at the time dismissed it as something that would not be attributed to the depo but would be caused by external factors. At the time, I was happy, really easy going but that changed straight away after the first injection. Since the first couple of years, everything has settled but I am now worried about feeling like that again.
When I started I was size 8 and have been up to a size 18 at my biggest even after cutting out crap food and carbs. I am hoping I will not get any bigger than this for coming off.
I am now researching in advance to see what I am letting myslef in for. I really do need to come off the depo and give my system a rest from the chemicals and so have looked at several things to try to understand what is next.
According to websites, the symptoms of too much progesterone and too little is the same which is the same symptoms as what is described by many on this website so that would figure as to why it happens, pity that those who work in healthcare do not advise you that this could happen as I have had to find it out myself.
Overall, my experiences of depo since my body got used to it has been positive. It will be good to be off though but I am hoping that it will not take too long. It has been a help reading all of the above, just hope that people around me will understand if the symptoms start.
Disapointed by the post from one misinformed person about being a sheep for taking it. If it is offered by a qualified doctor, someone who has trained for years to know what they are doing, you think it will be ok to take and will be thoroughly tested to achieve a licence to be distributed. I am sure it is not so evil that it can be banned but people donot take it because they are coerced into having it, we have all taken it by choice as we all have our own choices to make. It is forums like this that help us al understand each other and is a great source of help so I am hoping that some of the people above have got through it and we can all work together to get to the end of the tunnel of withdrawal and the hormones level out. Good luck to you all.
Thanks
i was a depo user for 2 years got off of it got pregnant then returned on it for 4 years now i am off of it again june of 2010 was my last shot i just now started back my cycle 3 months ago i am dealing with anger,depression and this month i have had severe sickness for a week i hugging the toilet for 4 days the 2 months before i got a little sick but that was normal for me i always got nauseated a week before but this month has been horrible i get one week out of the month where im ok then by the 15 i start having mood swings,wanting to cry and getting very angry and then very sick.
I was initially on depo about 10 years ago, for about 3 years. I then came off it for several years and eventually got pregnant (I wasn’t really trying to get pregnant so I’m not sure how long it actually took for my cycle to become regular again). I had no side effects either while on it or while coming off it. At least none that I remember significantly impacting me. I had my son in July of 2009 and began the depo again about 8 weeks after he was born. Shortly after my first injection I started having panic attacks, feeling nervous all the time and having extreme headaches. Also have no sex drive. Over the last few months I have been feeling just terrible. Not like myself at all. I’ve had severe anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness, mood swings, muscle twitches and cramps, headaches. I have no history of depression or anxiety, have never had a panic attack in my entire life, until after I received my first dose of depo in August of 2009. I thought it might be the fact that I had just had a child. However, I found a sheet of paper from my doc while cleaning out my office last month, and on it, it said one of the side effects from depo could be nervousness. The things that have been happening to me, emotionally and physically, suddenly started to make a lot of sense. I began researching on the internet and have found so many posts from people that are experiencing the same things as me. I feel so terrible right now, but am so grateful to have found these posts-it gives me reassurance that I am not going crazy!!! I am due to get my next shot in June and needless to say I will not be getting it. But now I am concerned about the side effects of going off of this poison that I have been putting in my body. I am also angry at myself for not doing my research. Because I was on this before and had no problems at all, I didn’t even give a second thought to going back on it. I believe it must be that my hormones were so different after having a child that this drug is affecting me this way this time around. If anyone out there who has gone off of it and seen relief at any point can give me some hope for light at the end of the tunnel I would very much appreciate it. I honestly feel like a completely different person than I was before and I can’t stand it!!!!
i have been on the shot for 4 years.i stopped taking the shot in March..i have been off it for over 2 months now and i am having bad low back pains, and my breast are sore.and sometimes i will get very bad headaches.
HELP!!! This site is an answer to a prayer, I am not alone. I was given the depo shot following a diagnosis of endometriosis which I had surgery to remove by laser. I continued to have sever pain/bleeding after the first shot (100 mg every 3 months) so I was then given 150 mg every 8 weeks for the next 2 visits. The first shot at the increassed dosage caused me to pass out, my blood pressure was 80/40. The nurse said this is a common response and to lay down the next time for 15 minutes after the ingection. The next time I was due for a shot, I did remain laying down but passed out upon standing anyway. Then, the next day I woke up with complete loss of vision in my left eye. The vision loss lasted for 4 days and when it returned I had a severe mirgraine for 2 days. I had never had a headache before. The OB said they vision change was unrelated to the shot and sent me for an MRI. I ended up seeting a neorologist who said that the horomones caused an ocular migraine and told me not to take any horomones from that point on, for anything. Now, its been 7 months since my last injection of depo and I haven’t taken anything besides meds for maenstral pain as needed and a daily multivitamin. I have severe periods that last 14-23 days each and I only have a week off once I stop bleeding until I start. I have increased discomfort in my back and irritable bowels. My flow is also extremely heavy. Priod to taking depo, my cycle was 28 days exactly, it was very painful but it was scheduled to a T. I had been on the pill before the depo and the reason for the switch was to hopefully deter the endometriosis from returning once it was removed. Once on the depo I gained 25 lbs in 7 months, after depo, I’ve lost 20 but it did not start to come off until 4 months after the last injection. My concern is my mood/behaviour, I have become completely over emotional and insecure. I’ve had problems sleeping. My husband has described me as manic because I will clean and organize obsessently. My bowel movements have been irregulary, frequent and painful. I often mind myself nauseous and without appeitie and have thrown up on several occassions, though not feeling sick otherwise and feeling fine after. My periods themselves are debilitating at times (they last for so long that sometimes the pain goes ease up). I start to sweat, my mouth waters and I feel nauseas while I am trying to go tot he bathroom. Despite not eating much or sleeping well, I have extra energy that I can’t explain. I’ve cut back on caffeine and it seems my energy level just inreases. My husband is worried about me because he sees these changes in behaviors but he just keeps sayng, “your body isnt used to being off the shot, u should just go on the pill, you’re horomonal”. Its so hurtful and I feel like a crazy person but I dont know how to get help. My doctor’s advise is to literally try to get pregnant and my symptoms will go away. Is that even possible with an inconsistent cycle? When will it go back to normal? Does pregnancy cure endometriosis? Please help - going crazy.
I have taken Depo twice. I had no withdrawal symptoms, just symptoms related to the drug itself. Had no period which was heavenly, but the Depo intensified depression from a traumatic c/s. Second time I tried it years later the depression was undercontol, but came back full force within days of injection. I would say that if you have a history of depression STAY AWAY from it. Otherwise I LOVED not having any period. I stayed active and took extra calcium and mag to counter the potential bone loss.
Dont forget that all types of hormonal BC work by tricking your body into thinking that it is pregnant, therfore it is reasonable for many women to have symptoms of pregnancy while on hormonal bc
I have recently stopped with the depo shot and I have been bleeding now for over 4 months…Some days are worse than others…I am constantly tired and my breasts hurt all the time…I was taking the shots for over 3 years and while on the shot, I would go one month of no mentrual periods and then would go for 2 months or til the next shot…
I’ve been on the Depo shot for 2 years now. When I first started on it, I did have the sex drive issue. I never felt in the mood to be intimate. I also gained a lot of weight. I’ve gained about 20 or 30 lbs. I’m going to request to be taken off the Depo, so I wanted to see what symptoms I might be facing. The side effects sound awful, but I’d rather deal with them instead of living with a drug thats constantly expanding my jean size.
i tried depo for a year,then stopped. four months later i got pregnant. I just dont think the depo is for everyone….
So its been eight months since I have had my shot. I’ve had my period almost the entire time for three of them, after not having it for six weeks. I just want my body back. I am too tired to do anything and I have to wear a pad at all times and sleep on a towel because it is heavier overnight and trickles past the pad. I haven’t gained any weight but after stopping sodas and eating mostly vegetables and meat I am not losing either. I only had one shot after having my daughter in December. When might I be normal again??
I was on the depo for three years and recently decided to go off of it. My last injection was due on June 15th (3 months ago). Since I decided to get off of the shot I have been losing an astronomical amount of hair, my face has been breaking out constantly, I have mood swings, I’m always tired and have stomach cramps. Basically I’m miserable. My periods came back after the first month but now I have severe cramps and heavier longer periods. Before going on the depo I did have cramps but not nearly as bad as they are now and I didn’t bleed as long. I keep putting off going to the doctor because I think that eventually the shot will be completely out of my system but it’s been three months and six month since my last injection. I would have never gone on the depo if I would have know this would be the outcome.
I was on the depo shot for 5 1/2 years and have been off of it for a month and a half. Had some spotting but not much after getting off of it. But now my breasts are sore all the time and like others i have some naseau also. How long before all this stops? Having the sore breasts and nipples is more aggravating than the minor naseua. Hope someone can help me
Good thing I am reading this. Im 20, I began taking the shot around march this year. About 3 weeks ago I refused my last shot because of the weight gain I was having. Recently my breast have been so sore , my appetite has been ridiculous I can eat about anything. and I am always EXHAUSTED. I have been sitting here wondering if I was pregnant, but after reading everyones replies I see that it may just be some side affects of me coming off the shot. Thanks Everyone!
I had been on depo for a little over a year. Last shot was April. I was doing fine until a few weeks ago-my breasts were very sore (still are!) and have constant nausea. All of my pregnancy tests have been negative! Even my doc thought I was pregnant and blood test confirmed I’m not. He doesn’t know where breast tenderness is coming from.
Can you guys tell me how long your breast tenderness lasted?
Heya I have just come off the injection (3 weeks ago) I had been on the injection since I was just 16 I am not 21 in total about 5 and a half years.
I have the past 4-6 days been getting unbelievable migraines, been unable to sleep, I have insomnia anyways but its like I feel I could stay awake all night but then when I wake up I find it VERY difficult to get out of bed even in a lie in, I got up at 10am this morning I have felt completely shit until 6-7pm in a drained manner now I have migrains I have been getting dizzy on and off all day and its been getting worse each day. I have also suffered body odor? Being smelly even when getting out of the bath or shower? I have not read this on anyone elses side efffects though.
I really think we should be able to have a day or two off work when coming off the contraception for the first time in a year im glad im unemployed but I cannot imagine working and feeling like this.
i’ve been on the shot for 2 yrs . i stopped about a month ago. i am having preg sighs but everytime i take the test its neg. i throw up everytime i eat, lost weight, my breast are sore, i get very tired . headachs .. i dont know if i am preg or not
Hi everyone … most of the withdrawal symptoms are the same as others.. i took only one shot in March 11.the next shot would be in June.But i didn’t take it..so far, my hubby is on his business trip . I started to have my periods in August 3,2011.since then … it almost never stops.only i was on lack of pad for two days ..then started again.No dysmenorrhoea at all. not heavy periods..for me,,,,,,,,,,so bad thing is that having Severe breast tenderness (still now) ..
when i consulted with my Gynecologist,she said it will be like that about six months or maybe a bit longer than that…but not to worry..she gave me Evening Primrose Oil, vitamin E 400 IU , folic acid supplements once daily..
i have been on those drugs for about two months already,,,,the symptoms got relieved and the breast tenderness is also reducing with time .. i think it will work for those who have same symptoms as me.. i m not sure of any mood changes or sex drive coz i m not with my hubby for months ..:P
doing physical exercise(I am on that ) might also help for your mood symptoms i suppose ..
dear all .. hope this would help you ………..
thanks..
I have been on the Depo for 12 months…stopped it 4 months ago. Since stopping I suffered severe crampy and painful abdominal pain with bloating (which was only relieved by going to toilet).
Nuerological I was drowsy and felt a weird sensation almost like dizziness but not quite.
Breast tenderness and lack of Labido.
I went to 3 doctors and one diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome, another anaemia without a blood test and the other unsure but said because I had an upper viral respiratory tract infection recently it could be a contributory factor to my drowsiness or middle ear infection.
Am not sure what to think am waiting for blood test results regarding anaemia and watching to see if my drowsiness subsides.
I experienced bleeding (bright red) which lasted 1 day and tailed of dark brown over the following 2 days (not sure if my period has come back so soon).
Anyone experiences the same?
Ive been on depo 9 years, over the last 4 I’ve changed. Moody, cranky, bloated, constipated, emotional, insecure, you name it.. Mainly 1 week before my shot. I also would bleed that week get my shot and it would go away and I would return. My thoughts are crazy, sleep isnt good. I’ve had so much abominal pain I’ve tried gluten free, dairy free, thinking I’m celiac. After all this reading these post I feel getting off depo should remove all these symptoms… NTM over the last 3 yrs I’ve gained 18 pounds. My doc says I’m getting older so the weight gains setting in due to no estrogen. I’m getting off depo. Missed my last shot but weird no bleeding so far, head aches started.. Migraines and tiredness.. I. Guessing withdraws… So I believe I’ll start a cleansing detox soon and stay off all birth control for a year or so…
Thank goodness for this blog…
I have been feeling i am going insane but seems like my sanity is intact..
Have been using Depo for 2 1/2 years and side effects kicked in about 10 months ago. I am always tired and irritable, bad moodswigs, anger flares, nausea, severe migrains,constant headach…. A few years ago I was taking oral contraseptives,and developed lumps in my breast, went for a mamogram came out negative, got bloods taken and tested hormonal inbalance was the cause…I was adviced to get off..so i did…A few years later I have the same problem, on the depo, so now I have decided to get off the Depo, but I am so cranky and tired,its been 2 weeks now since i missed the shot, my breast are killing me and i am not eating, i have picked up over 25kg in these past 2 years and i feel like a bus,My limbs are sore i also sweat like a pig get hot flushes and dont sleep so well, my skin looks like a pizzathank goodness i have no man in my life coz he would go running away with me like this…
I am so thankful for all of your posts, they have helped me alot. I was on the Depo for 2 years, and gained around 14kg, so decided to come off it, convinced it was helping me keep it on (have been really trying to loose, including going off all sugar). I have been off it now for about a month, sore breasts, some abdominal cramping, and yesterday i just felt sooooo tired, the thought of going to work ……..I took the day off and felt better as the day wore on. Today i feel about the same, but after reading your posts i know why and it helps me to cope. I have had some mood swings (poor hubby and daughter) so i can explain it to them too. I have had no bleeding (yet) but i know it will come, eventually. I am going to try and keep a positive mindset, and do some exercise (try and loose some weight) and try to get fit and healthy. I hope you all come thru good
I will never go on Depo again, hubby is getting nicked….hehe
THANK YOU FOR THESE COMMENTS, WAS ON THE DEPO FOR 2 YEARS,HAVE LEFT IT FOR A MONTH NOW, HAVE EXPERIENCED MOST OF THESE SYMPTOMS ABOVE, AT THIS MOMENT I CANT SLEEP, AM FEELING POSSESED, NOT MYSELF. BEEN CRYING ALOT, WORRY ABOUT THE SMALLEST THINGS. i HAVE BEEN TAKING PAXS 5MG TO TRY AND CONTROL ALL THE WITHDRAWEL SYMPTOMS…. BUT THEN i GET THIS FEAR THE BAD FEELINGS ARE GOING TO COME BACK AND THEY DO, HOW LONG DO THE WITHDRAWEL SYMTOMS LAST, DO THEY EVER GO AWAY? i HAVE BEEN OUT OF MY SELF FOR A MONTH NOW, AND CANT STAND IT, I READ THESE COMMENTS TO MY HUSBAND, BECAUSE HE WAS GETTING ANNOYED WITH MY COMPLAINING AND CRYING AND MOODS…..AND HE COULDNT UNDERSTAND THAT I COULD BE SO SICK FOR SO LONG AND IN BED ALL THE TIME BECAUSE OF AN INJECTION, MY HOUSE CHORES HAVE DROPPED AND THATS NOT ME…BUT NOW HE UNDERSTANDS IM NOT ALONE AND THAT THIS INJECTION DOES THIS TO MANY PEOPLE….GOING TO THE GYNO TOMMORROW TO GET MEDICATION TO HELP ME COPE WITH THIS BAD DEPRESSION AND AWFUL FEELINGS IN ME….
I went and got the depo shot once and only once. I refused to go back and get a second one after I missed one period, then when I got my period I spotted for 2 weeks and then the next time I spotted for a month. I have been unusually irritated and had symptoms of pregnancy to find out that I wasn’t pregnant. That was a big disappointment because I want another child. I am also bleeding during my high fertility days preventing me from having sex to get pregnant. Also I started my period two Sunday’s ago and it seems like I am still on it. This time I have heavy bleeding and its been going on for two weeks. I think that women should think long and hard before taking the shot. I have no idea what is going on with my body and I am upset because I don’t know when I can get pregnant.
I am wriing about my daughter, she was on depo for about 1 year, she has been off the drug for 4 months. my daughter is now reporting that she is bleeding all the time, she has had her period for the last month, with bleeding every day. She went to the doctor and ask what could be causing this to happen, the doctor just shrugged his shoulders and said that he was not sure what was causing her to bleed, and that she should take some type of hormone medicine called provera. She does not know where to turn, and is now looking for a new family doctor, OBGYN. if you have this same issue please write and let us all know, and I hope that every one that took the time to write here does soon get better. Happy Holidays to you and your familys. Depo users Father.
After stopping the shot I became very depressed, had mood swings, and actually thought that I was pregnant due to nausea, excessive peeing, gas and other symptoms that I experienced each time that I was pregnant, I will never take this shot again.
Hi I have been on the depot for about 10 years. I want to get off it because the last 3 years I have experienced some depression,anxiety and recently started feeling joint pains. I’m scared to get off it after reading all the side effects. I don’t know if the depression and anxiety is linked to Depot or because of my moms passing away 3 years ago….. I am feeling aches and pains that I have not felt before also I recently started getting real bad headaches and feel a little nauseous at times. Hopefully these symptoms stop if I stop taking depot! Or will they get worse. I’m confused, please help anyone
Jacklynn, I too was on the shot for about a year. Once I stopped I immediately got a period that seemed to make up for all the ones I missed. It came back with a vengence!! That lasted about 1.5 weeks, then I got it again 2 weeks later and it’s been 4 weeks and I’m still spotting. I wouldn’t take any more drugs, especially anything unnatural. I’m praying that my body will return to normal…. eventually!
I stopped the Depo. My side effects are breast tenderness, nausea, lots of fatigue. I stopped taking it because my husband and i want a child, but the doctor never told me that it would take over a year to be able to get pregnant. We are praying it doesn’t take that long….
I had my third child in May of 2010. I also had my tubes tied. I suffered an entire year after that pregnancy, heavy periods. Basically a week of hell. I would wear a super tampon and an overnight maxi-pad and would still have to change things every hour. This period was also accompanied by migraine headaches. My doctor retired so I started with a new office. It was suggested to me to start the DEPO shot because it would stop the migraines and control or stop my period. I started the shot this past October and immediately started my period. Here it is December 29th and I’ve been on a period Every day for the past 3 months now. I’ve lost all my sex drive, I’m moody, many ups & downs, I’m tired and have an achy back. However my migraines have stopped. I was due for another shot about 2 weeks ago however I opted to not try it again. Although, my doctor wants me to try another round of it because she was certain my periods would stop all together. I understand there are many women who like the DEPO shot but I Do No recommend it. In fact, I don’t like Birth Control all together.
I’m between a rock and a hard place right now. Both my Grandma and Mom Both had the same symptoms in their 30′s and ended up with partial hysterectomies. I’m now 30 almost 31 and all the doctors want to do is medicate me with birth control to “manage” my heavy periods. I don’t know what to do at this point…. I feel like I’m just another number or another patient. I’ve been bleeding now for almost 90 days and it feels like it will never stop. Any suggestions or if in the Southwest Michigan area… any suggestions on a great doctor who specializes in this issue? My email is: [email protected]
After my son was born, I decided to go on the Depo shot. I had been on it for almost a year. December 2nd I had the essure procedure done, so no more children. My next shot was due between the 13th and 26th. Decided not to get it. I’ve been eating like crazy, I feel I’m gaining a lot of weight, and last night I noticed I had colostrom coming from my nipple. Now breasts are so sore, its unbearable. Called my OBGYN and they suggested I have another blood test done. Went today and now its just a matter of waiting.
I am 33 and have been on depo for around 10 years I guess. In that time I reckon I have taken a break twice (until my periods returned) which took 10 months the first time and the second time, around 7 months. I have not experienced any issues while on depo, no weight gain, no mood swings and no change in sex drive. The second last time I went off depo I started to have issues (jan 2011). Periods came back in jul 2011 but I experienced exhaustion, diminished sex drive and constant bloating. I decided to go back on depo and had 1 shot and was due for next top up in oct 2011 however getting married oct 2012 and planning to start fam straight away so we made a decision to quit birth control meds and go for other methods. I got my period in dec which lasted 4 weeks and with it came the sorest left breast and a horrible feeling when trying to be intimate like my ovaries are being used as a punching bag. I felt like I have some kind of cancer or disease until reading these posts. I had a recent check up which showed everything being normal so I guess I just have to wait it out….just wish my insides didn’t ache anymore and my breast wasn’t feeling like I had cancer.
I will never go back on depo again after this but as I said, it was only after the 2nd last quit that I had any of these symptoms.
Ok, so like most, thought I was going crazy & googled. Been on depot 12 years, stopped in September. Four months off, started period end of December ( after three months off) and it wint stop. Breasts have been on and off painful for months…didnt even realize it was a withdraeal symptom. Tired, depressed, feeling worthless. Funny thing is…they SAY no long term studies have been done because not many on it long term. Excuse me? How many posts here?! Just a side note: I was on depot for FIVE years before the warnings came out! There HAS to be some kind of recourse for us…besudes giing back to the shot or suffering all the time!!!
i was on the depo for over 5 years and i loved it. i had no periods. i did gain some weight but it didnt bother me that much. i came off of it almost 3 years ago and as soon as i came off of it i had a lot of problems. in and out of the hospital and lots of doctor visits. i bleed for 6 months straight! had lots of lower abdominal pain. i had issues with my ovaries and had to have surgery for one cuz it was about to burst. i get cysts a lot on my ovaries. not fun. then on top of everything i was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical pre-cancer. it was a rare case cuz to get to stage 1 it takes around two years to get there. but i got to stage 3 in a year! (i was 20) tried mulitpule ways to cure it but ended up having surgery. still isnt gone. i never really thought about looking into why i was having all these problems untill recently and now i wish i never used it. it has made my life aweful. and not to mention i want to start a family and has been unsucessful have been trying for two years. and with the cancer i have to be careful if i ever get pregnant…. fingers crossed! and still to this day i have issues with my menstral cycle. never consistant. i will either bleed every week and a half or not bleeding for over a month. its not fun not knowing what is going on with your own body.
I was on the depo for 5 almost 6 years and then i got off it I’ve had mood changes and these past months i haven’t been able to sleep at night and i sleep all day. I have bad mood swings like i cry over the littlest things and i don’t even know why i get mad most of the time.
I have used the depo injection for 8 years and never had any side effects while using it. I never gained much weight, but found it harder to lose wieght.
I have now been off the depo for 5 months and have noticed several side effects which I can only assume are linked to the depo. Both my breast are very sore and tender, they have also increased in size by 2 inches. My skin on my body seems to be dry, i have never expereinced dry skin before. Yet my face is extremly greasy. I have been suffering with more headaches but headaches were quite common while on the depo.
I was on depo from 2002 to 2005, off for 8 months until I got a period again, and because of the painful cramps returning (reason I went on it) I got another shot in 2006. The whole time I was on the depo I didn’t gain any weight, and the only thing I think may have been a side effect was more addictive tendencies coupled with mild depression (but overall life was good). I DID gain over 60 pounds in 2006 when I was OFF the depo. Once I went back on it, I maybe gained another 10 pounds but not much more. I decided to completely go off in 2009 because I wanted to lose the weight (wasn’t coming off easy while on the shot). I didn’t get my shot in Sept 2009, and my period didn’t come back until April 2011. I had NO problems until my period returned, then started with little swings of anxiety, light periods, and dizziness at times. Then in November 2011 I suddenly developed this burning sensation under my skin. I wouldn’t say it was itchy, but just burning! Anxiety came on full force, and started to have trouble sleeping, as well as having trouble eating (I lost 20 pounds in 3 weeks!). I’ve tested everything and all is normal except saliva shows progesterone is on the low end, estradiol is low, and prog/estr ratio is off (estrogen is higher than progesterone, and considering they are both low no wonder!). Also morning cortisol was high! Have tried many different things, feeling somewhat better but the burning feeling has turned into a feeling of having glass shards under my skin. Also, now my eyes just burn like crazy and I get terrible headaches and some dizziness! What I’ve tried: change in diet (no wheat or sugar), I’ve tried some supplements, but I’m not real patient and if I happen to have an anxiety attack after starting something new I blame it on the new thing (which I know is dumb, but that’s what anxiety does to you
Progesterone cream (Emerita brand I’m using) is starting to help some. I had to ignore the directions and just use a packet (20mg) when I feel symptoms coming on, because I think the depo just screws up our systems and hormones.. and I also think it’s stored in fat, so maybe my rapid weight loss is causing some liver overload as the fat and toxins make their way out! I’ve been considering getting another shot to get rid of this, as it makes every day a chore versus loving life like I used to, but I’m going to press on with the progesterone cream for a while. A big part of this is to know it’s not going to kill me, and I will get through it through faith and perseverance. Please God, help all of us post depo users, please!
PS, If anyone else is going through similar problems after depo and wants someone to talk to, give support and take support, please feel free to email me [email protected]. I’m more than willing to share the many things I’ve learned about this. In my case, the burning skin sensation has been perplexing, and googling things on the internet has led me to believe I have everything from Lyme disease to mercury poisoning (in other words, if you’ve used depo provera, look to that first because of all the stories you have to believe that’s the problem if everything else tests fine). I noticed something else too, regular doctors say as long you’re having a period you’re fine (which if you’re having symptoms now, after depo, is not true!) and that saliva tests are not reliable (but they are! the blood tests, not so much. Google that and you’ll see why). AND on the other side, natural doctors tend to go through “fads” and the current fad is being low on Vitamin D and hashimoto’s disease (I saw 2 and they both were on this kick), as well as Candida. I am not saying these things don’t exist, I am simply saying we know we have used depo, we know we are now having problems, and that’s where the problem started and must be addressed. Understand that if the hormones are messed up post depo, the vit d and thyroid are messed up to, and our guts might be a mess, but look to the source first and don’t just treat the symptoms but start with treating the root of the problem or you’ll find yourself on supplements and meds for life!
I had been on depot for 2 years and just got off of it a couple months ago. however, my breasts are EXTREMELY tender and im gaining weight in my mid-section w/o changing any of my daily activities or diet. i thought it was pregnancy but after taking 4 tests on different days, the outcome is negative. my breasts hurt so bad that i cant lay on my stomach. (sigh)
Im so happy that i just found this blog. It helps to know your not alone. I had been on depo for about 7 years with a small break of about 4 months around my 5th year. I got my last injection april of 2011 and didnt have any bleeding untill november and it just stopped about the first week into january of 2012. I bleed on and off for about the first couple of weeks….literally one day spotting red the next brown then red again. once into the second month my flow began to increase and become heavy and there was no breaks just a constant flow then it stopped. During this time i experienced very very painful sore breast and nipples, sleepless nights, anxiety, and nausea had gotten so bad i had to go to the hospital they didnt know exactly what was wrong but decided it was irregular periods. Ive been doin research in the best advice i got was to be patient with your body and it will come back into balance, it has to establish a natural hormonal balance. As of now my breast are still sore and i still have nausea im just takin one day at a time and i have faith that my body will come back into balance. I hope it does for all of us
I was supposed to get my last depo on the 11th this month but i had the worst side effect of all which would be the constant period. Besides having deppression, (which was even worse bc i had a stillbirth at full term back in jan. Nearly a year go…) treating my husband like crap bc of severe mood swings ehich i never had before and im not saying im the perfect wife or person lol. I have my moments…we all do…
stomach aches every day and nasuea i havent had any others. Now…getting off of it is a horror story. My symptoms are severe stomach aches, backaches stabbing pain in my abdomen, severe migraines (which i have had since a child tll the age of 20- i had them while i was pregnant but they went away after) jittery feelings nasuea to the point that i cant get out of bed bc i am afraid of throwing up. Any smell triggers my nausea and i always have to have a nottle of oust or febreeze on hand.
Recently I’ve had to take antibiotics which has cancelled out my depo shot…within the past couple months I have had a light period off and on for a couple weeks now, I have gained a few pounds, and I have been experiencing cramping. I don’t sleep well, due to I’m assuming the back pain I have experienced..
After reading the responses, Im glad to hear I’m not the only one..unfortunately this is happening to us. I have had really bad breakouts and bloating, I’m always tired, and somedays I’m extremely hungry, others I could go without food. I have been very emotional and moody. I also have been feeling extremely anxious and depressed..not a good feeling.
If anyone’s knows of any ways to help with the situation..please post.
And now im feeling bloated and like im gaining weight but i stil weigh 125. I have to keep busy or im going to eat everything in the house. Lol. Still having the back aches and the stabbing pain in my abdomen is worse but comes and goes. Constantly bleeding on and off, heavy then light, then suddenly in the middle of something i start really heavy. I hate it. I ate that wveryone ese on here is going through the same thing. But im glad that my body is obviouslytrying to right itself. I just hope its soon bc my husband and i are ttc i wish anyone else trying luck and im praying for everyone on here.
I only had 2 shots of depo and decided to quit after my skin felt like it had goose bumps on my legsand my hair started falling out, I actually lost about 13 pounds in the two and half months which wasn’t good bc my beginning weight was 120. My legs always hurt, I only had one period in 6 months and the worst part was I became a emotional monster. I was mean, rude, didn’t care what I said or who I hurt. I was depressed and tired all the time. My face broke out like never before and I too had trouble sleeping and even focusing. And I was due for my last shot in dec 2011 didn’t get it. I had my first period on time but no period this month, cramps, headaches, depression, I feel sick a lot, always tired, I’ve gained 12 pounds in a month, my legs hurt a lot and I’m a “bitch” according to some people. I will NEVER take this shot again. I hope my periods get regular soon and it won’t take years to have another baby.
I was on depo for about 10 years, it was one of my favorite things I did for myself. No side effects, my period was just gone! I am now 49yrs old and was told I am going through menapause (great joy, not.) So I decided to give my body a break. My last shot was Oct.2011 and just last month I had one day of spotting. This month I’m having cramps that would drop a man to his knees! Either I have forgetten what cramps feels like or “they” have been saving up their intensity over the years. The pain is so intense, it’s taking my breathe away. I am so happy to find others trying to find answers. The doctor had the nerve to tell me that I would breeze through menapause due to the depo shot. I do not feel breezy in anyway!
I had gotten my first depo shot in August 2011. I was supposed to go for my second shot in November 2011, but wasn’t able to make it due to being out of town for work training. I never went and got my second shot. Ever since my first shot, I have had my period non-stop. I was told that during the first 3 months, it would be normal to get your period. So i thought nothing of it. We are now in Feburary 2012, and I get my period 2, maybe 3 times a month now. Im not too sure what is going on, but i have had horrible cramps, loss of sleep. Should I seek medical help? I am tired of bleeding all the time, it is interferring with my life
Any suggestions?
I have been off the depo shot for 8 months and finally got my period. I was on it for 5 years, well until I got pregnant. The doctor claims that it happens. Whatever. Now I spot like crazy, moody, tired (all the time), and very depressed. These things I have never really dealt with ever, except the depression. I feel my depression has gotten much worse. I get angry for no reason. That’s never happened before. I feel very fidgetty when Im up but I could fall asleep within seconds of lying down or driving. Their is something wrong with me!
I was on depo fior 4 years after my first baby, periods stopped right away no problems. Then in March of 2011, while still on the shot I started having regular periods every month. My last shot was in May 2011 so that we could start TTC, I had VERY IRREGULAR periods from July 11 to Oct 11. They became normal (25-30 day cycle) again in Nov, Dec and Jan. However, In Jan 2012, I got severe mid-cycle cramping accompanied by severe nausea. I thought i could possibly have been pregnant becaue with my first I had “Hyperemesis Gravaderum (extreme morningin sickness) and Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (extremem pelvic pain) but 8 negative pregnancy test and I got my period 1 week later. Now at the end of my January period which stopped 2/1/12, I started having cramps almost immediately. This time, I had cramping, nausea, fatigue, moodiness, anxiousness, cravings, smell aversions (pregnancy symptoms right? WRONG!!!)… so i started reading about mid-cycle cramping and BC, specially DP. Well!!!!! ok, here’s the deal ladies… the cramping your experiencing is your ovulation. The cramping is your body telling you, these are the specific days you you are ovulating. Ovulation cramps can be so bad they are accompanied by nausea and headaches. The rest is just your body dealing with your hormones. since we are TTC it’s very hard because my OV days is the most painful.
I have been on the depo for two years and just stopped it and my doctor put me on the pill. I have experinced break outs, headaches, fatigue and gassy and bloating and lower back pains and sore muscles.
Hey!
I was on the depo for nine months, just got off of it on January 6th this year. It’s been about six or seven weeks since I’ve been off and I’ve been feeling moody, depressed, moodswings, nausea, puking food I can’t keep down :(, sensitive to smells, dizziness, jitters in the legs, and plain ol’ weak. I just (like litterally right now) took a pregnancy test and it came out negative. I have a feeling it’s our hormones trying to balance everything out, not withdrawals, but the imbalance of hormones. Honestly, I think it was worth it NOT getting pregnant, and the low chance, as I am a college student. I’d be willing to go on the shot again if necessary. It helps a lot to take walks when you don’t feel well, sleep when you feel tired, and have a very supportive and comforting boyfriend or husband that keeps you feeling secure. My boyfriend has been EXTREMELY supportive of me during this time and I feel wonderful, even though I feel like I’m going to hurl. Just daily light walks, and being around positive people can really help. When I hole myself up all alone I feel AMAZINGLY devil like.
I am niw 20years old and I was on the Depo for three years and I have been off it for 4 months now. Ever since stopping the injection I haven’t felt myself but now..more recently.. I have had nausea for an entire week…severe migrains..neck/shoulder and back ache. I thought I had just caught a bug or something but now i’ve read this im starting to wonder :s. I hope I feel better soon… im sick of having like 0% energy. xxx
I took my last injection September 17, 2011 after being on it for about 4 years. I decided not to take my injection December, 2011 because my OB/GYN said it take a year to get out of my system and I will be getting married in Novemer 2012, knowing we will be TTC after the wedding. It has been 5 months since my last injection and still no period. This month was the first month I have had menstral like symtoms, bloating, bad cramping, lower back pain. This is also the first month I got my sex drive back. The depo shot made me have absolutely no sex drive. The month I was suppose to take the injection December, 2011. I had depression so bad that I considered going to a pyschologist because I was having suicidial thoughts. I have NEVER had depression. This stopped in February as well. Through my 4 years of taking depo I developed exercise induced anaphyalaxis but this is slowly disappearing as well. I am hoping that the cramping signifies ovulation and I will be seeing a period shortly. I would like my system to become regular before wedding.
In addition to above, I have to mention that I developed HPV 6 months ago. I am not sure how this happened because I took the gardisol shot 3 years ago. I am not sure if the hormones in depo, coupled with my fiance strain of HPV this intensified my chances. I retest for HPV in March, praying for negative. I am hoping with a strict diet, regular exercise, folic acid pills this will help with HPV and speeding up my cycle to come regular.
Can anybody tell me how long did it take you after stopping depo to feel back to normal? Feel like yourself again? Will be more than greatful for any comments.
forgot to tell that I’ve been of depo for a week now (after nearly 2 years on it) and having terrible abdominal pain, back pain, being tired ALL the time, depresed with absolutely no energy…it worries me a lot:(
i’ve been on the injection for 8 years and was advised by my doctor to take a ‘year out’ to let the bone density rise again. I haven’t had any sickness but my mood swings have been completely up the wall. I’m actually worried they’re ruining my relationship with my partner. I’m constantly in tears and I’m acting like a spoilt teenager and it’s awful taking a step back and looking at myself!! I hope these mood swings go away because I’m at my wits end and it’s only been 2 weeks since I quit the injection…
I’m 20 years old. I never believed in taking any type of birth control for myself. Certain circumstances called for it. I tried the ring but it wasn’t working for me. So I went for the shot. I only got it that once and never again will I get it again. It’s been almost 3 months since I was la st suppose to go back and retake it. And just recently, about a month ago, I started feeling a bit nauseous, tired all the time, getting bad headaches, tenderness on my breast, cramps and a few over symptoms. I thought I might be pregnant and was hoping to be. I was very disappointed to find out that I wasn’t. Now, I’m just hoping to recover from this soon because I lose my energy quick and at times feel sick when I go to the gym.
I’m 22 years old and I was on the shot for five years. I had no side effects the entire time except no period. I gained maybe 10-20 lbs but then again I’m almost 23, not 17 anymore so that should be expected. Labido was the same. I just stopped it about a month ago. The only side effect I have so far is just breast tenderness, I had a strange back pain for a few days but I think that was just a pinched nerve. If I gain some weight or start getting headaches or depression I’ll amend my post. SO far so good though, I wanted the shot to stop leaching calcium from my body and return to my normal cycle so I can eventually have children.
I had been on the injection for 6 years before deciding it was the right time last September to stop taking it and begin trying to start a family. For the first few months I gradually got the familiar period pains back just without the period and within only a few weeks had a huge sex drive which my partner struggled to keep up with. My breasts became tender, I was emotional (not depressed) and haven’t experienced any weight gain. It is now 6 months since I stopped taking it and I am beginning to get periods back and the pains have calmed down my only concern now is how long will it take to fall pregnant.
OK so i started taking the Depo shot On October the 8th 2011 and it made me gain 20 pounds and i have been have irregular bleeding . I have had a heavy period non stop for about 5 months :/ i havent taking the shot scince Oct how do i stop bleeding????
hi depo haters lol i was on it for about a year n a half then stopped in november, i had the cramping but i havent had it since xmas an then in january i had the sickness which is still there, i’ve had tender breasts for about 8 weeks now, 2 week ago a started my period had it for about 7 days then nothing so was well chuffed then 2 days ago i started bleeding heavy again x:’( i think the longer your on it the longer the aftermath will be so we will all just have to w8 i suppose, since i was only on it for a year and a half i’m hopin i won’t have to w8 too long fingers crossed focals xxxxxxxxxxxx
I went on the depo shot in my twenties and I am now 35. I stopped it to become pregnant in 2006. Most of the time I had no period at all which was great. But I did gain probably about 5 to 6 pounds during this time. Had 1 miscarriage and then two successful pregnancies. After my second child I resumed the depo after nursing. What I did notice while on the shot was that I had severe migraines with nausea, Usually 2x per month. I also had mood swings and always a low libido. I decided to go off of the shot after the mood swings and migraines continued and there seemed to be no solution for them. Also after taking a bone density test the doctor indicated that I have slight bone loss from the shot. I have a family history of osteoporosis. My last shot was due in late
November. It took about 2 or 3 months until I got a regular. But now since then I have had 4 periods in a month and a half which is excessive to me
i was on depo for over 2 yrs. i went off it in january 2012 and i started getting these syptoms: nausea, intense stomache pain, headaches, short period of bladder issues, and frustration. i had no idea what was happening. i went to the doctors they were dead set on me being prego (i even started to think they were right). but after a series of tests blood and urin, all negative. they turned to another series of test. they did an ultra sound to check my intestines, had me clean out my system for blockage, they even did a no fat diet, and put me on an inhaler. everything they tried made no changes in how i felt. after about a month of testing and no change the only thing left was a specialist, and i have no insurance. i was talking to my sister whos studying nursing. she was worried and started researching. we found articles online about people feeling the exact way i was. depo withdrawl is the only thing that makes sense. it is now march 2012 and most syptoms are gone accept the stomach pain and occasional nausea. some people said their syptoms lasted 7 months. i cant keep doing this, it just hurts so much… does anyone know what i can do for the pain. my doctor prescribed the pill verson he said if it was withdrawls then the syptoms would stop. but i am NOT willing to risk starting this all over again. please any answers would help me greatly.
I have been off of the shot for 2 months. I have have breast tenderness and aches. This may not have anything to do with it, but I have caught cold after cold as well as strep throat in the last 2 months. It’s been a rough ride.
I was on the depo for 9months and been off for 3weeks!!! I thought I’ve been severely depressed, pregnant due to growing almost a cup size and the horrific pain accompanied with it. Sad and crying over everything then pist off the next. Now I’ve been nauseated off an on all day, and so tired I could sleep the day away. I’ve seriously felt crazy and hopeless. The shot sucks and the side effects should be more known to those who use it. On top of all this my boyfriend thinks I’m unaffectionate and don’t want him. In reality I have so much emotionally and physically going on inside that I’m the one who feels unwanted. Can’t wait for this all to end!!
I havnt stopped taking the Depo just yet. ive currently been on it for about 6 years now. im scarred to stop taking it but since ive been on it for so long my doctor wants me to stop for a while but them jump back into it. im 21 and dont have my mind set on kids. i take the depo not only becasue of the hormones but because everyone i have talked to about it says it works amazing. it has so far. i just dont know if i should stop taking it then jump right back on it. Any Suggestions ladies?
I too have been on depo for five years, my last injection was August 2011. Since then I have gained approximately half a stone despite eating normally and vigorous exercise I can’t lose it. My most worrying symptoms however are numbness and tingling in my fingers and toes mainly on one side of my body to the extent of being woken during the night with these symptoms. Most recently I am experiencing numbness on one side of my face too. Is anyone else experiencing these symptoms could it be hormonal or something else. Appointment booked with doctor as I am now beginning to worry.
It’s amazing that the comment stream on this post has been constant for two and a half years. Thanks to Rachel for re-posting about this under-addressed issue last week. I’ve written a post about it over at re: Cyclling, the blog of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. http://menstruationresearch.org/2012/04/04/coming-off-hormonal-contraception-is-depo-provera-different/#comments
You’ll find reference to a resource that can help women making the transition off Depo-Provera and other hormonal contraceptives.
i stoped depo two months ago and no iam experiencing neck problems like stiff neck and i never had that problem before until i stoped the depo shot and iam more tired i can barely stay up with my kids and i never had that problem until i stoped the depo shot
MY sister is still on the shot and is having stomach pains she was late getting the shot and her doctor didnt even do a pregnancy test on her and when ever i was late they would always do a pregnancy test and she told him that she unsure if she was pregnant and he told her that she hadnt been off of the shot long enough to get pregnant
Please help me to understand what my body is going through. I was on the depo for 6 months and have only been off of it for a month and a half. I still have no period. I have weight gain and just recently have had nipple soreness and nausea. I am so stressed out and scared that I could be pregnant that I have taken 4 home tests that all came back negative. I have not had sex for 5 months. So I would think the test would say something by now. I just want my body back!
I was on the shot for 18 months, I’m now off the shot and I feel great. When I had my period regularly (before the depo shot) I sometimes experienced nausea, breast tenderness, anxiety and cramps. This was associated with my period, monthly. So, I read all these posts and I’m wondering if it is a possibility that when we come off this shot, we start to experience pms symptoms again; for some this includes headaches, mood swings, nausea, breast tenderness. Perhaps while the body is readjusting, these symptoms are intermittent. But, if anyone has these symptoms for the long term, I would recommend a consultation with a doctor, and keep looking for the right doctor until you feel you’re being listened to. As for the post regarding weight loss and vigorous excersise; I sympathize because I’ve eaten right, excersise, use stress management techniques, etc… and I also gained 10 pounds, which has mostly come off at this point. Just be careful that your exercising isn’t hurting your back muscles or spine. Sounds like tingling is a nerve impingment and from personal experience as someone who’s a gym rat, chiropractors help. Good luck everyone! I hope you all feel better soon.
I was on Depo for 12 years approx. I did not go to get the shot on March 5th, 2012 when I was due. March 21st I had my first period, light for 4-5 days. It is now April 24th, my period arrived bang on, April 21st.
I have a history of migraines (crippling migraines, since I was 10 years old). I had the bone denisty xray done and was allowed to stay on it as everything was “normal” and I had no side effects. My doctor did advise me of all side effects and constantly reminded me at each appointment .I never had the weight gain or mood swings or anything issues when I went on it and don’t see any changes now that I’m off it. It also regulated my migraines from 1/month to maybe 1 a year (I remember I made it to 364 days with no migraines and I celebrated)
I loved the shot and plan to/hope to go back on it after we are done having a family. The only reason I’m getting off it as I want children, my docs said 6 months-18 months is average (but who knows really since I’ve been on it so long). The return of my period within weeks of no shot has me hopefull. I just want to get my body healthy and back to normal before my husband and I decide to have kids.
The one thing that may be associated is that I am warm! I’m one of those who is always cold, always lol. But at the time of writing this I could also be getting a cold, we shall see.
I’m 23 and I started the shot October 11, 2011 and I was recently due for my next the first week of April 2012. I skipped it because the clinic was a horrible place and very incompetent. Since then I have been extremely tired, nauseated, tender breasts, cramping, having headaches and horrible mood swings. I thought maybe I got pregnant somehow but all tests are negative. I’m a stay at home mom of 3 under the age of 5. From reading online a lot, many women have the same problems. I liked the shot but now I never want to use it again because of how I’ve been feeling after stopping them.
Glad I found this site. Started taking Depo when I was 19, I am now 33. Shot was due in January, it is now May. No period yet, however, sore breasts, bloating, rage and depression, and the wieght gain… in a matter of weeks I can not fit into my clothes I have worn for 5 yrs. Still running everyday and eating normal. Yup, the post symptoms are very real.
I was on depo provera for 14 years!
When I started depo provera, as a teen, most girls would have discontinued it immediately: 1.injections every 3 months, 2.continuous bleeding & spotting, 3. weight gain. However, I stayed on because I was bad at remembering to take the pill & the pill made me throw-up every morning. So, I stuck it out. The weight gain was actually needed because years of being a competitive gymnast made me look awkward and gawky so I the extra 15lbs was not a problem.
However, looking back now, I think I went from being a pretty happy person to a person with serious mood disorder. I battled depression for many years and couldn’t understand why someone who had nothing to be sad about still struggled with depression. As a college student on a pre-med track, I became more and more interested in biochemistry and started researching causes for depression related to neurochemistry and hormones.
In my early 20s I noticed I had abnormal weight fluctuations (+/- 25lbs) despite eating/exercising. My doctors contributed it to stress-so I went with that. There were times I was really skinny but showed high cholesterol. There were times that all my weight accumulated only around my belly like a tire and my face became very puffy. Again, my doctors contributed it to stress and getting older. As time for my wedding approached, I worked out like a dog and ate as healthy as possible…I did shrink in size, but I still had a “tire” no matter what I did. I also had weird abdominal pains and eventually found out I had gallstones and needed my gallbladder removed. This was abnormal since I didn’t fit the “female, fat, and 40″ reference that doctors look for when making connections to gallbladder problems. I continued to ride the roller coaster for my mood and weight while working with my doctors, trying to eat better, exercise, and behavioral modification techniques like breathing and such.
In 2009, I had a case of vertigo that really freaked me out. I have never had issues of seeing double. I also started having insomnia that would last for days despite being exhausted physically. My GP at the time blew me off, but I wasn’t going to settle for his answer of “viral infection”. I found a doctor that was from the Old School and took the time to listen to all my history. He was very suspicious of being on depo long term. I even took my biochem text book to his office to ask questions. Basically, the depo worked too good. He did saliva tests (ZRT) and blood work on me and I found out that I had almost no estrogen and no progesterone, my testosterone was low, and my cortisol was out of whack: really high in the morning, then it would dip down, and then shoot back up….making the graph look like a “V. Normallly, cortisol should be highest in the morning and then gradually drop as the day progresses. He said it was no wonder I was having horrible insomnia among all sorts of other nasty side effects. Including mood issues. His suggestion was to discontinue the depo provera.
I went off depo provera in Summer of 2010. Being that I was a student, and that I am latex-sensitive, I went with a non-hormonal IUD for birth control. My doctor was hoping my body would re-boot.
I have had issues with fatigue and possible adrenal exhaustion, but my mood issues-especially depression-are gone
If I could only get over these metabolic issues, I would be on top of the world. It seems as if I went from a Cushing’s induced state to an Addison’s like state??
I started using my calendar to document: my meds and supplements, moods, menstrual cycle, physical symptoms…etc. I take this to the doctor with me and I make notes/write down my questions to make my appoinments efficient. This has helped my doctors a lot. Yet I’m still like an episode of Mystery Diagnosis.
Because of my schooling and work, luckily I have the background to read the
relevant articles on PubMed. I’ve had doctors that have gotten pissed off at me for asking questions….Screw them….on to the next. Be proactive about your health. However, make sure the information you are using comes from reliable resources like peer-reviewed journals for example.
In the meantime since I can’t change my physiological state, I have tried to control the things I can control such as a routine sleep schedule, reducing my caffeine intake, walking, breathing/relaxation exercises, eating smaller meals through out the day, increase my water consumption (instead of my beloved Cokes), eat more protein and fiber and less white breads, pastas etc. I take a multivitamin, B complex, fish oil capsules, vitamin C, and vitamin D. I take a calcium supplement in the evening.
While I might not feel like I’m in tip-top shape yet, at least my mood has improved. I’m still researching the effects of depo. However, I could have had metabolic issues prior to starting depo that became amplified by taking it?? Really, there needs to be a change in the way OB/GYNs or GPs approach birth control- “spin the wheel of birth control” and hope for the best is not any kind of scientific approach doctors should be taking with their patients. I don’t know of anyone who has had baseline levels of hormones and body chemistry analyzed prior to selecting a birth control. It seemed like one picked it because they liked the catchy ad they saw on tv or they chose that pill because their friend took it or it seemed to be the one the doctor liked and had free samples conviently nearby from their last pharma rep’s visit. I don’t like gambling with my health, taking drugs, and hoping they work out for the best with the least amount of annoying side effects.
Ive been on the depo shot for about 4 years I am now 21 and just quit the shot cold turkey. Im about a month n a half to two months past due on my shot and I have definitely been having withdrawal symptoms. I’m always tired and fatigued, some lower back aches here and there but worst of all are the symptoms I’m having on my nipples. They are very chapped, extremely itchy and burn when I sweat. It’s so uncomfortable and embarrassing and no matter how much moisturizer or lotion I put on them it’s not going away. I was very bloated as well for about 2 weeks but that seems to have subsided. I randomly spot too, usually during my work outs when I’m exerting my body and have had some change in the smell of my private part. Not necessarily a bad smell, just a different one, a little stronger than normal. Has anyone else had the nipple problem though? I just want it to go away.
i was on deposited for two years and recently stopped about a month ago. Im experiencing extreme beast tenderness weight gain of 20 pounds change in mood and appetite along with tiredness and jitteryness. at first i didn’t realize why i felt like this until i looked up other peoples experiences. i don’t enjoy these symptoms but i had to stop taking birth control due to my depression. i will never recommend depo to anyone. there are to many side effects.
I am 17 and was on the depo for a year before i stopped having it about 5 months ago. I had spotting every day and still have it now. I gained a stone in weight (6 kg) and my sex drive is non-existant. I am sick of always being on my period and always feeling dirty. The depo also gave me digestive problems which included symptoms similar to IBS. Not taking it ever again, such a nightmare and has affected my daily life and also my relationship. Just use condoms!!!
And also I regularly get really bad cramps!
I was on the shot from the time I was 12 until I was 19. I have stopped the depo two different times before stopping for good. The first two times I stopped, for about a month, The only symptom I had was tender breast. This time I have been off for about two months and I have breast tenderness, neasau, head ache, & others. It seems like the longer I’m off the more symptoms I’m experiencing.
I started taking the depot injection when I was 19 and after 6 years I decided to give my body a break from it (my own decision) I came off of it in November 2011 and it has been 8 months now gong cold turkey on the injection. When I was on it it was brilliant for me, I had no periods, no weight gain in fact I lost around 2 stone on it which I didn’t go out to do intentionally but it just happened. Now however, since coming off of the injection I have had some bad side affects (nothing extreme). Th.e main one I have noticed is that I was feeling very nauseous for around a month and seriously thought I was pregnant but I had a test and it was negative so that was a relief. Also the other major was that I feel very dizzy in the middle of the day almost to the point where I think I’m gong to pass out. I have become rather scared of driving places as when I drive I sometimes feel like I’m not actually in the car in the drivers seat and my reaction seems very off. I was thinking about seeing a doctor but after reading the forum I think I am going to give it a couple more months to get this injection completely out of my system. I have had a period on off this month so my body must be starting to get back to normal I do find though that I have started to stammer and really have to think about how what I need to say when I speak ( I havnt had this problem before so I assume it’s a side affect?) I’m a happy person and the injection hasn’t really affected me in a depressing way just the dizziness, nausea and some slight weight gain but I’m am not too bothered about the weight just the dizzyness and which also has caused me to loose my balance, my partner has really noticed my loss of balance so I am hoping this sorts it self out soon also!
I started taking the depot injection when I was 19 and after 6 years I decided to give my body a break from it (my own decision) I came off of it in November 2011 and it has been 8 months now gong cold turkey on the injection. When I was on it it was brilliant for me, I had no periods, no weight gain in fact I lost around 2 stone on it which I didn’t go out to do intentionally but it just happened. Now however, since coming off of the injection I have had some bad side effects (nothing extreme). Th.e main one I have noticed is that I was feeling very nauseous for around a month and seriously thought I was pregnant but I had a test and it was negative so that was a relief. Also the other major was that I feel very dizzy in the middle of the day almost to the point where I think I’m gong to pass out. I have become rather scared of driving places as when I drive I sometimes feel like I’m not actually in the car in the drivers seat and my reaction seems very off. I was thinking about seeing a doctor but after reading the forum I think I am going to give it a couple more months to get this injection completely out of my system. I have had a period on off this month so my body must be starting to get back to normal I do find though that I have started to stammer and really have to think about how what I need to say when I speak ( I havnt had this problem before so I assume it’s a side affect?) I’m a happy person and the injection hasn’t really affected me in a depressing way just the dizziness, nausea and some slight weight gain but I’m am not too bothered about the weight just the dizzyness and which also has caused me to loose my balance, my partner has really noticed my loss of balance so I am hoping this sorts it self out soon also!
I have been on the Depo shot for about 15 years. I am 41 and got my last injection in November 2011. I put on alot of weight while on Depo but I can’t just blame the injection, I really didn’t eat well. Since coming off Depo I am losing about half a kilo a week, I am the lightest I have been in a long time but I am also eating well.
I loved being on Depo - no periods! Yay!! Never liked them. Got what I thought was going to be my period on the 1/06/2012 but it only lasted half day, then the same thing happened on 20/06/12.
The only side affect I don’t like is swollen and sore breasts. My Lord they ache!! For about 6 weeks now, if I wear a bra it is much better, just don’t hug me. But having said that after being on a drug for so long there would have to be some sort of repercussion.
Wow -I am soooo glad to have read all your posts. I was on depo since the age of 15 - I am now 28. ended my 11 yr relationship in february and had some people warn me about being on the injection for so long so decided to go off, give my period time to return and then try the pill. I never noticed anything strange when I was on depro but had my last shot in october last year…..still waiting for my period to come back and recently started experiencing strange symptoms….thought at first it was just depression over the break up etc. but today I just nearly started crying for apparently no reason at all, this is not like me - i am such a generally happy person normally. Now i read the posts about sleeping problems, nausea, bloating, gas, irregular bowel movements, hot flushes, acne etc. and it is all starting to make sense…..i am very happy to know that I am not going insane because for a short while i seriously thought i was! i think that we could have been warned better about this though, i would never have decided on depo if i had of known this would happen. Then i eat a lot, then i have no appetite at all - the worst for me though is the lack of sleep and the gas! I hope it goes away soon, it reminds me of drug withdrawal symptoms that my brother experienced when trying to come clean! scary stuff
Where to start?…..Here goes
I started depo in 1995 because it was recommended by my doctor, who would not longer give me the pill due to my smoking. I was on the shot until Aug. 2009, 14yrs. I had almost zero side effects after the first 2 shots and my period stopped completely after the 1st year. I had minimal weight gain and it felt great not having my period! I was going to turn 50 in 2009 and decided I would stop depo and hopefully go through menopause gracefully…I had no idea.
Since that time until March 2011, I had lost my home and alienated my friends and most of my family. My period started again 6mo after stopping the shot, so I was pretty sure it wasn’t menopause causing my problems but all of the symptoms were there; mood swings, sleeplessness, depression. Then the panic attacks started and I could barely function. I transferred with my job from state to state thinking I would be happy somewhere else.
Finally my sister took me in hand, moved me in with her and her family and started me on natural home remedies for all of my ailments. It has been a few months now and I am getting back to my, what used to be normal & happy, self. Until recently, I had never attributed any of this to the depo shot. My sister started reading up on it after a suggestion from a friend a few days ago.
I am just now reading up on it myself, so I am responding to these posts because I feel it is very important for anyone else going through the same horror of this experience. You are NOT crazy! The withdrawals make you feel crazy and you need someone to help you through it. Do not try to do it alone.
My period, after some rough spots of bleeding heavy twice a month to stopping for awhile then starting again, are now quite regular at once a month but still quite heavy sometimes. My panic attacks are finally gone and my mood swings come and go with my period, which I think is normal. What I don’t know, along with many other things, is if taking depo for so long has caused by body to delay in the menopause cycle. Since I no longer trust most of the medical profession and will never go in for an exam or blood tests, I guess only time will tell…..unless someone out there has had a similar experience, at my age, and can tell me what to expect next.
Sooooo happy to find out I’m not crazy! Where to begin, I started depo at the age of 16 after having horrible and very painful cycles. I thought is was the best thing I had ever got. I stayed on it for about 9 years, being in the military I loved the fact I didn’t have cycles to worry about. I never gained weight the 9 yrs on it, maybe because I was very athletic in high school and while in the military. I notice or have any kind of side effects that I can think of. I did however get pregnant while on it in 2009 due to having a allergic reaction and given meds in th ER that counter acted with my depo. After my pregnancy I elected to get Marina, which my body rejected and I returned back to Depo 6 months after my delivery. The depo completely stopped me from breast feeding my daughter, due to not being able to produce milk which was a downside. I was told by my doctor that sometimes the estrogen in the depo stops the production of milk. If the doctor had mentioned that before I would have not elected to take it. I did notice that I was gaining more weight and was hungry a lot, pretty much I felt like I was pregnant again. I was so moody, had a lack of sex drive, and very bad vaginal dryness. I thought it would go away if I just got back into my normal routine of working out and doing the things I did before I got pregnant. But needless to say nothing was the same. I worked out constantly with no success. I also felt tired all the time, again I must say the same side effects as if I were pregnant again. Luckily, I had finally decided to just completely stop taking the Depo Shot and see whats happens. So in November 2011 I didn’t recieve my Shot, just 2 weeks ago I got my cycle. Wow, almost 7 months it took to get a cycle. Might I mentioned also, I started to loose weight slowly in January and the past 3 months I have lost weight very dramatically. I weighed 139 lbs in November which was a lot for me as I have always been a ver petite person. As of today I weigh 118 lbs while my moodiness has gone away and my sex drive is back. I will say though I will try Depo again if I ever get deployed but if all the symptoms come back I will discontinue.
Thank you ladies and guys for sharing your side effects, this has really explained a lot for me.
Was on depo for a year and 7months. Last shot was Nov 2011. First period June 2012. Missed period July 2012. Symptoms… Everything stated above except weight gain. I also have tingling around the abdominal area. So many negative results on pregnancy tests. Nurse said to wait a couple weeks and take a pregnancy test again since it sometimes does not show right away. If negative then I have to see the doctor. Depo was great at preventing pregnancy and no periods!!! I’ve been on prenatal since Jan 2012 plus drinking green juices to help detox. Will update you all.
I’m 31 and was on Depo for 2 years. I’ve been off it since March 2012- no period yet just a ton of crazy symptoms. Horrible stomach aches, weight gain of 20 lbs (and i had lost 35 lbs in the last year so gaining back really sucked!) shortness of breath, crying for no reason and extremely tender, swollen breasts. Cannot wait for these hormones to get out of my body!!!
I HAVE BEEN OFF THE DEPO FROM ALMOST 5 MONTHS AND I GOT MY PERIOD ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. STILL HASN’T HAVE ONE BUT I STAY SO TIRED, MY BREAST IS SO TENDER, AND HAVE NO DRIVE. ALSO I HAVE NOT LOST ANY WAIT BUT I THINK I DID GAIN SOME. SHOULD I GET BACK ON THE DEPO.
I have been on for 2 years on and off twice. 5 months ago I didn’t go back, because I wanted to lose weight and regain my period. I am extremely upset 5 months haven’t got even a dot. The weight problem is just getting worse, regardless of diet. I’M depressed and extremely bloated, been having constipation on and off. Why DIDN’T THEY TELL US ABOUT THE LONG TERM EFFECTS BESIDES THE BONE DENSITY? I’M Pissed OFF! And I can’t do anything about this? I always been thin, never had a child, or any medical issues. I literally do feel like a 50 year old having menopause, when I’m only 18!!
Addition to my last post, I forgot to mention I’m always wanting to stay home bec ause I’m tired and I get hot flashes over night since the last two injections. my Ph is all screwed UP. And I do blame the shot because I ate right and exercised and took calcium. I have to.feel depressed when I should be enjoying the summer.
Hi,
I was on the depo for 2years and came off it in April 2012 as me and my partner decided we wanted to try for another baby. Since June I have had a constant period and my breasts are in so much pain. I suffered from painful cramps and was nauseous for a while but all that has subsided now. I know it will take a while for my hormones to go back to normal but has anyone constantly bled since coming off the depo and if so how long for? It’s impossible to try for a baby when all I do is bleed and it’s starting to get me down. I just want my body to go back to normal.
Want to say a big thanks to all of u who have posted on this site I thought I was the only one and now I know I’m not alone in this x
I started the depo soon after i got my first period when i was 16. I stayed on it for several years. i had a lot of weight gain in the beginning but it leveled out after I started a diet change and workout more but my boobs went from a nice full c to a double d in the first year of taking it. My period stop while i was on it but the doctor told me that was normal. I thought that was the worst of my problems, but i got my last shot in 2007 it is now 2012 and i only have maybe one period a year and if i do its light and barley there i have no clue why my period just wont come back its been five years. I have discovered that if i take birth control pills I get a full and normal period but if I get off them my period stops as soon as there out of my system. If any can tell me why I’m not having a period on my own without the pills I would greatly appreciate it. Oh and I am 25 I haven’t had any children but i would like the chance in the near future.
Thank god for this article and the comments on this article. I was on depo for 2.5 years and only stopped because I moved somewhere without access to it. For the last 4 months, I’ve been experiencing severe nausea and breast tenderness, rapid weight gain, bi-polar like mood swings, anxiety, terrible exhaustion, and although it was a preexisting condition, my insomnia has never been worse. Having no period has just been the icing on the cake. For the past few weeks I’ve been extremely paranoid about being pregnant, but seeing all of these women having the exact same symptoms as me has definitely lightened the enormous boulder sitting on my chest…if only a little.
I recently took one dose of Depo in April 2012. I was due my next shot in July 2012. I decided not to get it due to the fact that my hair was shedding excessively!! So it’s been a little over a month since my next dose was due, and I’m experiencing severe migraines, fatigue, light headded, dizziness, and extreme exhaustion! I did gain weight, but mostly in my belly area :-(. So of course I want to get pregnant now, and no sign of my period (which was pretty regular). I’ve been taking prenatal vitamins trying to replenish my body with what I think the depo is stripping it of…I was reading about natural remedies to aid with hormonal balance, such as maca root or rasberry tea. Does anybody have any wholistic approaches to flushing this poison from my system? I want to get back to normal
I am soo Thankful for this article, I have had the worst experience ever with the depo shot.. I dont even understand how people go on it for years, I took the shot once it was a 3month shot, I was soo moody while on it, it was rediculous my boyfriend couldnt deal with my attitude not only that I gained 15 pounds in 3 months. I was due for another shot 3 months ago and I decided not go get it to make myself get better, worst thing ever I only got worst, my period still have’nt come its been 6 months, I have lost my appetite, I have extremly bad anxiety, I feel bi-polar most of the time, I actually feel like I am going crazy like Jenny commented abbove, I feel like I Needed to see a psychiatrist, I litterally had to google the depo shot and I stumbled upon this website and found out all this information that my doctor couldnt even warn me about before giving me this poisen, this is so harmful to people and their lives, I have such bad pannick attacks and anxiety its hard for me to focus and even work, I have such bad mood swings its hard for me to be around the people I love I harass my boyfriend and I yell at my kid these are things I NEVER DID BEFORE… I am going to schedule an appoinment with my doctor to see if this can be fixed, I need my period to come back again and I need to feel normal again I am only 21 and I feel so depressed like I’m 50 this is so stupid whoever created this drug it needs to be stopped I would never take another shot again!!!!!
I got the depo shot once back on march 30 2012 and i had a period the first month for 3 weeks and missed my period the second month and started my period around june 9th and have been spotting ever sense and just recently had a more heavy flow three days ago and now its going back to spotting and i went to my doctor to get it fixed and all she told me was i dont know what to tell you. i have always been small my whole life and sense that shot i have gained weight i just cant seem to lose…. i will never do the depo again and i will be finding a new doctor….
Hi ladies, I am also a victim of Depo Provera. I use to have extremely painfull menstruation and my friend suggested I go on it. It was great, i loved the fact that I didnt have my period and the extreme pain that incapacitated me at times. But I was never warned of the side effects. I was on Dep for 6 months and during those 6 months I experienced some major weight gain. I the switched to the two month injection hoping it will help with my weight, but nothing happened. I consulted a dietitian and went on a strict diet…. Nothing. I have been off Depo and Nurinterate since July 2012 and in these past 2 months I have gained even more weight, I am freaked out about it since I use to have the figure of a super model, and now I look like a fat blob. I wake up nauseous and gag every morning. I have panic attacts and is anxious all the time. My breast is so sore I can barely sleep at night and they have gone from a small B to a full size C-cup. My sex drive is still non existent and sex is quite painful, since I am so dry. I thought like many other women I was pregnant and took a pregnancy test, although my bf and I always practice safe sex. And like all the others it was negative. I have heart palpitations for no reason and difficulty breathing at some times. I thought my period would have returned after two months of not being on it, but it would appear like some women struggle for a considerable time. I also have some weird moods and sometime react in ways that makes me feel crazy. I thought was alone, but is so happy to see that I am not the only one that experiences these effects. I really hope that the symptoms will pass, and that I can lose weight. It is a real concern and hope not only for myself but for each very person that is going through the same symptoms that an end to this will come soon so we can return to feeling normal again. Thank you ladies, and good luck. Xx
I was on depo for a year after having a baby because i was told depo or an implant would be best as i was breastfeeding so i started depo thinking i would be able to stop and try for another baby after about a year i’ve been off depo for 2 months now when it was coming to the end of my last injection i started bleeding after having sex so i saw a gp and was told everything was ok but i might not be able to conceive for 18 months or more and in the last 4 weeks i’ve been feeling sick i’ve got sore breasts i’ve got cramping and i snap at every little thing but i’m not pregnant i’ve also been having irregular bleeding i wish i never had depo now the way i feel now it’s stopped is awful.
Hello to all you sufferers
I also have been on depo for around 4 years. I didn’t get my march 2012 injection and felt like rubbish since. I stopped my injection as i was suffering migraine (whack I never did before) and just wanted to rule out the possibilities of it being because of the depo. However since reading some articles I actually don’t think i have been myself for years since being on it. Anyway Since coming off it, my body muscles ache, especially my legs, almost like childhood growing pains. I am ALWAYS tired and have zero energy. The headaches are horrible, my back and neck are agony at the same time. The doctor diagnosed me with anxiety and depression and recently put me on anti depressants ….. I am thinking this is all to do with the depo injection 
I also ment to mention I constantly get sore, inflamed gums, I wonder if anyone else gets them too.
I was on Depo for about 5 years with no gaps, decided to stop using it in hopes to lose weight. I didn’t get my March 2012 injection and my first period started on August 7, 2012. Today is Sept 9th and I’ve been on and off my period since Aug 7th. I’ve been suffering exhaustion and crankiness. I lacked a sex drive while I was on Depo, but it’s coming back now that I’m off it. Unfortunately, I don’t know when I’ll stop menstrating. I read it takes 18 months to get regular again which is very disconcerting.
I am 33 years old and I have been on depo for 15 years. I recently decided that I was going to stop getting the shots. For no reason other than I just don’t want to be on them anymore. Today I was suppsoed to get my next injection and I cancelled the appointment. After reading all of these side effects I am very scared about the side effects to come and am not sure if I made the right decision.
I literally just missed my last depo as I’ve decided to go back to the pill as I was gaining so much weight, the second night after I missed my shot I was very moody and couldn’t sleep all night, kept waking up and having anxiety like attacks where I would wake up panicking, I still feel overweight and my skin is like a spotty teenagers
help!
I’m 19 and I had started the depo shot in May 2012 and I immediately stopped having periods, I had horrible mood swings and lots of fatigue. Terrible breast tenderness. Very low sex drive. Some nausea every now and then. Anxiety and depression. So when it came time to take my other shot in August, I decided not to. Now I don’t have periods at all and still have breast tenderness. Followed by excessive sweating and really oily skin. I can’t keep my face from breaking out. I also had a lot of pelvic pain while on the shot and every now and then after. I also have anxiety and I always feel bloated and lethargic. I’m hoping it’ll go away, especially the breakouts. I may end up back on the pill, which wasn’t so bad before.
I was on the depo shot for 2 years and I just recently decided to stop getting the shot because of some of the side effects I was experiencing while on it, and also because I look forward to having children soon seeing as I’m getting older. The only good thing about the shot was that I never got a period, however I did spot a few times here and there during the two years I was on it but not much. I noticed while being on the shot that my mood was up and down and I suffered a lot of depression while on the shot. I’m a very happy go lucky person and I found myself sad and negative all the time sometimes for no reason at all. Others noticed this too. I also suffered from headaches all the time mostly migraines, and my sex drive was nonexistent. I was supposed to go back for my shot September 17th but I chose not to go back. Since then I have extreme breast tenderness and my breast are fuller. I also noticed how bloated I am and feel and I have gained just a few pounds not much though. I don’t mind the little wait gain because I’m very skinny to begin with but I wish my breast would stop being so sore and stop getting bigger. I’m so ready for the depo shot to get out of my system.
Hi I’m a Mum of 3, 31years young been having
Depo injections about 7 to 8 years.
I missed my last injection last month
deciding to go off it- give myself a
break. My breast has neen sore then on Friday I found a small
lump under my nipple in my left breast.
I went to the Doctor Saturday now I’m
waiting another week and having an
ultrasound and mammogram on both
breasts. I am so scared. I can’t help
thinking the worst I wonder if the depo
shot has anything to do with my lump???
As aforementioned, it’s oddly relieving to see so many women reporting the same things you thought you were crazy for experiencing.
I’m 21 years old. I only had 2 Depo shots before I decided I’d had enough. I am not good at remembering pills every day, the patch would never stay stuck on me, this seemed like the next thing on the contraceptive list to try. The first shot went well, I don’t recall any particularly bad mood swings or symptoms at all. My boobs got bigger, but that’s about it. Near the end of the 3rd month, when I was due for the 2nd shot, I noticed an increase in irregular bleeding. My assumption was that this was due to having switched BC so much in such a short amount of time, and that I was on the butt-end of the first round of a straight hormone injection. Made sense to me, I wasn’t worried.
After the second shot, the bleeding never stopped. It would merely pause, perhaps for a few hours, tricking me into thinking I could safely wear a nice pair of pants without ruining them. The bleeding was heavy and very irritating. I ruined so many articles of clothing and was just so sick of it! In hindsight I also realized this shot was very likely a contributor in my lack of sex drive recently. My boyfriend and I are very sexual people, and for me to suddenly not have much interest in it is….extremely bizarre. We still had sex and still have sex, but I found myself not caring if we did or not, and getting distracted or unable to feel physically aroused even though I’m very much still attracted to my lover. That alone made me feel unlike myself, and I hadn’t attributed it to the hormones until just recently.
Near the end of the 6th month, I began to feel nauseous and weak on a daily basis. This is the type of nausea that made me break into cold sweats + hot flashes, see black spots on the sides of my vision, and feel like I would be in the bathroom for a while very soon. I recognized this nausea, as I experience it during a regular period (one reason I went on pill BC, Yaz to be specific, at 18 years old, terrible terrible period symptoms regularly). This was soon followed by random headaches, body aches, digestive issues, and a general feeling of disinterest in most things that usually made me happy, disassociation/lack of connection to people, and pretty severe fatigue during the day (but inability to sleep at night, when before coming off Depo my body clock was pretty regular at falling asleep before 11:00pm). Even some days that felt reminiscent of a bout of depression. I’m not a depressed or negative person! I feel so off. It’s like this is an unwanted being living inside my body, feeling all these strange things.
I was due for my third shot only a few days ago, and have since switched over to nuvaRing. I don’t want to stop contraception, my periods are horrendously painful and hormonal BC is the only thing that prevents it. The shot is just too much. So far, after a few days of Nuvaring use, the bleeding has subsided to merely spotting. This is a huge relief. I’m still unwilling to go out and do anything, really. I no longer feel “depressed”, more so just uninterested. I’d rather wait for this to subside before I go out into the world, I feel like I can’t appreciate most things right now that I used to be able to appreciate. Pretty mountain scenery outside, or a bike ride in the morning…things I normally love but just can’t feel motivation to do right now. On another hand I’m scared that I’ll experience a random bout of nausea if I go out, and I won’t have anywhere to retreat to so I can wait out the pain. to be honest, luckily I am a california resident and have been issued a 215 card for the past 2 years (due to long-existing anxiety disorders, which I feel also play a part in the symptoms of Depo). This is the only medicine keeping me from crying all day long, the only medicine that helps me eat without feeling like vomiting, and the only medicine that relieves the nausea and pain quickly and consistently.
my boyfriend, luckily, is very understanding and just wants me to be happy again. We haven’t experienced any big relationship problems as a result of this, but I think that’s because our personalities and habits don’t lean toward causing or maintaining conflict — and this has helped me stay stable enough to not give into the emotional breakdowns that try and squeeze their way in since the shot started wearing off. I worry a lot about him feeling uncomfortable but I can tell that it’s an irrational fear, knowing what kind of personality he has that just isn’t something he would do. Mostly it’s just me, not him, feeling strange. I feel vulnerable and anxious and a bit paranoid…but I’m choosing to do my best not to react to these feelings, as I can tell they are not really ME. From the research I’ve done I can do nothing but wait for them to leave me….hoping the NuvaRing will be the one method that I can finally stick with!
Much love and support to all you goddesses <3 Our bodies are complex and beautiful, and can be hard to understand. Especially for our male friends and intimate partners. Keep your heads up!
Hey ladies..ive been on depo for about 3 years. I was due for my shot yesterday, but ive decided to stop and give my body a break - let it get back into the natural swing of things - but after reading all of the above comments im wondering whether i shouldnt maybe go today before its too late…lol!
Im just kidding - but on a more serious note, these symptoms sound hectic, maybe best to ride it out ey?
I was only on depo for six months but have stopped due to gaining acne and chest pains under my left breast. Around the time my shot was due I felt like I had manageable period pain but no period. I then began to feel sick. I had nausea and dizziness. I then became fatigued but couldn’t sleep at night but then started falling asleep at work- it was so bad it hurt trying to keep my eyes open. My throat often feels like its closing up and my tounge and lips swelled up for 2 days. I get random chest pains that feels like I am being winded. My dizziness and fatigue has started easing slightly- but my stomach pains are horrendous and indescribable. It feels as though my lower back is being crushed, my uterus is being twisted and stabbed and it even feels like I am givin birth. Codeine every 3 hours helps a little but I can’t take this pain. I have started taking the pill to try and help but seriously anyone considering this shot should do themselves a favour and don’t have it. IT’S NOT WORTH THE PAIN!
Today is day 5 off depo - if anyone looks at me skew, im not sure whether i’ll smack them or burst into tears!!
I been on depo shot since march2011 I stopped takin it in june due to the weight. Gain so my obgyn put me on avain the low estrogen pill I stopped takin that bcuz on day in class I felt like I was having a anxiety attack so since then has been a nightmare I was depressed didn’t feel like doin anything or goin anyhere I’m usually a fun happy loving person befor all this birth control. Problems. U couldn’t. Pay me to be upset or have a panic attack I never strssed about anything. This is terrible I always feel on edge jitty unhappy anxious and not enjoying things I used to love doing and I dnt kno who I am anymore oh and I forgot about the vrying spells I would wake up so depressed and wuld cry all day long it wad terrible my mom helped me threw it and I decided to seek help frm a pysch to sre wats wrong bcuz I felt like I was going crazy they prescribed meds for depression. And anxiety but I refused. To take them bcuz that’s not me I don’t. Need pysch meds I never felt like this b4 in my life so that was out the question. Bcus I dnt want to have to depend on pills to make me happy I can say tho this has been goi. On since july I am getting. Better now I can go to the store and shop by myself now which was out the question a month ago so I have faith and there is light at the end of the tunnel and I will overcome. This and get back to myself. Back happy and joyful. Jus take it day by day and dnt give up its been 3months now and I finally see progress now I’m waiting on my cycle to start up again we will get thru this! God Bless u all
Just wanted to pop in here and thank everybody so far for sharing their stories. Keep ‘em coming!
Hey ladies..just thought id pop in and give some feedback..
ive been off depo since the 7th of oct, this is week 3 and i must admit - no real side effects - was a bit moody and emotional the last time i posted, but since then no major changes…
I took the shot once 10 months ago. I bled 3 weeks at a time until 2 months ago. Now it’s only a week. Pain in breast as well. My dr did not explain side effects or anything about the shot. All I said was I think I want the depo shot because my sister is on it. And he said ok my assistant will be in here in 15 min with the shot and left! I wish I had some kind of warning what I was getting into!
Hiya girlies.
Hope your all doing okay. I have been on it for 10 yrs 5 months off and still having all aches/pains, nausea, breast pain, tingling legs, fatigue, headaches and pms symptoms but no periods yet. How long did it take for these to subside for most?
Julie above; did the antidepressants help with the symptoms? What are things that are helping people, i know diet/water helps!
If anyone wants to chat my email is [email protected] would be good to chat.
Hey all, just jumping in the litany about the depo shot. I refuse to be a statistic, but I’m kind of thinking I am now. I started the depo shot after a failed pregnancy in April 2012. I was due for my last shot on October 12th (2 weeks ago) and I chose against it, hoping to try to get pregnant again next year or the following (and hearing of the possible 18 month non-fertility spooked me, so I quit the shot after 2 doses). Here are my symptoms and why I ended up googling “hormonal spikes coming off the depo shot?”:
1) Insecurity through the ROOF - waking up at night every time my husband gets up, afraid he’s irritated etc. (and he’s not)
2) Random bouts of wanting to cry / scream hysterically (no I haven’ succumbed, yet) followed by extreme irritability.
3) Shaky shaky shaky, as I type this my hands feel like I have palsy or something it’s ridiculous.
4) Nausea - almost felt like morning sickness. I’m going to get a pregnancy test tonight at the store for peace of mind, but holy hannah this crap sucks.
Oh, and I went from heavy period (before) to light period (1st shot) to no period (2nd shot). Still no spotting etc.
Oh my gosh…. I came off my depo in June 2012, and had a tiny show 14 days later., but I know where everyone is coming fro
With the pregnancy symptoms I’m always doing tests, I do want to get pregnant but want my body to return to normal also, I’ve had no period ye just horrible pain full cramps,(that make me like I’m going to pass out) I can cry at the drop of a bloody hat. Hip and back pain…can’t sleep a full nights sleep anymore !!! It’s the worst ever…. I’m glad I’m not going mad .
Heya!
@ Kara - i totally agree with you when you say you wont become another statistic. this is my 3rd week off depo after being on it for four years…the only side effects i have right now is weight gain, the shakes and insecurities like you have mentioned too….on the other hand though, as i went off three weeks ago i read all the comments above and it worried me to death - i suppose our bodies are all different and react differently, but would anyone agree with me if i say most of it is mind over matter?
My last depo shot was suppose to be scheduled in July 2012. I opted to get myself off it after 5 years. I just couldn’t deal with the frustrating of dropping the 45 lbs I gained while on it.
In August 2012, I had my first period. It was light and for 1/2 day. Strange.
In September 2012, my breasts were extremely tender and my nipples started itching. This lasted about two weeks. That month I also received my regular period although it was heavy. I had forgotten how inconvenient periods were but better that than dealing with hauling around extra pounds. During my ovulation cycle, I had major cramps. I only felt them that month.
Now in October 2012, I got a normal period and 28 days after my last period. So, my body is slowly adjusting.
When I was on depo, I had migraines and a very low sex drive. Three months after my missed depo shot, my migraines are slowly going away. My sex drive came back one day with full force which my husband was excited about. Now I know how a teenage boy feels. Ha ha. I’ve managed to lose 9 lbs since my last missed injection without any change to diet or exercise. That I am happy about.
Hi…first I must say that I loved the shot! The convenience of it, the worry free, and the non existent periods. Granted I had the occasional spotting to tell me it was still there but nothing overwhelming or painful. Now I’ve been off the shot 5 weeks after taking it for just over 3 yrs and OMG!!! My breast are extremely tender…in a bra out, of a bar, everything I do they hurt. I alsoo experienced moodiness, up and down emotions but nothing worse then having PMS oh and very annoying lower back pain. I am curious as to when these side effects will stop but am overall more satisfied with not having an unwanted pregnancy and now that we’re ready mature and financially capable to start a family we just have to wait it out.
I want to know how many months I need to wait so I could get pregnant ?? I use the depo shot for 9 months . Now me and my husband we want to have a baby but I haven’t get pregnant:( I have 5 months that I don’t use the shot . So please some one help me.!! If u know something let me know to my email .. [email protected]
hey,
I have been on depo for a couple of years, I was due to have my last injection mid July. in September I experienced tearful mood swings and light spotting, in October the spotting continued…and I gained about 6 pounds in weight. then finally in November I have continued spotting throughout the month, but had ridiculously sore breasts and nipples. my stomach Oscar bloated. glad to hear I am not going in sane with my symptoms! just ready for a full normal period now. fingers crossed.
I took the depo for 6 years and stopped four weeks ago or so. I am experiencing tender nipples and pain in my uterus as well as migraines and nausea. The pain subsides after just one Advil, however my nipples are extremely tender and my breasts are becoming larger and more symmetrical that of which is the only side effect I hope is permeant. My period slowly faded through the years now I don’t even get spotting. I think we need to conduct a study now! My concern is that there could be something worse going on in my body and I feel that I should go in for a physical. I read that I may never have a child or worse, an unhealthy child.
Hello,
I Googled coming off dep provera as I was a bit worried about my symptoms, but they are quite different from most of these. I was on it for about a year, and stopped in August 2012. I had put on a lot of weight, very noticeably, I went from an 8/10 to a large 12 and also went right off sex. Mood wise I was ok, but I’m fairly calm anyway.
I still have not had a period since coming off, and when I was on the injection I did have sporadic bleeding. I did a pregnancy test but it was negative. Since coming off I have noticed no change in my mood but I have lost weight! I ate extra healthily AND did more exercise than ever whilst on the injection to offset the weight-gain but nothing seemed to help! I’m very pleased I came off it, but 3 or 4 months in and I still have had no period and still have low sex drive, but things are improving. Hang in there everyone, your body will naturally get over the hormone changes, it just takes time.
PLEASE HELP!!! I had my last depo shot in June and since then, I keep getting a pain right above and around my breasts almost in my armpits. I have been spotting since late June and I didn’t get my 3rd shot in Sept. It has been 2 months and no period, just annoying spotting! I have to wear a panty liner everyday!!! I’m mostly just scared about the chest pains!! Can anyone help??
Wow..after reading all these comments and complaints i am starting to wonder whether i am normal or not..lol…ive had a few tearful days within the first two weeks of being off depo and a headache here and there..but over all there has been nothing further. my periods have not returned, nor has there been any spotting, but i am not experiencing any tender breast or sore nipples etc etc…i wouldnt mind an increase in cup size to be honest…
Maybe all these horrors are on their way ey….
Hi and thanks for the enlightenment!
Ive had a really low mood,total loss of sex drive,decreased appetite,bloating,constipation,and the biggest headache immediately after taking this nightmare jab for the first time 2months ago…im due to have a repeat in december and because ive been so low and also not sleeping i thought id see whats been said about it before i proceed.my work collegues have noticed a sharpness to my attitude which in the care industry doesnt bode well.my suffering fella is going with out sex and just yesterday called my unapproachable.that hurt so bad.but i cant shift it and never before have i ever been so rude to anyone……im totally convinced this jab should be outlawed..i cant believe i let my doctor talk me into it due to my monthly pains. and back pain…id rather have that and a laff than this depression..its affecting all i am..one round of sex and my partner contracted thrush..im so down..never again..i feel like ive been used for some sick experiment.
I also came to this site from a google search on depo withdrawal symptoms. I was supposed to have my last shot in October, but I missed the appointment and just decided it was time to take a break from it. It never felt quite right to me to just stop having periods. I started on depo right after having a baby, and I am now back up to the weight I was when I was at full term in pregnancy. Like a lot of people commented above, I have had absolutely no sex drive and am still waiting on that to come back. Try explaining to your guy that you don’t want to have sex with him and don’t know why. Not an easy job… Instead of losing weight over the past month, I am still steadily gaining, and I consider myself to be a moderately active person. I have been feeling extremely down and out lately and have not had a period yet. I also feel like my body is no longer my own. I am tired all the time, regardless of how much sleep I get at night and I have trouble staying asleep. I would not recommend the shot to anyone.
…and forgot to mention that I have had some horrible headaches, just about daily for as long as I can remember.
Hello Ladies!
OMG i am soo glad i found this website. i took Depo from the time i was 19 til til i was 22, had a daughter at 26, went back on the shot after her birth in feb 2008 and in july 2012 took my last shot. i have gotten married and just felt i wanted another child. my whole personality has changed but not sure if it was the shot, or the death of my mother in 2006.i feel sooo angry. also “bi-polar” no sex drive, hard to deal with. im hoping my stop with the shot makes me normal again. im 31 yrs old and feel like a dried up cranky 80 yr old. please email me if u want to talk or have similiar things going on… [email protected]
I started my depo this past summer thinking it would be easier than the pills, however I was fooled.I completely hate the shot, was scheduled to get one today but told the Dr I wanted to stop taking it.I can’t handle having a period for a month straight, it made me feel like I was completely drained, terrible headaches however I have had tension headaches before being on the shot, my back would hurt while on the shot…it’s absolutely horrible.I don’t think the drug administration even tested this shot before giving to people or maybe it’s a sign nobody should take the shot when you have to sign a waiver when you go to take it! I’m 21 years old and I can definitely say I want kids some day but I refuse to take a shot that wears me down.
ive been on the depo injection for 6 months and i was not happy the fact i was bleeding all the time so i decided that to stop taking the depo injection.ive stop taking it for 2 weeks now .am getting back pain s feeling sick and sore breasts.and no peroid yet i took a pregnancy test 3 times and all they came back is negitive.i wish these feelings go away.ive seen the doctor and he said the depo injection will ware off in my system about 6 months time.i hope some one give me a advice about this x
I am 44 years old. I have been on depo shots for over 15 years; w/o any break. I got the shots to control debilitating pain, cysts, periods that were more on then off. Insurance forced me to take generic a few times; this always resulted in painful suffering on my end. So, been on name brand forever; pains started coming last couple weeks. Doctor changed me to every 9 weeks vs 12. I do have no libido and severe bone loss. in June, I accidentally missed my shot. Decided to ride it out.as I do not agree with dr that i should be on it forever. Side effect of stopping: severe breast pain, swelling. It has been 6 months — now the “swelling” is moving to armpit. I assumed like lymph fluid- lymph node swelling. just taking the pain along with it - so boobs not as sore, but armpit swelling hurts! one dr went along with my lymph node theory ( she was thinking cancer- which doesn’t present this way) second dr said it is not lymph node but muscle that has taken on the fluid from breast. his tx is to re-start the depo! i think it is the swelling from the breast migrating - just not sure what to do about resolving it. I also get the heeby-geebies; not comfortable in my skin feelings.
I was supposed to get my shot at the end of july but decided to come off the depo after being on it for a year and a half. I had a semi normal period in august and when septembers period came I thought the bleeding would never stop. I bled for two months straight! It stopped at the beginning of november and then about a week later I bled for a couple days and I havent started bleeding again yet. It is really starting to get on my nerves not knowing when to expect to bleed. Along with the screwy periods I habe experienced major mood swings, depression, and weight gain. I would not reccomend using depo for birth control. Cant wait to start feeling normal again!!!
I have been so worried about this! I got my last depo shot in June and have had a period since and it is December. I was really scared I was pregnant (although protection was used) but I had two tests both come out negative. I have been very emotional and tired. I have had three days of spotting and that is it. I have no sex drive and I just feel depressed. I have also gained weight. I have no idea what is going on with my body and it makes me scared. I feel very nervous. I am not happy with this shot at all.
I stopped the depo shot two months ago and have been spotting everyday since then. I have yet to have a full force heavy period, but i have never been so irritated in my life at the amount of $ I’m spending on feminine supplies. Also, its hard to explain, but something just doesnt feel right with my body. I am absolutely terrified that something is really wrong and this may effect my chances of having children in the future. When I talked to the doctor about it, all I was told was that it was just a side effect. Our bodies are so complicated and responses like that are nerve racking!
I am scheduled to have a shot on 14th. I want to stop taking this depo but I am now confused as I read a lot of comments that it will make me gain more weight. I have been in depot shots for 4 years now and I want to get my normal weight back. Others said that they their body weight have returned to normal after deciding not to take the shot again but others dont. I am also nervous to experience the continuous bleeding in months others have experienced. If only I known this before I shouldn’t have taken this depo before.
omg reading all these comments puts my mind at ease even though its not good, i have been on n off depo for past 10 yrs n last 2 times i was late in havin it my breasts r tender n sore especially when i take my bra off though summet medically was wrong the first time that happened so had them checked at docs n 3 months late for depo this time n its started again but also started suffering from anxiety cant go out without havin a panic attack i really didnt no the depo can cause all this the doc put me on prozac a few wks bk to deal with it but i refuse to take them x
@ Maricel - I was also on the shot for four years, my last shot was due on the 7th of October. So far i think i consider myself a little luckier than others just from reading the comments above. the only side effects i can say ive really had has been headaches (which i suffer from anyway), moodyness, being paranoid, sensitive feelings, and only recently (two days ago) my nipples are extremely tender and sore..ive had no spotting nor any periods as yet - which im sure will return with no mercy, but personally i stopped the jab to give my body the chance of becoming normal again - for things to “flow” normally for a while as i doubt its a good thing to be on the injection for too long. In my opinion everyone is different, so your side effects or periods may not be as bad as others…if it is, see it as your body doing a good spring clean!
stopped taking the shot in july. i just turned 50 last month and now i feel nauseated all the time, breasts are tender and weight gain sucks. what can i do to feel better? had spotting last month and that was it
@ Brenda - ive noticed that excersise helps a lot, if you belong to a gym do a good cardio session and sit in the steam room for 10 minutes after - it helps to sweat the shit out you system..
I first started the depo this year i have had only 2 shots I came off it November 30 the same year… i rely didn’t like it. i had completely lost my sex drive, feel rely moody and took it out on other people. i wish i never went on it. i actually miss my period. since i been off it i haven’t had my period but on the 16th dec i noticed a drop of blood in my pants, if its a sign my period is coming back then i want my menstrual cycle to be back to normal fast as possible. since i was on the depo i was 9 stone i was exercising a lot i lost half a stone i was soo happy i work so hard for it as well then my firs injection ran out when i went for my second i ended up putting all that weight back on i felt shity rely shity. since iv come off my eating habbits are bad its harder for me to lose the weight and iv started to get a little lower back pain.
i havn’t visited my doctor yet. but i feel i should so i know that im okay i seem to have the feeling that something is rely wrong with me but i know my hormones are just changing…
Brenda, JewlZ is right even though i put weight on after my last shot i never stopped working out i felt a little better knowing that i sweated
Ladies….its been three months since i was due for my shot…no periods as yet, not even a blink of a sign that its coming any time soon. BUT, im lightheaded and nauseas a lot of the time and my breasts were a lil tender but better now…any chance i might be preggas??
Hi ladies. I started taking the depo when I was 19 and it worked wonders for me my mood swings had stopped and I pretty much felt happy and stress free and having no period was fantastic. I then decided to try for a baby at 20 so I stopped taking it. 2 months later I was pregnant. I couldn’t believe it. After my son was born I went straight back on the depo and had the same great experience as before.
About 3 years later my doctor warned me of the possible bone density issues and advised that I might take a break from using it so I did. I had no side effects but did not have a period for 9 whole months. I decided after a year to start back on the depo as I assumed the break would have been sufficient. A year later my partner and I have decided we would like to try for another baby so I was due to take my last injection in November but I didn’t take it. This time around however my body has gone mad. My weight has shot up beyond what I would normally have expected for the Xmas holidays and I have been having seriously sore breasts that straight away made me ink I might be pregnant. Obviously I was wrong. I now can’t seem to go a week without having some sort of period that is a mixture between spotting and normal. My skin has flared up with spots which I never normally get and I am constantly tired. Oh and my partner has noticed my mood swings
It’s just typical really because this time around I need to get pregnant quickly for medical reasons and I had no idea I could be looking at up to 18 months. I really wish this information was given to me back when I was 19 and not have to find out 7 years later how bad this can be.
I’m so glad I found this feed. I’ve been experiencing all of the above. I thought I was pregnant but I took a test and it was negative. I’ve gained 30 lbs since stopping the shot, I haves no sex drive, I’m moody and tired. I’m miserable. The shot is horrible. I urge women not to take it. It’s ruining my life right now. Ive never been this big and moody. I have a period all the time. I started the shot in September and I haven’t stopped bleeding since then. It sucks!
I had 2 shots and didnt get the third, and a week later I started spotting which has turned to full flow and has lasted nearly a month now. I don’t know when I am going to stop bleeding, it’s ridiculous. Have had breast pain, headaches, tiredness, moodiness and gained 28lb over 6 months.
I wasnt told of any side effects except perhaps there would be weight gain.
Can you ladies tell me if any of you were told of possible side effects once you stopped the shots?
Did you get any literature to take home… anything at all?
Thinking about it, it seems a tad wrong to inject you with somehting that lasts so long and are only told you may put weight on.
I started the injections when I was 17 years old for uterin congestion. This last December I was supposed to go in and my new husband and I decided let’s not get it and let things get back to normal before we ttc. Every since December (12 weeks after my last shot) my breast have been sore, I have had cramping, nauseated and a little more stressed. I have not had a period yet although I am having all other symptoms. I am just about 35 now and am worried I am peri menopausal. I had a very successful run of the injections. Yes gain weight increased about 40 lbs over the years and 19% bone loss. All meds have side effects and each person has to weigh them out to see if it is worth it. It was for me not to be in so much pain all these years along with all the other problems that come with having menstruated with the cysts and fibroids and endometriosis. I don’t see a lot of women on these forums who have been on it as long as I have but was hoping that someone would know or know of studies to read about losing the weight now (has been impossible to maintain no matter how healthy i eat and how much i excersise) and will stopping the shots help my daily migraines and can I conceive without my body first shedding the lining and carry successfully. I guess my biggest fear is if I get pregnant after being on the depo for so long, will I be able to carry full term.
Just thought I would update 11 days after my last post that I am STILL BLEEDING. This is now over a month and showing no signs of stopping. Costing me a small fortune in pads too. My mam bought me a ‘present’ of 3 packs to help me out lol.
I’ve started taking oil of evening primrose to see if that helps, so far not.
It was very comforting to see this article. At least I feel like I know what’s happening to me now. I stopped taking depo about two weeks ago and have had nausea, headaches, breast tenderness and exhaustion. It’s an everyday thing….not enough for me to not be able to get through my days, but enough that it’s noticeable and starting to wear on me.
I started taking depo because of my very heavy periods and the bonus is that it was also a form of contraceptive. I’m having the NovaSure procedure done next week and am keeping my fingers crossed that it helps with all these symptoms!!
DO NOT GET THIS SHOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I only took this shot one time (for the 3 months). The first month or so my body felt ok however the last 2 months on being on the shot my body fell apart. I had night sweat, anxeity, depression, shaking, tingling in my hands and legs, palms sweating. I got teh shot Aug. 16th, 2012 I was due to get another one between Nov. 1-15th of 2012. I didnt because of teh side affects and towards the end of Nov is when the withdrawl started to happen. I was jittery and started having stomach problems (no vomitting) but loss of appetitte and having acir reflux. I lost weight and Im allready a small women. I had no issues with eating prior to starting this depo shot. This shot made me week and I went to the ER twice due to dehydration. Its been 2 months since my last injection and my body still isnt right. I have read so many different stories as to how long this will stay in the system and there really isnt an answer. My period has returned in Dec and I had one for Jan. I can still tell my body doesnt feel right
I was on depo for the better part of 12 years. I have been off for over 18 months and experienced thhe initial heavy peoriod for weeks, insane breast tenderness, anxiety and weight gain. I decided to stop depo when I noticed the weeks just after my shot were worse for my insomnia and middle of the night hot flashes and crying jags. The insomnia and night sweats are gone, however the irratability, anxiety, heavy periods awre still around and I guess you can calll it depression,Im not sad per se, but I have zero motivation and just generrally feel lethargic and lousy. After almost 2 years off, I feel better but at the same time, I am so ready to be over and done with it.
I was on depo for 11 yrs..absolutely loved it, made me lose weight, never had periods loved it…until I stopped 2yrs ago…during this time I gained weight, sore breasts to the point I couldn’t even touch them, nausea, anxiety, major abdominal bloating, insomnia, bad night sweats, feeling sad, angry with anyone and everything, hated my body to the point I never went out anymore, got my period back after 8 months…I excercised like a mad women, ate low carb, just to loose the weight i gained which was 10 kilos more…NOTHING!!!! Depo is stored in your fat and it takes ages to get rid of it…however I tried accupuncture, sitting in a steam room, foot detoxes and even took liver cleansing tablets to detox this stuff out, they say to eat low carb if not no carbs as it is stored in your fat…obviously if you loose this weight u loose the depo…but it does take time especially if you have been on it for years like me…even after 2 years later I still struggle with my weight and my belly still hasn’t really gone back to how it was….but I have lost most of the kilos I gained….now I’m dealing with PMS sux being a girl!!!!!!! I have been tempted to go back on the depo….sounds crazy! But I just think of all the crap I had to go through and I quickly change my mind…..so to all those girls out there these symptoms are not in your head like some doctors say, maybe try some of the detoxes I did…but don’t go back on it coz it will be 10 times worse when u eventually want to go off….
I have been on the Depo shot for over a year now and have yet to stop bleeding. I have been on a heavy period, with nothing more then a 12 hour break in between for over year now. I am scared to go to the doctor, but also scared f being infertile. This shot really messed me up. I don’t know what to do. I am also scared of being pregnant but with bleeding this long and this much, I don’t think that is even possible.
I had depo for a year, was told to come off it by my doc as was experiencing signs of depression and floaters in my eyes, and a dull headache every day, my next one was due 5 dec, since not having it my symptoms are worse, no period but pain , headaches, tiredness, being and feeling sick, dizziness, heartburn and wind. And the feeling of being pregnant , no periods and pregnancy test showing negative every time.
Thank goodness for finding this site! I thought I was crazy with all my symtoms going on. I have even tried 5 different “happy pills” because my doctor thought I was depressed. I was on it for 12 years straight - no breaks! Worked great and unloved being on it but needed to get off for other medical issues. All bid good there now. Temporally using the pill. Stopped all the anxiety meds because I thought it was those making me act that way but now the tiredness, bad headaches, hot flashes and can’t sleep is much worse. I’m going to stick it out as long as I can. Taking some lorazepam has helped me relax. I also feel very incure Bout everything.. Work… Home… Doesn’t matter. I feel like everyone is out tobget me orbits talking About me. I found this and reassured my husband it was withdrawal symtoms from the demo. Bye bye depo.. Bye bye pill… On to the IUD…
Thought I’d give a final comment. In total I bled for 6 weeks after I stopped the injection, which was like my 6 months periods worth saved up!
My skin has become a nightmare, but breast tenderness has gone.
The ovulation/cyst pains are back again, the reason I had the injection to begin with, so in some ways the injection is good if you are suffering from chronic pains for most of the month.
Would I get it again though? No.
I think the injection takes any drive away too.
Hello, I’m so glad I found this site and I agree with some of the others DO NOT GET THIS SHOT!!! I received the shot in Sept 2012 and started feeling depressed, tired and gaining weight by Oct. then in Nov. I started having panic attacks! The shot ran out in Dec and that’s when I started having all my problems! I started off having chest pains, nausea, foogy vision, bad headaches, body aches and the heavy bleeding. Now it’s two months later and I’m still having these problems plus my anxiety and depression have gotten worse. I went to the doctor and they ran ever test possible on me and finally just said that I was suffering from severe depression! ( Keep in mind I never suffered from depression/anxiety prior to this. I was a happy person!) I finally asked my doctor if it could be from the depo since I refused to take depression meds. And he was like yes! He had had another patient who had experienced some of these same syptoms when coming off the depo shot. So now I’m just trying to wait it out til my body gets back to normal which my doc saids could take up to a year! I wish I could rewind time and never take the depo it had truely ruined my life these last few months! I just wished my Gyno would have told me all the possible side effects!
I have been on dep for 2 and a half years. I was due for a shot this month but decided against it. I have ben having cramps but no spotting or anything. When I first started the shot I was always told I wcoukd get pregnat right after stopping it but everything I’ve read is about women having trouble getting pregnant and not getting their periods back. I was also yold that any bone density loss could be regained after stopping the shot. I also gained a huge amount of weight in which I can’t seem to get off even with diet and extreme exersizing. I feel that i was lead on and lied to abput this horrible drug.
I had my last depo injection in October. I had been on the shot for 3 years and my doctor wants me to try another form of birth control due to my 20+ pound weight gain over this past year. In the past few weeks, I have been nauseous, jittery, dizzy, tired, and my breasts have been tender, which usually never happens to me. I thought I was pregnant, but I’ve taken two pregnancy tests and both were negative. I was on the shot years ago and the only symptom I had upon stopping it was bleeding and spotting for a couple of months. This time, I’ve started having some brown colored discharge, which I think is a signal that I will start bleeding soon. I don’t know what is going on with me, but these symptoms are definitely strange.
I was on depo for 11years, never had any side effects except for migraines every now and then, if anything I lost weight, 3 years ago I chose to stop getting the injection I was 33 and wanted to have children, that’s when it’s went downhill…took 9 months to get my period..which I knew would happen but I wasn’t expecting the rest of the symptoms I got….weight gain 10 kilos, major major breast soreness, bad migraines, anxiety, night sweats (for a year) constant bloating, insomnia, nausea just to name a few…it was horrible…I went on diets, low carb, excercised everyday NOTHING!!! 2 years I put up with this I tried everything from accupuncture, diuretic pills, sitting in a sauna, foot detoxes anything I could find on the net I would try, eventually the weight started to come off after 2 years though, but in saying that my body has never been the same, I still have a bloated belly, and my weight is up and down ALL THE TIME….I now suffer from PMS as I’m not on any contraception and I do so for 3 weeks, and one week of pure bliss! I’m really worried its going to turn into PMDD I don’t get suicidal thoughts like most woman but I do suffer from the symptoms longer than normal…there has been times I’ve been in tears and close to going back on depo just to feel normal again but I’m scared of having to go off it again and dealing with the withdrawals again, but nothing helps with my pms it feels like this is the way its going to be…
Also for those girls who are having the after effects of depo…the weight especially will eventually come off….it’s water retention I’ve read a low carb or no carb diet can help as depo is still stored in your fat…it’s hard if your like me and love food and sweets, it’s absolute BS!!!! So drink a heap of water no sodas just water….or for those that just carnt do the low carb….it will come off but it will take a while….good luck to those of you who are going through this….men have it so easy!!!!!
i have been on the injection for about a year and decided to stop as have put on about 20lbs and have no sex drive and was moody all the time and just did not feel myself but now i have stopped my last one was meat to be about four weeks ago i feel like complete shit i have not started bleeding yet and i feel sick from the moment i wake up i cant eat and feel light headed and dizzy.
I have been on the depo for 5 years, had my last one on the 18/10/12as me and hubby are trying for a baby. The side effects from the drug is horrible, i feel tired render breasts and my mood swings are terrible, crying all the time. I have horrible period like cramps and generally not tell. DONT GO ON THE DEPO.
I work at a women’s health clinic and I have seen some patients who have complained of such symptoms, while other women seem to be completely fine. As every woman and their body are different, many patients will have different reactions to stopping the depo shot. While of course many doctors do not want to blame the side effects on the depo withdraw, it only makes sense that if the shot was used long term, as it normally is, the dissipation of the drug in the system is likely to have a noticeable effect.
I was on the depo shot for 3 years. While I was on the shot I was extremely moody, abusive and revengeful as well as very depressed. Once after 3 years I tried to get off the shot I had serious breast pain. So bad I would cry if I had a bra off for long periods of time. I knew it had to be from my hormones being off whack due to the shot so I went back on the shot bc no doctor could give me a proper diagnosis or any pain treatment. Almost 3 weeks lately of being back on the shot my breast were feeling much better but my depression and moods wings were full on. After a year I got back off again and my breast were in the worst pain imanigable. I went back to my doctors and it turned out I had cysts all on my breast. After that I never went back to the shot again. But I had serious withdrawal feelings. Feeling angry and depressed all the time. I was pregnant after a year and a half being off the shot and I felt like I was on the shot all over again with my mood swings and bitcheness.
I have been taking the depo shot for about 10 years i started at 28 and i am 38 now.. should i get off the shot? if so want kind of side effects will i have, should i get a bone density test done.. please help me, i am confused on what to do about this… thanks
So eight months ago when I went to my ob-gyn they put me on the depo to stop my fibro cystic breat changes . (Which helped) but I had my period every day for the first two shots which sucked and they didnt inform me on how long it could take to get pregnant which my fiancé and I wanted to happen by the end of this year. So needless to say after the 6 months I was done ill deal with the breast lumps. Stopping the shot is extremely miserable I’m cranky all the time, horrible mood swings, bad gas, swollen and sore breasts/nipples, head aches, weight gain, random spotting. I was unaware of the horrible side effects once stopping the shot, I would never have got it if I had known, especially since its only been two months since my shot ran out and it can take up to 16 or so months for some women to get pregnant.
I’ve been on the depo twice now. First time i was on it for 5 years and i don’t recall ever getting any withdrawl symptoms. There was a point in my life that i hd issues with acid reflux but i can’t be sure that this happened from the result of coming off the depo the first time. I had at least a 4 year break between the first nd 2nd time going on it. I recently discontinued the injections after being on the depo about 1&1/2 yrs. I started it up again after finding out i was pregnant, following an abortion. It’s been about 1 month now since i should have had my regular injection and, let me tell you i am not happy one bit. I’ve been feeling nautious mornings, afternoons and later in the evenings. Often right away after eating something. I’ve had everythingg from feeling so nautious i felt fluish, i’ve had dry heaves, i’ve had time where i will puck up mouthfulls of stomach acid and other time when it was just full out pucking sessions. This has also been brought on by foul smells, from the bathroom or garbage or anything of that sort. I’ve just had a relly sensitive stomach for that. My breast are so sore. Way more than when you are mentruating or just prior to that. They are extreamly tender. And i have a BIG tolerance when it comes to pain. Beleive me i am covered in tattoes starting from the back of my shoulder going underneath my armpit onto my ribs, to to side of my stomach, down onto my hip and bone where there is no fat, top pelvic area and oart of my thigh. My breast are sore! Not to mention they are a decent half a cup to a cup larger than normal. As big as they were before getting the abortion. At first i thought this was just anxiety since im in a difficult part of my life and a lot is going on, but then i started piecing things together and then started googling withdrawl effects from comming off the depo. Sure enough i found tons of supporting information that this is linked to the depo. It doesn’t take a scientist or a dr. to put 2 & 2 together. I just really hope this goes away soon, before finding all of these threads i was getting even more anxiety that i may be pregnant again, but had a hard time believing it could be true since i’ve only been off of it for 1 mobth now and the % of that actually being true was hard to believe which also help me to figure out was has been haooening to me. Plz god help us all that are going through this and for all future ladies that will have this happen to them.
I am on my 3rd depo shot as of Feb 2013. Out of the blue in feb a couple weeks after i got the 3rd shot i got hot flashes and nauseated and ever since then i havent been same. My symptoms come and go. Here lately i have been having nausea during the day, hot flashes, not able to sleep at all, constipation, bloated like everyday all day, brownish discharge, no period since being on this shot and just not feeling like myself… I absolutely dont wanna do anything anymore.
I was told my body should be use to this shot by now, so when i was told that by a nurse at the clinic i go to it threw my mind for a loop… so everything i have been going through is cancer or another illness. I was completely fine until my 3rd shot. I feel as if i am pregnant (which i know i am not)or in menopause or something. The nausea is really kicking my butt during the day. i find myself chewing mint gum and it helps. It has to be this shot messing with me!!
I am due for my shot between april 19-may 3, but honestly after reading all yalls comments i feel exactly how yall fee. i feel i am going through withdrawls just like yall, but i am currently still on it. Can my symptoms be depo related even though i am on my 3rd shot? I really need answers. I am scared to death!
Plese email me [email protected]
I was on the shot for 3 years and gained 20 lbs decided to get off had my last shot in November and This is by far the worst drug I’ve ever taken! I had my first panic attack in Feb and thought I was dying these are the after affects from the shot that I had :Nausea, panic attacks, heart palpitations, nervousness, sadness, tingling (circulation), troubled breathing, major dizziness,,jitters, stiff muscles, lost 15 lbs ,, major(pressure) headaches, sleepiness, insomnia. I read up on what you could do to get the lingering Depo out of your system did a Complete Body Cleansing (DETOX) and I feel so much better! I too was put on anti-depressants which made me even worse! Anyone that wants to do Depo for birth control I recommend you read up on it before you do it!!!
2 years later and I’m still experiencing side effects before and after my menstrual cycle. While on cycle stomach pain and cramps are the worst as well as anxiety and panic attacks. After cycle nausea, gas, bloating,headaches dizziness are the worst. I have seen several doctors and they all tell me that I’m fine but I’m 32 and feel like a 90 yr old woman. Currently on progesterone cream and seeing a holistic integrative medicine doctor. I pray that this doctor can at least get me half way back to normal because on the verge of giving up!
I had depo for a year, was told to come off it by my doctor in December, 2012 which expired in February 2013, because i’m planning to have another baby, but i have been seeing blood continuously (it can only stop for three days and starts again). I have been feeling nipple pains, stomach pain and feel moody.
What will i do to stop this continuous bleeding and other pains?.
Mama ‘B’
hi ,
i had depo injection for one year for endometrosis and my last shot was on 3rd jan 2013.
I m taking a break now as i gained weight 5kg in one year.
is there possible side effects after stop taking this injection?
i stopped taking the depo shot and my stomach has very sharp pains n i cant eat if i do i will vomitt. My back has been in constant pain
I’m sorry;
but you women who have had a symptom-free experience and tell these women who have had all these symptoms that depo provera is not bad because you personally have not experienced them are being selfish in my opinion.
I am lucky because although I have personally experienced bad withdrawal symptoms since coming off depo-provera, they haven’t been as extreme as the symptoms of some of the other ladies here.
But ladies, whether these above mentioned symptoms have affected you and your life or not, reading about what this has done to so many other women makes me angry, and it should make you angry too!
We are accountable for what we put into our bodies, but I would like to know exactly what percentage of women actually get online and do in-depth research before going to their gynecologist!
I believe most of us go to our doctor with a level of trust in place, and I don’t think that’s wrong. We should be able to trust our doctors - for their sake and for ours. That’s why they spend all those years in med school - so WE don’t have to.
Should women do research before putting something into their body? Yes.
Should we suffer such extreme consequences if we don’t?
Should our doctors continue to conceal this information from us or pacify us into consent in favor of their own benefits from administering it?
How many women would consent to receive this injection if the doctors were to tell them how many secondary symptoms are actually possible?
I was on the Depo for about 5 years and didn’t go back for my shot at the beginning of February. My boobs are SO sore it hurts to sleep on my stomach and when I wake up in the morning I have to hold them because them hanging there when I stand up is the worst breast pain I’v ever experienced! I haven’t had a period yet but I definitely had cramps like I was going to and I felt very sick a couple of mornings. I did take two pregnancy tests to be 100% sure and no, I’m not pregnant just in misery! I am also very moody and I hate it! My boyfriend of four years noticed my mood swings before I did. I’m surprised he didn’t leave! I cry for nothing really at all! Example: He looked at me slightly funny and BAM crying. I also have had some heart pains since being on the Depo that have been really frightening and when I went in to my last Depo appointment I mentioned this and they said it might be asthma (no I don’t have asthma) and didn’t really seem to care. I did research on my own and surprise surprise the people who make the Depo were sued because it can cause heart issues. I wish I never went on it. I did absolutely no research on how it can affect your body I was just being lazy and didn’t want a period, now I’m begging for it! The Depo is not natural and destroys the way a woman’s body works naturally, so bad it could take up to a year to return to normal or longer. It’s not okay to put man made crap like that into our bodies without knowing what it does. I will never use a hormonal changing form of birth control ever again.
I had gone on Depo for a few cycles back in 2004 after having my second child. I don’t remember experiencing withdrawal symptoms but after having a terrible experience with Mirena in 2009 and a third pregnancy which had to be terminated last year, I wanted to get the Essure procedure but PP clinic told me I had to get the Depo shot to prepare my system for the procedure. I got one shot before the procedure and one after. I believe the Essure worked but I had no period for almost 6 months. I have always been irregular with my periods but had regained some normal cycle until the 2nd Depo shot. I also slowly gained about 25 lbs in about 3-4 months while still eating a decent diet and exercising regularly. I also have been very moody and in the last month or 2, have been spotting heavy 2 weeks before I get my normal flow so I basically have my period every 2 weeks. I also had a very high sex drive before the Depo and now, I have virtually none without a major change in my relationship. I am a RN and I have been able to find virtually nothing online about this withdrawal and the possible hormonal imbalance caused by Depo. There isn’t any research or information out there about all this stuff either.
I was on the depo for about a year and a half and i stopped recently I was officially off this month(April 2013) and i still haven’t had my period ( not that i really want it but) i haven’t even spotted and im kinda worried….i dont think im pregnant cant be so i dont know what going on. i only got on this shot cause of my periods so….
I wish to thank all of the women that have posted here. It is comforting and reassuring to me, as I have been perplexed as to my strange and marked symptoms as of late. I feel blessed that I have stumbled onto a possible answer to my own current private hell. I will now attempt what I hope to be a brief story on my experience related to withdrawal as pertains to the matter at hand. I started the Depo shot in ’99 or 2000. I have never had any ill effects while actively on this medication. I have also lost my menstruation almost immediately upon introduction, and have yet to have it return, (yay & nay, it seems?). I was last due the end of Nov. ’12. It is now May ’13. I didn’t intentionally stop the control method, nor did I entirely forget. It was merely a case of some combined dawdling and self-neglect, possibly including a little lack of concern coupled with the insanity of daily life in general. I am sure that she who reads this is nodding slightly in agreement
I have now been “overdue” on my scheduled injection for almost exactly 5 months. The trouble began abruptly and obviously 9 days ago. Upon retuning home after a late morning consultation with a client, I had a small lunch, and immediately became so fatigued that I felt as though I would buckle at the knees on the way from the lunch table to the sink with my saucer and utensil. This feeling of sudden physical exhaustion was so intense and overwhelming that I was instantly immensely concerned that some terrible thing were about to jeopardize my entire healthfulness as I had just known it. This fatigue remained with me very heavily for several hours, accompanied by an unshakable heaviness of mental disorientation. Not ever much of a napper, I wondered from one chore site to the next, (at home), and then back again to the first. I was not able to concentrate. This day passed, and similar symptoms haunted me the next. Worried that I was experiencing symptoms indicative of a lack of blood sugar regulation, I decided to buy a blood glucose reader. I would subsequently use all ten test strips with absolutely no expression of insulin processes gone awry. I also quickly and subsequently developed more symptoms of illness: excessively dry eyes coupled with a feeling of slight pressure within, worsening, yet fluctuating and sporadic feelings of shear physical exhaustion, lower back pain while sleeping, tingling and actual numbness in both arms during (attempted) sleeping, regular wakings during the night, chills, noticable one-sided breast tenderness, very spontaneous mild to moderate bouts of nausea, (with or without provocation [food]), recurring mid-day mild headaches, a very bizaare mild to moderate feeling of strangulation, (feels as though a rubber band is around my thyroid and is tightened just a bit every now and then), marked alcohol intolerance, and lastly, a slight speech interference type phenomenon; not to mention what I believe to be consequential depression and exacerbated stress due to the preceeding list of horrid ailments. So, as you can imagine, with such strange symptoms, and a completely acute onset of all of them, I have become, over a one week period, just a tad bit more inclined toward an entirely unreasonable, overly-emotional, psychotic, paranoid, (probably scary), unpredictable, and generally miserable to accompany, zombie-ish like person, than I was just previously 
I have googled, and now researched rather extensively every gland in the homo sapien that has information available for free on the world-wide web; I have dusted off the old medical dictionary and have been feverishly looking up medical jargon that I either don’t know or have long since forgotten. I still feel so insanely exhasted that I lose track of mental objectives very quickly. My most constant symptoms are severe fatique, dry eyes, and a mental fogginess, which really aren’t synonymous with what I been reading about Depo withdrawal, but I do think that I might be having delayed premenopausal hormonal activity. (I forgot to say - btw, I am 34 years old.) I have just given blood for 2 panels: thyroid and adrenal cortisol am and pm. I have started a journal log. I have started taking iron, and reinstated daily supplements of D3 w/ iodine. All of these things I’ve done for a minimum of 6 days now, with no conclusive, nor definitive results. I suppose that I have rambled on now to make this intended short story quite long for all to read. I offer my sincere apologies to you. Please let me conclude with this – may God bless us all for reaching out to one another with our woes. I was inspired to write this short script to detail my own mess only because I was so touched to have found other’s stories of similar circumstances; women kind enough to take the time to try to help one another. I also wanted to post to be one in the many voices to express outrage about the undeniable fact that this drug carries with it a most powerful consequence to wreck havok upon the female human body. I sincerely have no doubt that some, if not most, of these withdrawal symptoms were very much realized by clinicians during or just post trial treatments. This drug has been around for far too long for these effects to be “unknown” to the medical profession. Perhaps together, as we keep speaking about our own experiences to each other and those who will listen, changes can come about on this matter so that some may be spared such sickness and sadness. As for me, I will have yet more blood drawn tomorrow for a full spectrum hormone panel, as well as an overall health screening. After I have the blood drawn, I plan to schedule another Depo Provera injection. That will tell me with certainty if my debilitating symptoms are directly related to withdrawal from this medication or not. My greatest hope is that they are, so as to not be something life-threatening. If I am right, then I will have a female hormone panel calculation at 5 months removed from medication. This should tell me a lot. I will take it to an endocrinologist, preferably one with some side specialty of, or interest in gynecology. I will post back when and if I muster something of substance which might make for use in casual conversation or that of a more profound nature. My prayers go out to all who are suffering, those who have, and those who will. Thank you for posting your stories. I hope that mine will perhaps help someone, too. Please keep your faith, stay strong, and keep this story going by sharing your experiences.
i am of the injection the 24 of april 2013. i only took one shot in january i dont return because for the first thre week no bleeding then up until now bleeding and nausea and a little cramps or the only side effect . i stop because i hatew to bleed when willl i become normal
the main reason i take the shot is because i heard you will gain wait and i wants to gain wait because am 22 weighing 95pound. now i ave no problem eing period but it getting annoying now AM Bbleeding too long not knowing when thiswill stop am also considering going to the doctor if it dont stop in two eeks cause am off can anyone tell me when it will stop so sick of it
I was supposed to take my last depo in december. But my husband and I wanted a baby so I did not take the shot. Its almost 6 months now and last couple of weeks I am expierence that my breast is getting bigger and extreme tenderness as well as my nipples and its getting browner. I am light skin. My periods is back. But only for 4 days. Its so frastrating because it seems so hard for me to get pregnant. I was on the depo for 6 years. I will never take the depo ever again.
My last shot was in Feb. 2013. Had been on it since 1995, so 18 years. Never had a period on it, just slight bleeding near when I was due again. No plans for children and my husband finally had a vasectomy in December 2012. The shot didn’t seem to be working as well, some issues the last year or so, doctors said it was because I was getting older. So, with no plans for children, the vascectomy and quitting birth control for my health seemed like the best thing to do. Am having irregular bleeding, but I think that comes with the territory. We’ll see how it goes. Am hoping it helps me loose more weight. I lost 65 lbs recently while still on the shot, so fingers are crossed. I am assuming I will have some issues, considering I have been on it so long. Have been really tired lately, but that could be for so many other reasons. I always had regular, no issue periods as a teenager, so I am hoping my body recovers easilly, but I think it will take some time considering.
My wife used injections for family planning for seven months a go, and now she keep on bleeding every day. I’m in refugees camp in Kenya. your help on which types of medicine can I use so that the blood may stop. regard.
im 17 and have been on the depo for a year, the first 2 were fine, but recently, ive been getting nausea, bloating, migranes (worse than before as had them since young) ive been getting so amny symptoms its putting me out of college, im worried to come off of it because if these are withdrawl symptoms, im already getting them, I don’t know what toi do! :s
Commenters to this post may find of value an article I wrote for re:Cycling, the blog of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. It is an interview with endocrinologist Dr. Jerilynn Prior from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. She runs the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research.
This article explains the effects of Depo-Provera both while using the drug, and after stopping the drug. It offers explanations to the adverse effects many women are experiencing and suggestions to help restore menstrual cycle balance post-Depo.
Here’s the link:
http://menstruationresearch.org/2013/04/11/stopping-depo-provera-why-and-what-to-do-about-adverse-experiences/
My wife used depo because of PCO-syndrome, no side effects yet.
I ve decided 2 get off depo after 10 years on n off. Am 32 now. Having all the same symptoms, very angry at health care providers that dont tell u this upfront. I almost felt like going back on it to reduce the severe symptons. Breast cups went up 2 sizes in one 1 week even wow.They seem to try to push it more when I am back I dont understand why. Yes depo was great for me while i was on it noo problems as bc pills gave me nausea.. but now i do see how bad the effects. I ve noticed my bones n joints crackd alot make those noises but now that ive quit thats all gone. Am goin in to a bone density test soon. Depo is certainly evil, would nver recomend to anyone.
I was on the depo injection for nearly 3 years. I have been off of it for 4 months now. I have had extreme breast and nipple tenderness and swelling, nausea. And I am unsure if it is related but I have gained 10 pounds. My period still has not come back yet. If you are considering taking the injection, I will warn you not to. This really messes up your body.
Hi, I was on depo for 4 years, and I recently been off of it for 3 months now reasons for coming off of it was serious weight gain and my metabolism just dropped altogether. Now, since being off of it I have been experiencing mood changes, fatigue, nauseous, abdominal pain. Now the thing that bugs me is every morning I would have a white heavy discharge, no scent or nothing clear sometimes very elastic in feeling. Oh and I also feel very tired all the time. So give me about 3 more months and I’ll see how it goes.
I was on the depo shot for 9 months I chose not to get my next injection due to constant spotting during my last shot as soon as it ended and I was due to take my next shot the spotting stopped all together I’ve been off it now for 2 months and still haven’t gotten my period yet my breast are extremely painful and have been for the last month I would not suggest the depo shot to anyone!!!
i have been on depo since i was 13yr and just came off recently. now 20. been off for a month and havnt had side effects yet. though increasing in back pain and tiredness. increased in weight gain even though life style hasnt changed overly. when i started on depo, i had acne increase and gained 10kg. (becoming 60kg) since then till now i had slight weight changes of only 2-3kg diffrence. since ive comeoff ive gained 5kg already and loss in muscel tone ( naturally have muscle). ive always had a strong bone structure and hardly if no pain or any sort. do have worries about when i can be fertial due to duration of depo, as i started 1yr after first period.
* i am also sensitve to estro drugs. and depo was only controceptive that worked for me. sopt bleeding for first 3 months and no bleeding after then. when i was due for nxt jab id hav bleeding also
I am currently on the Depo injection and I have been having really bad side effects, my back has been hurting for the past month none stop, my body keeps playing up (Belly has gone hard for some unknown reason, I’m not pregnant I took a test), I can’t sleep because of the pain, I get really bad sharp pains in my head and it feels like someone is stabbing me all the time, I want to find a way to stop it, has anyone got any ideas?
when I first got on the depo provera shot I was 16 yrs old and had just an abortion 2 months before. every since I got on the shot I haven’t had a period and its been 4 years that I’ve been on the shot. I wasn’t on time for every single shot sometimes I was months late or weeks late but I never gotten pregnant. throughout this time I’ve experienced spotting and bleeding during intercourse. The only time it seem as though I would have a period is if im having intercourse and when we’re done the bleeding stops.so of course this started to bother me so I went back to my doctor and he prescribed progesterone to regulate my hormones so I took them and the bleeding still occurred but later stopped after 2 weeks .this happened 2 times to me within 2 different years. My breast are always sore also. But I’ve been off the shot since October 2012 and I think im having withdrawal symptoms june 21st I started to have really severe cramps ,I would shout everytime I feel a cramp because it hurt that bad this happened from the 21st -27th (7days).I thought it was my menstrual trying to come down but I never seen any blood. On the 28 the cramps were so severe so I wanted to go sit on the toilet ,I checked my panties and found a quarter size of blood.So I later used a tampon and blood was on the top half only, same thing as today ,im hoping its my period and not spotting ,but the blood is red and usually when I spot its a reddish brownish color so im hoping my body is back to normal
I have been off my injection for 6months an have now been bleeding heavy for four weeks feeling tiered, tearful, back leg an neck ache! Headaches the list is endless NEVER agai will i have this form of contraception!!!!
I had a Depo shot when I was in my teens, I suffered depression while on it but was unsure if it had been that or cannabis use. I’m now 32 and have decided to try again and no longer smoke cannabis.
The first few weeks were fine and then I started to have dark blood which has slowly become a lighter color its more than a little spotting seems to get lighter and come back. I have shooting pains in my head which I usually get before I have a period, now they are happening more frequently . I have a dull headache and my sleeping patterns are messy, slight confusion, mood swings feeling low especially in the morning. My stomach feels bloated and I crave food more, especially sugar. I haven’t been on it more than a month yet and already know that I wont be getting it again.
I feel rubbish but I’m coping with the low feelings well so back on the mini pill in September.
I’m 19,took the shot twice and stop because of the side effect… I would bleed for more than a month and have non stop spotting, I was scared I’d become infertile, I also had uncomfortable lower abdominal pain and chest pains and had no sex drive. Acne was huge problem, ever since I’ve stopped I’ve been having chest pains but the acne has stopped, I’m constantly moody which makes me seem like I have bi-polar because I’d be fine one moment and moody the next, my periods have normalized yet, I don’t recommend this contraceptive..it great at preventing unwanted pregancies but messes up you hormones
I’ve been off the depo for about 2 months now. I have been having really bad side effects such as nausea, no period, a lot of discharge, and my anxiety seems to be calming down some. Some days I am fine, but then dome days I feel really bad with the nausea. I also have dome dizziness as well. I am assuming the shot is still in my system, and my body is trying to get use to not having all those hormones injected in my body. I cramp every now and then too as if I’m going to start my period. I haven’t had a period since being on the depo. I had 3 shots, and after getting the 3 injection that’s when my hell started! Now, I’m off I do see changes as far as no night sweats, no hot flashes, I am able to have a regular bowel movement, and sleep a lot better. Oh, since being off depo I seem to get tired a lot during the day like I have to take a nap!! I also get mild headaches, and I have weird dreams lol! I just want to make sure I list all my symptoms for another womanwho is going through what we all are going through! It isn’t a game! It’s scary and not a way to live. You have to buy or find things to ease pain and discomfort everyday gets old! Oh, also since being off the depo shot my hair on my legs or under arms doesn’t grow back as fast lol! I was getting a few chin hairs that I had to pluck, but now I don’t get any!
I was curios to know when you ladies got your period back? I thought I’d never say this, but I wish my period would start! LOL! At least I know that the depo is leaving my system! Ugh! Ladies, hang in there and everything will be alright!!! God Bless!
Oh, forgot lol that my face is very very oily all day everyday since being off the depo a long with some pimples on my face. I have to use bar soap and clearsil wipes in order for it to somewhat go away. Sometimes I feel hot off and on, but it isn’t an all day kind of thing. I just noticed my temperature off and on. Also some foods don’t agree with me, or I will get an upset stomach. It’s been horrible since this depo shot. I learned a lesson. I will not get on this shot ever again.
If any of you ladies want to talk y’all can email mez_officer4053 at yahoo dot com
Sorry mz_officer4053 at yahoo dot com
Hello ladies. I have used the shot for the last 4 years and I had no idea that everyone else struggled with the same symptoms as me or that it was even related to birth control. I have decided to stop depo and received my last shot April 2013. My biggest concern has been weight gain… I was 5’6″. 125 and I am currently 160. I am stopping in hopes I can drop the weight gained from the shot. I am in the military so I work out 5 days a weeks mostly cardio and I have scrolled through quite a bit and I am looking for advice opinions stories anything related to your wieght after stopping depo. I have been ALL over the Internet and have not found any solid answer so I am hoping you all can give me your stories. I have noticed my sex drive is back and I am little moody sore breasts a lot of discharge and soreness in my back and neck. In addition I have also noticed I feel less bloated and my appetite isn’t nearly as bad as I was these past few months. I was always hungry and even when I was packed full of food and probably couldn’t fit another bite I was STILL hungry. That is gone now and I eat half the amount and less frequently as I was before. Anyone have any information to help me? I feel a little low in motivation and hope for this weight issue.
ALEXIS- I really didn’t gain any weight on the shot because I was always nauseated, haha. When I did have an appetite I craved all kinds of stuff and a lot junk food. Now, that I am off the shot for 2 months now my appetite picked up and I felt as if I was gaining weight, so I started working out and eating healthy. In lost a lot of weight. I eat a lot of foods with protein because protein burns fat and etc. I also drink protein shakes 30 mins before a workout. Exercise worked for me I was 220 back in May of 2013 and I’m not 155lbs. The 2 months I been off the shot I started my diet back and lost 10 plus pounds that set me to 155. It was hard because all I wanted to eat was junk food. When I go to the store I get a lot of fruit, chicken, veggies, eggs and tuna. Honestly, now my appetite comes and goes especially when I get nauseated. Hang in there Alexis. Email me if ya have any questions [email protected]
I had my first depo in February and my 2nd in april and have bled more days than not. I did not go back for my next one due July 11th. I have been experiencing severe bleeding and clotting for 8 days. I have become weak lightheaded and my heart races every time I stand up. I went to the dr on day 6 and told this is normal and she talked me into mirena but said to expect at least 3 more weeks of heavy bleeding. I knew I couldn’t physically take 3 more weeks. Upon hours of research I found that taking 800mg 3 times a day of ibuprofen would slow the bleeding. I tried this today and am shocked that my bleeding has decreased by probably 75% and no clotting at all after just a couple of hours. I wish someone had told me this before I got to the point of feeling like I couldn’t get out of bed! I will never suggest depo to anyone!
Ladies, my final injection was nearly nine months ago. I haven’t suffered any side effects or withdrawal symptoms other than not having had a period yet. How long should I leave it before making an appointment to see my doctor?
I just wanted to pop back here and make sure I listed all my symptoms I been having since getting OFF depo. I been off for almost 3 months. I did get my period back July 24, so I did not have to wait too long for that. It was not heavy. I only seen blood when I used the bathroom and wiped. It wasn’t a lot of blood to leak on a pad. The symptoms I’ve been having is HORRIBLE nausea off and on throughout the day and sometimes seems bad at night or seems bad in the mornings (weird), very oily skin like my face around my nose and forehead, hard to fall asleep (sometimes it’s hard to fall asleep because I’m so nauseated), mood swings (yelling at my kid over simple things which I never done before) just being rude not caring what I say to people, acne (pimples that hurt bad), I had a lot of weird discharge before my period came (I still get it off and now even though my period stopped), I gave floaters I see a lot which are annoying, some diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dizziness. I sometimes feel as though something is truly wrong with me because I’ve never been through none of this until getting that depo shot and coming off it. It’s really scary! I have no aches or pains… Honestly, I can handle everything else, but I cannot deal with this horrible nausea!!! It really sucks because I cannot do anything anymore. Does any other woman coming off the depo have horrible nausea?
Email me [email protected]
Hi again,
Wanted to pop in again and say how things have been going. It is a few weeks past the 3 month mark of my last shot and I am feeling better in some aspects and worse in others. Keep in mind to those seeking weight loss help I have been working out 2x a day now and calorie counting. Eating lots of fruits veggies and high protein food and drinking strictly water. No soda or sugary juices not even Gatorade after workout. I occasionally will have a low cal protein shake after a tough cardio morning session but even then I consider that a treat! It sucks at times but it is so worth it i feel a lot better. I just think is ten minutes eating a juicy burger and enjoying it with guilt afterward worth it or are the results I’m going to have in a few months of hard work and loving my body worth it? Also while it may or may not be true I feel like excersise is helping remove the bad depo from my body. I was on for about 3 years total.
The good:
- sex drive is back
- feel lighter have lost 1.5 lbs
- had dark brown spotting for 8 days when I was due for my shot and now a few weeks later have gotten a regular period it seems not heavy bleeding but normal red color.
- hair feels softer not sure if related to this
The Bad:
- my boobs are SORE! Running is hard even with a heavy duty bra
- servere cramping for about a week when I had the initial dark brown bleeding
- discharge has almost stopped occasionally It shows up not like it was initially
- snappy attitude at times but never lasts long
If anyone has question or just needs to talk please email me.
[email protected]
I am 25 years old and i’m using depo for almst 1 and half years…my husband is in abroad now so I stop taking injections..my problem is I’m bleeding to much after i stop depo..like every other week and it is too heavy..i dont feel anything wrong in my body no pain..but my concerned is i bled a lot every other week..is it normal
Hi there, I was put on depo when I was 17 by my doctor due to heavy bleeding and cutting costs for university I am now 25. I am getting married in October this year and am due for my next injection on the 25th of October this year and I was planning on not getting it as we were hoping to have childeren in the next couple of years (as it can take up to 2 years). I have been taking it the whole time with no breaks because I was told by my family doctor (who I have seen since birth) that there weren’t any serious side effects, and I trusted his advise. The only thing he said could happen is weight gain, which was fine its takes a long time to lose even with a diet plan but I did not know about the bone density or other side effects until I started researching how long it could take to concieve. So thank you very much for taking the time to blog your experiences so now I have somewhere to look if I come off the injection and feel any of the side effects that have been outlined and know that I am not alone. Thanks
I was on the Depo shot for a year and a half before I actually missed my scheduled injection back in March of this year. This wasn’t the first time I have had to restart my injections because I’ve missed an appointment for my shot. The first time, my period returned fairly quickly and I suffered a mild depressive phase. (I was only on it for three months at this point)
Sadly, within the past month I’ve been experiencing painful headaches, I can’t sleep even when I’ve worked a long day of work, extreme anxiety, and most recently a bumpy rash covering my stomach, breasts, shoulders, and back. My first assumption was that I was pregnant since I was experiencing a lot of the symptoms doctors would conclude to pregnancy. But that seemed so far fetched to me because I’m always very careful, and use contraceptives every time. I’ve taken 3 store bought pregnancy tests, all came back negative.
I’m still not 100% sure the Depo shot is this cause to all of my symptoms but after reading on it, and everyone else’s experience, this is the only logical self diagnosis I can come up with. If the shot is the cause, my advice would be to get off this as soon as possible, in my case, it is causing a lot of physical and emotional issues in my life with myself and others.
My post is above ^
If you want and/or need any more info or have any questions, email me at: [email protected]
I have been on Depo for 2 1/2 years and a month before my most recent shot i started bleeding everyday, have serious cramps, feeling weak and nauseous so i decided not to go for the shot and it has been 3 months now since i’m bleeding and i don’t know what to do it’s really starting to frustrate me i need some advice.
I am very glad that I came to this site needless to say I agree with a lot of what I just read I have been off of depo for about 8 months I was on it for 3 yrs and decide to quit after getting one of the worst headaches of my life while alone at work I was terrified thinking of the worst because I had regular headaches on depo but not like this one I have been suffering with terrible nausua, fast weight loss, dizzy spells, bad cramps in my lower abs and feeling extra tired but can’t sleep.I also have been so irritable and easy to cry. This is driving me insane I went to the dr. Recently only to leave with out answers these dr.’s don’t want to take the time to listen and check thoroughly on women these days and that really set me off I was in tears in my car at the dr.’s office feeling alone. These articles helped me more then anything or any dr did. The depo stopped my periods immediately when i got my first shot and i still haven’t seen my period yet. This is baffling to me. Thank u brave ladies who told your story I feel a lot better just knowing I’m not alone in this struggle I’m am still nausea and tired to this day but I’m going to try and eat right, exersize and keep pushing I just hope this goes away soon. God Bless.:-)
I thought I might have already left a comment.. I’m leaving them on every forum I can find. Withdrawal symptoms hit one month past the due date for the next shot. The worst part is, I was on depo for 9yrs and in all that time I had all sorts of health problems. Doctors never made the connection and so neither did I. It wasn’t until recently that I could make the connection.. after eliminating every possibility and depo being the only common denominator. My problems are far too many to list. But from other reading I have done, it is clear to me that depo killed my gallbladder. This was 2-3 yrs in using depo. Basically my body hates me, as multiple systems have gone awry. And now since stopping, a whole other set of symptoms have flattened me. Looking back, it all makes sense. Even my doctors were starting to become baffled at all my symptoms- because they crossed a variety of systems.. and it makes sense that depo f*ed up my entire body. I majorly overhauled my health and the depo shot was the last thing to go, my last step to purifying my body. That’s how I was able to make the connection finally. So on top of things like major digestive problems, trouble sleeping, thinning and dry hair, constant bloating, acid reflux, malnutrition, wicked dry skin, fatigue.. stopping depo has added depression, anxiety, itchiness, no sex drive, bad cramping, really bad bloating, food cravings, severe mood swings, headaches, nausea, dry heaves, hot flashes… I feel like I am losing my fricking mind.
When is enough enough? How is this stuff still on the market and how have they not done more research on this poison? I do have faith my body will heal but I have to wonder how much of myself and my mind I am going to lose before that happens. GRRR.. this stuff is evil!!!!
So, I have been off of Depo-Provera for about 7 months and have gotten my period regularly. My only complaint is that my breasts are killing me. I can’t lay on my stomach and the pain only stops when I am menstruating. They have also grown a full size since I have been off of it.
I was on depo for about 8 years with none of the side effects that I had heard about, I wasn’t moody, I lost weight, no periods or spotting. I was always worried about long term side effects since it was a relatively new drug at the time and asked my doctor/nurses just about every shot about the long term effects, always to be reassured it was perfectly safe. I started doing my own research and learned the truth about the effects of Depo. (I know, I should have done my own research earlier on, but I only recently learned that you can’t blindly trust the advice of doctors) I have been off Depo for about 1.5 months and just started getting some pretty severe symptoms. It started with fatigue and increased sleeping problems ranging from insomnia to the inability to stay asleep, then progressed to extreme moodiness, anxiety and depression. In the last week it has gotten so bad that I break out into sobbing fits for no reason that last for hours at a time. (before this week, I have never really been a very emotional person and hardly ever cried) I have also gained about 12 pounds in the last month (despite a very clean diet) and have had pretty much constant breast pain. I have also been getting muscle spasms in my upper rib area/lower chest which I was told was from dehydration/low electrolytes, which I am not sure is related or just circumstance that it happened the same time I started experiencing the other symptoms. While there is some responsibility on the consumer, we are taught to trust in the doctors we hire to give us all the facts regarding what we take, unfortunately not everyone knows to question everything and do your own research. Now that my tangent is over…. (haha) Does anyone know how long to expect these symptoms and if anything will help alleviate them? I am glad that I found this forum as I was starting to think that I was going crazy!!
I posted on here earlier this year and just wanted to give an update. I took ONE shot last year in Aug. 2012 and I was due for another shot Nov.2012. While on the shot I hade night sweats, couldn’t sleep, uneasy feeling, tingling in my hands, anxiety attacks, period last the whole time on the shot, spotting, bacteria infection maybe from all the spotting. Brown discharge awful smell. Once the shot went out around Thanksgiving of 2012 I had the worst stomach ache and loose bowel movement I thought it was from the devil eggs I stuffed my face with. Little did I know that’s when my life would go down hill. After that I had so many stomach problems. Acid reflux, lost 15 pounds and I’m already a small women. I have weird stomach pains and I don’t eat like I use to at all. Some days I’m hungry other days I’m not. I went back and forth to the ER so many times for dehydration and feeling weak. I had the shakes and the whole situation was so scary. I had depression to the point where I couldn’t even get out the bed. I had nightmares bad feelings of not wanting to live anymore. I was going crazy. All this from only one shot. Aug.2013 made a whole year since I took the one shot and I can say things have gotten better but I still have stomach problems at times. I can say my period have returned right away but they don’t come the same time every month. Before my period Im a crying mess and after my period Im a mess. I basically cry all the time. I have come a long way and the only thing that has helped me is PRAYER and time. This shot will really take a toll on your body maybe not while your on it but coming off of this drug will really mess your body up. I pray for everyone who has had trouble with this shot. If anyone has questions or wants to share their story with me my email is [email protected]. God bless
Hi im just wonder when do your bodys become completely back to normal? I have gad the woest side afdect anyone could have coming off the depo that started in june and its now almost oct.I just want to be back to normal !!!!! And I only took one shot !?
I started taking depo when i was only 17 years old because my doctor told me that it would just stop my periods all together because i was irregular and they would just come when they wanted to… I only took 2 shots of the depo and didnt go for my 3rd so a couple weeks after the due date for my next needle i was in a crazy amount of pain, i felt like i was going to be sick (but luckly didnt) and i had to go to the hospital to see what was wrong with me and the doctor told me that my body was fighting to make me have a period….. I extremely regret taking the depo, it really messes up your reproductive system and should NOT be on the market. My fiance and i are trying for a baby and its so hard.. So if you think you want children within the next year or so after taking it DONT because the more you try the more depressed you will get..
I was on depo for 10 years starting when I was 16. Thinking of the future, and health I decided to stop depo (and not go on any other type if birth control. I got my last shot October 2012. One year later I have yet to get my period and have gone through terrible withdrawal. For the first 3 months (after the October 3 month shot ran out), I started experiencing terrible nausea which lasted about 3 months. In addition my breasts were extremely tender. After that, and since, I have experienced acne, bacne and my skin has seemed to age. When I went to my doctor about the nausea they said it was due to the spikes of hormones in my body that was causing it. They also mentioned that since my body was reacting to going off BC this way that I can expect to have morning sickness when I get pregnant.
To summarize: no period to date, extreme nausea, all sorts of skin eruptions.
I was on the depo shot for almost two years and I never planned on stop taking it any time soon cause I’m only 17 and I didn’t want to get pregnant and this birth control did prevent pregnancy for me obviously. The first few months was just a non stop period, so I asked my doctor and they said it was normal so I thought okay whatever. So the periods finally stopped and then I didn’t have one again since then for being on it the two years. I did have side effects in the time that I was on it like being so moody and emotional about things I would have never cried about. Like people thought I was so ridiculous and a drama queen cause of the things I would cry about. But since I’ve stopped taken it about a month a half ago, I have had one period which came about a week after I was supposed to get my shot. Since then I have had unprotected sex, yeah call me stupid whatever you want to, but the side effects I’ve been having have led me to believe that I was pregnant. So I searched the internet and I came across this website and you ladies are having the same side effects I am since getting off of it. My boobs are so tender and sore. I have had a continuous headache. I feel nauseous, but mostly at night. I’m dizzy a lot and have had stomach pains that I’ve never had before in my life. I’m still not certain that I am pregnant or not but reading your comments has given me hope that I may not be, it might just be the side effects of this shot! I don’t want a baby right now and this shot worked very well to prevent that, but I don’t think I will be getting back on this shot.
I started depo January this year and loved it at first, the only side effect I noticed during the first shot was being really bloated constantly but thought I could put up with that, at that point I loved not having a period and being protected from getting pregnant. I had another shot and was fine. The problems started as soon as I got my third shot in June, I suddenly started getting really bad anxiety attacks, heart palpitations and chest pains, I felt extremely exhausted to the point I couldn’t move off the sofa at times (which is no good as I have 2 young children), I felt really weak, jittery, depressed, no sex drive and vaginally dryness (sorry TMI!). I spoke to my doctor, had an ECG because of chest pains and all came back ok so I spoke to my doctor to ask if all this could be from the depo and she said it very well could be! I am disgusted that doctors don’t tell you all the side effects when going on this drug. It has turned me into a complete nervous wreck and a complete different person. I was due another shot end of September but decided not to have it. I was ok for a few weeks, symptoms seem to calm down a little but over the last week all the above symptoms are back with full force! I’m guessing this is the withdrawal bit, it’s horrendous. I am having really bad anxiety, panic attacks, chest pains and extreme exhaustion. I can safely say I would NEVER get this shot again, I cannot wait for it to be completely out of my system, I want to feel normal again
I am 23 and have been on the Noristerat for almost ten years. My fiance and I want to start our own family, so i was wondering if i can get advise on how do i stop injecting myself and what are the side effects of stopping the injection. also i would like to know how long will it take me to fall pregnant after i stop injecting myself with Noristerat?
I’m back just to keep it up to date… I had 3 shots. My last was givin in Feb. May 3 was my last day to go in and get the 4th one. I didn’t go. I’ve been off for 6 months and still feel horrible with really bad anxiety, hot flashes, nausea, pimple outbreaks, insomnia, aches and pains, weight loss, an appetite that comes and goes, sore breast off and on my period, brown spotting bedore period is about to start, and when my period stops flowing I still get blood spotting for a few days. I have never had all this happen until the depo shot. Inalso started to feel this weird burning sensation in my right foot under my skin. I’ve never experienced that… of course i googled and read it could be diabtetes. Ugh… i have to stop googling. Has anyone else experienced that? If you need to talk please feel free to email me any time: [email protected]
Ok I was on depo for about a year and I been off it for over a year I haven’t hardly had any periods still I recently had one period and it didn’t last long at all but now I’m in so much pain in my left side lower back after I urinate it feels tingly I has very sore breast and been cranky and sleeping a lot I took a home pregnancy test and it was negative can somebody give me insight on this email me back at [email protected] please
I was on depo for 6 months and was sick and tired of spotting EVERY DAY! I stopped getting the shot; my last shot was due at the beginning of this month, but I did not go. I am menstruating already and I am happy to know that I’ll have my period again. That may sound crazy, but it beats spotting and wearing a panty liner EVERY DAY!
I have done 2 rounds of depo. The first when pills stopped working for me when I was 16 until I had a Dr. gung-ho against it about 3-4 years later. At that time there weren’t support groups and articles about Depo like there are now. Nor was a I warned of side effects going off of it. I didn’t think I had side effects on or off of it until this last time. After the first round I tried every pill/patch imaginable and was nauseous 24/7, constant headaches, no sex drive and down right miserable. I thought (and Dr. agreed) that all the pills must not agree with me. I settled for the NuvaRing, which has its own set of issues, but it worked ok other than falling out all the time. That’s also when my periods were ‘normal’ again. I have been on bc since having my first period due to the irregularity, heaviness and intense pain so I’ll admit I don’t know what ‘normal’ is. After not being able to deal with taking motrin like candy, I went back to depo since it was the only thing I knew of that made life bearable for me. About 4 months ago I decided to go off again. I’d like to plan a family for 2015, and after reading the horror stories I realized a few things: 1)If I want to have a child I need to plan this out minimum of 18 months out 2)all those pills weren’t the issue with making me sick, it was withdraw 3) another big factor of wanting to go off are my migraines which I’ve only had when on depo getting worse and requiring their own medication and the crazy amount of weight gain (50+ lbs) I’ve had both times being on depo but not on other bc. Since I’ve done my research I feel like I was better prepared this time. I started taking a multivitamin, additional vitamin D (for calcium absorption and mood swings), Omega 3 vitamin (don’t remember why but I read it helped) all before I stopped the shot. I am still on my tricyclic medicine for migraines which helps for preventing that but I still have a daily headache with no breaks. I started going to the gym which I also read helps (and won’t hurt to help get rid of this extra 50 lbs.). I have had some break through cramping that was excruciating but nothing ibuprofen, a nap, and heating pads didn’t fix after a few hours (not ideal but now I have ibuprofen everywhere just in case plus omeperazle to counteract the erosion of stomach and esophagus lining - learned that from a GI Dr last year when I got deathly ill). I’ve had intense breast/nipple tenderness (like wearing a t-shirt/bra/anything hurt) but I followed some online advice and found Progesterone Cream at the local GNC in the menopause section, and that has helped immensely (rub a small amount on each breast before bed has been the regimen but only as needed since your body needs to make its own progesterone). August 23rd should have been my last shot, but I didn’t go. So it’s been about 6 months and no period or even spotting yet, just annoying discharge, occasional cramping, occasional nausea, and the daily headaches. All in all considering what happened last time, this is much better and I think it’s because I was prepared. Hope this information helps someone else get through this ordeal, I know if I had realized that I had gone through depo withdraw the first time I would have not gone back.
I had my first injection on Xmas Eve last year due to coming off the coil and experiencing ridiculous periods and clutching at straws before the holiday commenced and I jetted off to America through to January. Immediately after the injection my periods began to ease, then halt and I decided to continue with the Depo. However, around June (a few days after my 3rd injection) I began to feel terribly nauseous, dizzy, bloated, anxious and overall: unwell. I proceeded to take many trips to my GP where I was tested for a range of illnesses. It finally dawned on myself and my GP around a week before my 4th injection was due that this may have been the problem all along. I then didn’t receive my 4th injection (due 7 November 2013) and my nausea seemed to ease slightly each day(with the help of daily Evening Primrose Oil). I still have my off days but I feel nowhere near as bad (up to now) as I did during the injection. Today I experienced some brown discharge and I am hoping this is the start of my periods and the end to this hellish year due to the Depo. I have been known to react badly to certain contraceptive methods throughout the years but this is by far the worst. Although I experienced heavy discharge with the Mirena, it was by far the best method. Do not rush into the Depo without researching.
All these comments are really scaring me! I’m 52 years old and have been on the depo shot for 3 years. My doctor wants me to stop it, which I plan to and not get another injection at the end of this month. The doctors want to see if I return to normal or if I am menopausal since they can’t tell that while on the shots. I am hoping 2014 will be a good year, and I don’t have all these symptoms you are all describing here. To be continued ….
I was on the depo shot for about 9 months- 3 injections, but due for my fourth at the time of the government shutdown this year. I was unable to get it on time and as I am no longer sexually active, I let it slide. I’ve been off for two months now, and my breasts have gone up a size in the past two weeks. They hurt so much I can hardly move. I was small chested to begin with, so I was happy about the size change, thinking I was gaining weight in all the right places, but now I just don’t want to move. I can’t enjoy my day, I can’t run with my daughter, I can’t get comfortable, I can’t even sleep on them, they hurt!
I was on the depo for about 2 years, starting around 2006-2008. No problems, absolutely loved it! I went back on depo Feb 2011, loved it again. However, my last 3 injections have been making me feel sick to my stomach, I’ve had several panic attacks/anxiety attacks which brought me to emerg, and now, after never having bled anymore than some mild spotting from time to time, I have had my period with horrible cramps for about 5 days, stopped for 4, and now going on 6 days again!! I called the health unit, and the nurse said this doesn’t seem normal considering I’ve been on depo for over 2 years now, and I’ve never had any problems. I will not be getting my next shot due in feb. I’m mad at myself for just getting my last shot November 25… I wish I hadn’t so I could start the detox process!!!!
I was on the depo shot for 2 years. In that 2 years i never had my period. Immediately after stopping I had it once but 6 months later have not had it again. It worries me but all i can do about it is wait. I felt nauseated for about 2 weeks after stopping the shot but that was it
My boobs got a little bigger when i got off the shot but i don’t see that as a bad side effect
I am so glad i found this website i have been on the deposited foe the last 6 years. I have had 2 breaks in the past year but stopped completely in august of this year. Since i stopped i have had terrile side effects breast pain , headaches , dizzyness ,depression ,feeling like i have some pressure behind my eyes , feeling weak and like i going to just collapse ,lack of concentration ,not being able to sleep , irritable , numbness and tingling in my arms legs and face ,not feeling like myself its not nice nor to mention the anxi ety and panic attacks which i did not have before starting on this. We should have all been warned that there were possible side effects. I feel like my last year has been took from me as i am only 23 and want to enjoy life. Thankfully the symptoms do fade a year off and Im getting better still get symptoms but not as bad or i have just learnt to live with them. Hope this helps and thank you everyone i thought i was going crazy hope you all feel better soon xx
Regarding last message sorry for the spelling typing to quick got the date wrong finished depo in June this year and have also had a spur in my appetite eating more but losing weight thankfully my periods started after 3 months but really light wish i had never had this injection seem like the right thing to have as i was only 17 at the time as i said in my previous message i have been to the gp loads if time but i feel like there not taking me serious it just seems like they pushing me to one side anyway enough of my moaning for one night like i said hope this helps and sorry for going on xx
I stated depo in on June 2011 I didn’t for my 3rd or 4thshot that was in February 2012. so been off it for 21 months I have so problems with my boobs and swilling in hand and feet. does anyone have problems with hands and feet ? happy am not the only one with having problems with my boobs. one more thing tying to have a baby and heard I can make you can not have a child and on some studies it can take up to 31 months to have a child. Can someone please help me put some light on some things
I have been on Depo for wow (after doing the math) for almost 8 years with the exception of the duration of my pregnancy (which I got pregnant while on the depo) lol. Didn’t really notice any side effects after quitting the first time.. maybe becuase I was pregnant. But, after doing research I decided to give depo a little break this year. First thing first, right after I had my son, I did get pregnant again. And had a miscarriage. So, seems I am still fertile. Not sure that the miscarriage is related being that I did have a full term healthy pregnancy right before. BUt, I did stop in October of this year (my last shot was in July wearing off after 3 months). Immediatly after I did have about 4-5 weeks of bleeding and spotting. Havn’t bled again yet. Not a drop.
Now after being off for only two months, I have severe severe pregnancy symptoms! I have tested myself atleast three times and I am NOT pregnant. Extreme breast tenderness and in nipples and swelling. Nausea, stomach cramps, the works. Definatly weight gain. Which is strange because I heard it is supposed to make you gain weight while taking it, but I only gained weight after stopping it. I was always a skinny minnie (ranging 112-120, 135 at top pregnancy weight) but I have gained excessive weight in the two small months I have been off. (Now ranging 140-147, gaining almost 20 pounds after my normal 120 weight after pregnancy) which I have NEVER been in my life, not that I mind the extra weight.
Most weight in my stomach and sides which makes me look pregnant! I have been asked on multiple occasions if I am pregnant by both people I know and strangers. Ughhh. Only thing I did not notice like many others have mentioned above is any hormonal side effects. (Luckily)
Glad to know I am not alone in experiencing these post-side effects. After another negative pregnancy test, I decided to research the side effects after stopping depo. Like most stories I have read, unfortunatly my GYN had no real answers and in agreeance with most stories above, it is sad that Medical Doctors are dishing out these meds with no real knowledge of the drug and its effects.
Also, from reading for almost an hour, amazed that so many women are having the same side effects. One thing I did pick up… it seems so many women have started and stopped the depo before, but only recently are women reporting such side effects such as breast tenderness and mood wings…. I’m thinking mybe they changed something in the depo recently?
Ok ok forgot to mention once more thing…. while on depo, I did have extreme increased discharged, low sex drive and vaginal dryness. All resolving now that I am off!
Hello
I have been on depo for about 8 years. Never had any problems. Just recently before my next injection I developed such a sore breasts. Can’t even wear a bra.
Has anybody else experienced the same thing when being on injection.
Hiya, i was on the depo for a year. First went on it after having my son. Every time i went to have it renewed and i got weighed i had put weight on and it was getting me down so i decided to come off it. I had my last injection in August 2013 and was due my next one in November 2013 but missed it. Since coming off i have has light bleeding for pretty much 2 months but no “proper” period as of yet. My boobs went tender and i lactated for a day and my moods have been up and down from day to day with the occasional headache, not to mention my sexdrive is practically non exsistant, unfortunately for my husband.
I have been going through a roller coaster of emotions all day today. I shall start at the beginning. I started taking depo approximately 14 years ago. I have been on it continuously since then. Bled profusely for the first couple of months then no more periods…ever. Heaven sent as I had HORRIBLE periods from my very first one. Debilitating menstrual cramps, heavy periods that lasted 10-12 days every 2 weeks. When I finally saw a gynecologist about this, I had zero iron stores in my body due to the heavy periods. So, to combat the periods, cramps and anemia, my gyn put me on depo. I had never been so happy in my life. I could actually LIVE my life!
Things were great for years. And then things started happening that I had no clue were related to the depo. My anxiety went through the roof, mood swings, extra hair growth on my neck, chin and upper lip (like seriously full beard) and a weight gain of about 40 lbs in total.
Then, about 4 years ago, I started losing feeling in my left thumb and forefinger tips. I went to the doctor and she sent me for tests. Long story short, I now have lost feeling in most of my hand and up my arm. I have been to 3 family doctors, 3 neurologists, a neurosurgeon, gynecologists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, accupuncturists, Reiki masters and they have all come up with the same diagnosis…no idea. The neurologists say my nerve tests show ‘normal’. Yup, not feeling your fingers, hand and arm is definitely ‘normal’.
So, anyway, I was seeing a new gynecologist recently about another issue (who knows, maybe it is related to the depo as well) and she suggested I go off the depo and start using an IUD. IUDs scare the HELL out of me, but I thought I would just do a little internet research on them. Then, while I was at it, I did a little internet research on depo. I mean, I started taking it almost 14 years ago and not much was known back then and I thought, maybe I should look into it again. And, lo and behold, one of the side effects is numbness and tingling in the extremities, especially on one side of the body. What?! Seriously?! And not one of those health professionals I have seen over the past 4 years came across this? Now, don’t get me wrong, I know I could have done this research myself 4 years ago, but it honestly didn’t dawn on me that depo could be causing this. ANNNNND…I haven’t had 7 or more years of medical training!
So, now I’m wondering if this damage is reversible or permanent. Did I give up feeling in my left hand and arm in exchange for 14 years of being able to live my life period-free? I feel stupid for not making the connection sooner and angry that none of the health care providers I have seen for the past 4 years made the connection either.
My last injection was December 13 and it will definitely be my last injection ever. I’m crossing my fingers that at least some of the numbness goes away, but I’m not convinced it will. Maybe if someone had caught it at the beginning of the degeneration…who knows.
Then reading this forum and all your comments, I realize I have a difficult time ahead of me going off depo. I’m just so glad I found this forum and hope that things get better instead of worse. Thank you all for sharing your stories. It helps knowing I’m not alone.
The other issues, like the weight gain, moodiness, anxiety, weird periods, breast tenderness…and all of the other things mentioned in the above posts are all really secondary to the numbness to me. I mean, I hope to not have those issues, but if I could get back some of the feeling in my hand, I would feel incredibly grateful.
And to all the women I have praised depo to over the years, my deepest, deepest apologies. I just hope I have not contributed to anyone taking this drug and going through any of the horrible things it is capable of causing.
Good luck to you all and I wish you all the best in getting this awful drug out of your lives!
I was on Depo for 8 years, only side effect was weight gain. I stopped getting the injection and have been off now for about a month. I have had extremely painful breast and nipples, so bad some days i cant even wear a bra, swelling in my lower legs, and sharp pelvic pain. It has been absolutely awful. Im guessing its from stopping the depo. I havent read much about the lower leg swelling. Does anyone else suffer from this symptom?
I was on depo for a little over a year, I was due for another injection February 10 which I missed. Since I started depo in January 2013, I’ve gained 40 pounds, which has caused me to become VERY depressed, and over the course of the last 6 months I have completely lost my sex drive, but I give it up to my fiancé anyway. I have been off depo for exactly a week now, and today marks the 7th day in a row that I’ve had an awful migraine I can’t get rid of; I’m also extremely emotional. The past 2 days I’ve also acquired a nauseous symptom, I even vomited yesterday :/ I HATE depo. It is the worst thing ever.
I got depo twice after I had my youngest, when on it I had horrific period pains and migraines but no bleeding at all.
I came off it 18 months ago and I still have no period yet, I am hairy, can’t get weight off at all, hot flashes, no sex drive, thrush, nightmares, swelling and pain in hands and feet. Shakes when I wake up, sleeping problems, pain with sex, just want to cry all the time. Wish I had never got depo.
I had been on the shot for 1 year (4 shots). My third shot I missed my appointment by 2 weeks I was angry, started crying, and was all over the place.
I decided to go off the shot because of weight gain (about 10lbs as warned by the doctor in the beginning). I’m about 1 month off the shot and experiencing headaches 24/7, nausea to the point of almost vomiting, sensitivity to sunlight, and all over itchiness (stopped after 2 weeks).
I’m so glad I found this site. I, too, have been to the doctor about my symptoms, but niether she nor I have related my issues to the fact that I’ve stopped my depo shots. Now I believe that I can stop worrying about possibly having something really wrong with me, that didn’t show up in the blood tests she performed (they were “normal”).
I started depo shots 10 years ago - not for birth control, but because my periods were awful and so were my mood swings. From the first shot, my periods stopped completely…and I’ve loved it! My doctor told me about the side effects and did a full review of various contraception methods, so I knew about the possible side effects. Over these 10 years, I’ve struggled with severe depression off and on, and I’m always tired…but I had some depression before I started the shots, and I’ve never been a morning person :-), so I never thought to attribute them to the depo shots. I truly don’t know whether they were side effects or not.
But now, I’m 51. My doctor told me that she thought I should go off the depo shots this year, so when I missed my appointment on 10/29/13, I didn’t reschedule it. My last shot was 8/7/13.
I haven’t had a period…but at my age, I truly don’t know whether I will. I didn’t have any symptoms of withdrawal until 2/12/14, when I suddenly became nauseated and vomited. The nausea continued, and much of the time it was bad enough that I felt I would vomit. I had dry heaves a couple of times, and then vomited again on 2/16. I went to the doctor on 2/18 - she had no ideas on what was going on, and she did a number of blood tests (all normal). Since then, it’s been so strange…for hours or even an entire day, I’ll feel ok…but then the nausea hits again. On 2/26, after feeling ok all day, I ate some dinner - and while I was eating, became nauseated and very shortly vomited again. I’ve also been lightheaded and dizzy off and on, and even hit the floor one day (got up too fast, maybe? got so light headed that I couldn’t see or hear anything…and down I went).
I truly hope these symptoms don’t last as long as some of the descriptions in these posts. My symptoms aren’t nearly as awful as all of those described here, but it is difficult to function normally when you have horrible nausea off and on and you have no idea when it’s going to hit.