Questions About Side Effects of Stopping Contraceptive Injections
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.
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November 3, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Withdrawal symptoms can be bad from this.
November 3, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Thinking back to when I stopped having the injections, I did feel a little jittery, but I cannot remember any other withdrawal-like symptoms.
November 4, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I had a good friend who stopped and she complained about nausea and jitters (like Jasmine).
November 17, 2009 at 3:28 pm
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.
November 24, 2009 at 8:57 am
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.
November 30, 2009 at 10:00 am
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.
December 31, 2009 at 5:19 pm
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.
January 2, 2010 at 12:52 am
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.
January 4, 2010 at 12:30 pm
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.
January 27, 2010 at 7:03 pm
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!
February 2, 2010 at 7:25 pm
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
February 7, 2010 at 8:47 pm
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.
February 12, 2010 at 7:52 pm
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
February 15, 2010 at 12:59 pm
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
March 6, 2010 at 5:38 am
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
March 6, 2010 at 1:08 pm
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…
March 10, 2010 at 3:18 pm
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.
March 18, 2010 at 8:30 am
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
March 24, 2010 at 9:17 am
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
April 9, 2010 at 12:23 am
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?
April 11, 2010 at 6:41 am
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: lhill@orcon.net.nz
July 12, 2010 at 7:34 am
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!
September 8, 2010 at 3:27 pm
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”
October 17, 2010 at 12:19 pm
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!
November 11, 2010 at 9:24 pm
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!
November 24, 2010 at 2:43 am
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!
November 25, 2010 at 6:34 pm
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.
December 2, 2010 at 1:20 am
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 ,
December 2, 2010 at 11:21 pm
i have been bleeding for six months and could rip somebodies head off..DO NOT GET THE SHOT ITS WORSE THAN BEING PREGNANT..
January 13, 2011 at 2:00 am
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?
January 23, 2011 at 9:25 pm
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.
January 26, 2011 at 10:51 am
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!
February 10, 2011 at 5:57 am
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.
February 21, 2011 at 12:40 am
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.
February 28, 2011 at 5:55 pm
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’
March 10, 2011 at 7:40 pm
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!
March 17, 2011 at 7:06 am
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.
March 19, 2011 at 7:32 pm
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!
March 30, 2011 at 12:09 pm
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!
April 12, 2011 at 4:57 am
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
April 13, 2011 at 10:28 pm
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!
April 13, 2011 at 10:58 pm
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.
April 16, 2011 at 10:05 pm
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.
April 16, 2011 at 10:29 pm
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.
April 16, 2011 at 10:35 pm
(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.
April 17, 2011 at 3:53 am
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.
April 18, 2011 at 2:35 pm
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
April 23, 2011 at 6:49 am
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
May 8, 2011 at 12:27 pm
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.
May 16, 2011 at 1:16 pm
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!!!!
May 31, 2011 at 8:05 pm
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.
June 5, 2011 at 6:43 am
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.
June 5, 2011 at 2:43 pm
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.
June 5, 2011 at 2:45 pm
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
June 22, 2011 at 6:09 pm
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…
July 11, 2011 at 10:53 am
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.
August 5, 2011 at 2:56 pm
i tried depo for a year,then stopped. four months later i got pregnant. I just dont think the depo is for everyone….
August 21, 2011 at 11:03 am
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??
September 14, 2011 at 9:54 pm
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.
October 7, 2011 at 1:03 pm
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
October 12, 2011 at 8:37 am
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!
October 13, 2011 at 8:41 pm
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?
October 18, 2011 at 8:38 pm
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.
October 22, 2011 at 10:15 am
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
October 23, 2011 at 8:41 am
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..
November 8, 2011 at 5:44 pm
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?
November 14, 2011 at 8:29 pm
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…
November 23, 2011 at 9:01 am
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…
November 23, 2011 at 5:09 pm
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
November 24, 2011 at 4:31 pm
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….
November 27, 2011 at 5:16 pm
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.
November 27, 2011 at 7:14 pm
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.
December 16, 2011 at 10:52 am
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.
December 21, 2011 at 2:31 am
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
December 22, 2011 at 10:20 pm
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!
December 23, 2011 at 12:57 pm
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….
December 29, 2011 at 6:00 pm
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: jsfonz@yahoo.com
December 30, 2011 at 11:00 pm
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.
January 1, 2012 at 11:52 pm
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.
January 8, 2012 at 12:25 am
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!!!
January 9, 2012 at 3:56 pm
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.
January 11, 2012 at 11:40 pm
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.
January 13, 2012 at 9:04 am
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.
January 14, 2012 at 2:39 pm
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!
January 14, 2012 at 2:46 pm
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 raean7@hotmail.com. 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!
January 19, 2012 at 7:53 pm
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)
January 20, 2012 at 1:30 am
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
January 23, 2012 at 6:44 pm
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.
January 28, 2012 at 10:54 pm
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.
January 31, 2012 at 12:54 am
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.
February 1, 2012 at 1:15 am
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.
February 3, 2012 at 9:43 pm
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!