depo & anorexia/body dysmorphia???

**curlygirl** · 12-29-2009 08:35 AM

Anyone out there....First post ehre..I'm 33, married, and I've been on depo for 6 years with ZERO breaks...I have had 3 SubQ injections now (my previous injections were just the original "Depo Provera" and from the first SubQ I have been literally going insane. I have been on BC since I was 16 to control horrendous menstral cycles without any side effects like this.

Here's what has been happening to me:

Severe Anxiety Attacks at random times; Migraines; Unexplainable joint pain especially in my pelvis and hips; Depression; Hair thinning; at times suicidal thoughts; Sleep anxiety; random and severe mood swings; and most importantly serious Body Dysmorphia which I think may be causing some type of anorexia...my appetite is just gone....and I've lost 20 pounds since I went to SubQ. I cannot look in a mirror anymore without crying; my hair is a wreck; and I can't go out on dates with my husband because I start having panic attacks and then I sit there and belittle myself the whole time. We end up fighting every time because I feel so crappy about myself.

I'm going to see my Dr. on Saturday because I can't live like this anymore. I love the lack of period because my mentral flows and cramping would lead me to spend 4 days in bed or at home.

Has ANYONE experienced anything like this? Are there any other "good" choices out there? I've done some research and I like the Mirena but have never had children. I also like Seasoniqe/Seasonale but have read that they have similar side effects. I am HEAVILY thinking of either going mini pill or Implanon.

Is there anyone out there with any type of advice???? I feel like I'm seriously hurting my body and mind with this shot.

Thanks for any insight you may have.....

**LanaBear** · 12-29-2009 10:53 AM

My opinion?

GET OFF THE SHOT!

I know not everyone will agree with me, but I was literally a psycho ho's beast with that stupid shot. I also took Seasonale, it had the same effect.

There are other options. Do some research. I was fine a low dose pill.

**curlygirl** · 12-29-2009 11:30 AM

Thank you! I am planning on switching but I know I have to wait until I am ready for my next shot which is Jan 31-Feb 14. But I am going on Sat with my husband for the consult. He has been my trooper. My god I feel so insane. I don't know how he has put off with me but bipolar is an understatement! Im very disappointed that none of this stuff is listed in side effects. How long did it take for you to "get over" the side effects of the shot?

**LanaBear** · 12-29-2009 12:43 PM

Probably a couple of months, at least one. I was on it for a year and man, it was a rough year. My hubby too was a trooper during my psychotic episodes. I would take PMS over that any day of the week!

**curlygirl** · 12-29-2009 01:20 PM

Ok...so I can expect a little longer...I saw on one board a Dr. answering saying to expect 6 months for every 2 years you have been on the shot...so if that is the case I'm looking at 1.5 years! :O Do you mind telling me what you switched to?

Yes the episodes are horrible. There were days when my husband would come home and I would tell him to take all the knives from the kitchen because I was afraid that I would cut myself just to make sure I could still feel it.....it is horribly scary and I have noticed it is a compounding effect....the longer I'm on it...the worse it gets.

**LanaBear** · 12-29-2009 01:23 PM

I switched to Nordette a low dose BC pill. I was actually on it for about 8 years and never had any problems with it. I got a tubal last Feb., so thankfully I don't have to worry about any of that anymore.

**curlygirl** · 12-30-2009 12:37 PM

I've thought about going the tubal or essure route but I'm just not "sure" enough that I don't want children. And I know my husband would be dead set against it. He isn't "sure" either but it's nice to have the option if we decide we do want a child.

I have always trusted my physician to make the correct choice for me but now I am realizing that isn't always the best. But man you hit up some of these sites and it's just information overload!

Thank you for your input! It is much appreciated!

**mymeetingwiththetimezone** · 01-01-2010 01:51 PM

I was on Depo for 6 months and I gained about 60 pounds from it. I also already have depression but it made it sooooo much worse. It also completely killed my sex drive. I'm currently on Trinessa-generic for ortho-tri-cyclin. My advice is to get off depo ASAP. Not only does it cause weight gain, depression and decreased libido but it can lead to osteoperosis later on. I so wish I had never been on it.

**Rosebud85** · 01-02-2010 05:42 PM

I do not know details but I know my aunt was on Depo and it gave her unbelievable anxiety. She is also on anti-depressants and she said it seemed to counter act with those. Whatever you decide, listen to your body!

**curlygirl** · 01-06-2010 10:34 AM

I actually saw my dr. on Saturday and my husband accompanied me. She was pretty enlightening. I was going to Planned Parenthood for my shot. They informed me I could stay on it for as long as I wanted...forever in fact. WRONG! My dr. was blown away that they told me that. She also stated that she was surprised I hadn't 1. been to see her to go on an anti depressant or anti anxiety med and 2. hadn't been committed. And she was dead serious. I have a long road ahead of me. I am so pi$$ed that I was sooo totally misinformed.

I had the obligatory bone scan done and sure enough I'll be going on osteoporosis meds! I'm 33 yrs old! On top of that she said I'm exhibiting pre-menopause?

Is this a permanent thing? Does anyone know? I had no idea that I would completely screw up my body like this. I will certainly do A LOT more of a thorough job for ANY medication I am going to be put on from now on.....especially birth control.

If you have insight on the pre-menopause thing I would certainly appreciate it!

Thanks for all the other insight as well! It was much appreciated and really nice to know I wasn't alone and I wasn't going crazy!