Depo Provera causes Osteoporosis

[lilpslblondie]

I am 21 years old and I have been on the depo shot for 4 years. I have been having lots of pain everywhere it hurts to get up and walk my feet and legs kill me everyday and my back my arms hurt if someone presses on them and i can not walk long periods. My fingers are starting to disform due to arthritis and my hands are very weak and often hurt. I am been in great health prior to the depo. I went to multiple doctors rheumatoligist, neurologist, pain management dr's and no one could find what was wrong with me so i was reffered to a university clinic i went to mayo university clinic in jacksonville fl and found out i have rhuematoid arthritis, fibromayalgia, and osteoporosis in my hips and my back. i had extensive blood work, xrays of my back, feet, hands, and hips. Mris of my hand and pelvis. And none of this runs in my family I am 100% sure it is due to the depo shot i have just recently stoped it and am hoping i will get better and be able to stop the multiple medications i now have to take. I loved the depo it was perfect but not at this cost and i just wish someone even one of my multiple doctors would have informed me. Now i am stuck with very expensive doctor bills even though i had insurance it still adds up and fast. I would say to anyone considering depo please please think twice and dont alway believe what your doctor says believe it or not they don't know everything. Anyone on depo i suggest you have a bone density test done number one for sure that will show osteoporosis if ou have it and then maybe even a mri which will show inflamation which is a very key point in a problem. I am currently looking for a new birth control but am not sure what to go with but i know im staying far away from the depo. I hope this helped someone.

[KMonte85]

I have been on depo for several years and have not had any horror story effects other than weight-gain, which was not in itself drastic and was controllable by living a healthier lifestyle (I wasn't thin to begin with so whatever).

Osteoporosis is a concern for women who are on Depo Provera. I've made my concerns known to my physician and was told that taking calcium suppliments and Vitamin D will greatly reduce the risk of bone density loss, as will weight-bearing exercise. I haven't had a bone density test done, but my Dr. has given me a clean bill of health and I have had no bone-related health problems while taking Depo Provera (and I've taken a hit or two in the last few years that could have been bone crushing).


but to each their own, some people have had horrible experiences with this kind of birth control, others, like myself, have had mild or no problems. It depends on the person, their health, genetic background, and how their body will react to it.

[Natalie_b]

I've been on the depo since i was 16/17, i am now 20 and so far i've had no adverse affects. However biologically i'm not so sure any more having read about the risks of osteoporosis and weight gain etc (i've always found it shocking that as much exercise as i do i'm never able to get below 10.5stone :|). I originally went on the depo due to heavy periods with intense cramps in my lower stomach/back and legs that would last more than a week at a time (had a period last more than a month at one stage). So i went through all the tests with gyno and nothing came up which was extremely disappointing as i was starting to become seriously depressed (had a massive effect on my studies). So i tried the pill and needless to say it made everything worse. I was starting to lose the will to live when I visited my local gp (who was having a similar time of it) and she gave me the depo to try. As soon as i tried it my period totally stopped, no pains, nothing - it was amazing, totally changed my life! Suddenly my life was getting back on track and I've only every got more and more confident since. Having had that experience I will NEVER go back to having a period again. BUT I'm now considering a different treatment for I'm worried about the long-term effects of the depo. I don't think the nhs will allow for me to have a hysterectomy, for i am too young (which sucks). So i was wondering what my options are? I know categorically i do NOT want children - honestly take my word for it, it's not going to happen. So what else is out there for getting rid of periods+pain naturally without gaining weight etc. Also i would prefer it if it wasn't drawn out as i don't think i could handle being in limbo again like before . Next doctor appointment i'm going to ask for a bone density test to see if my bones healthy (however i didn't do this prior to depo usage which i now realize is should have ...) but it should atleast say whether they are ok. Basically I'm an young fit female who enjoys karate, mountain biking,kitesurfing,spinning,swimming, well any sport really on a regular basis so i want to keep all this up at all costs without any period - just could not ever go back to worrying about that time of the month again! Please if anyone has some advice i would be entirely grateful . Thankyou