[AFemaleProdigy]

I am writing this out of sheer frustration and concern for women's health today. It is alarming to me how many of you are taking Depo Provera contraceptive and have absolutely NO CLUE about the harmful side effects. I am really angry that this medication is still being administered. PLEASE do your research about this drug and it's LONG TERM side effects before taking it!! The packaging includes an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) WARNING that Depo Provera causes Osteoporosis (bone loss) during long term use! It has been proven and they have been sued in the past for not posting that information on their packaging. So now they have the stupid warning on the packaging, but the doctors always seem to "forget" to mention that lovely little side effect. Let's face it, the doctor is the one who sees the packaging, not you, considering it is an injection. That is the most major of many reported side effects. I personally suffered from severe hair loss, immune problems, and progesterone deficiency after being on it for 5 years. I had bald patches on my head and was sick all the time despite the fact that I was young and took care of my body. They say that Depo does not leave your system for one year. Well let me tell you... my hair started to slowly grow back after that year passed and I stopped getting sick all the time. Among a long list of other symptoms including excessive weight gain. If you doubt what I am saying, just research and you will discover that there are thousands of other women out there who have experienced the same, if not worse, side effects. This is a terrible drug that should be taken off the market. The choice is yours, but please, do your research and make an informed decision, as you should with all medications. You cannot leave your health solely in the hands of your doctor or the drug companies.

[imported_HMM]

Depo is bad

I completely agree with you. I was on Depo for 9 years; my Doctors also forgot to tell me about all the side effects. Well now I have a pretty bad calcium deficiency along with bone density loss. It also can cause mood swings, depression, and migraines. I have been off of Depo for two years now and I am finally getting a regular period again. I would never recommend Depo to anyone. I have also heard horror stories of Depo causing sterility. I just hope I don't have this problem.

[imported_Jill_c]

Other options

I have been on depro for a few years now, and I really like it, but with all the concerns about the long term affects I think it is time for me to get off. What have you switched too, I liked only having to go for a shot every few months. Any suggestions?

[AFemaleProdigy]

I completely agree with you. I was on Depo for 9 years; my Doctors also forgot to tell me about all the side effects. Well now I have a pretty bad calcium deficiency along with bone density loss. It also can cause mood swings, depression, and migraines. I have been off of Depo for two years now and I am finally getting a regular period again. I would never recommend Depo to anyone. I have also heard horror stories of Depo causing sterility. I just hope I don't have this problem.

Yes, Depo has been known to cause progesterone deficiency in some women, which causes progesterone infertillity. It is reversible, but trouble none the less. Especially for women who don't know what's going on.

[AFemaleProdigy]

I have been on depro for a few years now, and I really like it, but with all the concerns about the long term affects I think it is time for me to get off. What have you switched too, I liked only having to go for a shot every few months. Any suggestions?

I personally went through so much bad stuff because of Depo that it has scared me off from all birth control for the rest of my life. I don't tell everyone that ALL birth control is bad, just this one in particular because I KNOW for a fact that it is. But I just don't feel like you can trust these medications so I really won't recommend any. I say stick to birth control that doesn't put harmful chemicals into your body. Regardless, I am sure that there are much better alternatives then Depo even if you do go with a pill. I say the best eye opener for anyone is to read the manufacturers side effects & warnings on the packaging. They are no joke and are there because they happen.

[imported_Jill_c]

thank you prodigy,

I would really like to find a replacement, would like something other then the pill, but it appears it maybe the "safest" option. Or at least with the most research and understanding.

[msangel2u]

I have been on the depo for 8.5 years. although the doc should tell you everything, you should also have the sense to research it yourself. everyone's body reacts differently and it is not fair to say it is horrible just because you had issues with it. bone density loss is a possible long term effect, but if you stay healthy and get sufficient calcium it is not usually an issue. i have had bone density scans every year for 3 years to assure that the shot is not effecting me. if it ever does start to change i will certainly switch to another bc. also, i only had side effects the first 6 months. but for the past 8 years i have had no negative side effects. i think the fact that you only take it once every 3 months and that you have no periods is wonderful. i am not ever nervous about being pregnant...and i am married and have a active unprotected sex life. i recommend it to everyone, but do warn them to get bone density scans if they stay on it longer than 2 years.

[cowgirlbre92]

Please help me!!!

Hi I'm Bre and I've been on depo for 6 months! AND I"M REALLY YOUNG AND SCARED!!
I was put on depo after being on the pill for 3 months and me and my fiance are active so I thought depo would be a more responsible thing to try because we didn't want to take the change of a baby and pills every day is hard to remember!
I've read up on it here resonantly because I've have weird color periods!!!! ORANGE!!!!and a lil normal colored blood!*ALL spoting*
I want to know the safest way to keep for have a baby!!!
We want kids but not for 10+!
And personally I want to not be sterile!!!!!!

[AleciaMarie]

DepoProvera

My advice to anyone considering the Depo shot as a birth control is to never use it as a long-term method of birth control, because it does indeed have some long-term side effects such as mentioned in previous threads. Also, if you have ever or are currently experiencing any signs of depression or are currently suffering from depression, the Depo shot is not something I would recommend because it will often cause depression to worsen. As for gaining weight, that varies from woman-to-woman. Some may experience weight gain while others may tend to lose weight, I myself lost weight when I shouldn't have. Some of the side effects of the Depo are very similar to early pregnancy symptoms, if you experience these symptoms it's generally a good idea to do a HPT (home pregnancy test) or see your doctor about these symptoms just to be on the safe side. Nausea, irritability, breast swelling or soreness, mild to severe stomach cramps, sensitivity to certain smells, ect ect... If you do happen to decide that the Depo shot is something you wish to try, I strongly recommend using a form of calcium supplement as well as drinking lots of milk unless of course you are lactose intolerant, because it will cause a decrease in bone mass or cause osteoperosis. In closing I repeat that the DepoProvera should never be used for a long-term method.

[lizlumbee]

im on my first month of taking depo, and i take calcium vitamins (the chocolate kinds...SO GOOD!), and my doc says im doin fine on it!!