There are 1456 ratings for the drug: DEPO-PROVERA in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for depo-provera: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
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4	to regulate my periods	i was 34 years old with a very irregular period.my doc and i thought it was due to a thyroid disease. ( graves disease)so the depo was to striaghten out my hormones and allow me to be period free.i thought it was working untill i received my lab results.i was not having my period because I had gone thru the "change"so than i started taking prempo,which i still take.thru the years i always had to watch my weight.i was able to put on and take off the pounds fairly easily.in the past two years i just kept adding and unable to take off. my doc sent me to a metabulism expert.my labs came back showing i lacked all tetestrone in my body.he said this was due to the use of prempro,which decreased my eslvadiol.has anyone else gone thru this?i will start taking the tetestrone next week.		F	60	30 years		10/25/2007 Email
1	Birth Control	Weight gain. Very heavy periods. Miscarriages. Difficulty in conceiving. Facial hair. Mood swings. Pain.	Would absoloutly not recommend this drug to anyone, especially those wanting to have children later. After I came off the drug, I had difficulty getting pregnant. I had no problems whatsoever, before taking depo-provera. The three times I did get pregnant, I miscarried. While on depo, my periods were very long and heavy. I spotted in between periods. My periods continued to be very long and heavy after I stopped depo.	F	56	2 times		12/8/2007 Email
1	reduce hot flashes	extreme irritation and nervousness	did not reduce hot flashes	F	54	1X O		5/2/2010
1	to stop bleeding from fibroids		All of you that are having these horrific side effects from this drug please contact the FDA with your complaints. I called them and they didn't have any. Please, Please, contact them and let's get this drug off the market before it hurts any on else.	F	53	1 shot 1X D		7/15/2010 Email History
1	Missed Menstrual cycle low body fat	Horrific - depression, terrible headaches, hair loss, stroke like symptom, early menopause symptoms, clotting, loss of mental acuity - this stuff is POISON & should be illegal. It ended my career, my relationships & took away my sense of self.	POISON - Don't take it - The effects have been permanent - over 10 years!	F	51	1 days		6/18/2007 Email
5	birth control, to end periods	Weight gain is the significant one. I have other things going on but I guess we'll wait to go off the shot to see if these are caused by Depo.	This was a positive experience for me but I'm anxious to go off to see if I have completed menopause. No way to tell until I discontinue the shot. I guess I'll try Essure procedure as an alternative to Depo to find out for sure where I stand with menopause.	F	50	5 days		2/12/2007 Email
4	thin uterus for polyp removal; BC	takes forever to get an orgasm now, and when I do I really fall asleep, hard.	Normally the doctor said she woud not precribe it for a woman my age, but I was getting "essure" fallopian tube blockers installed and needed to have polyps removed - the depo-prevara thinned the uterus lining to make the polyps easier to take out. I also wanted birth control to work right away but the essures take a few months to grow the scar tissue that causes the blockage. So the DP shot should wear off right when the essures are working. (I get a sono then to see if the tubes are blocked). My doc assured me that one shot would probably not be a problem and so far I have no headaches, no mood swings, and I feel fine otherwise. I see the slow sexual response as a temporary inconvenience.	F	50	2 weeks		4/1/2006
2	Birth control	I was told that I probably ouldn't have a period with this, YAY! HOWEVER, I have been spotting since I started the shots in Jan. ALSO, I now have Menoraghia (heavy uterine bleeding) with HUGE clots. I have bled for 20 straight days. I am going to a different Dr. this Fri.	If not for the constant bleeding this would be a fabulous birth control for me.	F	50	6 months 150 1X O		7/1/2010 Email
1	Fibroids	immediate forgetfulness, irrational thinking, depression, fatigue, explosive anger, mood swings, blurred vision, dizziness, constant bleeding and menopause	I will NEVER, recommend this drug! It's terrible, and it should be taken off the market! I feel that additional medical research will not improve this drug! I got my first shot in January 14, 2010. An hour later, I was forgetful, paranoid, anxious & confused. I skipped my menses that month. In February, I started to spot, this then increased, bleeding more throughout the months. There were times when I passed very large dark red blood clots. I visited my doctor and explained my symptoms, as well as my altered state of mind. I asked him if there was something that he could prescribed to stop the bleeding and to counter act the drug to get it out of my system. He replied I would need a "D"- for some reason, he didn't complete the last part of his sentence, he was going to say a D & C. He changed direction and said that I would need to take another shot. I told him there was no way that I would take another shot and how in the hell could he have the audacity to recommend that I take the shot again even after I've told him what I'm been going through. He called me later on that night (feeling guilty) to check on me, he said "I don't blame you for not wanting to take another shot." I feel extreme anger, I have a drug in my system that has to wear out. April 15 - 25th I had a very heavy menstral with large dark clots. From April 26th - 29 nothing, now today, the 30th I went to the restroom and noiticed that I'm starting to spot. Well, I thought all	F	49	3 months 30 mg 1X M		4/30/2010
1	migraines due to hormones on menses	heavy spotting for 4 months on depro for 4 months,I don't dare not wear a panty liner, severe depression, night sweats, loss of libido, aching joints in knees and elbows	I went on depro to prevent my migranines (dr's suggestion). It did stop the migraines, I did get headaches but nothing close to the severe migraines I suffered monthly for 20 years. However, the depression started, night sweats and aching knees and elbows. Complete loss of libido. Feeling of being in a "black hole, void, like nothing matters" I am definitely going off depro, and will take back the migraines instead of this hopelessness I am expreiencing. Have the best husband, who is understanding and patience with me at this time in my life. e-mail me if you want more details.	F	49	4 months		8/28/2007 Email
5	Birth Control	I suffered from headaches but was unaware that they were related to the Depo until I stopped taking the injections, and noticed that the headaches almost completely stopped.	I loved Depo. I had NO PERIODS (which was fine with me!) When I stopped taking the injections at age 44, my periods NEVER resumed. That was OK, too. But coincidentally I began feeling severe fatigue, depression, and joint pain/stiffness. My doctor tested me for everything imaginable, Lupus, Lyme Disease, Thyroid, (all negative) then gave up and diagnosed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. My OBGYN ran a bone scan and diagnosed Osteopenia and said I was Menopausal! I think now that it is not menopause but possibly some thyroid condition induced by Depo, or lack thereof! I am still miserable 4 years later. Anyone else experience misery after quitting?	F	48	8 years		3/14/2008 Email
5	Birth Control	Very slight weight gain	I am 47 and decided on depo provera last year since I previously had breast cancer and most forms of birth control not an option for me. Depo has no estrogen so I decided to try it on my physician's recommendation. Had continuous brown spotting for the first 3 months on it which was extremely annoying, but after that, no side effects to speak of. I originally weighed 113 lbs when I started the depo, and after a year and a half weigh 117 lbs so not really sure that my slight weight gain is a direct result of the shot. I really like the convenience of a shot every 3 months and have none of the numerous side effects most posters here have written about. I would highly recommend this as an effective, easy form of birth control.	F	48	1.5 years		8/14/2008
1	To relieve symtoms of fibroids	Have had constant heavy breathing since two weeks after first shot,heavier than ever before,depressed,dead sex drive and moodiness.	I will not take the next shot,thank God I'm about finished getting my medical clearance for my hysterectomy.	F	48	1 months		9/29/2009
1	Hard to remember the pill.	Almost constant bleeding...no wonder it is rated so highly effective - who is having sex with all the bleeding!?	I do not plan to get the 3rd shot and would not recommend this form of birth control to anyone.	F	48	2 times		12/18/2009
1	heavy periods	heart palpitations, high pulse rate, 15 lb. weight loss, diarrhea, indigestion, insomnia, shakiness	I got so sick and waited until my body came back to normal to write this. I had my last Depo shot, May 2009. Up until then, I was fine. The 4th shot changed everything. I was constantly at the doctors. All they could find was high cortisol. I was sent to an Endocrinologist. She said all of my symptons were 100% because of the Depo. I started to feel better mid November. I was put on bio-identical hormones to trick my body back. I got my period on January 2nd and it was completely normal. I do not recommend Depo to anyone.One of the doctors I saw told me he would not give Depo to his dog. It messes with the hypothalmus. Please think twice before using this.	F	48	4 times		1/11/2010
1	Ovarian cyst	quick 15 pound weight gain, severe depression, panic attacks, mood swings	My gyno suggested depo provera (1996) for an ovarian cyst. I didn't know any better, so I got the shot. Within mere days I was weeping uncontrollably over virtually nothing! Massive mood swings began after that, gained 15 pounds in less than a month and then began having severe** panic attacks day and night. I honestly thought I was going insane. I had no idea how long it took for this drug to get out of your system!! I asked my doc and he said a couple of months! BS! I did research and found that it can take up to a year before it leaves your system. After 6 months I saw a psychiatrist who put me on antidepressants and anti-panic drugs. He diagnosed me with bipolar disorder and it took me years to realize my problem was this HORRID DRUG! Finally after 12 YEARS, I got off antidepressants and am still weaning off klonopin for panic prevention. I was too scared to stop the drugs to treat the problems caused by this toxic substance. I advise NOBODY to take this junk!! I was so relieved when a new psychiatrist told me he thought my mood problems were largely hormone related.	F	48	1 times		1/15/2010
1	heavy periods	Anxiety, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, weight LOSS, hot flashes, night sweats	I am taking xanax for the anxiety which helps a lot; also natural progesterone cream helps alleviate all the other symptoms and "evens me out"; my most severe symptoms occurred about 1 month after receiving my first (and only) injection. I am due for the second one next week, which I am not going to do, and I am anxious to see what happens when my own hormones begin to take over.	F	48	3 months		4/27/2007
1	Fibroid cyst	Nausea, increased appetite, hair loss, extreme exhaustion, dizziness, weight gain, acne and lower sex drive	This is the drug from hell! In June my doctor game me a choice of either a surgery or taking Depo to treat my fibroid cyst. I didn't want to have surgery so I decided on the shot. I was told the main side effect/risk was blood clots. As you can see I have had many side effects over the last two and half months. My summer has been ruined and my fibroid cyst did not decrease in size. I have lost total trust in my doctor after going through this experience. My doctor told me that I was allergic to the drug and couldn't take another shot. Really? I wouldn't take another shot anyway! My side effects seem to be a common reaction to the drug, not an allergic reaction. I will never take another drug without doing my own research on it myself. So I am left with feeling terrible, still have a fibroid cyst and needing a new doctor. Let's wage our own war against this drug and tell everyone how bad it is! The few satisfied people on this medication are really a small percentage.	F	48	3 months 1X AN		8/21/2010
1	heavy bleeding	Within the first month - continuing into the second month depression, mood swings, acne, anxiety, extreme fatigue, loss of interest in anything, blurred vision, cramps/spasms in feet, back pain, muscle soreness, etc.	Cure is worse than the condition. Would not have another shot ever! Have only been on it 2 months and regret having it!	F	47	2 months		4/27/2006 Email
1	to stop heavy bleeding	I spotted everyday for most of the 3 months....I did not continue taking Depo Provera. My emotions were wild, had migraines much more severe and often,I screamed at my boyfried regularly, moody!, argued over the smallest things! Everything seemed to "get on my nerves bad". I was nicknamed The Monster, because Norm had never seen me act this way before. My sister had also tried it, and I listened to her and her 2 teenagers describe "what a mean witch" my sister was. I have been told I am prone to Osteoperosis, and my doctor did not ask me anything about this. She did not warn me of the black box warning on the shot.	I took only one shot of DepoP. I was supposed to go for the second shot on April 7th. I had a period in May, but now it is July 6 and I still have not had another period, just some spotting.	F	47			7/6/2009
5	Migraines	No period (a good thing!). No weight gain. PMS symptoms (sore breasts, slightly crampy, etc) when I'm due for a shot. Goes away within 24 hrs of receiving shot. I take one shot every 3 months.	I started depo because I get migraines every month when I got my period. Migraines lasted 3 to 4 days and put me flat on my back. Depo takes away my period. No period, no migraine! I LOVE it! Nice not to have to plan around my monthly migraine! Can't wait for menopause!	F	46	7 years 1X O		8/27/2010
5	birth control	no periods which is great. No negative side effects. Use to suffer from very painful periods which would put me in bed. I am really enjoying the loss monthly cycle.	I love this form of contraception. No ruined vacations due to periods. No negative side effects for me. But I never had side effects with the pill in the past either like alot of people have. My overall health is very good; diet and working out. For those with no side effects, you will love this form of contraception. Makes intimacy carefree due to effectiveness of drug in the prevention of pregnancy and no periods.	F	46	12 years 12 weeks 1X O		5/17/2010
5	Bad periods	Aside from never getting my period after the first shot, which was my intended result, I have been very pleased. I'm diabetic so generally the week or so after my shot I need more insulin, but I've actually lost 70 lbs while on it. I can't say about the vaginal dryness as it could be due to me being 46, my blood sugars, or the depo. However a little KY solves that. Better than 7 days with tampons, pads and two towels for backup! No more anemia for the 1st time in my life!	I would strongly consider what else is happening in your life - new baby, stress, before blaming depo.	F	46	2 years		11/6/2008
5	Birth control, no periods	I have not had any of the side effects listed by all these other women. I think it's a great thing - no period is the best! It is hard to lose weight, but that was no different than when I was not on depo.	I would recommend it.	F	46	2 years		11/6/2007 Email
5	no period/no baby!	46 years old....I have been taking depo for a little over 11 years and have enjoyed not having a period. Over the past 11 years I've gained about 5 pounds, which I have no problem with. Sex is great not worrying about getting pregnant...vacations are even better not trying to schedule around a period!!!		F	46	11 years		1/8/2009
4	birth control	Possible weight gain that I can't shift. This was suddenly after 5+ years use.	I enjoy the lack of a menstural cycle and the fact that I don't have to remember to take it every day.	F	46	5 years		9/19/2007
3	Avoid hysterectomy for Hyperplasia	Mood swings, loss of libido, extreme vaginal dryness, painful intercourse	After extended bleeding and spotting for the first few months, all seemed okay except lack of sexual interest. Mentioned to doctor who said it was probably stress. It did stop the pain of suspected endometriosis. After a more than a year, the dryness and pain durning intercourse has made me reconsider the hysterectomy. It's scheduled for this Tuesday. I felt 100% better hearing that others had similar problems and that it was not all in my mind!	F	46	1 years		10/15/2006 Email
2	to control heavy periods	Today is May 10th, I've had bleeding since January 27th. It doesn't seem to be an end in sight. I have now had to begin taking iron because I have become anemic. Obviously, there's no sex. I thought this medicine was supposed to stop periods.		F	46	2 times		5/10/2007
1	birth control	after 3 month i gained 12 pounds!! i don't eat very much and i walk daily and still gained.		F	46	3 months		5/5/2007
1	painful periods	2 days after the shot had rectal bleeding , which i never had befor plus acne, 18 pound wieght gain ,swelling of hands and feet,bloating and all round discomfort leg cramps at night.	would nerver recomend to anyone	F	46	1 days		11/9/2007
1	help ease menopause	Loved it for first 3 shots...then had several UTI's, pain when urinating, severe depression, terrible head aches, swelling in hands and feet, ache everywhere (especially in back and ankle where I'd had injury in the past)	I've been to several specialists, had a CT scan, a scope of my bladder, sonogram, they found NOTHING...then I go to St Luke's hospital and find out it's the damn depo. I am miserable...I miss lots of work, scheduled for hystorectomy next month and hope like hell I get back to normal when this poison gets out of my systom.	F	46	18 months		2/18/2009 Email
1	stop menstral flow	I have bled everyday for 3 months.Its horrible.i wonder how long this will last?	I do not recommend it!!!	F	46	3 months		9/16/2009
1	Only option for birth control	No sex drive,moodiness and very vile attitude,too many hot flashes and severe cramping.	If I had found this site before my first shot there is no way in hell I would have taken it.I got my first shot 8-20-09 and on 8-31-09 I started bleeding and 56 days later I am still bleeding,some days so heavy I use diapers to keep from bleeding all over the place.In two months times I have purchased 7 months worth of pads and tampons,I am afraid to leave the house out of fear of soiling my clothes.I started my first period when I was 12 and never had a cramp in my life,noe the cramps are so bad I just sit/lay in bed,hold my stomach and rock.My patience is short and everybody I know has started calling me mean,thank God I don't own a gun.The only reasons this works as birth control is because,#1.you are bleeding everyday,#2.your attitude is so stank,no man will come near you,#3.You have no desire to have sex and #4.If you have a man he will leave you beacuse no man will believe that his woman is having a 56 day period,I will definitely not be taking the second shot,I would rather have 20 kids than to go through this.The prayer that I pray everyday,all day is Lord please stop the bleeding.Thank you for such valuable information and I am so glad that I am not alone in this.	F	46	2 months		10/25/2009 Email
1	PMDD	Depression, anger, rage, mood swings, hunger	I had been on YAZ birth control pills for 2 months to see if it would help with PMDD. At my follow up appt, my doctor suggested depo provera as a way to ease the PMDD symptoms. She told me the side effects could be weight gain and spotting. Within a few days of the shot, I felt like I was going through PMDD!! Instead of reducing the symptoms, it GAVE me the symptoms. DO NOT TAKE THIS WITHOUT SERIOUSLY RESEARCHING THE SIDE EFFECTS. I made a hasty/desperate decision in the doctor's office and I regret it terribly. I cannot wait until this leaves my body.	F	46	7 days		5/18/2009
4	Endometriosis	10 lb. Weight gain, lack of sex drive, flat moods (rarely had mood swings, lost my passion!) and varicose veins	I have taken Depo for almost 3 years, and it has helped my get rid of my endometriosis that was discovered on my right ovary during my tubal ligation several years ago. But, I am tired of the negative side affects, particularly the weight gain and the lack of sex drive, which I see is very common. I was miserable with pain every time I had a period before, and during ovulation. So, for me it has been a good thing for the symptoms I went in for, but I think it's probably not a drug you want to be on forever. If the endometriosis returns, I may opt for a complete hysterectomy, and while i am hopeful I won't have to go this route, it is no fun being in pain. I have had my children already, so fertility is not an issue for us. But, I can see where women would be very concerned about the long term effects of this drug. I am anxious to discover how "normal" feels. I am definitely moving into menopause, but it may feel good to be back in some sort of rythym with my natural h	F	45	3 years		3/15/2006
1	TAKEN ORAL PILL FOR 20 YEARS	After first week bloating, acne and then cysts started forming under both arm pits. Over over the next 3 months continuous heavy bleeding. Extreme weight gain which looked like puffiness. The cysts became unbearable needing antibiotics.	My first Depro injection 1995. I've always had a normal 28 day cycle. The injection was advised as a suitable replacement to the pill which I had taken for 20 years. The doctor was keen to use it saying side effects were rare. The adverse effects kicked in within a week. Bloatedness leading to weight gain. several cysts reoccurring under each armpit making any movement unbearably painfull. The periods did not cease and STILL HAVEN'T. I couldn't wait for the drug to leave my system but foolishly convinced by the GP the symptoms would pass if I kept with Depro so I allowed another toxic dose. The cysts got worse, the weight increased along with heavy dull aching periods constantly, plus deep aching lower back pain. I had 3 children plus a part time job to maintain at that time. Moving on I'm still bleeding continuously and suffer anaemia leading to extreme lethargy intermittantly. This constant bleeding definately affects my health. Osteosporosis was diagnosed at 41 with an early meno	F	45	6 months		2/8/2009 Email
1	painful periods/birth control	Panic/anxiety attacks, depression, hair loss, weight gain, hypoglycemia	POISON!!! I started getting the shot in March of 2007. In September, the day after I had my 3rd shot, I was rushed to the ER with severe anxiety attack and hypoglicemia. Four days later another anxiety attack and another trip to the ER. I asked my OBGYN if these symptoms could be related to the shot and she always told me absolutely not. So I kept getting the shot while my nightmare of panic, anxiety, palpitations, depression and hypoglycemia was getting worse and worse. I was afraid of sitting home alone but also afraid of going anywhere by myself. Even walking into the grocery store would give me palpitations. I’ve always had a very busy life and could not understand why all of a sudden I was not able to do anything anymore. Then about a month ago I decided to do some researches online. I could not take it anymore. OMG!!! I could not believe how many women had the same symptoms!!! I don’t know why I did not think about it before but I was glad I had found out just in time	F	45	20 months		2/11/2009 Email
1	Heavy periods	Weight gain (set on fast); irritable (and I was the easy going one!); dizziness; fatigue and a 48 day period (and counting)	I was a bad patient. I should have read more about it but I was about to do the 60 mile breastcancer walk and suffered from anemia due to heavy periods. The doctor said this would work. I'm on day 48 of my period which started ten days after the shot. I am just waiting for the side effects to stop - I would never take this knowing what I know now.	F	45	3 months		1/5/2009
1	fibroids	joint & muscle pain, excessive weight gain, headaches, memory loss, hair loss, swelling, lack of energy, constant fatigue, mood swings,lower back pain, neck pain	the only good thing is that I have stopped bleeding from the fibroids, and I have not had a period in 1 1/2 years	F	45	3 years		11/29/2007 Email
1	Heavy Periods due to Fibroid Tumors	1 injection on 09/24/08. I have been spotting/bleeding since 10/04/08. I will not be getting another shot. The bleeding is now heavy and does not stop. No sex because of the bleeding.	My Gynecologist did not discuss the side effects of the shot. She acts like she just can not believe anyone has had a bad experience with this except for me. RESEARCH, RESEARCH before getting this injection. Please advise with any help to stop the bleeding!!!!!	F	45	1 times		11/23/2008 Email
5	Pain management	difficulty in loosing weight when i do gain it.	I've been on the shots for 8 years. I would not give them up for anything! I have always had extreme menstral pain, then in 1998 diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Not only has the shots eliminated my periods (god send)I don't have to deal with the excruciating pain of a period which was adding to the pain of the Firbomyalgia. My Fibro pain has decreased significately as well. I've rollercoastered with weight all my life, so it's just a little harder. For me IT'S WORTH IT! I have my tubes tied, I'm a single mom and grandma and yes I have absolutely no sex drive which for me works. It lets me focus on my kids. I'd rather be a little overweight and single than suffer all that pain again!	F	44	8 years		5/22/2007
5	Fibroids, heavy bleeding and BC	Some bone desity problems after 12 years on depo shots. I broke my foot and decided to stop the depo shots for this reason only. I was very pleased with the medication. I am going back on the injections after nearly 2 years off the shots because I have experienced very severe migraines every month at the beginning of my period and heavy, prolonged bleeding. I was overweight to begin with and cannot blame my current weight on this drug. Also - I was depressed before starting this drug, and with the help of an excellent therapist I am much, much better. (The depression and the weight gain seem to run in my family, so I look there for the cause.)	This medication is not for everyone, but for me it works well. My OB-GYN tells me that without depo, I may be facing a hysterectomy. The severe migraines are happening at the beginning of my cycle, which lasts for up to 3 weeks and are worse than any I experiened in my life. Depo seems to be the lesser of many evils. I will have to take calcium supplements, but many women do anyway. I have missed the convenience of having no periods. I plan to give it another try.	F	44	12 years		12/29/2005
5	avoid pregnancy	A bit of weight gain - I think. I have always battled with my weight so I can't say for sure.	Depo helped me a lot. No pregnancy, no problems, no loss of sex drive and no periods! I went off Depo because I choose a permanent form of BC. It has been ten months and still no period. Recently my breasts have been very tender - maybe my period is on its way back - :(	F	44	5 times		11/28/2005
2	to prepare for Essure procedure	constant spotting about three weeks after taking 1st shot	I had used Depo Provera when I was in my early thrities with wonderful results. The one down side was when I stopped the shot, I had cramps so bad I ended up in the hospital. That should have been a sign however I am not interested in having more children and began the process for permanent birth control which involved using some type of hormonal assistance. I never remembered to take BC regularly so I figured the shot was a safe option. Wrong answer. I have been spotting everyday since October 29 that approximately 54 days just shy of two months. So I accomplished my goal permanent birth control because I am not comfortable having sex while I continue to "adjust". Hopefully my doctor and I can come up with a solution short of a hysterectomy to stop the spotting.	F	44	80 days		12/19/2008
1	birth control	No noticable ones the first two years, except I never had a period after starting the Depo the day I left the hospital after my last son was born. After this I gradually put on 20lbs which I couldn't lose no matter how much I dieted or excersized. Then the depression kicked in every morning. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I had a great life, but was depressed every morning. My hands fell asleep at night and this woke me up. Lots of insomnia. Acne, which I hadn't had since I was 13yrr old. Hot flashes and sweating.	I have been off depo since Oct. of 08'. I no longer have insomnia, am dropping the weight with diet and feel none of the heavt depression. I still haven't had a period, but I understand it may take up to two years to come back. My doctors only informed me of bone density issues and never mentioned these other side effects. Please investigate before taking. Not having a period is cool for 5 years, but the side effects weren't worth it. So glad to be over them.	F	44	5 years		1/9/2009
1	suggested by my dr	weight gain of 50+ lbs, depression, no sex drive, no energy, hypertension, insulin resistance. massive lower back and leg pains. inability to concentrate or read. sleeplessness.	in the 2 years since i stopped this drug, i am still suffering its effects. it should be banned from use on women!	F	44	2 years		1/26/2008
1	UFw/ severe pain, very long periods	At first, daily headaches in addition to nonstop bleeding w/cramps and v large clots continuous since May '07. Dr recommended to STOP bleeding thats made me anemic. Bleeding is now WORSE. Since that 1st and only shot, I now have severe mood swings, constantly tired, nausea, palpitations and the latest addition, anxiety so bad that it interferes w/sleep.	I was very optimistic about depo. V much hoped it would stop the severe pain and 3wk long periods caused by fibroids, help avoid a hysterectomy. The period is now continuous since May, the pain hasn't stopped and clots now cause some very embarrasing accidents even w/ super plus tampons and the thickest pad I can find. I am now mentally foggy, I have mood swings that are beyond my control (my fiance and family try to put up w/it). I feel nausea all the time which makes me not want to eat.Most days I have to literally drag myself out of bed to go to work etc, because I am so tired (could be anemia related too). I have never been a 'nervous nelly' but I now feel jittery and am experiecing anxiety that makes me feel a sense of impending doom, it affects my sleep. The side effects of this drug AFFECT EVERY PART OF MY LIFE! I thought that if I had any side effects from depo, I would experience them sooner rather than later, WRONG. Due for my next shot this month, I'll pass. I feel worse now	F	44	3 months		8/4/2007
1	BIRTH CONTROL	MODERATE TO HEAVY BLEEDING EVERY DAY SINCE MY 2 SHOTS 6 MONTHS EVERY SINGLE DAY...EXCESSIVE FATIGUE MOOD SWINGS I WILL NEVER EVER DO THIS AGAIN ITS BEEN A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. I WILL NOPT TAKE THE 3RD SHOT AND PRAY THESE HORRIBLE SIDE EFFECTE WEAR OFF SOONER THAN 14 WEEKS....I HAVE LOST WORK DUE TO FATIGUE ITS BEEN HORRIBLE BLEEDING EVERYDAY AND HEAVY AT NIGHT IVE FELT ILL 3 TO 4 TIMES A WEEK	TRULY CONSIDER ALL SIDE EFFECTS BEFORE DOING THIS THIS WAS MY 1ST B CONTROL AND I WILL NEVER EVER USE IT AGIN	F	44	6 months		9/9/2005 Email
3	Birth Control	Weigh gain, loss of sex drive, fatigue, mood swings, night sweats	I was on depo for 2 years. At first, I'm LOVING IT, no periods.... awesome. Then over about 6 mo to 1 year, 30lb weight gain. Even tho I'm more active than I've ever been and have never had weight issues before. No matter what I eat or do, weight keeps creeping up!! Doc recommended I go off it for a bit and I doubt I'll go back on. Having been off it for almost 4 mo. I feel a bit of sex drive again. Thank god I have a patient and loving husband. Have dropped a few pounds. Anyway, I tried giving it the benefit of the doubt, but I do believe that the aforementioned symptoms were caused by the shot. I'm not convinced that it is necessarily evil, but also, not very convinced it is the best thing for you. I definitely had a lot of odd things going on with my body that seem to be subsiding, now that I am no longer taking the shots. I'm on the pill and will probably stay there. Plus there is the bone density loss thing. Not good.	F	43	2 years		4/1/2008
1	irregular/heavy, painful periods	I LOVED Depo for about 3 years. No side effects, no period and no other problems. Then as I was washing my hair one day a huge amount of hair came out in my hand. I had a beautiful bald spot right in front. I did not take the shot anymore and I really do miss it, but I am NOT going to be bald. No weight gain until after I stopped taking the shot and now it's like I can't lose it. I wish I could know I could get the shot again and not lose my hair. I have been off of depo for about 1 1/2 years now and my hair is finally growing back.		F	43	3 years		1/6/2009
1	Birth Control	More hunger (weight gain as a result),fatique, no sex drive, headaches, no period for 3 Mo.	At first I didn't experience any side effects other than no period (not even spotting). After the first missed period I started noticing an increase in headaches, fatigue, lack of sex drive. I gained 10lbs. in 3 months and the fatigue was so disturbing that I decided right away this was not the birth control method for me. What's been even worse is going off of it. I've had non-stop spotting for 4 weeks now, swollen breasts, cramping. It's worse than the changes I went through during pregnancy. This cannot be good for your body -- steer clear of this birth control alternative!	F	43	3 months 1X O		2/25/2010
1	to control heavy periods	5 months of bleeding, weight gain and loss of sex drive	I started bleeding one month after my first depo shot and it hasn't stopped since. My doctor recommended getting a second shot early to stop the bleeding, but it didn't work. After 5 months of bleeding, he now has me on 14 days of estrogen. It's my first day so I don't know if it's working or not. I also completely lost my sex drive and gained about 10 pounds. I would not recommend this drug to anyone.	F	43	2 times		12/27/2004
1	For the Essure Procedure	Heart Palpitations, lack of sex drive, depression, paranoia, headaches, dizziness.	I have only had one Depo-Provera shot prior to to receiving the Essure procedure. I won't be getting another one. I will be detoxing my body with anything I can find as quickly as possible as soon as this procedure is over. I have been bleeding for 2 weeks so far with no signs of letting up. I spend nights alone in bed full of anxiety and panic unable to sleep. I have daily headaches. Before the shot, my sex drive was insatiable, now I could care less. I sincerely hope that it returns after I rinse this toxin from my body. Please consider researching all the effects of this method before choosing it.	F	43	120 days		5/6/2009 Email
1	Birth Control	No periods,Depression,Dryness,Crying for no reason,loss of libito, and this is my wife, Girls, I could go on for hours about this awful stuff, dont use it , Try something else, My wife has been off this for two years now, its GREAT, totally diffent person, The Depo should been banned.		M	43	10 days		8/11/2008
1	Birth control	I had weight gain and severe mood swings. I had no sex drive at all and extreme dryness if I did try to have sex.	I quit taking depo about 1 year ago and am finally beginning to be normal again. I managed to ruin my relationship with my boyfriend because of my lack of sex drive and my anger. Luckily he came back after I got off the depo. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.	F	43	5 years		6/8/2008
5	Birth Control	Occasional spotting if I am overdue for needle. I have no period at all and it has been extremely effective as birth control		F	42	19 days		3/20/2007
5	Birth Control	Occasional spotting if I am overdue for needle. I have no period at all and it has been extremely effective as birth control		F	42	19 years		3/20/2007
5	breast pain and tenderness	no period, lower sex drive, possible loss of bone density	I started depo for birth control while breastfeeding and happily discovered that it relieved me of the nearly constant breast pain that I had had for 3 weeks of every month since my early 20's. They used to hurt whether or not I was on birth control. I seem to be the only person on this site with this situation. I have been very happy with depo, but I am going to stop soon to protect my bones. I do worry that my breasts will hurt again like before. I don't know if my periods will return as I now have hot flashes and have started menopause. Depo seems not to have affected my weight nearly as much as my exercise and diet do--my weight has varied by 12 lbs. up or down in 9 years.	F	42	9 years		6/27/2007
4	birth control/stop heavy cycle	no cycle so no cramps, head aches and irritability	Started taking after my 10year old son was born and never seemed to have a problem except for occasional break through bleeding (clots). Came off around 4 1/2 years ago to have my three year old daughter, took me around 5 months to start having regular cycles again and then 6 months to get pregnant-which was probable pretty good considering my age and the depo. Went back on the depo at my 6weeks postpartum appt. Having break though bleeding again, and since learning that oseoporosis runs in my family I am starting to get really concerned about that side affect. I am gettting a bone scan as soon as possible and hoping that all my years of walking walking walking (weight bearing exercise) will be in my favor. If the scan does show damage I will stop the depo and if I have to, will just opt for a partial historectomy to stop the heavy cycles. My mother was also anemic from heavy cycles.	F	42	10 years		8/31/2007
2	Birth Control	Hair loss due to dryness, weight gain, muscle and joint pain. Extreme decrease in sex drive. No period (that was the only plus!)	It prevented pregnancy, but I think I experienced depression and mood swings. I took the shot for almost 5 years and the symptoms grew more and more yearly. I stopped taking the shot and the syptoms slowly disappeared.	F	42	5 days		7/8/2006
1	Birth Control	Decreased interest in sex, extremely painful intercourse.	The first 1 1/2 years on depo were great. No periods - that's why I went on it in the first place. However, as time went on I noticed that sex was becoming a bit painful. It got to the point that when I went to the doctor about it she could barely examine me as it caused me so much pain. She told me it was because of the Depo. I am now waiting for the shot to wear off and hope I get back to normal has quickly as possible. I would NOT recommend that anyone take this. This side effect has been horrible. I've been doing a lot of reading since this has happened to me and realize that my hair loss, memory loss, and irritability may have something to do with the Depo as well. I think this is a nasty drug, and doctors need to be more upfront in telling patients about the side effects.	F	42	3 years		4/20/2004
1	birth control	exhaustion, severe muscle pain, weight gain	Ive always been strong and able to physically do a lot. Had no clue my exhaustion and muscle pain could be related to depo - those symptoms I wasnt warned about - but starting checking online today about the prescriptions I take and what others are saying. Found all of this info and started realizing my muscle and exhaustion issues started shortly after my first shot. I started waking up with serious neck cramps until one day I couldnt lift my head off the pillow, crawled out of bed and it took 2 weeks with a chiropracter to straighten it out. Started seeing a massage therapist because of ongoing back muscle problems, and the pain starting moving down into my leg muscles lately. I am so glad youve all shared your experiences, as Im going to NOT have any more depo shots and hope my symptoms disappear with time. I am afraid of what the first couple of months off depo will be like, however, after reading all of your accounts. Hopefully others will find this info early as well and a	F	42	2 times		3/25/2006
1	birth control	horrible depression, weight gain, non-stop bleeding, hair loss, extreme dry skin, no sex drive, depletion of breast milk, whole body aches and cramps	At my 6 week check up after the birth of my son, my doctor discussed birth control. I didn't feel like I needed to use anything given my age (42) and medical condition (PCOS), but we decided the depo shot was my best option since I was breastfeeding. I was not informed of any complications and had previously taken birth control pills with no problems. Everything was fine until about six weeks after the shot. I had a period that lasted three weeks. My breast milk supply was extremely poor where it had been very large. I finally stopped the period and had two weeks of feeling okay, then like an idiot, I believed that I needed to take the second shot. I have been having a period since Aug. 26. It gets heavier everyday and I am an emotional wreck. I cry at the drop of a hat, I don't want to do anything. I hurt from head to toe and my hair is coming out by the handful. I would never under any circumstances recommend this medication to anyone! Find something else!	F	42	2 times		10/6/2009
5	to not get pregnant	at the begining very long periods which eventually subsided...basically been period free since..might have some spotting for a day during the time right before my shot	I feel bad about all those that have had major side effects. i did have a lot of wt gain, but the convinience of the shot is worth it to me.My practitioner has not mentioned getting off of it,so was surprised to hear the comment of not being on it as long as I have, but dr makes sure I'm taking the right amount of calcium thru supplements and regular food. Starting to get vaginal dryness, but chalking that more to starting to get perimenopausal	F	41	10 years		4/11/2009
5	birth control and no more periods	No periods, no bleeding, no mess, no fuss, no bloating, no mood swings, no pain and no interruptions for vacations, swimming, sex, exercising - Happy!	I had started taking Depo 4 years ago then read some of the "horror" stories and even though I was having no bad side effects I stopped and immediately my life long "horror story" of heavy bleeding for 3 weeks with pain that would keep me in bed for at least 2 days then maybe I would get a 1 week reprieve before it would all happen again. So I talked to my doctor and stared back on it and couldn't be happier. I know drugs react differently to different people but I also see a pattern in the women with bad side effects that most of them are in their early 20's and have been on it for sometime.	F	41	4 years 1 1X O		5/25/2010
5	Contraceptive - One kid's enough	Slight weight gain - 5-10 lbs. Extremeties swell with heat.	Have been on Depo for at least 10 years now. (started so long ago, can't remember) Pills had me lying in the floor crying. They had taken Norplant off the market, and the idea of glass under my skin spooked me. I'm now over 40, so weight gain can't all be blamed on Depo, but I know it's responsible for about 10 lbs worth. No periods in a decade. Can you top that??? No bleeding, no PMS, no cramps, no surprise pregnancies. Miracle drug, as far as I'm concerned. I am now level headed and not a jumpy bag of hormones every month. No mood swings. I refuse to take calcium, as I have had a kidney stone in the past, so going for a dexascan later this month. You MUST watch your bone density. Long term, depo can affect bone density and it's not 100% reversible. Posters here are fussing about doctors hiding the truth of side effects, but most of what's posted here is not listed as a side affect of Depo, so the doctors aren't going to mention them. Some of what's listed here sounds l	F	41			7/9/2007
4	PREVENT PREGANCY/NO PERIODS	I TOOK THIS DRUG FOR 10 CONSECUTIVE YEARS. I HAD SEVERE BONE DENSITY LOSS AND 5 YEARS THUS FAR OF MAJOR HAIR LOSS. I AM NOT SURE WHAT OTHER BODILY FUNCTIONS HAVE BEEN NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY THIS DRUG. I PRAY EVERYTHING WILL REVERT ITSELF. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD HAIR LOSS???	IT DID AID IN KEEPING ME CALMER. I DIDN'T HAVE AS MANY MOOD SWINGS.	F	41	10 years		7/4/2009
3	Birth Control		On this for 12 years, and now off for 8 mos, due to missing the window and decided not to go back on. Have not yet had a period, experiencing extremely sore nipples, and now this week, my breast feel like they have gained two pounds a piece and they are very hard. Feels like I am pregnant. Like all of the other symptoms listed, I thought I had them just because I am 41 with an active family: tired, achy, gain weight easily, irritable, cranky, depressed at times.	F	41	12 years		1/13/2010 Email
3	birth control	weight gain...5 years 20lbs didn't have periods before now that I'm going off I wonder if I will now.		F	41	6 years		11/10/2008
3	regulate monthy cycle	definitely insomnia, within a few days, swollen all over	it has taken away menstrual pain and now I have no period	M	41	1 months 1X O		6/17/2010
3	Endometriosis	Weight gain, painful sex, mood swings, irritability, hot flashes	As far as treating my endometriosis, this has been a miracle cure! No periods, no pain. After battling endo for upwards of 22 years, the disappearance of pain has been an unbelievable experience. However, I am becoming increasingly torn over the continued use of Depo because of my seemingly escalating array of side effects. I have gained 15 pounds in a year, I seem tired all the time, and sex with my husband of 20 years is so painful that I am avoiding it at all costs...very unhealthy for my marriage. I have 5-year old twins and a 3 year old so I can attribute some of my irritability to the general turmoil of dealing with a houseful of small children but I really feel that I am unrationally volatile in a way that I hadn't been before. I'm having serious doubts about my miracle benefits when balanced against my seeming costs. My pain treatment against my mental well-being and the effects on my family! I really don't know what to do.	F	41	1 years		1/8/2007
1	Birth Control	Weight gain, achy joints, hair loss and a major rash that took over my whole body	About 3 weeks after getting this shot I come down with a rash(very itchy)all over my body. I had to get Prenizone to get rid of it.I work out regularly and have been at the same weight for over 3 years, and cannot seem to shed a pound, only gradually gain it. I also experience a huge hair loss, you would think Im bald (you cant tell) by the hair on my bathroom floor after 1 morning of doing my hair. Very bloaty all the time, feel like im gaining weight daily.(Gained 10 pounds)Very achy joints, wrists, hip, feet. Not sure what thats all about. Hopefully this will stop since I am coming off the shot. It has been since May that i got the shot. Still have not had a real period, just spotting WHENEVER it wants to. Would not recommend this shot. I wish i would have found this website before i took it. i thought there was something wrong with me, I feel that i am a pretty healthy person. After reading some of these comments, i dont feel so bad. I will have to ride it out till its gone.	F	41	1 times		10/7/2007 Email
1	Birth Control	EXTREME joint pain (hips, shoulders, elbows) and muscle pain (especially back of neck, side of neck, shoulders and muscles under the breasts).	I had only two shots when I realized it had to be the medication causing my symptoms. I was a fairly healthy ex-dancer (i.e., I was limber and familiar with my body's response to muscle pain)in a very happy, stress-free time of life, yet months after meeting the man of my dreams I didn't want to have sex anymore because I woke up every morning in great pain in my joints. Nothing in my lifestyle had changed except a)I was happier and b) I was on this medicine. An internet search immediately indicated that joint/muscle pain was a common side effect, a fact never mentioned in the literature or by the folks at Planned Parenthood, who I generally trusted completely. Also my periods stopped for months, but I was warned that might happen. While I stopped the shots, the joint and muscle pain (esp. neck) are still with me, more than two years later!	F	41	6 months		11/18/2006
1	Birth Control	Truly, I thought depo was great--no periods and no side effects--I THOUGHT. It turns out I now have osteoperosis. I have also gained a lot of weight (about 70 pounds) that I didn't realize was due to Depo use. Now that I have gone off Depo (about three months now), I am slowly making progress to finally lose the weight. I am way freaked out about the osteoperosis. I am way too young for that!	It may look good on the surface, but I'm kinda thinking it's evil. I should have figured that out. It's not natural for a woman to not have her period. I feel like I've danced with the devil... Please be forewarned.	F	41	10 years		6/20/2006
1	Dr. made me before I got Essure bc	extreme weight gain (112 lbs to 183 lbs)in 8 months!!! no sex drive, vaginal dryness,depression, anxiety attacks, mood swings, 41yrs old and I have acne, hands stay swollen and tight and arms feel like they are asleep all the time and my knees are always giving out with a very sharp pain. Even sex hurts really bad.	I had to take this shot because I was getting a alternative method of a tubaligation called Essure, where they insert titanium springs in your tubes and U of C in Illinois strongly suggest you take this shot before they do the proceedure or they act as though you can't get the Essure. That is the only reason I got depo and they push it or poor minority peolple. I hate like hell I got that poison in me. There should be a class action law suit regarding this drug. NEVER ALLOW THIS IN YOUR BODY.I belive once the damage is done there is no turning back.And I only had ONE shot!!! Lord please dont let this drug be the death of all who have received injections.	F	41	1 times		1/6/2009
1	heavy and long periods	Literally within 1 week of getting this horrible shot I started breaking out like a 13 year old, I became severely depressed and hated everyone and everything. I could not stop crying ( I have a history of depression and my doc should have never put me on this shot), I felt like there was no hope with anything in my life and I just didn't care. I got the shot on Oct 20, 2008 instead of having the endometrial ablation, I figured why have surgery if the shot could stop my periods? Well, that was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life....I decided to have the ablation right away knowing I would not be getting the shot anymore. I had the ablation done Dec 1, 2008, my 90 days from the depo shot was up about 4 days ago and I have not stopped bleeding since I had the ablation!!!! Not sure if this bleeding is from the lingering side effects of the depo shot or the ablation. The ablation is supposed to slow your periods down or even stop them. As of today I have been bleeding for 5	This shot is no good!!!! It's POISON	M	41	90 days		1/22/2009 Email
1	Essure procedure	Period started late by one week -- that was 45 days ago. Still bleeding! Not heavy, but still not fun!	I was given this shot in order to have the Essure procedure. No pros or cons discussed with me. I did my own research. I was hesitant but figured it was one time deal. My hesitancy was more because of my age - 41 - and I didn't want to jack with my hormones - more afraid of an emotional roller coaster. Didn't expect non-stop bleeding, since I took the pill in my 20's and had very light periods. My physician said the shot is more to thin the lining of the uterus to make the procedure easier. After 3 months, for birth control, she suggested another shot until tubal blockage is confirmed. I told her I will chose absentince over more hormones of any kind! I don't think this doctor gets a cut in $ because I picked up the presription at the pharmacy. My brother, a Physician's assistant, says women get fat on this shot. Thank goodness I've been able to maintain.	F	41	75 days		1/9/2009
1	Contraceptive	Weight Gain, constant bleeding, constant feeling like I have a yeast infection, painful intercourse.	DO NOT TAKE THIS SHOT! IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE!	F	41	1 times		3/10/2009
1	Didn't want to et pregnant	I was given 3 shot total. One of the shots was early. I start gaining weight 5 pounds a week. I was little and weighed about 125 pounds now I'm 199 pounds and haven't been able to get pregnant.	I wish the Dr would of told me the side effects that you can gain weight and it's hard to get pregnant later in life. I didn't have a period for 4 years after the third shot. When I did my period was black for 2 years. This is not right. Where do your blood goes? It has to sit some where because it comes out black when your period returns. I recommend if you don't want these complication you might want to think twice about it. It might won't happen to you but I have heard that alot have gain and the other side effects and then I have heard that some people have not had a problem w/ the weightgain or delay in pregnancy. Sincerely Kalamazoo. Yea where I was born and raised.	F	41	75 days		8/14/2007 Email
1	birth control	anxiety, depression, weight gain, hair loss, muscle aches, stomach problems all of which kept getting worse until i realized it was the depo causing them.	This is the worst bc in the world I have never had so many health problems in all my life. Coming off of depo was a nightmare but I am so glad i have. Last shot was exactly 6 months ago and am finally starting to feel human again. I literally thought I would die. Started having panic attacks, nausea, vomiting lost 30 lbs in a matter of weeks which i feel kept releasing this poison into my system since depo is stored in the fat. Countless dr visits and no one could find anything wrong. Only 1 dr would believe me that it was the depo. AF has still not returned and who knows if it ever will. Gyn wants to give hormones I said NO WAY!!! never again. Good Luck to all of you going through this just believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.	F	41	8 years		6/12/2007 Email
1	Birth Control	Massive weight gain, increase in appetite,no periods.	I gained 21 pounds in weight and it was all in the wrong places!! I felt bloated and was hungry all the time. I watched my weight creep up every time I had a check up and the Depo. I came off the Depo in March. Since September 09 I have lost 21 pounds, my periods returned and I am my usual slim self, I have joined a slimming club where you have green days and red days!! and I have increased my CV work at the Gym to increase my metabolic rate, I believe that all these three factors have helped me to return to a normal weight. I have been to hell and back with the effects of this injection as I became very depressed due to gaining weight and I thought that my partner would leave me at some stage!! My friend at work told me I would lose the weight after six months and that support kept me going. I was never told how much weight I would gain and I was never given proper guidance or support when I was given this injection. I would advise any woman not to have this injection as it causes no end of problems and these are irreversible until months later. Think twice before you consider this form of contraception.	F	41	9 months		1/8/2010
1	Birth Control	Weight gain, moody, easily irritated, bloated, and an overall feeling of being pregnant and I am not.	This medication has been horrible from the very first week. I immediately began my cycle and bled for 6 weeks with only a day or two in which I wasn't bleeding heavily with occasional "chunks of tissue." I continue to spot almost daily. I am so bloated I can no longer fit into most of my clothes. My breasts are huge and feel like they weigh 3 pounds each - my bra size was a small "C" prior to this injection; but now I think I must be a "D" or bigger as I'm busting out of my bras. I am constantly hungry and have gained 6 pounds over the past 9 weeks. Prior to this medication I was fun, happy, and easy going. Now however I am easily irritated and will go off for no apparent reason. I will NOT be taking an additional injection and i am emailing all of my friends to avoid this medication. THIS IS THE WORST MEDICATION I HAVE EVER PUT INTO MY SYSTEM AND I REGRET THE DAY I MADE THE UNINFORMED DECISION TO DO IT.	F	41	9 weeks		9/1/2009
1	Birth Control	Extreme Fatigue, Extreme Depression, No Libido	I have received 3 Depo shots and I will never have another one. Within the past 4 - 5 months I have started feeling hopeless about everything...and so sad. I feel like someone took a huge sponge and soaked up all the joy from my life. I don't enjoy anything anymore...not my kids sports, not movies or tv, eating out at restaurants, being with friends or family, nothing. I am empty and no one can reach me. And I am anxious...my heart races...I have irrational and obssessive thoughts constantly...worry, worry, worry is all I do. And sex?? What sex. I don't want it. I sleep on the very edge of the bed so my husband won't accidentally touch me because then he might want to have sex and I would rather eat glass. Also, I can barely stay awake while driving. I literally have to baounce my head of the headrest to wake myself up sometimes. Be very careful if you choose this for BC.	F	41	9 months		9/29/2009
1	Birth Control	Numbness, to the point of where I thought I had neuropathic symptoms as in diabetes, SEVERE back and abdominal pain, moodiness, ZERO sex drive and no vaginal lubrication when I do "suffer through" sexual intercourse with my husband!	My doctor would not prescribe me birth control pills due to a family history of hypertension and my age. She suggested this and gave me a positive report for the drug. I have not bled once since the shot a month ago, but boy have I struggled with everything else this drug brings! I will not be returning for any more shots, which concerns me since coming off of this sounds like an exercise in horror! At this rate, I will risk getting pregnant before taking this again! Children are a blessing anyhow!	F	41	4 weeks		5/6/2009
5	Stop heavy periods	No negative side effects	Since getting the shot, I've had more energy, more appetite control, and have lost more than 20 lbs. Sex drive better since I'm not worried about pregnancy.	F	40	9 months		6/14/2007
5	No Period! Birth Control	Some weight gain in the beginning..	I guess only the people with bad experiences are looking this up because I am by far an exception to what appears to be horrible experiences. I was on the pill for years, went off to have a baby.. after baby, couldnt remember to take my pill (go figure) so I switched to the Depo shot.. I am also a smoker so this was a better choice for me. Keep in mind that I was 31 when I started this shot so I am not as concerned with my "bone density" because of my age. I am still on the shot, and will continue to stay on it until I have a hysterectomy. I am at high risk of endomitriosis but have always been on some form of birth control so keep it from developing. I do not have health insurance so I get the generic form which is 1/2 the cost of the Depo. I also give myself the shot.	F	40	9 years		12/13/2008 Email
4	birth control method	alot of weight gain, mood swings (irrability and depression)	I love the fact there is no period and that you don't have to take a daily pill.	F	40	3 years		11/25/2005
3	period every 2 weeks	I have noticed terrible hair loss, oily hair, big big painful pimples. No other side effects yet.	I started taking the depo shot as I have been on estrogen b. control pills in the past for frequent periods. I noticed hair loss before the change in pills but now the hair loss is coming on faster. Cant keep the grease out of my hair! My skin is very oily. Giant papules. Thinkin of getting my tubes tied cus no hormone therapy is worth this. Oh, on top of the hair loss, just brushing my hair makes my scalp feel like it is sunburned. But it did alleviate the frequent yeast infections(1every 2 1/2 weeks) which was another reason i went on it. I am switching to bio-identical hormone replacement therapy......	F	40	2 months not sure 1X O		5/9/2010 Email
3	birth control	None for the first 10 years then a gradual change to include fatigue, hair loss, subclinical hypothyroid, acne, darkening and thickening facial hair, facial skin pigmenting, and slight-gradual weight gain.	Absolutely loved Depo for the first ten years. I had one normal period every six months. I began to notice changes during the 11th year at a dermatologist screening where the pigment on my cheeks, nose and chin began to age spot or darken. The dermatologist attributed the change to depo and prescribed a 30 sunblock for daily use. At 40 I still have mild acne and pronounced facial hair which does not run in my family. My periods became highly irregular and I began to experience longer spotting durations. I now bleed at a low volume for 15 out of 30 days per month. I also began to experience unusual fatigue, muscle gain (my legs look like Marion Jones with little training and no Balco products) as if I were 19 again, and overall gradual but accelerating weight gain. I scored 70% on a thyroid dysfunciton test and have no doubt that my estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and thyroid are no longer normal. No bone density issues. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE THIN PREP PAP TO AVOID ANY FA	F	40	14 years		1/31/2008
2	birth control	hair loss, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, some night sweats, low sex drive, vaginal dryness... on the upside no problems with depression or mood swings	got on depo after having my baby. i am age 40 and my insurance doesn't pay for iud, but will pay for pill or shot only. too old for pill, so got on shot. brifly went on shot 4 years ago, stayed on for less than a year. this time side effects worse, started about a month after shot. biggest complaints... chronic fatigue and hair loss. btw i am in great health, exericse reguarly, take vitamins, etc, i plan on discontinuing this , will not get my second shot, will pay for another iud out of my own pocket.	F	40	2 months		10/27/2007 Email
2	to manage heavy periods	constant spotting is my main issue...i have a fibroid that has caused heavy periods....tried to have it removed and the doctor ended up damaging my colon!! supposedly my only alternative is to have a hysterectomy but I've been told that I will most likely have more damage done to my colon due to adheasions from the first surgery. My doc recommended trying depo for a year to try and stop my periods....so far it has not worked. I am trying to hang in there for a full year to see if my periods will eventually stop otherwise I guess I'll be bleeding until i hit menopause.	Hearing so many terrible stories about depo is scary but I'm hoping that things will eventually settle down since there do seem to be some people that do well on it. As far as other side effects go, I do have depression and lots of anxiety but I had that before I started depo so I'm not sure I can completely blame it on the shot.	F	40	8 months		6/9/2009 Email
2	no periods	boils, headaches, vision problems,leg cramps, stomach cramps, irritable bowel, tired, no desire for sex	I was on the depo shot for 6 years and had my last shot (ever!) in June 08. The first 4 & 1/2 years were fairly problem free. I gained weight (50 lbs) but can't say it's due to the shot, as I like to eat and was already heavy. I added a lot of girth around the middle and look more pregnant than I did when I actually was pregnant. I've weighed this much in the past and my body shape has been curvy rather than middle heavy. In the last year and a half I began to get boils on my butt and upper thighs. At first it was only once in awhile but that led to having several at all times and horrible scars. I also began to have stomach problems, cramping and frequent bowel movements. In the last six months headaches and vision issues have come into play. I continued to deny that the depo was the cause of the things going on with my body. Coming to this website really opened my eyes. I'll never get another depo shot and surely hope the side effects don't linger for too long!	F	40	6 years		8/7/2008
1	To stop vertigo (please read on..)	Severe depression, psychotic episodes, nausea, heavy bleeding, hair loss, 4 stone gained, joint pain and weakness, messed up my hormones triggering underactive thyroid. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG.	If I could go back over my 40 yrs on this earth and change one thing only, it would be to have never, ever, have started this evil drug. It has ruined my life - the 4 years taking it and the last 5 years since I stopped it. I have done enough research to know that it's this injection that has has caused my problems. I was the perfect picture of health, apart from vertigo, when my Gynaecologist decided that the vertigo was due to a hormone imbalance. As it turned out I had MS. This is now so much worse than it was all those years ago and I now have the effects of this drug to deal with too.	F	40	4 years		10/28/2009
1	contraceptive	moodiness, weight gain, back pain, night sweats	I have had 2 shots. 30 days after my first shot I started bleeding and have not stopped yet except for 1 or 2 days. I have had depression most of my life and this has only exacerbated the problem. A friend of mine had great results with it and never had a period at all..one of the few lucky ones..so I thought I would try it. BIG MISTAKE! My OB/GYN nurse encouraged me to take this 2nd shot by telling me it should make the symptoms decrease. I am miserable. I am having severe cramps and backaches. I am bloated, gaining weight, having headaches and am snappy and mean to my family. Forget being intimate, this is the last thing on my mind. I would not recommend this shot to anyone!	F	40	5 months		8/21/2009
1	4 kids is enough	gained 29 pounds with the last shot, fatique, insomnia,sore back, feeling depressed once and a while, no energy and just feel like hang out at home all the time...and OMG I have been bleeding continually since my last shot in Aug (its now Dec 22) prior to that I would always start bleeding again about 2 weeks after getting the shot. My Dr is aware I have been bleeding for so long yet doesn't think anything of it, nor does she express any regret on not telling me the "possible" side effects...clearly she has no idea what its like to wear a pad for 5 straight months...yup...just a tad choked and hope this will stop someday....I wonder if it will and when...mmmm	My dr. suggested depo because of my age and I smoke and the BC isnt good for smokers or ppl my age. I was married 15 yrs to a "fixed" husband after our kids and am in a new relationship now for the past year and a half and this is why I went on it...thank God he still loves me. I have not taken a shot since Aug yet still have the poundage...only benefit is I now have boobs..haha...I have never weighed this much and it REALLY bothers me and need it to be gone...I have a closet full of clothes that dont fit...I wish I did research b4 taking this. I never knew about ANY side effects...would I suggest this shot...HELL NO!!! I would rather have my guy use a raincoat.	F	40	4 times		12/22/2009 Email
1	4 kids is enough	gained 29 pounds with the last shot, fatique, insomnia,sore back, feeling depressed once and a while, no energy and just feel like hang out at home all the time...and OMG I have been bleeding continually since my last shot in Aug (its now Dec 22) prior to that I would always start bleeding again about 2 weeks after getting the shot. My Dr is aware I have been bleeding for so long yet doesn't think anything of it, nor does she express any regret on not telling me the "possible" side effects...clearly she has no idea what its like to wear a pad for 5 straight months...yup...just a tad choked and hope this will stop someday....I wonder if it will and when...mmmm	My dr. suggested depo because of my age and I smoke and the BC isnt good for smokers or ppl my age. I was married 15 yrs to a "fixed" husband after our kids and am in a new relationship now for the past year and a half and this is why I went on it...thank God he still loves me. I have not taken a shot since Aug yet still have the poundage...only benefit is I now have boobs..haha...I have never weighed this much and it REALLY bothers me and need it to be gone...I have a closet full of clothes that dont fit...I wish I did research b4 taking this. I never knew about ANY side effects...would I suggest this shot...HELL NO!!! I would rather have my guy use a raincoat.	F	40	4 times		12/22/2009 Email
1	to build my blood up / I'm anemic	Headaches, loss of sex drive, mood swings	I took my first shot in September of 09, I have had light bleeding every since. I still had a period each month also. This has been a horrible experience and I will not take it again or recommend it to anyone.	F	40	4 months		1/14/2010
1	Endometriosis	huge weight gain, 40 lbs in 3 months, unable to lose any weight even after 8 years off the drug	this drug should be banned, it's a night mare, I only took 4 shots the doctor said "this will shut down everything" when she knew I needed a hysterectomy I'd had my children I was supposed to take it for 6 months and could only take it for 4 and 9 years later I still have all of the effects everyone else notes and despite lots of exercise and eating well I can't lose any weight, I was only 32 when I took this and am now 40 and absolutely miserable about this I wish I'd known this before it ruined me! It needs to be banned.	F	40	4 months		4/3/2007 Email
1	Birth Control/altern. to tubes tied	EXTREME weight gain (87 POUNDS), excessive hair loss, daily headaches & migraines, aching joints & muscles, over-all deterioration in health and SEVERE depression.	DEPO SHOULD BE BANNED!!! I wouldn't doubt if this shot has driven women to commit suicide, but we'll never know. The thought has crossed my mind several times. It ruins your health and your life. They say that the side effects could last for years after you stop the shot. I've been off it for 7 months and still have the side effects PLUS my period is out of control. My first period after stopping the shot lasted 5 months and it was very heavy and the water retention was horrible in my legs and feet. I had to buy shoes and sneakers a whole size bigger because my feet were so swollen. The FDA needs to re-evaluate this drug because it's literally killing us.	F	40	18 months		4/4/2007 Email
1	birth contol	Bleeding, No weight gain, Very Moody	1 1/2 weeks after first shot started bleeding and have been bleeding now for over 2 months. I have gone to the doctor several times and they are trying different medications to try to get the bleeding under control. After shot I became very moody. Did not gain any weight. I will absolutely not be getting another shot.	F	40	3 months		11/15/2006

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Average rating for drug: 2.2. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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