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Depo Provera User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Depo Provera has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 from a total of 1,010 reviews on Drugs.com. 28% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 55% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Depo Provera

  • rissa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 8, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This shot has temporarily ruined my life. I am close to my 3 month mark of this shot, which means another dose. I am strongly considering not getting another. I am currently typing this at 4am because I woke up after bleeding through my pad. Not fun. I've been bleeding/spotting for over half of the 3 months. I am always bloated, tired, and emotional. Sex drive gone, not to mention the constant inserting and deserting of tampons dozens of times a day. The only thing i ever see is blood. I'm constantly tired, i dont have the drive to do anything. This shot has consumed my life."

1 / 10
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  • Confu...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 11, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on the Depo-Provera shot for 5 years, I love it, I haven't had a period since I got the first shot. Then one day randomly, I started spotting, I wasn't to concerned at first but the bleeding went on and got heavier over a span of 2 months (I had been trying to get into the doctors but that hadn't been working out). Finally I was able to talk to my doctor and it just turned out to be my body basically adapting to the progestin, so instead of coming in every 12 weeks I come in every 10 to 11 weeks depending on if I start bleeding."

8 / 10
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  • Caitlin
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 11, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Hey ladies.... depo is the worst birth control I ever got. Bleeding non stop after about a month after. However I did some research and there are a couple natural remedies that have really helped. 1. Red raspberry leaf tea 3x a day 2. Agnus Cactus (Vitex) (it’s a tincture so I feel it gets absorbed better in your system) 3. Dong Quai 3x a day After taking this regimen my bleeding stopped. Of course I got happy and forgot to take them and it comes back but for anyone who’s so sick and tired of bleeding (and not having sex ughhh) give this a try. If it works give some feedback so more ladies can have some of their symptoms regulated Xoxo"

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • anony...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 24, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Well I got my FIRST and ONLY Depo injection in August 28th, 2020 got my “period” September 26th, 2020 which ended up being a never ending period and spotting, it’s April 24th, 2021 and I’m still bleeding but it’s not super heavy but some days it can be. My doctor just gave me birth control pills which I’m not taking ,got blood work done on me and I’m just here wanting this to end. I’ve never felt so disgusting with the never ending period, anyone who just had one injection how long did it take for you to stop?"

1 / 10
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  • M889810
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "This shot has actually ruined my life. I had ONE shot and never went back for another. I would say the first month and a half was fine (no problems) but I started to notice weight gain which made me upset because since I started the shot I’ve watched what I ate religiously to avoid weight gain... another thing is the mood swings. They are extremely uncontrollable and not normal. I can say I’ve developed extreme depression and lack of energy to do anything. I would describe myself as outgoing and energetic. Since then I don’t know who I am anymore. Every other night I cry and if I’m not crying I’m just so annoyed at every thing, any small inconvenience to my life sends me in a downward spiral of emotions. This is without a doubt the worst thing that ever happened to me."

1 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Sharni
  • December 18, 2014

For Birth Control "I've just gotten the second shot today, and I must say I love it, haven't had my period had the tiniest bit of spotting I still get cramps when I'm due for my period but nothing else. I have also not gotten pregnant at all. Probably the best decision I ever made."

10 / 10
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  • MrsBe...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 23, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Stay as far away as possible from this medicine. I took only one injection Oct 11, 2015 during my cycle, with hopes of lighting my cycle, which was due to start on my wedding day Nov 21, 2015. I started bleeding approximately 1 week after receding the injection, it is now Feb 22, 2016, and I am still bleeding. Its a constant spotting, with a break through of extreme heavy bleeding, soaking a pad within an hour. I am a newly wed and unable to satisfy my husband, I surely hope he doesn't go out in cheat, due to this stupid shot, there should be some type of class action lawsuit. Depo Provera need to come off of the market."

1 / 10
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  • M D
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 25, 2020

For Birth Control "Got the Depo-shot in August 2019. Had underlying general anxiety that was manageable. Now it is full blown anxiety that required me to be on anti-anxiety medication for a year, then pending review. Do NOT take Depo-provera That is only one of the major side effects it caused. Now also have more painful periods after it came back and just a general feeling of being unwell. And take note that I only took one dose that lasted 3 months. Horrible experience. The entire 3 months on it, I also had constant nausea and headaches."

1 / 10
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  • Bec
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 30, 2015

"Have been on Depo-Provera almost 3 years since being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis as it is the only contraceptive my consultant could recommend that doesn't allow ovulation. I can honestly say I find no faults with this contraceptive! I get it every 10 weeks as opposed to every 12 weeks to keep it built up and not allow bleeding, I was on the pill version before and it didn't agree with me but the injection has worked wonders! No pain, nausea, anemia or bleeding! My life has changed because of this medication, I would honestly seek professional advice if you found this didn't work for you as it may just be a case of dosage or time span."

10 / 10
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  • College...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I started this birth control at 145lbs 5'3 so I was already a little heavy but I was working out and eating healthy to keep losing weight. The first shot seemed fine. By the second shot, I gained 5lbs which I thought was odd but the doctor said it was normal. I then started becoming very depressed and spent most of my days sleeping or in bed. I gained another 10 lbs. when it was time for the third shot. The 3rd shot made me gain 25 more lbs where I was at 185. I always ate relatively healthy and went to the gym. And I decided to not take the 4th shot. And it's been about a month past when I was supposed to take the 4th shot and I'm finally starting to lose weight. I'm at 175 now and still have a long way to go."

4 / 10
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  • Ilove...
  • December 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I LOVE Depo! Been on it for about 2 1/2 years, only side effects are some weight gain (5-10 pounds) and minor cramping once a month maybe. I used to have TERRIBLE periods, ever since my first shot I haven't had a single period or spotting. It's nice only having to go in once every 3 months. Definitely 10/10!"

10 / 10
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  • Never...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 30, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been bleeding for over two months straight with massive blood clots. Inside my stomach feels raw and unstable. I spoke to my GYN and she prescribed (in addition) a low dose of birth control pills in which I'm not consistent with taking to try and stop the bleeding. I feel completely miserable and this was my first depo shot in over ten years. I'll never do it again. Lastly, I started having hair loss."

1 / 10
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  • jezlynn
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 28 yrs old, I have been on the Depo shot for 3 months now to regulate my periods, my first 2 months I didn't get my period at all, no side affects except a headache for the first week. Now into my 3rd month and I have had my period for going on 3 weeks straight and its really stressing me out, I have been irritable these past week, major mood swings and lost my sex drive. And no changes in my weight, but pretty sure I will not continue this method of birth control."

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  • Hyaaa
  • July 4, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I do not like this medicine. I've only had one shot so far. I didn't come on my period for two months now on the third month I've been on for 2 weeks already. The pain is worse then my normal cramps. I'm not getting my second shot. I'm only 16."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 27, 2009

For Endometriosis "Depo has been great for relief of pain from endometriosis. I am on my 3rd shot. No more period, but I do spot the whole month before the next shot is due. I am hoping that will stop as my body gets used to it more. The shot is painless, the only side effect I have noticed is minor weight gain and my sex drive has decreased a bit. I am okay with that at least the pain is gone. I got scared reading what everyone had to say about this drug and almost didn't get it. I am glad I took the chance to see how "I" reacted to it. Everyone is different. I am very satisfied with it."

9 / 10
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  • kmcmu...
  • October 29, 2009

For Birth Control "I am 29 years old and I have had 3 jabs of the depo in the last year and a bit, MY PRO'S: No period pain every month. No babies ( three is enough for us ). No worries about tampons etc. My CONS: headaches alot, Mood swings - am a little depressed and snappy at the kids, I don't want to get intimate with my poor husband at all, and my face is covered in acne (not really, but for me YES). I have gained weight!! (5kg) I was supposed to have my next jab in June this year and I didn't go for it and I still don't have my period 5 months later!!! I think for me personally, It is no good."

5 / 10
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  • Elaine...
  • November 14, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on the shot since January and today is my 1st time bleeding. I've been on and off of it for over 14 years and have never had bleeding while on. After getting off at times I've had constant abnormal bleeding until period regulated again."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • Sam
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 30, 2023

For Birth Control "I first had my shot on 28/9/2022. I was told there were no side effects so I went along with it and was all good for the next 3 months. When I was due for my second shot I was a week late because I was experiencing chest pains and weird visions so I went to the emergency room. The doctors did blood work and X-rays and everything was normal. The doctor diagnosed me with anxiety. Never have I ever experienced anxiety in my life. I didn’t think much of it, I went and had my second shot. This is when shit hit the roof. 1-2 weeks later I experienced: Dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks, breathlessness, body aches, tiredness, irritability, vision changes, and a weird feeling like I'm going to die are some of the symptoms I've experienced. The worst of them all was severe, extreme, ongoing chest pains! I was diagnosed with Costochondritis and have had to have numerous tests to check my heart is all well. I’ve been in pain these whole 3 months and still am in pain. Has anyone experienced chest pain while taking this?"

1 / 10
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  • EM34
  • May 2, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm only writing this in response to the numerous complaints of bleeding for months after receiving the Depo shot. When I went in to get mine, after much research on my part (I'd been on the pill before and it completely did not work for me), I had been told about 5 times that the MOST COMMON side effect of this form on birth control is bleeding/spotting for up to a YEAR. I was given my options and understood the risks and side effects. So for people who are surprised or upset about this, maybe your provider was not clear enough or you yourself did not do enough research, but it is a very well known and common side effect. As with many things, you need to let your body get used to it."

5 / 10
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  • nene
  • November 5, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had a miscarriage August 2014 and September 2014 I had got on the shot to help with my periods but its not working. I started my period October 20th 2014 and still bleeding heavy November 5. I have headaches and the cramps are crazy never cramp or bleed this much."

7 / 10
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  • HighB...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old was placed on this medicine for having high blood pressure and it being an estrogen free birth control. I was terrified or weight gain, spotting, and mood swings, all of which this shot is rumored to do. I have experience absolutely no bleeding since my first shot, got the second shot today and no weight gain (I do exercise daily). I have been somewhat emotional around the time of my normal period, but no more then usual. Overall I love the shot and having no period is a plus all around!"

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 16, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Depo Provera for about 8 years and I've loved it. I haven't had any cramps but I do spot for a couple weeks before my shot is due. I never gained weight, although I should note that I have a very high metabolism. However, my doctor recently had me do a bone density test and the results were not good. I'm 25 and my bone density levels were very close to those with osteoporosis. Studies show this is reversible once you are off the shot, however, the studies are not clear about the long term effects. So, unfortunately, my doctor no longer wants me on the shot and I am currently looking into another form of birth control."

8 / 10
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  • Worst...
  • January 29, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I cannot stress enough about how bad the depo is! I got the shot in Sept. 2019 and am still having horrible side effects. I am so bloated, sore breast and having intense cramping. I've been bleeding non-stop for almost 5 months now. This is so depressing! Along with that I am having extreme mood swings and depression. I never had either of those things before. I wish I could go back in time and never get this shot ever. I only had one shot, I had no idea these horrible side effects would last so long."

1 / 10
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  • Megan
  • January 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I got on the Depo-Provera shot at age 15 and just got off of it at age 20, and I am now on Seasonique (the pill). I didn't realize how awesome Depo was until I switched. Having no periods for 5 years was definitely great, I didn't gain any weight from the Depo even though it made me eat like I was pregnant with triplets for 5 years. There was minimal spotting which I would take over periods any day. I got moody when I started getting close to my next shot due date but that's about it. I would definitely recommend this birth control!"

8 / 10
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  • annajw
  • July 25, 2012

For Endometriosis "It has been almost 6 months since my shot and I have been on my period the whole time. I gained 45 pounds and I was the most depressed I've ever been. I went insane with mood swings, my already bad pain got worse, and I had head splitting migraines among other things. I don't recommend it to anyone. It should come with a prescription for Xanax and some weight loss pills to try to stay on top of things."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.