Depo Provera and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cyn...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking the Depo shot in 2012 after my son was born. I absolutely have no problems up to date. Within the first shot, I stopped getting periods. I spot a teeny tiny bit when it's close to getting the shot again. But such as hair loss, weight gain, and acne, and all the other side effects, I have none. I'm satisfied with the shot."

• idk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Depo Provera for 6 months. Prior to taking it, I was 130 pounds with a flat stomach and DDDs. I am a power lifter who exercises at least 3-4 times a week for about 2 1/2 hours. I am now 175 pounds with H cup breasts, covered in acne in places I’ve never had it before, exponentially more tired and depressed, constantly nauseous, the gastrointestinal issues I had prior were made 100 times worse, and now that I just passed the date I was supposed to get my 3rd injection, I’m on day 31 of my period. I was never warned about any of this except 'you may gain about 3 pounds in a year of taking this!' I’ve been on two other brands of birth control pills and never have I experienced this or anything similar. The Depo injection has ruined my body and my mental health. If I could negatively rate, I would."

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doctor recommended this shot to me to help with cramps due to having endometriosis. I have received 2 shots and have been on my period for a total of 5 months now! The shot helped with pain the first 3 months, and now it doesn't help at all. I will not be going back for another shot. It is awful! I've gained weight, I'm moody, and fatigued. And in case you missed it the first time, I've been bleeding for 5 months! Just think of the pads, tampons, laundry, ibuprofen, chocolate, ice cream, occasional apologies to your boyfriend, and acne you'll get to look forward to... just say no to this joke of a drug!"

• MsT...
• December 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on the shot for 7 years, no cycle, no other children, and no weight gain. The only side effect that I think I'm having now is a low sex drive because I can't get into sex like I used to. I don't like taking pills and forget to with vitamins, so I know they wouldn't be a good idea. But I do think being on the shot for so long actually messed with the hormones because my face tends to break out every other week, but other than that I love it, but it's time to get off!"

• Dev...
• September 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I am writing this review because most people don't bother writing reviews when they have a positive experience, and it can sway others not to use Depo when many women don't have issues. I have been on Depo consistently for 5 years now, with zero complaints. In the first year, I had irregular periods and stopped having them completely after that. I get about one period per year now, if that. I did not get any acne, but I've never had acne problems anyway. I do believe Depo causes weight gain, although it could just be because I started taking it at 18 years old (about 120 lbs) and now I'm 23 (145 lbs). I can't say for sure if it's the Depo, but I have to work out just to stay the same. All around though, I would recommend Depo 100%!"

• sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the shot last month to help with my endometriosis, I was on my period at the time. After my period stopped, everything was fine, but once I got my period, things started to go downhill *not by much*. I started my period, and it wasn't so heavy at first, and my pain was gone, but now I'm stuck on my period. I have been bleeding for over two weeks now, and cramps come and go. My face broke out and hasn't stopped, which is weird for me because it doesn't ever last this long. I'm really starting to think it's not worth it if I'm still on my period all the time because now I feel like I can't do much, like swimming or being crazy active, because I feel weak and just drained."

• Lou...
• November 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I recommend no one ever tries this. I had my first injection and felt fine for 3 months (at least I thought I did). After my second injection, I felt completely different. Since having my second injection, I don’t feel like the same person. I have had 4 panic attacks and am suffering with bad anxiety. I am constantly worrying about my health and diagnosing myself with all sorts of side effects of the injection. I feel like a severe hypochondriac at the moment. Not only has it messed with my mental health, making me constantly worried, anxious, and stressed, it has caused me to get cystic acne. 2 weeks into my second injection, I saw 3 spots appear on my face (I’ve never had spots in my life). How wrong was that, causing them to get bigger and painful? The more the injection wears off, the smaller they seem to get. I have not yet been to my GP about my problem yet, as I want to let it wear out of my body and pray I get back to my normal self and my skin gets better - do not get it."

• mar...
• March 2, 2016

For Birth Control "If I wanted to be covered in acne, moody, and in pain, I would have just gone out and gotten pregnant! Several days after receiving the shot, I had strong-smelling, dark brown discharge for about a week, which was followed by 4 LONG MONTHS OF CONTINUAL BLEEDING. Haven't been able to test out its effectiveness because I haven't been able to stop discharging/bleeding, which defeats the purpose of this shot. Although this seems like a great option, these shots last for 3 months, so if you react to it like me, you'll be stuck until it flushes out of your system. Got the shot back in September, and my periods are still not back to normal."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on the Depo-Provera shot for about 6 months now, and I was absolutely terrified of gaining weight on it because of the multiple stories I've heard. But I actually lost weight, so I love it. I haven't noticed any change in mood. Perhaps a slight increase in acne, but hardly anything to complain about. I did have spotting for about 3 weeks in the beginning. Overall, I really like it. I don't have to take a pill every day, and there aren't really any noticeable side effects."

• Cha...
• September 13, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I absolutely hate this. I have been on Depo for 6 months, and I have bled the whole time. Nonstop. No breaks. It's not light either. It's like being on the second day of your period forever. It has also significantly worsened my depression. I had finally gotten a combo of meds and therapy that had me feeling relatively functional. I made the mistake of taking Depo. It ruined all my progress and has me debating suicide again. I've gained weight and developed acne. This sucks, don't ever take it. They'll tell you it can stop your periods. Don't be deceived!"

• Don...
• April 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I wish I would've listened to the reviews before getting this shot. It has caused me to have severe anxiety and panic attacks. I can only hope that I'm able to go back to normal after these hormones are out of my system. Additionally, my acne has worsened, and I'm hungry all the time. But none of that compares to the anxiety. I haven't felt like myself in weeks. Absolutely do not try this shot if you are able to get another method of birth control."

• Kle...
• February 23, 2017

For Birth Control "Everyone is different! However, I do not suggest this medicine if it can be avoided. Due to an abnormality in my blood, my only BC option was the Depo shot. I have been miserable since day one, and it's not getting any better. I read all the reviews against it, but I was set that it would be different for me. Hard no! My acne tripled in severity. I experience shortness of breath and muscle fatigue on the daily. The mood swings have been out of control, and ultimately I no longer feel like myself. This has really impacted my life, and I strongly urge you to avoid."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 9, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been off Depo for 9 months, it did what it was supposed to, and I didn't get pregnant while on it, nor did I have a single period after the 2nd month. However, now that I am off the shot and trying to get pregnant, I am having a hard time. We have been trying for 4 months, and I am having irregular bleeding between periods, missing periods, even 2 in one month after I missed one, and am not even sure I am ovulating because we try almost every day... Not only that, but I still have cystic acne from it! My skin has not looked this bad since middle school. I do NOT recommend this stuff!"

• Coc...
• September 1, 2013

For Birth Control "Depo-Provera worked very well. In fact, I really loved it. I only gained about 3 pounds (I do work out 4/5 times a week). Had my period 3 times a year, and it was so easy, just one shot every three months. The only downside was I got a bunch of acne and a bit of hair loss. Each month around my period, I still had the cravings but never got my period! Now that I am off, my acne cleared up a bit. I highly recommend this birth control! Very effective!"

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the shot in mid-June. On July 18th, I started getting the signs of a period. I went through all the symptoms for a week with no bleeding. I finally started bleeding, but it was dark brown and tar-like. It's September 18th, and with only a week break, I have been bleeding this whole time. My skin is breaking out horribly (never used to break out). Can't lose weight, increased appetite, period symptoms the whole entire time (moodiness, lethargic, etc.). No sex drive. Like 100% non-existent. Cannot tell people enough: DO NOT GET THIS SHOT."

• tir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Depo from the ages of 17-21 with absolutely NO problems, NO bleeding, it stopped my periods completely, NO side effects. I went back on the Depo August 2013 (currently ages 25-27) and have been getting the shots every 3 months on the first date they are due. I have been spotting/bleeding almost the whole time. When I have sex, it seems to make me bleed more. Everything has been ruled out, and it's just been blamed as a side effect of the Depo from my doctor. I also managed to get pregnant and have a miscarriage while on the shot/on time with each due date. The longer I am on this, the more side effects I am starting to get (acne, SEVERE depression, anxiety, and mood swings). I recommend for younger only."

• Man...
• February 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on the Depo for about 4 months now. I got on it to stop my period, but I've had nonstop bleeding the whole time! I asked my doctor if there was anything she could do, and she said to wait it out. I searched about bleeding on the shot, and tons of people said they bleed continuously the whole time they were on, and some said once they stopped the shot, the bleeding didn't stop. I also am breaking out in places I normally don't, like in my neck line and forehead. I'm not getting the shot again if the bleeding doesn't stop."

• kek...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I hate this drug! The side effects are awful! I woke up feeling the worst nausea every morning, to the point where I would sometimes vomit. It causes awful headaches. I had a really large clot once, along with killer cramps. My period was still irregular. Yes, it was not as heavy, but it did cause spotting for a majority of the 3 months I was on it. My skin (which happened to be getting clearer!) was breaking out throughout the 3 months and in places that I never used to break out in. Also, I went from being one of the happiest people to majorly depressed with anxiety and mood swings. I now have the worst panic attacks. It will also make your sex life become horrible! Please don't take this! Read all the reviews before you do!"

• HBM...
• April 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 16 years old, and I have been on the shot since July 2013. I haven't had any of the side effects like having unusual cramps, headaches, or acne. The only problem that I have is I spot on and off for about 2-3 weeks right before I'm supposed to get my next shot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I received my first shot in March 2016 after being on the pill for 5 years. At first, I loved the shot. I didn't have to worry about taking it at a set time every day (which I was terrible at), and my period has completely gone away. About a week before I was due for the second shot, I noticed an increase in my acne on my face, chest, and back, as well as some spotting. That was the first week of June 2016, and I haven't stopped spotting since. My acne has also gotten significantly worse, and I have never struggled with acne like this before in my life - even as a teenager. My stress level has increased significantly, and I've gained over 20 pounds since June 2016. I will NOT be going back in November to get my 4th shot."

• Cam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Never ever take this drug! Please! I started this for bad periods. I had the first one in June, it’s now December 10th, and I have not stopped bleeding once. I was also a size 6 before, and now I’m a size 12-14 lol. Literally, no exercise or diet will take the weight off you either. Made me more depressed, tired, and weirdly gave me constant palpitations, acne, breathlessness…worst thing I ever did."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Depo since having my first child. It’s been nearly 4 years, but I’ve come to realize it’s put a crazy toll on me. I love this as a form of birth control. Never had a scare and was always on time every three months. But in most recent months, I’ve noticed quite the change in my body. I’ve gained a tremendous amount of weight (40 lbs), with 17 of those lbs within these last 6 months. I am built small, I am 5’2”, my starting weight was 120, but I am now 160 on average. I cannot look at myself in the mirror, which is causing low self-esteem, no self-confidence, and straight-up anger. I have terrible back acne, joint pain in my knee, lack of sex drive, and I am always tired! I used to be extremely sexually active with my partner, and it’s now gotten to the point where he’s wondering if it’s him. I am always tired and ready for a nap or to lay down. I can’t work out, especially squats, because of my knee pain. I’m choosing to make a switch before anything gets worse."

• Mig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was placed on the Depo shot beginning of October (10/3/17) due to uterine fibroid complications: swelling, excessive bleeding, and severe pain. My period started two days after the injection, as scheduled. The OB told me to expect some bleeding for the first month, since I took it so close to my start date. Fair, I thought. However, I have been spotting/bleeding nonstop since that day. Today literally marks 30 days of bleeding. I have also since seen a significant increase in acne, as I typically have clear skin; I am fatigued more than usual. My anxiety has worsened. I will not be getting a second shot."

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "The first three months went alright. I was quite moody and emotional, but nothing more than how I am when I get PMS. It was bearable and didn't last too long. I had one period for two weeks. After taking the second shot, I have had a period for over a month and a half now (an actual heavy period, not spotting). My acne has gotten worse. I'm definitely switching to the pill when I am ready to get my next shot."

• AmJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my first Depo Provera injection at the beginning of January 2016. Within the first week, I started bleeding and have now been bleeding every day since. The bleeding goes from light to heavy, not too bad for cramps. I also have suffered vaginal dryness, which has been incredibly uncomfortable. My doctor and I decided for me to go on Depo due to me having suspected endometriosis. I did research about Depo for a month beforehand, but I completely regret my decision. I have also lost a lot of hair, been feeling stressed, and feeling down, and severe acne that has scarred my skin. My doctor encouraged me to get a second shot with the promise of it calming things down, but I refused, it has ruined how I feel about myself and wasted money on pads."