Depo Provera and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Pri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the new ablation treatment for heavy periods and was recommended the injection. I'm on my 2nd shot, and I won't be repeating it. I'm usually such a positive, outgoing person, and I've changed so much in 15 weeks. I never knew what anxiety felt like or what it was like to feel so down. I'm so happy to read it's not just me. I have severe cramping, constant infections, I'm sick all the time. I would have recovered by now if I had gone for a hysterectomy. I experienced very down days. I hate answering the phone. My sister said I've turned into a monster, my friends say my personality has changed. I 100% would not recommend this."

• Rae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I went on the Depo in May '15 and am just about due for my next dose. I like to have a positive outlook on life, but my experience with Depo has been dreadful! The evening I got it, I started getting severe bug-like stomach cramps, shivering, and felt really unwell, this lasted for just over 2 weeks. Then, about a week later, I started bleeding and have yet to stop. On top of that, I've been losing weight, nausea, very sore breasts, bad cramping, low mood, fatigue, loss of appetite, strong sense of smell and taste (even gone off foods I used to love - almost feel pregnant in a way!), lots of migraines, and overall feel very unwell. Doctor said I've just got to wait it out. Worst decision ever - never again!"

• Cas...
• June 4, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my first shot April 28th, 2015. My period was supposed to come May 10th and didn't. It was a week late, and I've been bleeding and spotting ever since. I have bad mood swings and get mad over absolutely nothing. I get cramps all day, every day, and it's so horrible. It's been almost 3 straight weeks of bleeding, sometimes heavily and other times just spotting. I don't know if it even protects against pregnancy because you can't have sex if you're constantly bleeding! I would NOT recommend this to anyone, ever. I have an appointment with my ob/gyn on Tuesday, so I hope there is some kind of solution since I have to ride this out till the end of next month!"

• Col...
• November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Despite reading some of the horrendous reviews and comments, I can honestly say this Depo-Provera injection was the best thing for me. I tried a few variations of the pill, which made my skin terrible. I suffer from acne, but my skin became a lot more oily and harder to manage while on the pill. I had the injection for 4 years, and my periods stopped almost immediately. I experienced no cramping, no spotting, I didn’t really notice any drastic change in my mood, neither did my partner. I worried a lot about conceiving, as I had read that it can take almost a year for things to return to normal, and my partner and I got married in September 2018 and had discussed a baby for many years prior to getting married. My final shot ran out in October (after our honeymoon), and on the 4th of January 2019, I found out I was 4 weeks pregnant with our first baby! She is now 7 weeks old. The injection was marvelous for me, and I am hoping to recommence the injection now that my body is settling back to normal."

• So...
• June 3, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo for 6 months now, it's almost time to get my third shot. After my very first shot, I had no bleeding at all for two months, just random cramps that were kind of annoying. Then, at the third month, I spotted very lightly for a week, then bled normally for about a week, then bled really, really heavy for a few days. Then it stopped, and I got my second shot. Two and a half months with no bleeding after the second one, then spotted lightly for over a week and no heavy bleeding. It seems to get better, so I can't wait for the bleeding to stop completely. Also, the only other side effect I have noticed is increased nervousness/anxiety. I have had a few anxiety attacks at night, and I thought I was having a heart attack, but it was nothing."

• Jay...
• April 6, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on the Depo for about 10 months, so 3 shots. I've never had bleeding until this past week, a full week straight. Never had a period until now. Never even had any period pain or anything close to it. I love the low maintenance associated with the shot, but if this continues, I may have to stop!"

• Tex...
• August 24, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the shot in June, it was great in the beginning! I didn't have a period the first month, the second month came around, and I got my period! Now it's been a month, and I am still bleeding! I will never again get this shot! I have severe cramps, long-lasting headaches. For any woman looking to get on birth control, I do not recommend the Depo!"

• Spy...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2019

For Birth Control "Depo saved my life. My period cramps were so bad during my cycle I couldn't work, walk, eat, lay down, sit up, drink. I couldn't do anything. My GP or my OB couldn't figure out what was happening. They finally sent me for an ultrasound during my period, and it turned out when my uterine lining was shedding, it would tear away from my uterus. I've been on Depo for 4 years, and I never want to go back. It stopped my period completely, I still get occasional cramps, but it's worth it to not have my body ripped apart every month. Everybody's body reacts differently to the drug, some people told me horror stories about never stopping bleeding. But for me, it worked amazingly. Thanks for reading."

• Loo...
• December 7, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had my first Depo-Provera shot at the end of August after trying various brands of mini pill. After two weeks of getting the shot, I was bleeding for two weeks, felt anxious and tired all the time. I was actually going to give up on this shot and not go for another one, but I found as time went on my anxiety went away, and I also stopped bleeding, so I had my second shot and up to now feel absolutely fine, and a big plus, not had a period for over six weeks now. I used to get terrible period cramps but have also been free of those too. I’ve found the longer I am on it, the better it gets."

• Jan...
• August 17, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had only one shot. I was spotting for 3 months every day, experiencing cramps, dizziness, nausea, and mood changes. I never took another shot, yet I am still spotting and I still have abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, and my mood is changing rapidly. I would never recommend this product to anyone. What's more, I think it should be taken off the market immediately."

• 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."

• A...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 7, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got this shot in November 2018. It is now September 2019, and let me tell you... I suffered a whole year on this medication. I had very bad period cramps, and Depo caused no cramping at all! But on the other hand, I have been bleeding on Depo for a year straight, every single day. Everyone has different bodies, and I understand that, but Depo made my uterus lining too fragile, so I wasn’t able to work out or lift weights without heavy breakthrough bleeding. The doctors didn’t have much to say and just told me to switch to an IUD, which I refuse. I’m in a situation now where I can’t get off of it because of my period cramps, but I cannot stand this medication making me bleed every day. It started to hold me back from a lot of activities and made me depressed. Please, please, please don’t let the doctors tell you differently if you have any of these problems. We are all women who are trying to find solutions through birth control and don’t deserve backlash."

• Shy...
• February 18, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm highly disappointed with this injection. I took my first shot of Depo in December 2016, was fine for 28 days where I thought I was having a normal period. Since January 26th, I have been bleeding, cramping, and literally passing clots daily to date, February 16th. This is so misleading. I have gone through tons of pads, and this is becoming so depressing. I would never, I say never, ever take this injection again."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my shot on May 4th, 2019, and I bled from May 9th all the way till August 30th. I finally stopped bleeding, and on September 4th, I started bleeding again and stopped on September 7th. I still have cramps from May 4th: crippling pain and mood swings, and on edge about everything. The Depo-Provera shot is the worst decision I have ever made."

• sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got this shot in March 2019. It is the worst mistake I ever made in life. It is now September going on October, and I am still bleeding. At first, it was every single day for about 3 months. I didn't get a second shot. I started to spot every now and then after 3 months, and then I stopped bleeding for a few weeks. Now I bleed for 2 weeks straight and get a few weeks break, and then 2 weeks again. Currently, approaching my second week of bleeding while typing this, and the bleeding is very heavy to the point where I am afraid to even sit down. Highly not recommended. No sex drive, cramps, moody, depressed, weight gain, and the list goes on."

• Vic...
• July 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on the Depo-Provera for 7 months, and I haven’t stopped bleeding since. I’ve actually lost weight rather than gained any. I’m 20 and weigh 109 lbs when I got the shot. Now I’m 21, weighing 93 lbs. I know I’m eating, but my appetite just isn’t as normal as it was before. When I first got the Depo shot, I didn’t bleed for a good bit, it felt like I was backed up, and my tummy felt bloated, and I just felt sluggish. A month after I was supposed to get my period, BAM! I started bleeding and am still bleeding now. I’m experiencing heavy periods and horrible cramps. Besides the long, agonizing period pains and stains, I’ve also dealt with eerie mood swings and depression, I’d really feel so many emotions in one day. I stress so much over things that can be fixable, and I jump the gun a lot too. What I’m saying is I don’t feel like myself at all. The Depo-Provera can affect people in different ways, but for me, I probably won’t go back to get my 3rd shot, which is this August."

• she...
• November 19, 2015

For Endometrial Hyperplasia, Prophylaxis "I had hyperplasia last year, as well as endometriosis, which I had surgery for. First, I was prescribed the Prometrium pills. Had great effects. Stopped taking that and was irregular again. Then I started bleeding and didn't stop for 36 days, and it was heavy. We decided on the shot because I wanted added birth control. I suffer from bipolar disorder, and anything with estrogen is horrid. Two days after the shot, I stopped bleeding! Some mild cramping, a bit moody, and weird dreams, but overall great! I think it works best if you are lacking progesterone."

• Pen...
• November 23, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got this shot about 2 and a half months ago. I have not stopped bleeding/spotting from the first day I got it, not even for a day. I'm a surgeon's first nurse, so I'm on my feet all day, and every now and again I get cramps along with it. My doctor did tell me that the irregularities would be stopping after another dose or two, which means I would have to wait about 3-6 months to see some dry panties. No."

• Anonymous
• November 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 18, going to be 19 soon. I had really heavy periods for 8 days straight, and my period would come a week early. It was regular, just less than a month until each one, and I also had really bad cramps to the point where I couldn't move. The pill was my first option, and it made me bleed for 3 months straight. A while later, I was considering birth control, and I finally chose the Depo-Provera, it was the perfect choice for me. Once I got the shot, I never got a period or any bleeding again. I personally didn't gain any weight. All the side effects didn't bother me, and it works well against pregnancy. I've seen a lot of bad reviews, but mine was perfect, so everyone's body is different. I would recommend talking to your doctor. He or she will know what's best."

• Mar...
• January 19, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Worst decision I have ever made. I have fibroids, and I got the shot on 11/11/2019 to help me with the heavy periods problem, so my period was gone until 1/11/2020. I started bleeding, and it’s the worst nightmare. I have even been having painful cramps, heavy bleeding, horrible and continuous blood clots, headaches. Seriously, I’m praying every day for these symptoms, “side effects,” to go away. So I definitely do not recommend getting the shot, it’s been a nightmare for me."

• Sam...
• March 27, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on the Depo shot for over a year. I know that cramps and other signs are common, but just recently I have been bleeding a lot more than I should be, but not quite at a normal period. This works very well, and I love it."

• Ron...
• May 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 19. I've been on Depo for 3 years, and I LOVE it. I didn't have periods, skin problems, or hair loss. My only problem is I have slight cramps here and there, but nothing major. But I've recently missed my shot, and I feel crazy. I don't know what it is, but my period came back immediately."

• MiM...
• September 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm sharing this with everyone who is considering the Depo-Provera shot. I have been bleeding constantly for 8 months straight, and every shot I've taken my doctor told me, 'Oh, just wait for the next shot,' over and over. The spotting eventually became a heavier flow of bleeding and big amounts of blood clots. The cramps are so bad that I couldn't walk, it feels like all the area below my belly button was slowly ripping apart. It has changed me emotionally too. It increased my anxiety and depression and just really dark thoughts. It has changed my personality drastically. It also caused me to pass out twice. The cramps' symptoms are usually sweating, shaking, and a lot of pain. It has caused emotional and physical pain and risks to life. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THE DEPO SHOT. One of my friends also took the depo shot and now she can't get pregnant anymore, ever. So please do yourself a favor and try different birth control methods and not risk using this one."

• Aid...
• February 4, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "After having my third baby, I decided I needed birth control that was more long-term. I decided on the shot because it was hassle-free. However, this has been a nightmare. I have been bleeding constantly for a period of 3 weeks. I delivered my last baby via c-section, and the amount of bleeding I am having now is equivalent to what I was having postpartum. I am also very cranky and go into rages of anger where everything upsets me. I have had panic attacks where I feel my heart racing and can’t catch my breath. I already suffer from celiac disease, but it seems like Depo has aggravated it. I am having flare-ups and experiencing IBS symptoms. I have three children, and all these symptoms combined are taking away from my quality of life. I am constantly cranky, cramping, panicking, or having IBS symptoms, and I just want it to stop so I can enjoy my life and babies. This is horrible!"

• Que...
• November 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I highly recommend the Depo-Provera shot (especially if you would like to gain some weight)! I decided to take the Depo shot because I kept forgetting to take the pill (this later led to a pregnancy which was followed by a miscarriage because of stress from the situation I was in). I didn't know anything about the Depo-Provera shot and was never given any kind of pamphlet on it. I was at 105 lbs when I first started the shot. Now I'm at 132 lbs. I've been on the shot for 2 1/2 months. My anxiety is worse (I'm on medicines for anxiety), I've had throbbing headaches (I also have medicine for this), and my periods are super weird. I'll barely bleed most of the time I go to the bathroom. It's almost like I don't have a period, but the cramps come and go. So far, it's doing its job and preventing pregnancy. However, my sister has friends who gained 100+ pounds being on this shot, so I was suggested to keep the late-night snacks to a minimum, but I choose not to and it's not really affected me."