Depo Provera and Depression: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Kam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve taken Depo-Provera on June 23rd. This is the worst birth control ever. I am always angry, don’t want to be around people. I keep eating a lot, and I’ve lost a lot of weight on the Depo shot. Light spotting, nothing heavy. I’ve been depressed and sad, feeling tired, like I don’t want to do anything at all. It causes issues in my relationship, uuurrgggghhhh!! I need to stop it."

• Ste...
• December 19, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on the Depo shot for over three years now. I was so happy to get rid of my period. I've had none of the side effects that people have mentioned, such as depression, migraines, or loss of libido, actually, I think it increased mine. Haha. But the only thing that I've noticed was the weight gain, and it was only maybe 5 lbs a year, so it wasn't that noticeable. The only thing that I've noticed is that as you are ending the year and getting your first shot for the new year, you tend to bleed irregularly for a week to two weeks. But I've had nothing but positive things from this shot."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2012

For Birth Control "I started Depo as an alternative to the pill due to the fact that I kept forgetting to take it. At first, it was a miracle. My period immediately stopped. I did gain a bit of weight, but it wasn't anything that I thought about too much. But after my third round of the shot is when problems started to occur. I became incredibly unstable. My moods were unbearable to the point where it almost cost me a relationship. I was constantly depressed, no sex drive, and the scale kept climbing even after efforts to eat healthier and exercise. I decided to go off of it, and everything just stopped. I feel normal again. My weight dropped."

• 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."

• Jen...
• July 20, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This is an update from my last post on the 6th. I started bleeding again on July 1st and am still bleeding today. No sign of stopping. From all this experience, it's making me feel so depressed. I keep crying, wanting my body to go back to normal. So far, I've scheduled an appointment to discuss the side effects, but that's not until August 15th. AND this is from only having 1 shot in February. So 5 months in. But for sure I don't want to be treated with any other synthetic hormone. I'm so done. I wish there were more updates with these other ladies' experiences or if there was an end in sight. I feel so stressed out over this."

• Pri...
• February 5, 2017

For Birth Control "My experience with the Depo shot was great! I love it! I've been on it for 2 years now, and I am currently still receiving the shot. Honestly, I've experienced no type of bad side effects from the Depo shot. I didn't gain any weight, didn't become depressed, or have mood swings, it didn't lower my sex drive or cause me any discomfort with my periods, etc. I literally haven't, and still don't experience anything bad with the Depo shot to this day! I love the Depo shot because it's something you don't have to worry about taking every day. It's quick, easy, and comfortable. And works amazingly at preventing pregnancy! I 100% definitely recommend anyone to give the Depo shot a try!"

• Roc...
• December 2, 2015

For Endometriosis "Do not get this shot! It tried to ruin my life. Heavy sporadic bleeding, mood swings, depression, headaches, body aches, no sex drive, terrible cramps. I have little/no emotion for almost everything. I only had 2 shots. I just want to get back to my normal :("

• Jsa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2021

For Birth Control "I started getting Depo Provera freshman year of college because I was looking for a form of birth control where I didn’t have to rely on myself for protection, i.e., the pill. I had never tried BC before. The doctor recommended the injection, and I agreed that it was worth a try, being that it seemed super easy just to get an injection in my butt every 3 months and have it be super protective. But I was dumb and did not do any outside research on my own to be sure that it would be right for me. You still do not know until you try, but now I know that the injection is a method I would NEVER get again! It took me months to realize that it was causing me severe depression to the point of me feeling suicidal. I remember being on the phone with my boyfriend crying on the floor saying, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me?!” I am not prone to depression, nor had I ever really dealt with it prior. After a few months of having no period, but mood swings and depression. It messed me up! I do not recommend."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I wish I could go back in time. I would have never ever gotten this shot. I was 16, no parents, not legally an adult, and the doctor didn't explain anything about the shot to me. Just told me I needed it because I was sexually active. I got the shot once, then stopped. Everything was fine. I got back on it, no problems, no period, no side effects, nothing until I stopped the shot. It's been almost 2 years and I still bleed for 7 months at a time. I now have depression and severe anxiety. I just want this to end. I spend so much money on feminine products, it's not even funny."

• 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."

• mem...
• April 9, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This shot has saved my life. I was very hormonal with terrible, painful PMS. This shot helped with all of my symptoms, including my constant back pain. I don't really think the weight gain is a big issue because I know I gained 5 pounds around my period anyway. I have energy to do more important things now, and it has helped my depression significantly. It may not be for everyone, but it definitely is helping me tremendously."

• Anonymous
• October 7, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the Depo shot in August 2019, and I have been bleeding nonstop since!! It is now October, and I am still bleeding to this day. The side effects from this are very distressing, and I noticed a complete change in my personality and mood as well. I became so anxious and depressed from this injection. My entire family noticed my mood swings. I would cry for no reason the first month, it’s just awful. Please beware of the side effects and really do your research before getting on Depo!"

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So I’ve been on this Depo-Provera shot off and on since I was 16. It was the only birth control I would even consider using. My son just turned 3 months old, and my mood swings have been through the roof since I got the shot about a month or so ago. I get really upset at my husband for absolutely no reason. My depression has gotten worse to the point my OB-GYN has had to put me on medication AND increase the dosage already. This may be TMI, but tonight while I was in the shower, I started cramping really bad, and all of a sudden, there is a clot about the size of my palm on my hand/on my loofah. Sorry, I know that sounds really disgusting, but has this happened to anyone else? My first thought was maybe I had a miscarriage, but then I read the comments on this site. My OB-GYN also ordered a colposcopy/biopsy for me after being put back on the shot, but I haven’t had the money for the test. Should I be worried?"

• Ale...
• June 17, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My life has been so awful after this shot. I got it in April 2015. I started bleeding right after I got the shot-horrible stomach pains, horrible pain, emotionally a mess. It is now June 2016. I've been off of the Depo since December 2015, and I've been bleeding nonstop. I am in constant pain. I can't enjoy making love, it is a mess and a chore, and I am so depressed. All the doctors just keep giving me, like, a, 'Whoa, you're bleeding that long!' and doing nothing for me."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got this Depo-Provera shot at the recommendation of my doctor to stop my periods. Lately, my periods have been coming early every month and lasting 12 days instead of my normal 7. So I got the shot because my doctor said I would not have periods on the shot. The shot has done just the opposite of what the doctor said it would do. Now I have a permanent period. I have been bleeding for over 2 weeks, and there is no sign of stopping. Some days it’s somewhat light, but most days it’s heavy, and I have clots. I honestly don’t think I will ever stop bleeding. No one cares. No doctor cares to help me. They just say to wait it out. Maybe I will be knocked out due to blood loss, I hope I do because I will be a lot happier than I am now. I am so angry and depressed. I have no more life anymore. I wish I could find a word that would accurately describe just how insanely angry I am. But there is no word strong enough to accurately describe how I feel. There is no end to this and no hope at all. NONE!"

• Sca...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2014

For Birth Control "So, I started this because I'm terrible with remembering to take the pill daily. I absolutely LOVED the fact that I only had to go in every 3 months to get it done. The shot was very minor, with little to no pain. For the first three months, it was heavenly, I had no side effects and no period whatsoever. But the road after that was hell. I gained a total of 40 pounds (in 6 months) due to the fact that I was hungry all the time. I was very moody and depressed also. Not only that, but I basically lost all my sex drive, and the majority of the time on the shot I spotted, and when I wasn't spotting, I was on my period."

• Jal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 39 years old. I have 3 children. After my 3rd child (@30 years old) I got my tube tied. A few years after that, I started with very, very bad cramps and very, very heavy periods. I suffered with this for 9 years until August 2015, when the doctor suggested an IUD. But, because I have fibroids, that couldn't be inserted. So, she suggested the Depo. I agreed to it because I had it after I had my twins, and I never had a problem. So, I got my 1st injection in August 2015. I was fine for 1 month. September 17, 2015, my period came on and hasn't been off since. Today is January 9, 2016. I feel depressed. I don't feel like sex. Sometimes it's heavy. The past month I've been having bad cramps. A lot of clotting, a lot!! So, 2016 I'm saying bye to this Depo."

• Kod...
• August 6, 2018

For Birth Control "Yes, it keeps away the babies, but the side effects are terrible. I was fine the first 6 months, then I would bleed up to 2 months, heavy every day. It eventually just stopped. A couple of months ago, I started living EVERY DAY with horrible anxiety and panic attacks. I've checked myself into the ER about 8 times, just to find out I am totally fine. I never, ever used to deal with anxiety. I have a 15-month-old son, and my anxiety has stopped me from taking him places because of fear of me falling over if I had an anxiety attack. Coming up our stairs triggers my anxiety. I do believe I have slipped into depression, being that I'm scared to go anywhere. My shot will be ending at the end of this month, and I'm literally praying I'm back to myself. This is NOT ME. I have always been a fun, strong-minded female, and now I'm too scared to even take my son to the park. This depo shot has mentally and emotionally messed me up. I will be done with all birth controls after the DEPO experience."

• anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been having constant bleeding or just huge blood clots since I got the shot 2 weeks ago. Also, it's caused me the worst anxiety and depression I've ever experienced in my life. I would not recommend this to anyone ever..."

• Thi...
• February 3, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been bleeding for 5 months now. I only got one shot, and ever since I didn't get the second, it's been nonstop heavy bleeding for two months. All I can ask is when will the bleeding, depression, and headaches stop."

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the Depo shot, and I have been bleeding nonstop! I am bleeding very heavily and through overnight pads. I have bought pads every week for two months. I have also gone through mood swings where I am very depressed and then very angry. I will never take the Depo shot again."

• Ray...
• January 26, 2020

For Endometriosis "I was put on the Depo shot a year ago to help treat my extremely painful periods. It stopped my menstrual cycle, so for a year I've been able to avoid the terrible pain I was in every month. However, the side effects have been awful. My whole face is covered in painful acne, and I didn't have this problem before the shot. I've experienced terrible headaches, I've spotted the whole year I've been on it, and had other discharge as well. My anxiety is through the roof, and it has worsened my depression. My advice is to stay far away from the shot if you can avoid it. I can say it's been nice not having the terrible pain endometriosis was causing me every month, but the other side effects are almost just as bad. I just had my last shot and will never take it again."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I am so thankful for this birth control. I switched from the pill to Depo because the pills gave me horrible anxiety and depression. Immediately after I switched, I was myself again. After two doses, my periods stopped. I know birth control affects everyone differently, but I have had no negative side effects at all. My only complaint is after every injection, I would get a headache for a couple of days. I'm 21, and I just hit the two-year mark, and my doctor recommended that I switch to a different BC this month, and I'm so sad and nervous... I am worried about getting the negative side effects of a new BC after being worry-free and comfortable for 2 years."

• Can...
• January 10, 2020

For Birth Control "Depo ruined my life. I had anxiety and depression to begin with, but it was well-managed with antidepressants. I went on Depo, and it made me go from 118 lbs to 150 lbs within 3 months. I lost all motivation, sleeping 16-18 hours a day, only getting up for work and working out as I was disgusted by my body. While on it, I had some bizarre suicidal ideation that subsided after the 3 months. I only had one injection of Depo. It’s been over a year since I was on it, and the doctor told me that it’s possible that Depo made permanent changes to my metabolism, as I have been unable to lose the weight despite rigorous exercise (~12-14 hours/week, I am an ex-varsity athlete and am no stranger to intense workouts) and, if anything, a LESSER caloric diet than previous to the Depo. I have been unable to find a medication that is effective at treating my depression. This should NEVER be prescribed to anyone, especially someone with a mental health history."

• Can...
• January 10, 2020

For Birth Control "Depo ruined my life. I had anxiety and depression to begin with, but it was well-managed with antidepressants. I went on Depo, and it made me go from 118 lbs to 150 lbs within 3 months. I lost all motivation, sleeping 16-18 hours a day, only getting up for work and working out as I was disgusted by my body. While on it, I had some bizarre suicidal ideation that subsided after the 3 months. I only had one injection of Depo. It’s been over a year since I was on it, and the doctor told me that it’s possible that Depo made permanent changes to my metabolism, as I have been unable to lose the weight despite rigorous exercise (~12-14 hours/week, I am an ex-varsity athlete and am no stranger to intense workouts) and, if anything, a LESSER caloric diet than previous to the Depo. I have been unable to find a medication that is effective at treating my depression. This should NEVER be prescribed to anyone, especially someone with a mental health history."