Depo Provera and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Kat...
• February 21, 2014

"I literally received this shot a few days ago, and I can already feel a difference. I was on the pill with no problems but had to stop taking it because of the migraines that I get and the possible risk of taking the pill. My chest is very sore, I'm tired, getting random headaches, and sort of down (mood). I'm not as talkative, it's almost like my personality just disappeared overnight. I definitely don't feel like my usual self. I wanted to see some reviews to see how quickly others were feeling side effects and what they are experiencing. It seems like these symptoms have a possibility of going away... not sure how long I want to wait, even though I still have a minimum of three more months."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've now had 2 Depo shots. About 4 weeks into my second shot, and I've been bleeding now for 14 days. It's weak, but just isn't stopping. It's not painful, but more annoying than anything. Experiencing ongoing mood swings and gained 5 kg in the first 2 months with no other change to diet/exercise. Unsure if I need to keep taking the shot to let my body adjust or to stop now. Have read stories of getting pregnant later can be much harder after Depo too. Lots of uncertainty, wish I had researched more before starting and perhaps tried the IUD first."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2014

For Birth Control "My first shot of Depo was great, no mood swings or any other side effects other than some very light spotting. Happy with my first shot, I got a 2nd, but it didn't turn out as the first shot did. I'm happy because there's no mood swings or really any mental side effects, which is why I switched from the pill. However, I was told my period would completely go away or just be light spotting, but for some reason I have now been having a normal/heavy period for over a month now, which is concerning. I've also been experiencing a lot of headaches and cramps that can get so bad they'll sometimes wake me up from dead sleep. I'll be going to the doctor soon to get off of this, blood loss is not fun :c don't think this is super common though."

• Fan...
• September 7, 2017

For Birth Control "Absolutely hate the Depo Provera shot! I gained so much weight, it's disappointing! After I had my baby, I went back to my regular weight, which was 130. I had my baby on 2/27/17 and went back to the clinic for my 6-week ob postpartum, and then the nurse asked me what I was going to use for contraception. I answered 'condoms,' and she responded with, 'You know some condoms can fail - how about some birth control pills, shot, IUD, and the Nexplanon? These are our top four popular birth control options, of course, we have more, but definitely recommend these!' As she mentioned all of them, she started giving me information about the four options, so then I decided on the Depo because I'm not good with remembering to take pills every day, and at the same time, I definitely don't want something in my uterus or in my arm, at that point, Depo sounded perfect. I noticed a lot of mood changes, hungriness, and weight changes. I was depressed, emotional most of the time, was extremely rude to my husband, and I was tired all the time, all I wanted to do was sleep. I was hungry all the time, I was eating every 2 hours. I could not control my hungriness, and at that moment, all I wanted to do was eat and sleep. Then I started noticing I was getting thicker around my waist and decided to check my weight, I had gained 40 pounds in 3 months and the first time taking it! I never went back to get my second Depo. I honestly don't recommend any birth control. I know everybody's bodies are different, but still, they are bad for us, believe it or not!"

• ROX...
• September 26, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was given the Depo to slow the bleeding of my heavy periods because I am anemic. I have only taken one shot and am due for the second in a week or so, I will be refusing to have it. I have been bleeding for over a month nonstop. Horrific cramps in my abdomen, extremely heavy bleeding, and blood clots almost the size of golf balls. I am surprised I still have a boyfriend considering the mood swings and lack of attention he gets since I've been on the Depo. I DO NOT recommend this product."

• 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."

• EJJ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was recommended the injection by my doctor after a bad experience on the pill. Every single day I wish I never had it, ever since my first shot, I have bled. I had the shot for around a year, and I’ve now not had one for 7 months and still to this day I am bleeding. I have horrendous period pains every day, my skin is awful, my moods are all over the place, thrush on and off, and I’ve developed dermatitis down there due to having to wear pads/tampons every single day for a year and a half! My doctor has arranged an ultrasound to check if everything is okay and if they can explain this ridiculous amount of bleeding! It’s nearly cost me my relationship because sex is a no-go, it’s a good job my boyfriend is understanding. I wouldn’t recommend this to anybody in a million years! I just want this to end, I just want to go back to normal. It’s a living nightmare."

• jma...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I would NOT recommend this birth control. I was not aware of the effects I would have when coming off Depo-Provera. I did well on the injections (I had 3 injections), but when I came off of it, I was a completely different person. I am anxious, can’t think clearly, and have major mood swings. I have never been the type to be anxious about anything. I’ve always been a happy person. The only good thing about it was that it completely prevents pregnancy. I would strongly suggest starting on the pill or any other contraceptive. Everyone’s body is different and can react in a different way, but I would not risk starting this method when there are much better options."

• 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."

• JTa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I got on Depo on January 15, 2020. Ever since I got on it, I have had bleeding since then. I am tired of having to use tampons and pads just so I don’t ruin any of my clothing. Depo is very effective, in my opinion, but when I first got on it, I was moody and emotional for no reason! My hormones were off track, but as of now, it’s good! I have not experienced any weight gain, so I have to say I am okay with this. Just not with the consistent bleeding."

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Depo shot definitely stops you from getting pregnant, but it messes up everything else... sex drive, mood swings, and while on the shot, my period wasn't bad, but once I stopped it, I didn't get my period for 4 months. Then, out of the blue, I started bleeding like crazy. Now my period comes whenever. I can't even tame it... I won't bleed for 5 days, then out of the blue, I start spotting or bleeding, especially after sex, which is causing issues with me and my partner because he gets disgusted with the blood, as he should!! So now my partner is afraid to have sex with me because he doesn't know if my period will come down in the middle of it... horrible experience."

• bri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on the shot for 2 years. I'm 5'3", 120 pounds naturally. I weighed up to 130 while on the shot. It is extremely effective for protection against pregnancy. Although I have no sex drive, terrible mood swings, and weight gain in the abdomen, face, and buttocks. The pros would be clear skin and effectiveness against pregnancy, but I wouldn't recommend it for short-term birth control or for women who gain weight easily. It took my body almost a year to regulate itself after stopping."

• 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 :("

• veg...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on the shot for 9 years. I love it. My doctor said I will have to take Xanax and Lexapro with the Depo to even out the mood swings. I am fine, and my moods are good. It is natural that your body has bleeding and spotting, I have it too, but it does not bother me as much as I suffered with PMS, forgetting things all the time, and being bitchy. Now I don't have that. I feel great! Cramps, yes, but not as bad."

• Hay...
• July 28, 2013

For Birth Control "I got the Depo-Provera when I got the intrauterine device taken out. I've only had the Depo for three weeks, but I've been bleeding every day, and because of being injected with hormones, my mood has been awful. I've practically broken up with my boyfriend, so now it seems I've got the Depo for no reason."

• 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!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 29, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my first Depo-Provera shot in May of 2019. I had really heavy and painful periods, I was told that the Depo shot would likely stop my period altogether and I wouldn't have to worry about the pain anymore. It's almost November, and I have been spotting every single day since May. I'm due for my third shot in December, and I was told it can take up to a year for your hormones to fully regulate. I have some friends who have gone on it, and they love it, their periods have stopped completely. It seems to have regulated my mood swings because I was a basket case before. But the lack of sex drive and the permanent period might be the most annoying part of my life. Thankfully, I have a ridiculously understanding boyfriend. I'm starting to think the whole idea behind it is that if you just bleed a little bit constantly, then your uterus is completely uninhabitable for an egg, but also you feel disgusting constantly and never want to have sex. Birth control mission accomplished."

• 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."

• Lay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the depo shot in early May 2019, and this shot is ridiculous. I don’t want to attribute all issues as they may only be coincidental, but I will list everything that has happened. - prolonged bleeding at first (I expected this) - crazy mood swings - intense anxiety The shot has since “worn off,” and I’m still experiencing - anxiety - mood swings - bleeding every other week. In general, I feel like garbage, and I felt fine prior to having this shot."

• Lay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the depo shot in early May 2019, and this shot is ridiculous. I don’t want to attribute all issues as they may only be coincidental, but I will list everything that has happened. - prolonged bleeding at first (I expected this) - crazy mood swings - intense anxiety The shot has since “worn off,” and I’m still experiencing - anxiety - mood swings - bleeding every other week. In general, I feel like garbage, and I felt fine prior to having this shot."

• 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?"

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2018

For Birth Control "I am due for my second shot this week and will not be getting it. I chose this BC due to its convenience and ability to stop my period. I’m 21 and have found Depo to be extremely effective in the aspect that I am not pregnant. I was an extremely outgoing and happy 21-year-old with absolutely no anxiety or depression before starting this BC. The Depo shot has absolutely wrecked me as a person. I have experienced extreme anxiety attacks weekly, and my mood has never been worse. I have become extremely unmotivated and sad at all times. This BC has caused so many mental and emotional breakdowns and is honestly ruining my life. I have no inclination to do anything anymore (I was a total social butterfly before), and these emotional episodes have even caused suicidal thoughts that I have never even been close to experiencing. I would not recommend this method of birth control. I will be switching to a non-hormonal IUD option and pray to God I start feeling like myself again soon."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2018

For Birth Control "I am due for my second shot this week and will not be getting it. I chose this BC due to its convenience and ability to stop my period. I’m 21 and have found Depo to be extremely effective in the aspect that I am not pregnant. I was an extremely outgoing and happy 21-year-old with absolutely no anxiety or depression before starting this BC. The Depo shot has absolutely wrecked me as a person. I have experienced extreme anxiety attacks weekly, and my mood has never been worse. I have become extremely unmotivated and sad at all times. This BC has caused so many mental and emotional breakdowns and is honestly ruining my life. I have no inclination to do anything anymore (I was a total social butterfly before), and these emotional episodes have even caused suicidal thoughts that I have never even been close to experiencing. I would not recommend this method of birth control. I will be switching to a non-hormonal IUD option and pray to God I start feeling like myself again soon."