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

• Hig...
• 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 of weight gain, spotting, and mood swings, all of which this shot is rumored to do. I have experienced 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 than usual. Overall, I love the shot, and having no period is a plus all around!"

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

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Well, I got my FIRST and ONLY Depo injection on August 28th, 2020. I got my 'period' on 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?"

• 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 of 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."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had irregular periods my entire life, but when I say Depo has made things even worse, I mean it. I got the Depo shot for the first time in January, a week after my period, and at the end of the month, I started spotting and cramping as if I was on my period, but my body couldn't pass any blood. Now it's a full month and a couple of weeks on Depo, and I have not stopped cramping or spotting since. It's scary because it really does feel like I'm on my period, but I just can't bleed. And when I do bleed, it's either dark brown or bright red. I don't think I'll be getting my second shot, not unless it can seriously change my cramping, bleeding, and anxiety."

• Adv...
• September 1, 2020

For Endometriosis "I have been on the Depo-Provera injection for close to 3 years for endometriosis. It has made a huge difference. Pain is gone or super mild. No periods. Downside, the injection site is always sore for a few days, as well as my legs after injection. I may spot for a little after injection as well. I can tell the injection is wearing off towards the end of the three months because I start feeling my endo pain and I start getting acne. Have I gained weight on the Depo? Yes. But I don't believe it to be because of the Depo. For one, these past three years I have dealt with a lot, and I mean a lot, of stress. Marriage issues, loss of a parent, moving, job stress, etc. I'm definitely an emotional eater. But these past six months I pulled myself together, started exercising, and eating healthier. I have lost 30 lbs!"

• NoM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Been on this shot since June 14. Started experiencing abdominal pain on July 2 and spotting on July 4. Severe abdominal cramps as of July 4 that continue. I turned up anemic when I had not been just 1 month before. As of today, I am still experiencing abdominal cramps periodically, continue to spot or have what seems like a full-fledged period, alternately, without any pattern. My gynecologist placed me on the shot to stop my heavy bleeding due to uterine fibroids. I will not take a second shot, as along with the heavy bleeding continuing as before, I have severe pain, extreme fatigue, and weight gain even after increased physical activity."

• Jda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I got this Depo-Provera shot in May on the first day of my period, and it stopped. Ever since then, I have been moody, have had cramps all day. It’s June now, and I’ve started spotting bright red. I’ve been feeling anxious all the time as well. Please don’t do this to your body!"

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2022

For Birth Control "Do not take this shot. I took one dose, I discontinued use and didn’t get my second shot due to the side effects. I bled for 3.5 months straight. It was as if I had my period the entire time. I had to take iron supplements. I went to different doctors, no one really helped. They put me on estrogen, it slowed the bleeding for about 2 weeks, but I was still spotting. Then it just stopped working completely, and I was back to bleeding heavily again. The last week of it, at the 3.5 month mark, the bleeding was so heavy I debated going to the ER. It was one pad an hour at that point. After the heavy bleeding for about 3 days, it abruptly slowed down. It took about a week of spotting, and now it’s finally out of my system. In total, almost four months of bleeding. The shot stays in your system for a few weeks after the three month mark. If you’re experiencing anything similar, just wait it out and don’t take the second dose. This stuff's poison."

• Fig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the shot on March 20, 2016. I had 2 weeks before the bleeding started. At first, it was spotting, but every day. Then it was heavier bleeding. Then it got so heavy I was changing an ultra tampon every 45 minutes to 2 hours, even at night. I was at my doctor's, exhausted from lack of sleep, crying, anemic, with hormonal acne, horrible back pain from constant period pain, and terrible mood swings. I only had the 1 shot. I refused any more. It's currently August, and I am still bleeding. There is no sign of it ending! I would not have this shot again, even if they paid me!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the Depo-Provera shot in July 2019 and was spotting till November. So upset, couldn't have sex, and I read something about red raspberry leaf tea and that it made the menstrual bleeding stop. I got my real period a week after and have one week on my period and one week off for the last 7 weeks, so I don't drink it anymore. But for the spotting, it is working! So PLEASEEE try it, everyone, it was a lifesaver. Just drink a heap of raspberry leaf tea as much as you can drink a day."

• Ang...
• June 6, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "31 years old, have been on Depo-Provera for about 3 years now due to terrible, awful, debilitating periods - the kind that made it hard for me to go to work. I did get spotting the first few months, but after that it was FREEDOM. No periods whatsoever. I didn't have any weight gain - still around 100 lbs and no other problems. I'm going to get NovaSure soon because I don't want to have to bother going to the pharmacy every three months, and I'm worried about the whole bone density thing - although my doctor said she was on Depo for 8 years without any problems. I would recommend this for anyone who wants a long-term but temporary way to get rid of periods. Don't suffer."

• Ki ...
• May 9, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I hate this damn shot. Got my first one in the beginning of March. Had a 7-day period, which I normally only last between 3 and 5 days, and then dark brown/pinkish spotting for 7 days after. I went 3 weeks with no period, and on 4/17, I started spotting again and haven't stopped yet, and it's 5/9. I'm not getting my next injection, which is scheduled for next month, at all. I'm letting this medication leave my system, and I don't recommend it to anyone. For all of this, I'd rather go off and deal with my regular periods, and my man and I will be careful. Depo is not a good birth control for anyone."

• Zam...
• September 7, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo for 1 year and 5 months, and first, my periods would last 2 weeks, 3 days instead of 5-7 days. After my 3rd shot, I had no more periods, but lately, my last 2 shots I've been spotting due to getting my shots at the 12th week instead of 10-11 weeks. I've had no complications in spite of the 20-25 lbs gain weight from the shot. This September, I'm due for another but have decided with my fiancé to put a hold on the shots. Just remember, ladies, everyone's body is different, so what may work out for me won't on others. If one birth control doesn't cut it for you, try another, the one that suits you best. Good luck."

• Jad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started Depo Dec. 19, 2016, and everything was going good until January 9, 2017, when I started my period and haven't stopped. It is now March 7, 2017. I'm not bleeding heavy, it's more like spotting, but for the past couple of days, it's been heavier, similar to a period, and I'm just so over it. I'm not going back for a second shot, which is due this month. I just want to know if someone else experienced this and how long the bleeding lasted. Did your periods go back to normal? I miss only bleeding for 6-7 days."

• Fri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 5, 2017

For Endometriosis "This is the only medicine that I've tried that controls my endometriosis symptoms. It has been a miracle. The first shot caused intense hunger that lasted about a month. But I have not experienced any weight gain and have, in fact, lost 10 pounds with diet and exercise while on Depo. The first month also caused some bad adult acne, but I got that under control with acne washes. I've had some occasional light spotting that requires an ultra-thin pad for a day or two. There was one bad period when I was due for the second shot, but since then, I haven't had any periods at all. It's been six months, and this shot allows me to live a normal life, make plans, and work a normal job without having to miss numerous days."

• Anonymous
• June 6, 2022

For Birth Control "Well, my body ended up rejecting the Mirena twice, and my doctor said, 'Oh, we can do the Depo shot.' I got this shot a month ago, and I have had the worst time the past 14 days. I've had the worst diarrhea of my life that I've never had before. I've lost a total of 12 pounds in 11 days from just straight diarrhea. I now have a UTI, I itch so bad, and I hurt, and I just started spotting, which didn't happen when I first got it, so I think my body may be rejecting the Depo. I don't know if there's anything I can do but just suffer until it is out of my system. I'm very miserable. Has anyone ever experienced this besides me?"

• Ara...
• August 8, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took Depo in January while I was on my period. After my period stopped, like a few days later, I started spotting, and it never stopped. I told the doctor, but they insisted that it was a good method, so I took it again and scheduled the next shot. The spotting never stopped, I had a terrible appetite, and my moods were changing. I never went back to get the third shot. I regret ever taking Depo. I feel like I'm never going to have my regular menstrual cycle or have the sex I had before or stop using panty liners. This is very frustrating."

• Tan...
• November 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I absolutely hate the depo shot. A few years ago I was on depo but was receiving the doses completely wrong. My doctor was having me take the shot once a month. After a year and a half of bad luck trying to get pregnant, I finally did and had my daughter in June of this year. I received my first shot in August. The first few weeks I was fine and had no bleeding, then it all started with some spotting here and there. Some days I wouldn't have it, and then I would go back to spotting, and then full-on bleeding. I have been bleeding for the past 2 months and I can't stand it. I don't have my life anymore. No sex drive, moody, always hungry. I will never get depo again, and I don't recommend it to anyone."

• Sor...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 17, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Been on Depo injection for over 15 years. Nil issues, no period. Got an injection 22 Jan 2021, then started spotting before the next injection. I never spotted before. I wish I had seen this site before having my next injection on 9th April when I started spotting a week later. Then today (17 May 2021), I started to bleed. Does anyone on this site find a way to stop bleeding? Has anyone tried Mirena?"

• Lau...
• July 17, 2013

For Birth Control "(July 17, 2013) Just received my second Depo-Provera shot yesterday. I am very pleased with this form of birth control because it is so quick, convenient, and nothing has to be done before or after sex. Personally, my only downside is weight gain. I've gained about 10 pounds and have a love/hate relationship with my newer curves (although I must say my boyfriend doesn't seem to mind them). I have not gotten my period since starting the Depo, but only some light spotting a few days before I was due for my next injection. Overall, I am happy and will continue using Depo-Provera for birth control."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Hate it, never getting another shot. I've had two, and I'm not getting my next one. I'm continuously spotting, then bleeding, and when I have sex, there's no sex drive. Like I have to force myself to do it. I hate it, never again."

• mll...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had this Depo-Provera shot in Jan 2019. Started spotting after a week and did not stop for three months. Was referred for a transvaginal scan, but they could not find anything. Decided not to renew the shot in April 2019 and started to get a period every two weeks from then. From August 2019, I have been bleeding every single day. I have not stopped, it is ruining my life and my clothes. Doctors refuse to acknowledge that there is something wrong. Along with this, I have experienced crippling anxiety and weird thoughts since August, having never been a sufferer of mental health issues before. Please, can anyone relate and tell me I'm not going mad?"

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I wouldn't even rate this as a 1. It has destroyed my life!! I gave birth in November 2019 and had my first injection in January during our postnatal check-up. I started bleeding in March with light spotting which has continued to this day but now heavy bleeding. I only had the one shot!! I don't sleep at night with worry and have contacted the doctors a number of times about the bleeding. Would not recommend!!"

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my first Depo-Provera shot in July 2019. This was prior to my period that was supposed to have come, in early August, I experienced light bleeding for about 7 days. Mind you, my usual period only lasted for about 4 days. After that, I would spot daily until it stopped for a week. After that, I went on to bleed non-stop, and it has been over a month now that I bleed daily. My sex life is over, I hate to see the blood, and I have to admit my mood is no longer the same. To add salt to the wound, I was a very active person, but now I get tired really quickly with activities I used to do normally without a problem. I got prescribed pills to stop the bleeding, but they don't seem to be doing the trick. I regret messing with my body like this. I would not recommend Depo-Provera to anyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2012

For Endometriosis "After two months on the shot, I started to bleed. Spotting and breakthrough bleeding is not uncommon, but this was much more. My doctor kept telling me to stick it out, that it can take up to 12 months to stop. After 13 months of almost everyday bleeding, we decided to call it quits. It does wonders for some, but didn't for me."