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

• Moa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Depo for just under a year. I am due for my next injection on the 22nd of December, and I will definitely not be going back for it. It did what it was supposed to do, prevented me from becoming pregnant, but the side effects were horrendous. I have had headaches every day, I have pains in my arms and my legs, extremely tired, and spotting all the time. I hope I am not the only person experiencing these side effects. I do not recommend this form of contraception to anyone!"

• kma...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 1, 2013

For Birth Control "Been on this for about a year and a half. I actually do like it because it's convenient, and you only have to get it every three months. I, however, have gained about 25 pounds. It makes you want to eat everything in sight and makes you an emotional being. It did not mess with my libido, which is a good thing. I don't get my period, just usually spotting about two weeks before I'm due for another shot."

• DJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Literally, the worst decision I could have made as a new mom was getting the Depo-Provera injection. Who invented this stuff? Because while “possible spotting” sounds like a minor symptom, if I were to tell a man that all he had to do to prevent pregnancy in his partner was to get a shot every three months and then intermittently, or, even worse, continuously, bleed out his butt for months on end, while feeling depressed and enduring headaches, I guarantee you he would not sign up for that. I cannot stress enough to NOT use this form of birth control. Save yourself the trouble and just stop having sex altogether because that’s what you’ll most likely do anyway once you’re on it and bleeding black sludge uncontrollably. I cannot speak more lowly of this BC. I’m sorry if you’re reading this after having already taken it like it did."

• Jas...
• April 29, 2021

For Birth Control "In the past, I haven’t been the best at remembering to take birth control pills, so I figured this would be more convenient. I was aware of side effects like spotting and gaining weight, but I suffer from really bad cramps, and this was supposed to diminish that. For the first few weeks, I was fine; I had one period, and it was very light. But a month later is when things really started to kick in. I’ve always suffered from anxiety and have had my episodes of depression here and there, but this was unreal. I would have the worst mood swings, going from being intensely paranoid and borderline panic attack to suddenly feeling next to nothing. I felt so empty and numb and started questioning if I really even loved my boyfriend or if my life was even worth it... I just didn’t feel like me at all."

• fur...
• May 23, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I recently got the Depo shot on March 9th for the very first time. And for the rest of the month, I didn't have any sign of a cycle. Come April 6th, I've been spotting ever since. I even went to the doctor at the end of April to get estrogen pills to stop the bleeding, and it stops, but as soon as you stop taking the pills, it starts right back up spotting again, which I stopped taking because it caused a yeast infection, so then I had to get medication for that. Here it is the end of May, and I'm still bleeding. And come June, I'm scheduled for the second shot. There is no way I'm ever getting this again. Can someone tell me when does this ever stop? I even started reading up on natural ways, such as herbal stores, to help stop the bleeding. What helps?"

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Worst experience ever. First time on any form of birth control, and the shot has scarred me to stop using birth control in any form. Took my first shot back in September 2016. Started spotting in late October 2016. Eventually, I had to stop using panty shields and start using pads. I'm still bleeding (January 11, 2017)... I lost my BF because sex has been so difficult and painful. Saw a gynecologist, he told me to switch to the pills, it should regulate it, but I just want to stop using overall and get my body back to normal. I thought since my three months are up, the bleeding would stop, but no such luck. I just hope that eventually everything goes back to normal. I miss my regular five days of my period. I miss seeing my discharge."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 31, 2020

For Birth Control "In high school, I was on the pill, then, a few years ago, I had the Nexplanon implant, and after side effects and complications with that, I switched to Depo-Provera. It was a huge improvement from the implant, although it came with some minor side effects that I wasn't aware of. It has helped manage my anxiety and also my depression to a lesser extent and has been effective at preventing pregnancy. I have no period and only occasional mild spotting. However, my sex drive took an almost unbearable nosedive. That's the only awful thing, also uncomfortable vaginal dryness. Other than that, I'd recommend it."

• Ado...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 1, 2012

For Birth Control "Started Depo 7 years ago. Spotted the first three months and felt horrible. Then all side effects went away. Got off of it to have my child and now I'm back on it. No bone issues. No weight gain. No complaints."

• 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."

• hel...
• August 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on the Depo for 6 1/2 years. I love it! It works. AND no periods. No weight issues. No craziness. About a week before I am due for my three-month shot, I will spot, but it is no big deal. My doctor has recommended that I switch to a different birth control since I have been on this for so long, and there is debate about bone mass being impacted after long-term use. I am sad to switch, honestly. I will be switching to Mirena and am VERY nervous to try something different. I am only 22, so hopefully, my body will adapt to Mirena alright."

• Nik...
• September 14, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Depo in high school for 2 years, I’m 28 now, so 10 years ago, I had no problems with it! It stopped my periods completely. I haven’t been on any birth control since then, and I decided to get back on it. Worse mistake in my life! I got my first shot in June, by July, I started my period, which was very light at first, and then it started to pick up! By the end of August, I was still on, but it picked up heavily! Blood clots every night for a few nights, and then Thursday, Aug 23, was when I had the worst bleeding in my life! I went through pads every 5 mins, blood clot after blood clot! I started to get so weak that I went to the hospital, and I had to get THREE blood transfusions because I lost so much blood! While in the hospital, my OB-GYN wanted me to start a new birth control pill, it stopped the heavy bleeding and clotting the next day, but to this day I’m still spotting. I will never in my life get this shot again! And all of that was only with one shot! Do not get on it!"

• 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."

• Hor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This Depo-Provera has to be the worst experience of my life. I took this medication back in September on the 7th. I was perfectly fine up until October 1st, the spotting began. I thought it was my period, but something was off, it was dark and minimal. It continued for weeks and weeks. I started taking ibuprofen to help stop it, and it worked. I finished a whole bottle of 100 pills, and it didn’t stop. Then the pills have stopped working, and the spotting got heavier. I went back to Planned Parenthood, and apparently this is 'normal.' This is horrible. I never went back for a second shot. Not to mention they prescribed me the mini pill to 'help' the bleeding, but it hasn’t done anything, so I stopped taking it. It’s been 86 days, and there are no signs of it stopping anytime soon, and it's devastating. I’m also so emotional because of this medication. I cry at least 3 times a week. I just want this nightmare to end."

• Ble...
• April 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I am not able to use oral contraceptives containing estrogen, as I have migraines with auras (which puts me at a highly increased risk of stroke). As such, I have been getting Depo-Provera shots for the past 2 years. I have not gained any weight at all while on the shot, and my weight has remained extremely constant. I stopped getting periods altogether after the second shot and have had very light spotting only a few times (lasting less than a day). My only issue is that my sex drive has decreased slightly, but not severely enough that it has significantly affected my relationship with my boyfriend. I think the shot affects everyone differently, but for me, it is the best option available, and I have not had many side effects using it."

• 123...
• January 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my first Depo shot November 19th. Since then, I only had minor spotting and cramps, no mood swings or major weight gain, if anything, my weight is far more stable and satisfactory. Although on the 2nd of January, I began my normal period again and am hoping it will end on the 6th. Definitely would recommend."

• Tha...
• January 23, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took mine the last week of August 2019, have been bleeding since. My doctor put me on birth control, then they asked me to go test if I have fibroids, maybe that’s why I am still bleeding (which I don’t have). It’s January 2020, I am still bleeding, and they said I should wait until February and go do some tests again. I am now skipping placebo pills for the birth control pills to maybe stop the bleeding. I told my doctor that next time, tell the person that there will be a chance of long-term bleeding, not just spotting, so we can decide for ourselves if we want the shot or not."

• An...
• December 22, 2016

For Endometriosis "This has been a nightmare. I got the shot to ease pelvic pain my provider suspected was due to endometriosis. At first, I felt like I had the flu for a week or two. Almost exactly a month after getting the shot, I started getting a lot of spotting and had to wear a pad constantly. After a week of spotting, it became a full-blown, heavy period, and my pelvic pain came back worse than ever before along with severe cramps, muscle aches, and even trouble using the bathroom because of the pain. The pain is far worse at night. I can't sleep. Ibuprofen and heat packs no longer help. It's been three weeks. My doctor isn't sure what to do, and others I've talked to said it took several months for the pain from the Depo shot to go away. I'm in agony."

• 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."

• 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."

• LS6...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 31, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo for almost 12 years now. Bled/spotted non-stop for the first 6 months and a little after that. The side effects normalized after a full 12 months. Initially, I gained weight, but only in the first few months. When it's close to being time for my next injection, I get PMS symptoms, and every now and then, I get 'unusual' (unusual for me) side effects with an injection, but it usually is only for 3 months and goes back to normal with the next one. I do, however, experience spotting/bleeding after sex sometimes. I've heard it can be from cervical capillaries that are made more sensitive from the drug, but I don't know that there's firm research on it."

• 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 24, 2015

For Birth Control "Everyone's body is different, so I was unsure of how mine would react, but I've had a pretty good experience with Depo. I started at the beginning of my junior year in high school because my periods were so bad that I would miss school because of cramping. Just taking regular Tylenol or ibuprofen wouldn't lessen the pain. So we decided to go and see if we could try something that would help. And the Depo has been amazing for me. I don't have periods, although for the first month and a half I did spot on and off. I do sometimes get small cramps, but they are nothing like they were, and they're only around the time I should be on. My moods are pretty good, I'm not depressed, although I do get angrier a little easier. Best of all, I've lost 10 lbs."

• 6...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Depo since I was 18, I'm now 23. I've had no side effects, thankfully. It's really just hit or miss, you won't know until you give it a try. Only complaint I have is my arm is REALLY sore the first day and sometime through the second day after you get the shot. If you do choose to use this form of birth control, find out your recommended dose of vitamin C and D, you definitely need these vitamins while taking this drug! I get my shot every 3 months at Planned Parenthood and pay out of pocket $125, so it's about $40/month? NOT TOO BAD! I've never become pregnant while using Depo, and I only have spotting during the two weeks my Depo is due, so about once every 3 months."

• Mea...
• February 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I don't see good reviews ever for any BC, even my friends had issues with Depo, but not me, I loved it! Everybody is different. You just have to try it to see. I had some spotting at first, but then no periods ever, no issues at all, and I even lost weight. After I was on it for a year, I then stopped. It took 3 months after I didn't get my next dose to even get my period again. I'll go on it again when I'm in need of birth control."

• ESa...
• January 25, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm a 38-year-old female who started Depo last January. I spotted or had a period almost daily until I received my 4th injection in November. My period stopped, and then about two weeks ago I started bleeding. The last 4-5 days it has been very heavy and has clots. And I am cramping. Has anyone else had this? I do not think I will be getting another shot in February. I can't deal with this!!!"