Depo Provera and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Leg...
• June 26, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got this April 2016 and have experienced extreme depression, rapid weight gain, irregular bleeding for weeks, acne, increased breast size, decreased sex drive, and horrible mood swings. This has been the worst time of my life."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This shot is ridiculous. Do not get it, you won't stop bleeding. I got my first and only one in October 2016. I never went back for another one because I couldn't stop bleeding. I gained weight, no sex drive at all, it's awful. Please don't get it. I can't even have sex because I can't stop bleeding, so why the heck did I get it in the first place? Again, it's ridiculous."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on the Depo shot for a year and a half now, and I have been bleeding ever since I took it. I have experienced a lot of weight gain and depression and tons of mood swings. You get cramps every day as if you just got your period. I wouldn't recommend it if you don't like bleeding. Might work for some people, but not for me."

• Sar...
• May 7, 2015

For Birth Control "Honestly, everyone's bodies work differently, and I've heard horror stories about every type of birth control, but this one has been really excellent for me. I've been on the Depo shot for 5 years now (planning on switching soon). The shot does sting a bit, so be sure it's injected into your hip instead of your arm. The first month I spotted nonstop, but I haven't had a single period since. No pregnancy scares. Very gradual weight gain for me, 25 lbs over the past five years. Cleared up my acne, have plenty of libido. I give it 10/10."

• Mrs...
• December 12, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So I get on this shot to control my bleeding since I was going on vacation, and I didn't want to be on my period while on vacation. I was so crazy to get on this shot because my tubes are tied, but my period was out of control, so I got on the shot. Why did I do this to myself? I took my first shot on 9/11/15, started bleeding 10/14/15. I kept bleeding, so I called the doctor to ask her what to do. She said to take 4 ibuprofen pills 3 times a day, and it should slow it down... Nope, never stopped, so I decided to get another shot... What was I thinking doing that? To this day, 12/12/15, I'm STILL BLEEDING SINCE 10/14/15. My attitude is through the roof, my marriage is suffering, I'm depressed 'cause I've gained so much weight, I have constant headaches, etc."

• 363...
• June 18, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My experience on this shot was awful, to say the least. I gained 40 lbs and became extremely depressed and started having anxiety. I only got the shot 3 times and gained that much weight. I am now struggling with body image due to this shot. It had a huge effect on my joints as well. I am now weak, always sick, have stomach issues, and am always tired. I never had any of these symptoms before starting it. Not to mention, it didn't help my period at all. I was having it for 3 weeks straight, and a day between then I'd start again. I was perfectly healthy, and it has ruined my life. Never take this medicine."

• 49e...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've only had 3 shots from Dec 2014 to my last one May 2015. After the first shot, my periods stopped completely, no pain, nothing. Also took care of my cyst problems. Used to get horribly large cysts that didn't erupt properly or in a timely manner. So that has been really nice, not having to go through that pain for weeks. Second shot, still going strong, no problems, just a little boob soreness at times. Third shot, here we go - weight gain, lots of hair loss, cramps with bad shooting pain, boob soreness/pain when bending over, brown spotting to heavy brown, which I have never in my life had (I'm 30) for weeks now. Headaches, mood swings - very emotional at times. Going to the doctor 7/22/15, I might just get off the shot. #Listen to your body."

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2019

For Birth Control "Read a lot of negative stuff about Depo after getting my first shot, made me paranoid as anything. For me, it's been perfectly fine so far, currently coming up to my third shot. No massive hormonal changes or mood swings, no weight gain, everything is working well."

• HOP...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 2, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My experience with this medication started when I was 14 years old. I knew nothing about this medication, and I wish someone would have sat down and told me what exactly this medication does! I decided for the third time to try to get off this medication, I finally decided this time it was enough, so my last shot was October 2016. The beginning was great, I was happy-go-lucky, outgoing, had my life back after having a breast reduction. No period, no cramps, gained a few pounds, but it was worth it at the time for freedom. Now, at 23, I've been in the hospital and given three pills at once. I've soaked through over 10 pads a day and blood clots after blood clots: depression, weight gain, acne, severe cramps, dizziness, tiredness, and withdrawals from this medication."

• Ass...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got on the Depo not only for the prevention of pregnancy but also everyone I know stopped getting their periods. How awesome is that! I was very skeptical about it because everyone I knew either gained an excessive amount of weight or just was not able to lose at all. My experience was great for my first shot, I got my period once throughout the 3 months, and I was still able to lose weight without any issues. My problem started when I got my second shot. About 2 weeks after receiving the shot, I got my period, which was fine, but that was April 9th, and it is now June 4th, and I still have it. It's not a heavy flow at all, mostly just spotting and clotting. Will not be receiving a 3rd shot. I want sex!! If the bleeding wasn't so much, I'd continue."

• moo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 6, 2022

For Birth Control "It genuinely ruined my body. I no longer menstruate, I inadvertently gained 40 pounds. My mood has never been the same, with worsening mental health. I wish I never put this stuff into my body. Good chance that I'm infertile now, despite never having problems with my reproductive system-I used to have very regular periods and a healthy sex drive, now, reduced to nothing. Please, please do yourself a favor and stick to a pill."

• Emm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had the depo shot for about 60 weeks now. I too experienced bleeding for quite a while until my 3rd shot (very light), but it looks like a normal side effect! Now I am completely fine, not gained any weight, no migraines, no PMS. Sometimes bleeding a week before I'm due for my next shot, but I was assured that is common."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Depo for 3 months, was bleeding for 2 months, gained weight, no sex drive, weakness in my knees, depressed from all this... I was due for a second time in May. I'll choose anything else except this shot. The pharmaceutical company makes $$$$$, guess that's why they won't tell you the worst part of it. I suffered."

• Trr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took one shot in 2014, and I bled for 2 years afterwards, starting a week after I got it. I gained 100 pounds, got cyst clusters, skin problems, immune issues, etc., and still have not recovered as of 2019. I am still going through suffering to this day."

• Ray...
• August 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 25, and I have been on Depo-Provera for about 3 years. My mother is my doctor, so she warned me about the weight gain. I somehow lost 5 lbs once I started taking it. My weight has been up and down for the past 2 years, but I don't think it is due to the shot. It's my love of food. Anyway, the shot is great; every 3 months. I haven't had a period for 3 years. Spotting every now and then, but that's okay. I am very worried about getting off of the shot, but I will prepare for that when the time comes."

• Bia...
• August 10, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had Depo Provera for about two years. For the first couple of months, I was bleeding like crazy, then it lightened up to only spotting occasionally and bleeding the week my next shot was due. I gained 5 pounds throughout the two years, which was not bad, but recently I've been bleeding for almost a week straight. It kind of sucks because I have a boyfriend, and I want to have sex. I just have to deal with maybe the next time I'll get the shot it won't be as bad. If the bleeding continues as it does now, I might just go back on the pill."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2013

For Birth Control "Great experience, it's very convenient for someone who doesn't want the trouble of keeping up with the pill. Have had the shot in both bottom and arm and surprisingly had less pain in my arm. Slight weight gain (5-6 lbs). I feel hungry more often, but I'm working on controlling it. No period, no more buying tampons! Definitely recommend."

• TLC...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I started out using this medication for birth control reasons. I never had an issue with acne or anything like that before or after starting this medication. I didn’t notice excess weight gain or any of the so-called 'common' side effects. The only thing that happened was I stopped having my period completely after a month or so. And I was okay with that since I’ve always had painful menstrual cycles. I was on this medication for 5 years but was told that I had to change birth control methods due to bone density issues that others have had. I cannot wait to get back on it when I can."

• Car...
• October 26, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took the 3-month Depo shot in May this year. I have been bleeding nonstop for the last 5 months. I have been to the doctor twice and been given tranexamic acid and taken the entire two boxes to no avail. This week, the bleeding has gotten so heavy that I'm soaking through tampons in less than 3 hours. I'm taking iron tablets and folic acid so that my body doesn't crash. As for sex... that's out of the question, so I don't see a point of this form of birth control. I hate Depo. I hate how I had a normal and very regular cycle, now I'm a mess of mood swings, craving junk food, gaining weight, and I hope this strain doesn't compromise my relationship with my partner. Never use this drug, it will mess you up."

• Use...
• March 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this shot for 5 years, almost 6 now. I had had no serious problems. I gained about 40 pounds, and I am having trouble losing it, but that is it. When I first got on this, I actually lost weight and was the smallest I'd ever been, but I decided to try to switch to the pill (hated it) and then got back on Depo, which is when the weight gain happened. I had major mood swings, but am now on another medication to help control that. It definitely works, and I love not having a period! Just hate the weight gain. This is definitely a birth control I would recommend."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "DON’T DO IT. I’m a nurse, had my Mirena removed as 5 years had passed and wanted something short-term for birth control. Thinking of baby planning... My gynae suggested Depo, she didn’t give me any huge information, but I took her recommendation. 3 weeks in, I started crying for no reason and hysterically. I became anxious to leave the house. I had achy hips, bloating, weight gain, and hot flushes. When speaking to doctors and pharmacists, they explained I was in ‘temporary menopause’ and I’d have to ride it out. I’m now 7 weeks in and still not feeling myself. My emotions have improved, I still have pain and bloating. Dreading coming off the Depo and wished I’d conducted my own private research. Will not be taking the next injection, let alone ever again. I’ve also been told ovulation can take months to return, which horrified me as I told my gynae I wanted short-term contraception as I was hoping to start planning for kids in a year max."

• jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the shot for 2 years, I've experienced no weight gain or any of the other common side effects. I have not had a single period and only spotted one time. I started the shot when I was 16, and now that I am 18, I want to change methods because it is recommended to not be on the shot for over 2 years because it can lead to osteoporosis. I have tried other methods before, such as the patch and the ring. But the shot was my favorite of them all. If I didn't have to switch methods, I would definitely stay on the shot."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on it for about 5 'cycles,' which is about 15 months. After the first month, I did not get my period anymore or spotting. I have been off of it for almost a year and still haven't gotten my period. For me, it was quick, easy, and convenient, I had no side effects whatsoever... except the weight gain. I started right after I had my daughter and I was about 215. I am now pushing 270 (don't judge). I fully understand the shot itself cannot make you gain weight, it just gives you more of an appetite, but my god, that's a lot of weight in a year and a half. I am also convinced it messed with my metabolism, but there's no medical evidence I can find to support that. It's also scary how strong of a dose of hormones it is."

• Ali...
• September 12, 2020

For Endometriosis "At 22, I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis. At 24, I had a hysterectomy. At 28, I had a salpingectomy, and at 29 began Depo for the second time in my life after an incredibly painful cyst ruptured. I am 30 now, and my doctor and I know that at some point, one at a time, we will remove my ovaries. This information is important because I don’t have a lot of the “equipment” most women have when dealing with this disease. Pros: I was so estrogen dominant that I now feel stable for the first time in 15 years. My anxiety levels have dropped, and despite the craziness of 2020, I am not feeling depressive where I normally would. My daily pain has gone down significantly, and my intense pain doesn’t last as long. Cons: a bit of weight gain. I’m pretty active and healthy but have seen about 8 pounds that are difficult to get off. My sleep has been more interrupted by heat flashes, but as my body adjusts, that seems to be getting better. Overall, for me, Depo has been worth it."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking the Depo shot in 2012 after my son was born. I absolutely have no problems up to date. Within the first shot, I stopped getting periods. I spot a teeny tiny bit when it's close to getting the shot again. But such as hair loss, weight gain, and acne, and all the other side effects, I have none. I'm satisfied with the shot."