Depo Provera and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Pan...
• February 18, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Depo for about a year now! I got it in April in 2013, and now it's February 2014. I kept bleeding since I got it till about October, so I had about 2 shots by then. When I got my 3rd shot, I stopped bleeding. I haven't had a period since then. I weighed about 105 lbs, now I weigh 130 lbs. I gained so much weight."

• 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."

• 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."

• jen...
• November 26, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been on this shot for almost 3 years now, starting out just to help with abdominal pain and now for use of birth control. I love that I have never had a period, let alone spotting, no cramps, nothing. Just recently, I have been having terrible headaches that make me nauseous. I have gained at least 15 lbs, which is very depressing, and sex drive... well, that's long gone (which seems very odd for a 20-year-old). Reading the reviews helped a lot, thank you!"

• 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."

• No ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Depo for 16 years. It's effective! No kids! I started seeing side effects around year 6, which included a little facial hair. Around year 19, I gained about 25 pounds (I went from 120 to about 145). It's still so worth it. No periods and no cramps after year 1! I take calcium supplements, and I lift heavy weights, so along with getting bone density tests, so far, so good."

• Cha...
• September 13, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I absolutely hate this. I have been on Depo for 6 months, and I have bled the whole time. Nonstop. No breaks. It's not light either. It's like being on the second day of your period forever. It has also significantly worsened my depression. I had finally gotten a combo of meds and therapy that had me feeling relatively functional. I made the mistake of taking Depo. It ruined all my progress and has me debating suicide again. I've gained weight and developed acne. This sucks, don't ever take it. They'll tell you it can stop your periods. Don't be deceived!"

• Joj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 28, 2019

For Endometriosis "Best birth control drug I have used for my endometriosis treatment. I was on it for about 2 years the first time and had switched to Nexplanon, but it didn’t work as well. I have since switched back to Depo Provera and have enjoyed the same benefits as I had before. I have never experienced any weight gain or lower sex drive from any birth control I’ve ever been on, and I was diagnosed at 17 (I am turning 24 in August for reference)! This drug has been great, as none of the other methods, including the pill, have worked. This has been the only medication to provide any sense of relief from pain and ovarian cysts developing. This medication has also been the only drug to effectively put my body in “medical menopause,” which the doctors told me I needed to experience a remission from endometriosis after my surgery at 17. I will never look back after using this medication. It’s also convenient that I just pop into the doctor once every 3 months for not even 5 minutes."

• sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got this shot in March 2019. It is the worst mistake I ever made in life. It is now September going on October, and I am still bleeding. At first, it was every single day for about 3 months. I didn't get a second shot. I started to spot every now and then after 3 months, and then I stopped bleeding for a few weeks. Now I bleed for 2 weeks straight and get a few weeks break, and then 2 weeks again. Currently, approaching my second week of bleeding while typing this, and the bleeding is very heavy to the point where I am afraid to even sit down. Highly not recommended. No sex drive, cramps, moody, depressed, weight gain, and the list goes on."

• Lal...
• July 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the Depo Provera shot for 2 years. Absolutely hated it. The two years that I was on it, I had rapid weight gain and gained 30 lbs in two years. My mood swings were awful and became much more depressed. Also caused my anxiety to become worse. Wouldn't recommend this birth control to anybody."

• ang...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 3, 2025

For Birth Control "I am 39 and have been on Depo since the age of 16, personally love this contraceptive. Immediately my period stopped and hasn’t come back at all, which is heaven. No weight gain has occurred, and never has there been even a pregnancy scare, and my boyfriends over the years haven’t used condoms. My OBGYN told me the shot is even slightly more effective than your tubal ligation. I do make sure to exercise regularly and have a calcium-rich diet. I have been injecting myself for years now instead of the extra trip to the doctor, and it’s extremely easy. If you want total peace of mind and don’t want to remember a daily pill, I absolutely recommend trying Depo-Provera."

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo for almost a year now. It's had its ups and downs. Ups would be not having periods, no babies, and unprotected sex!!!!! Downs would be the red/brown spotting, weight gain, and back pain (what I'm experiencing at the moment). The weight thing is a little weird. I usually weigh around 159-163, and I gained about 10 pounds and recently lost them from going to the gym and eating less fast food. Overall, it's the best BC method. Keep in mind all that I described doesn't happen to all women, we all vary."

• 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."

• Cat...
• May 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 18 years old, and I've been on this since I was 15, two months before my sixteenth birthday. I have done loads of research on this shot, and after taking it this long and reading everyone's complaints, I have reached a final conclusion that this shot has deteriorated my health tremendously. I have always had problems with feeling depressed, but ever since I got on this shot, I've been feeling so horribly suicidal and anxious, my mood has been affected so badly too. I am always stressed or not really sure about what or how I feel. I have really bad abdominal pain, and not to mention the worst headaches and dizziness of my life. I am constantly dizzy and fatigued, and I gained lots of weight. It prevents pregnancy, yes, but not worth it."

• cko...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had absolutely no issues with Depo. I was on the pill for approximately 15 years and wish I had made the switch sooner. I'm generally prone to weight gain, but didn't experience this at all after starting the shot; I started training for a fitness competition shortly after and was concerned it might be harder for me to cut weight but had no issues whatsoever. It's so much easier than having to take a pill every day, and there are some great calendars online that tell you when you're able to go back for the next one and when your deadline is. I have absolutely no problem recommending Depo to anyone."

• jgl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I had the best experience with Depo-Provera. I first went on it in Jan 2006. I have had absolutely no periods since then. I did gain some weight, about 20 pounds, but have been able to lose it with proper diet and exercise. I should point out, I frequently eat fast food and frozen pizzas, so I'm willing to bet that's the reason I gained weight and the Depo had very little to do with it. The shots weren't that bad, and having to only get it every three months was very nice. I was on Depo-Provera for about 7 years and loved every minute of it, but every doctor I went to said that Depo-Provera isn't supposed to be long term and that I need to consider a different form of birth control. I will try Nexplanon, and if I don't like it, I'm going back on Depo-Provera."

• MiM...
• October 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had four shots at this point. I was on birth control pills for years due to excessive bleeding and extreme pain. Never had a regular period and would have them for over a week with heavy bleeding-I'm talking pad and tampon at the same time and it would still overflow. The pills only made it worse. Since the shot, I have had no issues. I have gained about 25 pounds, but that didn't happen until 2.5 months in. And I quit antidepressants, so that could have been why I gained weight. After 2.5 months, there is no bleeding and no cramps. I almost forget what it's like to have a period. And to be truthful, my boyfriend cums inside me and has since I've been on the shot. I've had no pregnancy scare or issues at all. It's super convenient and easy!"

• Que...
• November 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I highly recommend the Depo-Provera shot (especially if you would like to gain some weight)! I decided to take the Depo shot because I kept forgetting to take the pill (this later led to a pregnancy which was followed by a miscarriage because of stress from the situation I was in). I didn't know anything about the Depo-Provera shot and was never given any kind of pamphlet on it. I was at 105 lbs when I first started the shot. Now I'm at 132 lbs. I've been on the shot for 2 1/2 months. My anxiety is worse (I'm on medicines for anxiety), I've had throbbing headaches (I also have medicine for this), and my periods are super weird. I'll barely bleed most of the time I go to the bathroom. It's almost like I don't have a period, but the cramps come and go. So far, it's doing its job and preventing pregnancy. However, my sister has friends who gained 100+ pounds being on this shot, so I was suggested to keep the late-night snacks to a minimum, but I choose not to and it's not really affected me."

• bal...
• February 27, 2015

For Birth Control "It is effective. However, the weight gain of 30 lbs, now I need to lose 60 lbs. The headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. Feeling hungry constantly and occasional numbness in my hands and feet. I am thinking of trying Implanon, but the reviews don't look so great. Would prefer getting my tubes tied, as we have a nice-sized family. I have been on it for 13 months since my youngest was born, and I hate that I eat and feel pregnant even though I am not."

• Kir...
• October 3, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started Depo-Provera in January 2020. I was bleeding for 3 1/2 months, the end of February through 2 weeks in June. It was very light. It would go away, and I would have sex, and it’s around for like 3 or 5 days and it’s gone. After June, it stopped completely. I was so happy, like HAPPY HAPPY. I still felt cramps and stuff, but no period. So today, October 3, I see I’m spotting. So I guess I’m going back to the 3 months of bleeding. I would not recommend this, only if you want to gain weight. But it really does make sure you don’t have babies because of bleeding for so long."

• 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."

• Jui...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my daughter in February this year. I received the shot the day I was released from the hospital. The shot didn't hurt and didn't quell the after-pregnancy bleeding. I believe that was inevitable. This shot hasn't made me gain weight at all. I'm 119 lbs when I was 173 lbs when I was at my last check-up before I had my child. The real problem with this is that I am a fricken mess. I cry at the drop of a hat. I have ZERO appetite and have to force myself to eat. BUT I have longer, thicker hair, and my body hair didn't change. I'm blonde, and it'd be easy to tell. The serious downside is that I've been on the shot for 4 months and HAVE NOT STOPPED BLEEDING! Good lord! It's been 4 months of ruined panties and tampons."

• 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."

• 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."

• Jes...
• September 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I’ve been on the birth control shot for almost two years now, I absolutely love it. The beginning of the shot sucks, you bleed a lot, and it almost never stops. But after a little while, it takes your period away. I haven’t gotten a period since probably May of this year (no, I’m not pregnant, I’ve made sure). It hasn’t made me gain weight or have any other problems! I would highly suggest it."