Depo Provera and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Tif...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 25 years old and have been on Depo-Provera for around 3 years. I have very little side effects and absolutely love not worrying about pregnancy or periods! I can't imagine going back to having a monthly period, I am very content with my light spotting every three months, a week before my next shot. I never plan on having children, so I have no problem staying on this long-term. I've been losing and gaining 20 pounds on and off many years before I started Depo, and considering I do not exercise, I cannot blame any weight gain on this. My only concern is bone density loss. I eat calcium-rich vegetables daily and take vitamin D, but may start calcium supplementation as well depending on my results from a bone density screening."

• 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."

• duo...
• February 19, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Terrible, wish I could give a -10 lol. Had first and last shot beginning of July 2016 and been bleeding ever since! Mefenamic and tranexamic acids have done nothing. Anyone who has bled for months, please tell me when things got better for you because I am losing hope. I don't know whether it's the doctors are ignorant about what this can do or that they are more concerned about keeping unwanted pregnancy to a minimum, but it is scary how little they know about this drug. The side effect they kept making the most noise about was weight gain rather than the possibility of bleeding for months on end."

• Lov...
• September 21, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 18 years old and weigh about 120 pounds. I got the Depo-Provera shot in July 2013. When I went to get the shot, the nurse told me I may have no weight gain or cravings. She also told me to take 1200 calcium every day. The day after I got the shot, I felt like I had the flu the whole day and was miserable. As for the first month, it was bad. My body ached, and I felt sick to my stomach about every week. The second month, I was sick about 3 days a week, with my body hurting and sick to my stomach. I also lost my urge to eat. Throughout the 3 months, I was moody, my friends and family couldn't stand to be around me. I gained maybe 2 pounds."

• 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!"

• Mag...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I gained so much during the injections. I weighed 120 and was happy with my weight. Just after 6 months, I weighed 145. I got off it because the weight gain was too much. My pants won't fit, shirts won't fit. I seriously need new clothes. I am so self-conscious now, and I never was before this. I just switched to the IUD, and I love it. I'm still trying to lose the weight. Right now, I weigh 143 and it's so hard to lose the weight. I exercise every day and eat healthy, but it's a tough process. I don't recommend going on this birth control. Go for something else."

• J89...
• October 30, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took this birth control about a month ago, and at first I loved it. I was spotting for about a week after I got it, and then I stopped for maybe a month. 11 days ago I started spotting a brown colored period blood. Now it's very prominent, heavy, and red. I've been on this period for 12 days now, and I'm sick of it! I'm very moody and ALWAYS hungry. Always tired and always have headaches. I'm never irritable, and this is not me. I've gained 4 pounds. And yeah, this medicine helps prevent pregnancy, but only because you can't have sex. You're always bleeding and moody! Who wants to have sex under those predicaments? I would never recommend this medicine to anyone! And I sure am never ever getting it again!"

• Jmc...
• September 27, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm reading all these reviews, and I'm puzzled. I've been on Depo for nearly 17 years, with a few breaks, and this month is the first time I've ever even spotted. I've never had a period or cramping the rest of the time I've been on it. I do think it's attributed to some minor weight gain. I'm actually wondering if there was a bad batch of this out within the last year, considering all these reviews about bleeding are so recent?"

• Cas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 8, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this shot for just about one year. I have had one period since being on it, which lasted almost a month, not heavy by any means, still very annoying. Not noticed any weight gain, but I always go up and down, give or take 3 pounds. I would recommend it, everyone is different and has different side effects, so it is unknown how one person's body will take to it. But worth testing it out. Hated the pill!"

• Kae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "In 2012, I started on the Depo, and it was great. No period, but I gained weight, so after a year, I discontinued the use of the injection. Fast forward to March 2020, I decided I would get on the injection again, and it was the worst decision of my life. After I got my first injection, my period stopped for about 45 days, then bam, I started spotting. The spotting turned into full-blown bleeding. I may have a day or two when I'm not bleeding. When I try to have sex, I start to bleed heavily. I went to the doctor, and I've had ultrasounds and exams, and they all came back normal. My doctor put me on a low-dose birth control two weeks ago. I pray that it helps. The doctor suggests that I have an ablation or hysterectomy, which I do not want, but this bleeding has to stop."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I received my first shot in March 2016 after being on the pill for 5 years. At first, I loved the shot. I didn't have to worry about taking it at a set time every day (which I was terrible at), and my period has completely gone away. About a week before I was due for the second shot, I noticed an increase in my acne on my face, chest, and back, as well as some spotting. That was the first week of June 2016, and I haven't stopped spotting since. My acne has also gotten significantly worse, and I have never struggled with acne like this before in my life - even as a teenager. My stress level has increased significantly, and I've gained over 20 pounds since June 2016. I will NOT be going back in November to get my 4th shot."

• SBR...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this shot since I was 16, I am now 22... So, 6 years. I have gained about 20 pounds!!! That is my HUGE complaint about it! It works great! I have never even had a pregnancy scare. My sex drive is very healthy, my mood swings aren't wild, I do not have a period/spotting or anything. When I first received my first shot, I bled for three months straight, not heavy but had a period, then never again after that! You have to make sure you're taking a calcium pill every day! This shot will be my last since I am wanting to have a child sometime in the next year or two. I was told by my doctor getting pregnant after being on Depo will be a challenge.. So overall I gave it a 4 rating because it is effective, but the weight gain is horrible."

• Lpl...
• November 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on the Depo for about 9 months now and am happy to say I will not be getting another shot. I received my first shot 2 days after giving birth. I have not had a period (besides the constant bleeding for 6 weeks after delivering) but do get brown discharge instead, which doesn't bother me. The only thing I HATED was the weight gain. I gained about 3-5 lbs after every shot, and it's been VERY hard to get rid of. I also have no sex drive. But besides that, I haven't experienced any other side effects."

• mem...
• April 9, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This shot has saved my life. I was very hormonal with terrible, painful PMS. This shot helped with all of my symptoms, including my constant back pain. I don't really think the weight gain is a big issue because I know I gained 5 pounds around my period anyway. I have energy to do more important things now, and it has helped my depression significantly. It may not be for everyone, but it definitely is helping me tremendously."

• Ari...
• May 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 18 and have been on Depo since I was 15 due to severe menstrual bleeding. When I first got the shot, I noticed my bleeding kept lightening up until my second shot, and it stopped altogether. I eat like a pig, but that's not really a big deal for me. During the first 4-5 months, I lost 40 pounds, and slightly over a year later I've gained 20 back. I know a lot of girls fidget and carry on over the weight issue, but if you exercise daily and eat appropriately, it won't turn into a big deal. I definitely recommend this to my friends who either have bleeding issues or just don't want to get pregnant. Works perfectly in both cases; at least for me!"

• I a...
• November 21, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my first shot on March 7, 2019, and at first I was fine. Then, 3 weeks later, BOOM, I started bleeding. I have had these side effects: bleeding, weight gain, tiredness, and mood swings. So, I decided not to go back for another shot. It's now November 21, 2019, and I haven't gotten any more shots, but I'm still bleeding. This should be against the law. Every day I wonder, am I okay? Do I have enough blood? I just want my life back. I do not recommend this shot, ladies. RUN."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Depo since having my first child. It’s been nearly 4 years, but I’ve come to realize it’s put a crazy toll on me. I love this as a form of birth control. Never had a scare and was always on time every three months. But in most recent months, I’ve noticed quite the change in my body. I’ve gained a tremendous amount of weight (40 lbs), with 17 of those lbs within these last 6 months. I am built small, I am 5’2”, my starting weight was 120, but I am now 160 on average. I cannot look at myself in the mirror, which is causing low self-esteem, no self-confidence, and straight-up anger. I have terrible back acne, joint pain in my knee, lack of sex drive, and I am always tired! I used to be extremely sexually active with my partner, and it’s now gotten to the point where he’s wondering if it’s him. I am always tired and ready for a nap or to lay down. I can’t work out, especially squats, because of my knee pain. I’m choosing to make a switch before anything gets worse."

• ano...
• April 25, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on the shot for about two years now, and I've only spotted a few times here and there. I did gain almost 40 pounds, though. I do like not having to worry about a regular period, and I used to have slightly heavy periods too. I would say it's been more positive than negative."

• Ist...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had the shot in April, began bleeding straight away, and after 5 weeks of bleeding, I had a day of bleeding so bad, I collapsed and was taken to A & E. My hg levels were so low, it will take six months of treatment to get them back to normal. I stopped bleeding after 8 weeks, then once it wore off in July, I started bleeding again and haven't stopped for 3 weeks up to now. I have gained weight, had severe sleep disturbance, had hair loss, and stomach complaints since being on it. Never ever going near this again!"

• Sca...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2014

For Birth Control "So, I started this because I'm terrible with remembering to take the pill daily. I absolutely LOVED the fact that I only had to go in every 3 months to get it done. The shot was very minor, with little to no pain. For the first three months, it was heavenly, I had no side effects and no period whatsoever. But the road after that was hell. I gained a total of 40 pounds (in 6 months) due to the fact that I was hungry all the time. I was very moody and depressed also. Not only that, but I basically lost all my sex drive, and the majority of the time on the shot I spotted, and when I wasn't spotting, I was on my period."

• All...
• January 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I had a boyfriend for a few months, and our relationship started to get serious, so I decided that I needed to start some sort of birth control. I am awful with remembering to take my medicine every day. This shot was an easy fix for that. You get a shot, then don't have to think about taking anything again for three months, and you just go get another shot. This birth control is very effective and easy to keep up with, but one of the side effects was weight gain. I figured that I'd be fine since my doctor told me it just increases your appetite, so as long as you watch what you eat, you would be fine. This shot made me hungry all of the time. I gained 30 pounds from September to February. I got off of the shot, and the weight is not easy to lose."

• Car...
• June 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I used Depo Provera for over 20 years. Yes, you're reading right! TWENTY YEARS! I had a great experience overall. After the first shot, I was bleeding for about a month and then no more bleeding ever! I absolutely loved that side effect. I never got pregnant, so it was 100% effective for me as birth control. I did gain a lot of weight, 75 pounds since I met my life partner almost two decades ago, but other factors might have contributed. I did not experience any mood changes, and my bone density screenings were always fine. A couple of years after I started the Depo, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but I don't know if using the Depo could have contributed in any way. My sex drive did diminish, though. I do think that this was probably related to the Depo because last year I had a hysterectomy, so I stopped the Depo, and I noticed a dramatic increase in sex drive. Still, I think it is a great birth control product."