Medroxyprogesterone for Endometriosis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Mel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 3, 2013

"On Depo for approximately 10 years. No problems or side effects. No period for 3 years - HEAVEN! Got off of it. Doctor said since I had no bleeding last time it would be okay to do again. Got the shot a month ago - the week I was supposed to start. The first week was great. No bleeding but have had continual spotting every day since (3 weeks). Hopefully, it will stop soon."

• Ali...
• September 12, 2020

"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."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2011

"I've only taken one shot, it has been somewhat of a last-ditch effort to provide some pain relief from endometriosis and polycystic ovaries. The first month was great, no pain and very little spotting. The second month has been horrible, I had a period for 2 1/2 weeks, and the other 1 1/2 I had spotting along with horrible (at times) pain that even Lortab won't fully control. The doctor gave me estrogen to stop bleeding, and that took a week. As of now, I am not taking another shot. I told my husband that I can feel this bad for free. If this third month goes okay, I may reconsider. I've tried everything, and it's bad... looks like hysterectomy is the next step."

• Jam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 29, 2017

"DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!! From 1999-2005, I was on Depo for birth control. Being young, I thought this was the easiest solution and a better alternative to the pill every day. I had an injection every 3 months. Sounds great, right? Well, in 2005, Pfizer legally had to put a black label warning on their product, warning that it may cause osteoporosis. Fast forward to today, and I am now diagnosed with MS. There have been claims and speculation about Depo that it’s linked to neurological problems. I am 36 years old, and in the next year or so, I will have to remove all my teeth and get dentures because there is so much bone density loss in my mouth. Two months ago, I had surgery for endometriosis. Osteoporosis testing tomorrow, this drug is not the solution."

• Lou...
• June 29, 2017

"I recently tried Depo Provera for my endo, and it worked great for my heavy periods and also the pain. I barely have any flare-ups like before. But my hormones are going crazy or I'm going crazy. I'm irritable all the time, and I get so mad over nothing. Wondering what's worse to go through: pain or the damn mood swings....."

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

"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."

• An...
• December 22, 2016

"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."

• Nik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2020

"I have been having the depo injection as I have endometriosis. It has worked wonders for me. After the first two injections, I was spotting a lot, but after the third, it stopped my periods completely, which were so heavy and painful. The only downsides are when I first get the injection, I am really grumpy for the first few weeks. My sex drive is nowhere near as high as it used to be, and I have gained weight, which the doctors tell you will only happen if you eat more. I find this not to be true, I have been exercising more than I ever have and eat so healthy all of the time. No matter what I am doing, I can’t seem to lose the weight."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2011

"I've had endometriosis for over 20 years and have had about enough of the pain and the accompanying anemia from blood loss. In the last 5 years, my blood loss from the endometriosis has increased tenfold, and I have developed severe iron deficiency anemia. My OB/GYN and I decided to try Depo again (last time was in the early 90s), and I had my first shot in July of 2011. August was HEAVEN! No period, and my iron levels tested almost normal. I was human again! Now it's September, and I have had a 'period' (in quotes, because it's more like a normal woman's period) for over 15 days, and I feel like I have been hit by a Mac truck. No endometriosis pain, but my iron levels are so low from bleeding that all I can do is sleep. When it works, it's fantastic."

• Roc...
• December 2, 2015

"Do not get this shot! It tried to ruin my life. Heavy sporadic bleeding, mood swings, depression, headaches, body aches, no sex drive, terrible cramps. I have little/no emotion for almost everything. I only had 2 shots. I just want to get back to my normal :("

• Cok...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 3, 2017

"Suffered with super heavy, painful periods for years. Was finally diagnosed with endometriosis and an ovarian cyst 9 months ago. Absolutely no cramping after the 2nd shot, no more periods, and I'd probably rate this a 10 if it wasn't for the weight gain (not massive, but still . . .) and low sex drive. Never had an issue with naturally occurring lubrication (if that's what you want to call it), but I do now. And I don't have orgasms like I used to. Worth it? Definitely yes, because like I said, no more menstrual pain AND I don't have to buy tampons anymore when I was used to using super plus size ones at least 6-10 times a day. FYI, my insurance wouldn't cover it for a medical condition, but does cover it for birth control. Go figure."

• Ray...
• January 26, 2020

"I was put on the Depo shot a year ago to help treat my extremely painful periods. It stopped my menstrual cycle, so for a year I've been able to avoid the terrible pain I was in every month. However, the side effects have been awful. My whole face is covered in painful acne, and I didn't have this problem before the shot. I've experienced terrible headaches, I've spotted the whole year I've been on it, and had other discharge as well. My anxiety is through the roof, and it has worsened my depression. My advice is to stay far away from the shot if you can avoid it. I can say it's been nice not having the terrible pain endometriosis was causing me every month, but the other side effects are almost just as bad. I just had my last shot and will never take it again."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2019

"Please do NOT take Depo if you have anxiety. If you already have anxiety, Depo increases your anxiety to an unbelievable extent, and it becomes unbearable. My hair was falling out in big clumps. I had stomach issues for three months and lost a significant amount of weight. After meeting with a new gynecologist, my therapist, and dermatologist, we all figured out that it was because of Depo. It also did NOT help with my Endo. I had a 19-day heavy period, the worst cramps, and brown discharge for 49 days (not an exaggeration). Please be careful."

• 649...
• March 8, 2010

"I guess the only advice I have is for everyone on or considering this medication to weigh the pros and cons. I've been on the shot for 5 years now and have recently had to have my frequency increased to every 8 weeks versus the normal 12. My cycle completely stopped 2 weeks after my first injection. I have only had a few breakthrough bleeds, which have been treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or an additional dose of the Depo. I have had some side effects. I've gained about 15-20 pounds, but it showed up in the right places. I get very moody occasionally, but I'll take that over amenorrhea any day."

• n17...
• April 9, 2015

"I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis at 17 years old. After being on Lupron for 6 months, my doctor proceeded to put me on Depo for the rest of my life until I decide to have kids, and then back on the shot afterwards. I am now on my 5th shot and I've had horrible endometriosis pain (not cramps, very different pain) and have had my period for 2 weeks. I am not sure the Depo is working correctly with my body, but other than that, the previous shots have made almost all pain from my endometriosis go away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2019

"If you ever start to have a period while on Depo, all you have to do is take 1 month of birth control pills, and it will put you back on track. My OB-GYN let me know this when I told her about my friend's experience. She got the Depo and had a period for weeks, but a pack of birth control pills fixes it. Just in case y'all have never been told this."

• Kdr...
• September 28, 2019

"This is a horrible drug. I have a blood clotting disorder. I was prescribed Depo-Provera because it was suspected that I had endometriosis. The GYN who prescribed Depo said it would 'absolutely cure' the endometriosis if I had it. We still don't know for sure because the GYN refused to do a laparoscopy. I told the doctor I cannot take hormonal birth control due to my blood clotting disorder and my previous history of DVTs. She insisted Depo was 'safe' and does not cause blood clots. This is an absolute lie. Within a week of taking the shot, I was in the emergency room with multiple blood clots in my leg. I haven't had an issue with blood clots for 12 years. I'm given this shot, and within a week, I have a leg full of blood clots. Sadly, the GYN who prescribed Depo in the first place refused to listen and flat-out denied the Depo caused my blood clots, regardless of all the medical research to the contrary. Please! If you have a clotting disorder or a history of blood clots, don't take this shot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 4, 2019

"I'm 51. I've been on the Depo for 9 years. The doc advised me to come off it 18 months ago, so I thought, well, I must have gone through the menopause by now. So anyway, last week my breasts were so tender and extremely sore. Now, this week my periods have returned, and oh boy, they returned with a passion. I'm bleeding like there's no tomorrow. I'm in excruciating pain 24/7, so I'm off to the docs this morning to see if they can help. I've been scared to leave the house as I'm bleeding that much. To be honest, I want to go back on Depo, I've never had a problem with it."

• sar...
• June 23, 2018

"I hate this shot, it ruined my life. I had very severe side effects that started the day after I got the shot and have not stopped. My old provider refused to admit that my pain was due to the shot. I have constant cramping, constant bleeding, migraines, my hair is falling out, my depression is worse than ever, increased anxiety, insomnia, muscle soreness, joint pain, and mood swings. I was told that this shot would stop my period, it did not, it just made my period last for 10 months, and it is still going. I will never get this shot again, and I do not recommend this shot for anyone."

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2020

"DON'T GET ON DEPO-PROVERA. As someone who has struggled with endometriosis for about 10 years, it is nice not having a period...BUT I gained 40 pounds in 3 months. I was about 90 pounds and was excited when the lady told me the average about 10 pounds are gained. I am 130 now, and I have had to buy a new wardrobe. I suffered from an eating disorder when I was in high school, now graduated from college and recovered. I am starting to hate myself again. Not worth it."

• Fay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2019

"I have so many mixed feelings!! To start with the good side effects, my cystic acne is gone!! So amazed! I've been struggling for so long. My endo pain has gone down tremendously, and I'm honestly surprised because I forgot what it felt like to not be severely hurting. I hear a lot that this makes people gain weight, but so far I've lost 5 pounds! Now, this is why I'm just torn between staying on this or not. I'm only in month one, so maybe the negative side effects will go away, but they are BRUTAL! It has given me such severe exhaustion that I can't keep my eyes open for the majority of the day (even if I get plenty of sleep)!!! I'm so scared to drive, and work is difficult because I will randomly fall asleep! I have to drink so much caffeine to just barely make it through my day. Also, nausea is BAD! I hardly throw up from it, but it is definitely uncomfortable! Also, my mood swings are INSANE! I'm honestly embarrassed about it, and it's ruining everything right now."

• Bey...
• November 7, 2009

"I've been on the Depo-Provera injection since the 1994 inception of off-label use for endometriosis. For the last few years, I've started having some side effects over the two to four weeks prior to each injection, including severe fatigue and hot flashes. I'll take those side effects any day compared to how I lived when my 'Endo' ruled my day-to-day life. I've been pain-free for years as a result of the 15 years of Depo injections. Other side effects? I guess we will see."

• Ang...
• September 26, 2009

"I have taken Depo-Provera now for 4 years. It took care of the severe pain, cramping, and hot flashes. I have also not had a period since or even spotted. Although it has helped positively with these things, there are negative side effects. I gained and plateaued at a whopping 57 pounds. I gained the first 25 pounds in the first 3 months, keeping in mind that I had not changed eating habits or exercise, and now I have stretch marks from the rapid weight gain. All I can say is to try it yourself, this is just how it affected me."

• Ell...
• March 1, 2016

"Was on depo shot for 9 months. First, I had lighter periods, and the endometriosis pain was better. Second month, I had a light period, but it was all month. And then after that, the pain was less, and there was no bleeding. I started to gain weight. Almost 50 pounds. I already have back pain from a herniated disc, so I did not go and get my last shot. Endometriosis pain is back ten times worse. And I have been bleeding almost nonstop since September 2015, and it is now March 1, 2016. I'm gonna go back to the doctor and have a hysterectomy. I cannot stand the bleeding or the pain."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 7, 2018

"This shot has made me pretty much pain-free, and I couldn't be happier. It's also pretty great to not get a period anymore (except for some infrequent spotting). I suffered horribly for 13 years with lower abdominal pain. My doctor and I decided to try this to see if my pain was endometrial. I didn't want to go through another laparoscopy (where they found adhesions but wouldn't say it was because of endometriosis). I'm about 90% pain-free after a year of taking this medication. I say 90% because once in a while (typically if I'm going to spot), I have pain, but it's tolerable now, not like it was before. I'm really thankful for this medication. It's given me a great deal of my life back."