Medroxyprogesterone and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• aka...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 31, 2019

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "Overall 8/10. I give it 10/10 for effectiveness. I am very petite - before the Depo I was 4'11" and 97 lbs (not anorexic, I eat all the time), and my periods were irregular to begin with. I have been on the Depo for about 3 years now and consider myself lucky after reading reviews - I experienced some weight gain (was 110 lbs at max) and a few mood changes. However, I started going to a gym 8 months ago and now maintain a good weight at about 105 lbs. I have not had my period in over 2.5 years, which is nice not having to deal with it. Only some cramps here and there and some anxiety, but it isn't bad at all, and I don't have to worry about whether it's going to work or not. Everybody is different! I only wish birth control was easier for women."

• Lad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 7, 2019

Medroxyprogesterone "I have been on the Depo-Provera for over two years now, and I couldn't be without it. Apart from on-and-off bleeding for the first two months, I've not had a period since I started it. I don't have to suffer with the pain anymore, and I don't become an emotional wreck for a few days a month. I do suffer from anxiety, but I do not believe in any way that it's connected to having the Depo. I've gained weight and lost weight along the way. The gains have been due to not being particularly bothered about my weight, and the losses have been due to being motivated to do something about it, simple as that. I dread the day my doctor advises me to stop taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 16, 2015

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "I got it when I was 21-22 years old. I was excited about it at first because you don't get periods, and it's every 3 months. However, I did get spotting in between, which was expected. The worst part about it was the effect it had on my mood swings. I got severely depressed and had high anxiety and would lash out a lot. I was also hungry all the time and probably gained 5 lbs at most. It really affected my performance in school and my close relationships."

• CJa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 27, 2018

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "I have been using Depo for about two years now. I think I have stayed on it this long due to the convenience of it. I never experienced most of the side effects, but I did gain about 5 pounds that will not drop. My period lasted for almost a month when I first got the shot, but then went away completely. That is a huge bonus for me since I had extremely heavy, long, and painful periods. For me, the depression and anxiety were definitely the worst part of it. I do believe circumstances played a part, but some of it was certainly due to hormone imbalance. I have experienced these side effects on and off for the duration of my use. I am looking to get off it now because of the threat of loss of bone density. I am at my two-year mark. However, I do think if that was not a problem, I would stay on it."

• MOO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2017

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "I took one shot at the end of Feb. 2017. Missed my next dose on purpose because the Depo completely killed my sex drive. A week after my missed dose, I had severe anxiety, had to leave work early because of it. I've struggled with anxiety in the past and had learned to keep it under control very, very well. This time I could not stop the intrusive anxious thoughts, and life had been going well, so no reason to be anxious. I also experienced a period of depression which seems to go in and out. It's been 2 months since my missed dose, and although it's less, anxiety and depression are still there. I would not recommend any type of hormonal BC to anybody because, as far as I can see, many other types of BC cause the same effects during or after."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2017

Medroxyprogesterone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my 1st shot in Feb 2016. My tubes are tied, but Dr. recommended I get it to help stop the cramps I'd get prior to the shot. I bled the first 3 months after the shot, and it didn't help, so I asked my Dr. if I needed it again. He said to try it for 6 months and stop if it didn't help. I got my 2nd shot in May 2016 and bled for that 6 months. Then I stopped as it never helped with cramps. It's now April 2017, and I still have side effects-mood swings that are destroying my marriage, depression, anxiety, headaches. I've lost 32 lbs (only weighed 122 prior to the shot), dizziness, fatigue, acne, no sleep or too much, feelings of going crazy, and cramps worse than before. I was told with a regular period, the shot will leave."

• 123...
• June 12, 2015

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "I switched from a hormonal contraceptive to Depo Provera in January of 2013, never had any problems (weight gain, acne, irregular bleeding) for the first year and a half and only bled about a week or two before my next shot was due. Starting about 8 months ago, I was bleeding almost 2 months before every shot, and the last shot I received in March, I continued to bleed 2 weeks after getting the shot. I also noticed an increase in extreme depression and anxiety. I have also spent the last 6 months dealing with breakouts (which I never had before) and an increase in keratosis pilaris on my face (not sure if it's related to a hormone imbalance). I would never recommend this shot to anyone."

• Anonymous
• April 21, 2012

Medroxyprogesterone "I went on this birth control because I wanted to gain a little bit of weight, but I ended up gaining 15 pounds and couldn't exercise my stomach off because the shot made me so tired, even when I would have 3-4 days off from work. I never had the energy to do anything. This shot made me moody and depressed! Not to mention it made my anxiety off the roof! Every day I would almost get a panic attack from the smallest worries. After I got off it, a couple of weeks later, I felt like a brand new person! Back to my old self. Happy, energetic, and fun to be around! The only thing that was good about this birth control is that I never got my period."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2022

Medroxyprogesterone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo before many years ago. I don't remember bleeding for months on end. I got my first injection on Jan 7th, 2022, and I've been spotting, heavy bleeding sometimes, clots, and it comes out of nowhere. When I think it's stopped, NOPE. I have to wear a tampon every day, regardless if I'm bleeding or not. 9 out of 10 times I am. My mood has turned to depression and horrid anxiety. I have acne now that I never had before, and I just feel unwell. I WILL NOT BE GETTING A SECOND INJECTION!! Ladies beware, it also dries you out down there, so sex is uncomfortable and hurts."

• ang...
• August 20, 2016

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "Seriously messes with my emotions so much. I already live with anxiety and depression, and the Depo just makes it so much worse! I hate it. I get pissed off at things I shouldn't get pissed off at! I have all the period symptoms (cramps, emotions out of whack, retaining water, and a horrible craving for sweets) and irregular bleeding. I'm gaining so much weight, and I'm not even eating unhealthy. I have a strict diet and workout, and I still gain about a pound or two every two weeks. Do NOT recommend the Depo to anyone. This sucks."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "I wish I never took this contraceptive Depo-Provera. Constantly bleeding. Some days heavy. Finally stopped for a good 6 weeks. Started bleeding for 5 days again after sex. Stopped again for a few days again. Had sex again, bled for 9 days, was pretty heavy, stopped again. And again! Bleeding for 7 days and counting. And it's only been 5 months since my first and last shot. Was a horrible experience! Stomach pain finally went away and diarrhea. Retained water. So much hair loss. Was super depressed. And anxiety."

• Chr...
• November 14, 2016

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "Have been on Depo for about 9 years now and have no periods. When I first started Depo, I was bleeding for about a month 'til it just went away. Probably gained some weight. I feel the Depo has me very moody and also makes me feel tired, it gives me lots of nervousness, but surely prevents pregnancy. I'm not sure that it's safe to be on Depo for a long time because it can cause weakness in bones, so consult your Dr on how long you should use it."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2021

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "I have read other women's experiences on this drug obsessively to give me comfort with sensing when I may feel more like myself. So here is my experience coming off. This drug is said to last 12 weeks, approximately 15 weeks for it to no longer be detectable in your system. Prior to this, I was on Monofeme for approximately 8 months. No issues with the pill except when forgetting to take it. Limited space, you know the bad side effects, so here's the withdrawal. All symptoms started to slowly ease up bit by bit. From week 5, I recorded improvements weekly. Most feeling I'm returning to myself around the 9-week mark. It's been 14 weeks, and I'm thinking clearer, joking and laughing again, mood/anxiety and energy improved, but libido not fully. At least I can get wet and enjoy sex, but it's not the same, and masturbating feels impossible to start. Light period. Now for hormones to balance naturally with ginseng, primrose oil, and ashwagandha daily. Cruciferous veggies help with hormones too. Exercise/running also."

• Scu...
• January 13, 2016

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "First shot went great. I didn't really get any side effects. I didn't have any bleeding whatsoever, nor any weight gain. I was hungry often, but actually lost a couple of pounds. I did feel anxious the first few days, but that went away. Haven't decided if I want to get the second shot yet, but overall I did well on it."

• lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2021

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "This is just me, but first I started on pills, which made me nauseous and gave me bad anxiety, so I stopped taking them for 3 months. May 10th, I chose the Depo Provera injection, my doctor didn’t show all the side effects it says on Google. I’ve been constantly nauseous every day, unable to do activities outside because of how nauseous I feel, sometimes to the point where I throw up. I’m miserable, these birth controls don't mix well with my body. Now I’m just waiting for it to wear off so I can enjoy my summer. For some people, it's great, though, this is just my experience."

• Aly...
• December 28, 2015

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "I was told that I had to get two shots, or else it could be potentially dangerous to be taken off of the shot. Three months later, and a ton of anxiety attacks and bleeding, I'm in the office going back on my pill. The worst thing I could've ever possibly done to myself was this shot."

• mot...
• May 18, 2015

Medroxyprogesterone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was never into birth control, so I have 6 kids. My oldest is 7 years old. I tried the Depo shot after I gave birth in November to my 6th baby, all-natural vaginal births, no epidural. This was my first time, it was the shot in the booty and arm. I have had nothing but anxiety, no, it's not my kids. I never felt this way before, and I gained a ton of weight, more than I usually do after a baby. I weigh 160, I usually get down to 140 three months after I give birth. I've been bleeding nonstop. I decided I didn't like the shot. I'm getting tons of mood swings, more than the ones that I get from pregnancy. I'm just going to tie my tubes. It's a nightmare. It's May now, so from November to May, I've been bleeding. I went to check my hemoglobin, it's fine - it's just depressing."

• Hat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 23, 2016

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "If I could rate this product less than 1, I would. Awful! I was never told by my provider it could cause fertility issues in the future. I have been off it for almost a year and still don't have a regular period back. My period symptoms have increased in intensity. It also, over the period of 18 months I was using it, caused me severe anxiety and weight gain. I would never recommend this to anyone."

• Sha...
• December 19, 2020

For Amenorrhea "I haven’t got a period in years, my gynecologist told me to take this pill for 10 days due to PCOS from the 1st to the 10th at 11 a.m. every day (side effects: anxiety, tiredness, and headaches). I got my period 3 days later, the cramping and heavy bleeding feel like a miscarriage. Other than that, it works like a charm. I’m not sure if I have to take it next month for 10 days since I got my period, but I will be confirming with my doctor."

• Nat...
• April 25, 2017

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "Believe the reviews!! I got my first shot last month. How is this legal?? I just have light brown bleeding every day, hot flashes, and night sweats every night. I can't sleep, and I keep having crazy vivid dreams - again every. single. night. I don't take any other medication, and I never had crazy vivid dreams like this. Between the night sweats, vivid dreams, and being anxious, I probably sleep two hours a night, and I have a 5-month-old son who sleeps all night. I have acne, and I have never had acne as a teenager or an adult. I had it slightly at the beginning of my pregnancy, but it wasn't like this. I swear every bad side effect I read, I have! This has never happened with any meds before."

• Kat...
• December 20, 2020

For Amenorrhea "I have PCOS. TTC but have abnormal periods. Just started working with infertility and was prescribed this after no period for 3 months. Took 10 mg for 10 days and started my period 4 days after stopping med. My only side effect was mild abdominal pain and a little anxiety. My period has been pretty normal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 20, 2017

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "I was on the shot at 19 for about 2 years, then went back to pills. I decided 6 months ago to go back to the depo, I had no bad side effects at 19. Now, at 24, the side effects of this shot are terrible. My anxiety has worsened, I'm depressed, but the overall worst is the acne! Cystic acne on my neck and chin. I've never had acne, not even as a teen. It's awful. It's gotten much worse. I spent $80 on acne meds!!! Not to mention it has no estrogen in it! I'm due in 2 months for my next shot. Definitely not getting it again! Going back to pills to hopefully get back to my normal self and skin!!!!"

• Ica...
• April 4, 2017

Medroxyprogesterone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the Depo shot on the way out the door of the hospital after having my daughter. I wasn't good at taking a pill every day, so I thought this sounded good. Like others, I have been bleeding for 8 weeks straight. I had horrible mood swings, depression, and increased anxiety. No desire for sex, and really my ability to have sex has been limited. I went to the OB/GYN for a pap smear, and she said my cervix is friable and very thin, and so is everything in my vagina, so sex is very painful. I believe the hormones from the Depo did this. I also have a lot of nausea and am sure I have gained weight. I have lower back pain and abdominal cramping. Causes bone loss, which runs in the family."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2017

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "I've been on this shot for 5 months. The first 3 months I was always spotting, and I was always angry. I always had acne, but this shot made it worse. I started having nightmares, and my anxiety was worse, but I still decided to go on with my 2nd. Once I got my 2nd shot, the bleeding went away, most of the side effects went away except for my acne-it got worse. My skin hasn't been this bad in years! My hair is falling out like crazy, I'm afraid to even brush it. My sex drive also completely went away. I also started bleeding again while on this, and ever since I started bleeding again, I'm severely depressed. I don't know how to shake this feeling off. If you have a history of acne and depression, please don't get this shot. It will bring everything back."

• Jes...
• June 5, 2017

Medroxyprogesterone for Birth Control "Worst birth control I've ever been on. Even compared to needing my Mirena IUD surgically removed. All birth control comes with side effects, but I had the worst experience with the depo shot. I stayed on it just over a year and a half (thinking it would get better eventually?) and I decided not to continue it, with all the issues I've had. ZERO sex drive, extreme fatigue, lots of weight gain, major anxiety (needed medication), moodiness. Now that I stopped, I'm having major abdominal cramping, similar to mild contractions. I would not recommend this birth control. I feel like I've become a completely different person with all these mood changes and fatigue. I hope I can get back to normal after this. Really regretting doing the depo."