Medroxyprogesterone and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Con...
• June 22, 2019

For Amenorrhea "I have PCOS and my doctor prescribed me with Provera for 14 days, 10mg per day, and was told by my doctor that it will help me regulate my period. I remember taking it on May 17, and I was on it until May 31. I was told that I was going to get my period after 3 days. I didn’t get it after that, but I had light spotting a couple of days after. I called my doctor, she said I should get it very soon. Finally, it came on June 9th, it was still very light. Days passed, and it started to get heavier. It’s June 21 now, and I’m still bleeding. I have called my doctor to check with her if this is serious as I had never bled this much before, of course, it was very alarming. She told me that I had to wait until it subsides and have an ultrasound. I am also experiencing mood changes, breakouts, cramps, breast tenderness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. The side effects are not so bad, but my main concern is the long period. Did anyone else have the same experience?"

• Taz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve started the Depo Provera injection fairly recently on 24 May 2021. I was on my period, which I normally have for seven days, but with this injection my period went from normal flow to a dark brown, slow flow, which couldn’t fill a pad. It changed halfway through June to a medium-heavy flow. I called the doctor in the early stages because when I read the symptoms, it said spotting but not heavy flow period. When I spoke to her, it was like speaking to someone who doesn’t want to hear you. Not helpful at all. It’s now July, and I’ve been bleeding for a total of 42 days and counting. Will I get the second injection in August? Nope. Would I recommend it? Nope. It really mucks up your emotions. It has made me cry over stupid things. I had this injection so I could have sex without fear of pregnancy. Have I been able to have sex? No. My advice, once again, it’s not the one to get."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2019

For Amenorrhea "I took Provera for 10 days at a dose of 10mg a day, prescribed by my fertility doctor with intentions to induce my period. My period was always regular up until recently. The side effects while on this drug were some pretty bad mood swings, mild cramps on and off, and breast soreness. A week after the dose ended and I still hadn’t gotten my period. Lo and behold, it arrived this morning. Thanks to this drug, we can now continue our fertility journey. Have patience - it can really work. Now I’ve got a heavy period with horrid cramps - but it’s worth it!"

• ARS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2021

For Birth Control "The Depo is the worst thing I have ever put in my body. Ladies, please reconsider before using this. Along with so many physical symptoms (nausea, acne, fatigue, heartburn, bloating, cramps, bleeding constantly), the emotional symptoms are very prominent and worse than the physical ones. I believe this drug is destroying my relationship, I have no interest in sex or physical touch, I’m irritable all the time, depressed, and have a constant feeling of emptiness that was not there before the Depo. My personality and mood took a full 180 on the Depo. I am not going back in for my next injection. Something to also note is that the FDA is trying to pull this drug off the shelves. Please, if you’re considering the Depo, do your research! I wish that I did."

• Try...
• May 30, 2014

For Amenorrhea "Didn't have a period for 1.5 years - was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and hypothyroidism. As hubby and I have been trying to conceive, not having any periods has been difficult to judge any ovulation. Was put on Provera to induce a period before the doctor prescribes any ovulation medicines. Took Provera for 10 days, didn't have any side effects. But after I stopped, I felt nauseous, breasts were very sensitive, was over emotional/very irritable, and a bit dizzy at times. Had light spotting on day 3 and 4 after stopping Provera, then period starting on day 5. Day 5 and 6 were light-medium, but then afterwards was extremely heavy for 2-3 days with really bad cramping."

• JNK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Depo from 2008-2011 with zero side effects. My periods were gone completely after the first shot, and I had no weight gain and minimal mood swings. Fast forward to July 2020, after having finished having children, I got the shot again. I've now been bleeding heavily every day for three weeks straight. Looking at this review forum makes me think the manufacturer made a change in early 2019 that quite obviously is not working with the majority of women's menstruation. Who wants to bleed every day for a year?! NO ONE. I WILL NEVER GET THIS SHOT EVER AGAIN. NEVER."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2021

For Birth Control "Took this in October. Started bleeding at the start of November and still consistently bleeding now 7 months later. Only took one injection. I gained weight everywhere even though I'm active and healthy, lost my sex drive, which has always been very high. Nausea every day to the point of throwing up. Insomnia for weeks on end. Raging emotions, sad and crying one minute, angry and shouting the next. Hot flashes, blurry vision, throbbing headaches, and joint pain. I was not told any side effects in the clinic, only that it stops periods and lessens cramps. I wish I was given a leaflet to make an informed decision. 7 months later and I'm losing weight slowly, sleeping better, and had been having sex occasionally, but it's a bloody mess and hit and miss if I climax at all. I just want the period to end. I would recommend ginseng as a mood booster and evening primrose oil to regulate your hormones. These brought back my libido a bit and made me less suicidal. Never again!!!!!"

• JPe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2020

For Amenorrhea "Took 10 mg Provera for 7 days for fertility reasons. Will NEVER take this medication again. I got such severe anxiety to the point where I ended up going to the ER because I thought something was wrong with me. I have never had such emotional instability in my life. About 3 weeks after taking the last pill, my panic attacks finally subsided. Also, my vision is all messed up now, and I am having muscle twitches. I did get my period, but was too bothered by all the Provera side effects that I didn’t end up going through with the Clomid."

• Eri...
• March 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Depo Provera for about a month now, and I absolutely love it! I haven't had ANY bleeding, no cramps, no headaches or dizziness, no mood swings, no swollen or tender breasts, no weight gain, nothing! I still have a sex drive and I feel perfectly normal. Most people with good side effects don't think to share their experience, so remember that everyone's body is different and your experience might be like mine!"

• Cri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on this for a few months. I'm very bad at remembering to take the pill every day at the same exact time, so I figured the shot would be perfect. And I know it's still a little too early to determine whether or not I like it. I got my period in December, and she administered the shot. I haven't stopped bleeding since, and it's almost March! I spoke with my doctor, and she told me it was totally normal and it was my body getting used to the medication, but I very much dislike it. I've been VERY moody, and I get so turned off by food that sometimes I just go through the day drinking fluids. This has only been from one shot, but I'll see where it goes. If it continues to go downhill, I have to switch back to the pill."

• Anonymous
• February 3, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I received my second Depo Provera shot early October after having it once before and while I was 17/18. My mood swings are horrible still, breast tenderness is outrageous. I also have had the worst cramping pain (worse than IUD pain). It was unbearable when I first started ovulating. I could not lay flat in bed, had a heating blanket and heating pad on my lower back and abdominal area for a week. I took Midol and ibuprofen like the doctors told me, and nothing has stopped this. I have clots coming out, they want me to come in again to poke at me. Just super put out and exhausted. I am sleeping up to 10-12 hours a day. It has caused me to have less ambition at my workplace too. I am very active as I am a CNA at the hospital, but I bleed through my pants at least two times a shift. My acne is horrible around my chin, and my stomach is sore from the on and off bloating. It brought tears to my eyes finding this page and seeing I am not alone in this."

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2009

For Birth Control "I had nothing but negative effects from the Depo shot that are continuing even after the duration of action of the Depo. I am now experiencing terrible migraines (I rarely, if ever had even minor headaches). They have been occurring multiple times per day including nausea and diarrhea. I experienced these same symptoms for the first time after I received my first shot. I also experienced neck stiffness, severe mood swings, bouts of depression that seemed to arrive from nowhere, no sex drive whatsoever, and worst of all menstrual bleeding for an entire month straight which was only counteracted by a high dosage of birth control pills."

• Hop...
• October 9, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the shot in late August, and a week after getting the shot, I bled continuously with no signs of stopping for 14 days, and I was panicking and found this site. I scrolled for hours and found a comment that saved me! If you are continuously bleeding, go get some raspberry leaf tea and drink 4 cups of it a day. I would just permanently, the night before, put two tea bags in a 16-ounce glass bottle with honey and let it sit overnight. I took this for two days, and the bleeding was still there, but very light. However, I needed it to stop completely because my boyfriend of a long-distance relationship was coming that weekend. So I went on Amazon and ordered natural estrogen supplements and took those with the tea every day, and the bleeding completely stopped after 4 days, and I haven't bled since. The estrogen supplements also stopped my bad mood swings and my hot flashes as well, I feel back to normal. I hope this helps you guys get your life back."

• Vio...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 2, 2015

For Birth Control "Everyone I talk to seems to have had different experiences with Depo. For me, it has been a perfect experience, but my sister had a horrible time with it. I had very light spotting after the first shot during what should have been my monthly period, and since then have had absolutely no period or spotting. My weight has remained at a constant level the entire 4 years that I've been taking it, and I haven't experienced mood swings, hair loss, or any of the other common symptoms. My doctor warned me that the shot could make my migraines worse, but I haven't noticed any difference in prevalence or severity. Everyone's body reacts differently, but it is definitely worth trying. I love this form of contraception - no periods and no babies!"

• sau...
• June 8, 2009

For Birth Control "It started off great for the first month. But then by the second month, my period became a monster. It lasted for so long and started on a very random day that wasn't even close to my regular period cycle date. Also, I'm on an emotional rollercoaster ride and almost constantly angry at something or someone. I don't like this at all."

• Sky...
• May 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I do not recommend Depo injection! I thought getting on it was going to help my period issues, also the fact I was told I had endometriosis (which turns out I don't). When I got on it, I was fine for the first month and loved not having a period or the pain that came with it. By the second month, my moods started to change and I got very mean and aggressive towards people and anything they said. By the third month, I was a total train wreck! I would cry constantly, and I fought with literally anyone and everyone! I decided to get off Depo for the greater good of relationships with my family and my boyfriend. I thought getting off it was going to be a problem solver, but I got off it and it got worse! Multiply the other issues I talked about by 10! Which now also includes cramps, terrible emotional problems and thoughts, questioning my relationship (it comes in waves-I love him tremendously, and then my brain goes, do you?), and more, unfortunately. Please read reviews before getting on Depo!!"

• Sky...
• May 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I do not recommend Depo injection! I thought getting on it was going to help my period issues, also the fact I was told I had endometriosis (which turns out I don't). When I got on it, I was fine for the first month and loved not having a period or the pain that came with it. By the second month, my moods started to change and I got very mean and aggressive towards people and anything they said. By the third month, I was a total train wreck! I would cry constantly, and I fought with literally anyone and everyone! I decided to get off Depo for the greater good of relationships with my family and my boyfriend. I thought getting off it was going to be a problem solver, but I got off it and it got worse! Multiply the other issues I talked about by 10! Which now also includes cramps, terrible emotional problems and thoughts, questioning my relationship (it comes in waves-I love him tremendously, and then my brain goes, do you?), and more, unfortunately. Please read reviews before getting on Depo!!"

• Blo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I wish I could give this a ZERO star. They warned me that I could have some abnormal bleeding, but nobody warned me that I'd be bleeding enough to support the Red Cross. My blood count is low, which it never has been before. Not to mention the acne, the attitude, the sore breasts, and the emotional instability to go along with it. The REAL reason this works as birth control is because nobody on this medication is doing anything even remotely related to sex (oh yeah, I forgot to mention - no sex drive). Even if you had a sex drive, it's a bloody war zone! Nope! Hopefully, someone, anyone really, will read this and think, 'nope, I'll go a different route,' and I will have saved someone some MAJOR heartache and struggles."

• hey...
• May 1, 2016

For Amenorrhea "During the ten days on Provera, I was emotional, my boobs hurt severely, my face broke out like crazy, and I had horrible fatigue. Two days after the 10 days of taking Provera, I have the worst period I have ever had in my entire life. Having to change my pad/tampon every single hour was disgusting, I couldn't even enjoy a shower because even afterward I still bled nonstop. Each day that passes, the heavier my period gets. Today is my 6th day, and 4, 5, & 6 were heavy as hell, but 5 & 6 had excruciating cramps. And too many blood clots! :( I do not recommend this pill at all."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2019

For Birth Control "This has ruined my life. Took my Depo-Provera first shot on April 12th, 2019, and being on it, I have massive mood swings, memory loss, headaches. I used to have 2 jobs and now have no desire to work. I used to be a very, very driven woman, and now I don't even want to leave my house/bed. I would never recommend this to anyone. I have never been in such a dark place in my life and have constant thoughts of death. My sex drive is gone, and my relationship is in danger, and so are my jobs. This makes me feel bad, evil, horrible, nonstop. It's hard to smile, laugh, or have any joy at all. Please do not take this medication ever. It is just not worth it."

• Ale...
• March 24, 2014

For Endometriosis "I've only had one shot so far, but it has now been almost two months since I got the shot. I heard good things about this shot, and I was hoping it would take care of my really severe cramps! I skipped my period the month after I got the shot, but then the month after that, it came back. I would say my period is a lot lighter now, but it has lasted twice as long as it normally does. My cramps have been better, as they are now tolerable. But, they are still there. I have noticed a really big change in mood swings and emotions. I get in cranky moods WAY more often. At least once a day. I also have noticed that I cry super easily now, even over little things. Again though, it has only been two months. Maybe things will start to get better."

• rac...
• February 25, 2016

For Amenorrhea "I'm 26 years old and have always had irregular periods. Recently, I found out that I have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and was prescribed Provera. I took it twice a day for 10 days and started bleeding about 3 days after they finished. I can honestly say it was the worst period I've ever had! It was very heavy, and I felt sick and dizzy. I was so emotional, and I never get any sort of PMS usually. My period also lasted for 10 days. It stopped on Sunday, and I'm bleeding again today (Thursday). Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this?"

• ris...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This shot has temporarily ruined my life. I am close to my 3-month mark of this shot, which means another dose. I am strongly considering not getting another. I am currently typing this at 4 am because I woke up after bleeding through my pad. Not fun. I've been bleeding/spotting for over half of the 3 months. I am always bloated, tired, and emotional. Sex drive gone, not to mention the constant inserting and deserting of tampons dozens of times a day. The only thing I ever see is blood. I'm constantly tired, I don't have the drive to do anything. This shot has consumed my life."

• Sad...
• September 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 15 years old. I'm a sophomore in high school. I started taking the Depo-Provera shot around my freshman year. It actually hasn't given me any bad side effects besides loss of hair, I haven't lost a lot of hair, and mood swings. My freshman year I weighed 155 and now I weigh 119. I'm 5'3" and haven't gained a pound from this shot yet. I hate shots, but it's definitely worth taking for having no period. I haven't experienced depression or any of the other side effects except the ones listed above. But not everyone is the same. I would recommend talking to your doctor about it before jumping into taking it!"

• M88...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "This shot has actually ruined my life. I had one shot and never went back for another. I would say the first month and a half was fine (no problems), but I started to notice weight gain, which made me upset because since I started the shot, I’ve watched what I ate religiously to avoid weight gain... another thing is the mood swings. They are extremely uncontrollable and not normal. I can say I’ve developed extreme depression and lack of energy to do anything. I would describe myself as outgoing and energetic. Since then, I don’t know who I am anymore. Every other night, I cry, and if I’m not crying, I’m just so annoyed at everything, any small inconvenience to my life sends me into a downward spiral of emotions. This is without a doubt the worst thing that ever happened to me."