Medroxyprogesterone and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Hor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This Depo-Provera has to be the worst experience of my life. I took this medication back in September on the 7th. I was perfectly fine up until October 1st, the spotting began. I thought it was my period, but something was off, it was dark and minimal. It continued for weeks and weeks. I started taking ibuprofen to help stop it, and it worked. I finished a whole bottle of 100 pills, and it didn’t stop. Then the pills have stopped working, and the spotting got heavier. I went back to Planned Parenthood, and apparently this is 'normal.' This is horrible. I never went back for a second shot. Not to mention they prescribed me the mini pill to 'help' the bleeding, but it hasn’t done anything, so I stopped taking it. It’s been 86 days, and there are no signs of it stopping anytime soon, and it's devastating. I’m also so emotional because of this medication. I cry at least 3 times a week. I just want this nightmare to end."

• 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."

• 123...
• January 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my first Depo shot November 19th. Since then, I only had minor spotting and cramps, no mood swings or major weight gain, if anything, my weight is far more stable and satisfactory. Although on the 2nd of January, I began my normal period again and am hoping it will end on the 6th. Definitely would recommend."

• Tha...
• January 23, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took mine the last week of August 2019, have been bleeding since. My doctor put me on birth control, then they asked me to go test if I have fibroids, maybe that’s why I am still bleeding (which I don’t have). It’s January 2020, I am still bleeding, and they said I should wait until February and go do some tests again. I am now skipping placebo pills for the birth control pills to maybe stop the bleeding. I told my doctor that next time, tell the person that there will be a chance of long-term bleeding, not just spotting, so we can decide for ourselves if we want the shot or not."

• An...
• December 22, 2016

For Endometriosis "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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2014

For Birth Control "My first shot of Depo was great, no mood swings or any other side effects other than some very light spotting. Happy with my first shot, I got a 2nd, but it didn't turn out as the first shot did. I'm happy because there's no mood swings or really any mental side effects, which is why I switched from the pill. However, I was told my period would completely go away or just be light spotting, but for some reason I have now been having a normal/heavy period for over a month now, which is concerning. I've also been experiencing a lot of headaches and cramps that can get so bad they'll sometimes wake me up from dead sleep. I'll be going to the doctor soon to get off of this, blood loss is not fun :c don't think this is super common though."

• Kam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve taken Depo-Provera on June 23rd. This is the worst birth control ever. I am always angry, don’t want to be around people. I keep eating a lot, and I’ve lost a lot of weight on the Depo shot. Light spotting, nothing heavy. I’ve been depressed and sad, feeling tired, like I don’t want to do anything at all. It causes issues in my relationship, uuurrgggghhhh!! I need to stop it."

• 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."

• tir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Depo from the ages of 17-21 with absolutely NO problems, NO bleeding, it stopped my periods completely, NO side effects. I went back on the Depo August 2013 (currently ages 25-27) and have been getting the shots every 3 months on the first date they are due. I have been spotting/bleeding almost the whole time. When I have sex, it seems to make me bleed more. Everything has been ruled out, and it's just been blamed as a side effect of the Depo from my doctor. I also managed to get pregnant and have a miscarriage while on the shot/on time with each due date. The longer I am on this, the more side effects I am starting to get (acne, SEVERE depression, anxiety, and mood swings). I recommend for younger only."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 24, 2015

For Birth Control "Everyone's body is different, so I was unsure of how mine would react, but I've had a pretty good experience with Depo. I started at the beginning of my junior year in high school because my periods were so bad that I would miss school because of cramping. Just taking regular Tylenol or ibuprofen wouldn't lessen the pain. So we decided to go and see if we could try something that would help. And the Depo has been amazing for me. I don't have periods, although for the first month and a half I did spot on and off. I do sometimes get small cramps, but they are nothing like they were, and they're only around the time I should be on. My moods are pretty good, I'm not depressed, although I do get angrier a little easier. Best of all, I've lost 10 lbs."

• 6...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Depo since I was 18, I'm now 23. I've had no side effects, thankfully. It's really just hit or miss, you won't know until you give it a try. Only complaint I have is my arm is REALLY sore the first day and sometime through the second day after you get the shot. If you do choose to use this form of birth control, find out your recommended dose of vitamin C and D, you definitely need these vitamins while taking this drug! I get my shot every 3 months at Planned Parenthood and pay out of pocket $125, so it's about $40/month? NOT TOO BAD! I've never become pregnant while using Depo, and I only have spotting during the two weeks my Depo is due, so about once every 3 months."

• Mea...
• February 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I don't see good reviews ever for any BC, even my friends had issues with Depo, but not me, I loved it! Everybody is different. You just have to try it to see. I had some spotting at first, but then no periods ever, no issues at all, and I even lost weight. After I was on it for a year, I then stopped. It took 3 months after I didn't get my next dose to even get my period again. I'll go on it again when I'm in need of birth control."

• ESa...
• January 25, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm a 38-year-old female who started Depo last January. I spotted or had a period almost daily until I received my 4th injection in November. My period stopped, and then about two weeks ago I started bleeding. The last 4-5 days it has been very heavy and has clots. And I am cramping. Has anyone else had this? I do not think I will be getting another shot in February. I can't deal with this!!!"

• veg...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on the shot for 9 years. I love it. My doctor said I will have to take Xanax and Lexapro with the Depo to even out the mood swings. I am fine, and my moods are good. It is natural that your body has bleeding and spotting, I have it too, but it does not bother me as much as I suffered with PMS, forgetting things all the time, and being bitchy. Now I don't have that. I feel great! Cramps, yes, but not as bad."

• 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!"

• kek...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I hate this drug! The side effects are awful! I woke up feeling the worst nausea every morning, to the point where I would sometimes vomit. It causes awful headaches. I had a really large clot once, along with killer cramps. My period was still irregular. Yes, it was not as heavy, but it did cause spotting for a majority of the 3 months I was on it. My skin (which happened to be getting clearer!) was breaking out throughout the 3 months and in places that I never used to break out in. Also, I went from being one of the happiest people to majorly depressed with anxiety and mood swings. I now have the worst panic attacks. It will also make your sex life become horrible! Please don't take this! Read all the reviews before you do!"

• Ado...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took the Depo shot to stop the prolonged periods, and I got another long period, which I know is one of the side effects. But after that, I just kept on spotting and having cramps, and it’s so irritating. Birth control pills didn’t work out, and I don’t know what else to do. I just want my period to be normal again. I feel like this shot is a waste of time, and I don’t know what other birth control I can use to have a regular period again. I started this medication back on July 22, and now it’s November."

• fer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Ok, I went on this 10 mg 2x a day for about 4 weeks now. I needed to start because I hemorrhaged so bad in a single day my hemoglobin dropped from 12 to 9, and then to 8 as I continued to hemorrhage for 2 weeks after. As a result of hemorrhaging, I could not breathe, my heart was racing from dehydration, and my body used all of my iron and ferritin, and then started destroying bone marrow to try and make hemoglobin. I started Provera when my hematologist started ferritin infusions and was afraid any bleeding would kill me. This medication causes me shortness of breath, a racing heart, rashes, lethargy, vomiting, muscle pain; oh, and I have been spotting since I started it! I feel worse than when I was literally dying before taking it."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 29, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my first Depo-Provera shot in May of 2019. I had really heavy and painful periods, I was told that the Depo shot would likely stop my period altogether and I wouldn't have to worry about the pain anymore. It's almost November, and I have been spotting every single day since May. I'm due for my third shot in December, and I was told it can take up to a year for your hormones to fully regulate. I have some friends who have gone on it, and they love it, their periods have stopped completely. It seems to have regulated my mood swings because I was a basket case before. But the lack of sex drive and the permanent period might be the most annoying part of my life. Thankfully, I have a ridiculously understanding boyfriend. I'm starting to think the whole idea behind it is that if you just bleed a little bit constantly, then your uterus is completely uninhabitable for an egg, but also you feel disgusting constantly and never want to have sex. Birth control mission accomplished."

• 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 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was told I should consider taking the depo shot or the mini pill because it would help regulate my period or stop my period from happening. I tried the mini pill first and got my period every two weeks, and so decided I should try the shot. WORST decision ever! I got it a month and a half ago, and for the last two weeks, I've been bleeding every day; I was told I may experience some spotting and warned about the bone density problem but was never told about this side effect. Would not recommend this shot to anyone."

• 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."

• Mig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was placed on the Depo shot beginning of October (10/3/17) due to uterine fibroid complications: swelling, excessive bleeding, and severe pain. My period started two days after the injection, as scheduled. The OB told me to expect some bleeding for the first month, since I took it so close to my start date. Fair, I thought. However, I have been spotting/bleeding nonstop since that day. Today literally marks 30 days of bleeding. I have also since seen a significant increase in acne, as I typically have clear skin; I am fatigued more than usual. My anxiety has worsened. I will not be getting a second shot."

• Sos...
• September 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I beg you, ladies that are wondering if they should give this a try, to do their research. I'm 24 and have never been on birth control until this year. I asked my doctor for his recommendation, and he said Depo Provera is very effective. I got one shot, which lasts 90 days. At first, it was great, as someone who had bad cramping and heavy periods, it was amazing to not feel pain nor experience heavy bleeding. After about 30 days, that all changed. I started spotting every single day. Every single day! You need a lot of liners, pads, and tampons. It has now been over 100 days, and the spotting has not stopped. Some days are much heavier than others. The drug has worn off, but the effects continue. I obviously never went back for another shot. Don't do it!"

• 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."