Medroxyprogesterone and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Use...
• March 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this shot for 5 years, almost 6 now. I had had no serious problems. I gained about 40 pounds, and I am having trouble losing it, but that is it. When I first got on this, I actually lost weight and was the smallest I'd ever been, but I decided to try to switch to the pill (hated it) and then got back on Depo, which is when the weight gain happened. I had major mood swings, but am now on another medication to help control that. It definitely works, and I love not having a period! Just hate the weight gain. This is definitely a birth control I would recommend."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "DON’T DO IT. I’m a nurse, had my Mirena removed as 5 years had passed and wanted something short-term for birth control. Thinking of baby planning... My gynae suggested Depo, she didn’t give me any huge information, but I took her recommendation. 3 weeks in, I started crying for no reason and hysterically. I became anxious to leave the house. I had achy hips, bloating, weight gain, and hot flushes. When speaking to doctors and pharmacists, they explained I was in ‘temporary menopause’ and I’d have to ride it out. I’m now 7 weeks in and still not feeling myself. My emotions have improved, I still have pain and bloating. Dreading coming off the Depo and wished I’d conducted my own private research. Will not be taking the next injection, let alone ever again. I’ve also been told ovulation can take months to return, which horrified me as I told my gynae I wanted short-term contraception as I was hoping to start planning for kids in a year max."

• jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the shot for 2 years, I've experienced no weight gain or any of the other common side effects. I have not had a single period and only spotted one time. I started the shot when I was 16, and now that I am 18, I want to change methods because it is recommended to not be on the shot for over 2 years because it can lead to osteoporosis. I have tried other methods before, such as the patch and the ring. But the shot was my favorite of them all. If I didn't have to switch methods, I would definitely stay on the shot."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on it for about 5 'cycles,' which is about 15 months. After the first month, I did not get my period anymore or spotting. I have been off of it for almost a year and still haven't gotten my period. For me, it was quick, easy, and convenient, I had no side effects whatsoever... except the weight gain. I started right after I had my daughter and I was about 215. I am now pushing 270 (don't judge). I fully understand the shot itself cannot make you gain weight, it just gives you more of an appetite, but my god, that's a lot of weight in a year and a half. I am also convinced it messed with my metabolism, but there's no medical evidence I can find to support that. It's also scary how strong of a dose of hormones it is."

• Ali...
• September 12, 2020

For Endometriosis "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."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking the Depo shot in 2012 after my son was born. I absolutely have no problems up to date. Within the first shot, I stopped getting periods. I spot a teeny tiny bit when it's close to getting the shot again. But such as hair loss, weight gain, and acne, and all the other side effects, I have none. I'm satisfied with the shot."

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doctor recommended this shot to me to help with cramps due to having endometriosis. I have received 2 shots and have been on my period for a total of 5 months now! The shot helped with pain the first 3 months, and now it doesn't help at all. I will not be going back for another shot. It is awful! I've gained weight, I'm moody, and fatigued. And in case you missed it the first time, I've been bleeding for 5 months! Just think of the pads, tampons, laundry, ibuprofen, chocolate, ice cream, occasional apologies to your boyfriend, and acne you'll get to look forward to... just say no to this joke of a drug!"

• kma...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 1, 2013

For Birth Control "Been on this for about a year and a half. I actually do like it because it's convenient, and you only have to get it every three months. I, however, have gained about 25 pounds. It makes you want to eat everything in sight and makes you an emotional being. It did not mess with my libido, which is a good thing. I don't get my period, just usually spotting about two weeks before I'm due for another shot."

• Dev...
• September 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I am writing this review because most people don't bother writing reviews when they have a positive experience, and it can sway others not to use Depo when many women don't have issues. I have been on Depo consistently for 5 years now, with zero complaints. In the first year, I had irregular periods and stopped having them completely after that. I get about one period per year now, if that. I did not get any acne, but I've never had acne problems anyway. I do believe Depo causes weight gain, although it could just be because I started taking it at 18 years old (about 120 lbs) and now I'm 23 (145 lbs). I can't say for sure if it's the Depo, but I have to work out just to stay the same. All around though, I would recommend Depo 100%!"

• Pan...
• February 18, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Depo for about a year now! I got it in April in 2013, and now it's February 2014. I kept bleeding since I got it till about October, so I had about 2 shots by then. When I got my 3rd shot, I stopped bleeding. I haven't had a period since then. I weighed about 105 lbs, now I weigh 130 lbs. I gained so much weight."

• jen...
• November 26, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been on this shot for almost 3 years now, starting out just to help with abdominal pain and now for use of birth control. I love that I have never had a period, let alone spotting, no cramps, nothing. Just recently, I have been having terrible headaches that make me nauseous. I have gained at least 15 lbs, which is very depressing, and sex drive... well, that's long gone (which seems very odd for a 20-year-old). Reading the reviews helped a lot, thank you!"

• Jas...
• April 29, 2021

For Birth Control "In the past, I haven’t been the best at remembering to take birth control pills, so I figured this would be more convenient. I was aware of side effects like spotting and gaining weight, but I suffer from really bad cramps, and this was supposed to diminish that. For the first few weeks, I was fine; I had one period, and it was very light. But a month later is when things really started to kick in. I’ve always suffered from anxiety and have had my episodes of depression here and there, but this was unreal. I would have the worst mood swings, going from being intensely paranoid and borderline panic attack to suddenly feeling next to nothing. I felt so empty and numb and started questioning if I really even loved my boyfriend or if my life was even worth it... I just didn’t feel like me at all."

• No ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Depo for 16 years. It's effective! No kids! I started seeing side effects around year 6, which included a little facial hair. Around year 19, I gained about 25 pounds (I went from 120 to about 145). It's still so worth it. No periods and no cramps after year 1! I take calcium supplements, and I lift heavy weights, so along with getting bone density tests, so far, so good."

• sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got this shot in March 2019. It is the worst mistake I ever made in life. It is now September going on October, and I am still bleeding. At first, it was every single day for about 3 months. I didn't get a second shot. I started to spot every now and then after 3 months, and then I stopped bleeding for a few weeks. Now I bleed for 2 weeks straight and get a few weeks break, and then 2 weeks again. Currently, approaching my second week of bleeding while typing this, and the bleeding is very heavy to the point where I am afraid to even sit down. Highly not recommended. No sex drive, cramps, moody, depressed, weight gain, and the list goes on."

• Lal...
• July 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the Depo Provera shot for 2 years. Absolutely hated it. The two years that I was on it, I had rapid weight gain and gained 30 lbs in two years. My mood swings were awful and became much more depressed. Also caused my anxiety to become worse. Wouldn't recommend this birth control to anybody."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "54 yr, peri-menopause experiencing bleeding for 6 weeks. Was given 10 days, 10 mg Provera. Never stopped bleeding, now it's Day 10. Now bloated, gained weight, ovaries have twinges of pain, menstrual cramps."

• Cha...
• September 13, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I absolutely hate this. I have been on Depo for 6 months, and I have bled the whole time. Nonstop. No breaks. It's not light either. It's like being on the second day of your period forever. It has also significantly worsened my depression. I had finally gotten a combo of meds and therapy that had me feeling relatively functional. I made the mistake of taking Depo. It ruined all my progress and has me debating suicide again. I've gained weight and developed acne. This sucks, don't ever take it. They'll tell you it can stop your periods. Don't be deceived!"

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

For Endometriosis "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."

• cko...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had absolutely no issues with Depo. I was on the pill for approximately 15 years and wish I had made the switch sooner. I'm generally prone to weight gain, but didn't experience this at all after starting the shot; I started training for a fitness competition shortly after and was concerned it might be harder for me to cut weight but had no issues whatsoever. It's so much easier than having to take a pill every day, and there are some great calendars online that tell you when you're able to go back for the next one and when your deadline is. I have absolutely no problem recommending Depo to anyone."

• bal...
• February 27, 2015

For Birth Control "It is effective. However, the weight gain of 30 lbs, now I need to lose 60 lbs. The headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. Feeling hungry constantly and occasional numbness in my hands and feet. I am thinking of trying Implanon, but the reviews don't look so great. Would prefer getting my tubes tied, as we have a nice-sized family. I have been on it for 13 months since my youngest was born, and I hate that I eat and feel pregnant even though I am not."

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo for almost a year now. It's had its ups and downs. Ups would be not having periods, no babies, and unprotected sex!!!!! Downs would be the red/brown spotting, weight gain, and back pain (what I'm experiencing at the moment). The weight thing is a little weird. I usually weigh around 159-163, and I gained about 10 pounds and recently lost them from going to the gym and eating less fast food. Overall, it's the best BC method. Keep in mind all that I described doesn't happen to all women, we all vary."

• 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."

• Cat...
• May 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 18 years old, and I've been on this since I was 15, two months before my sixteenth birthday. I have done loads of research on this shot, and after taking it this long and reading everyone's complaints, I have reached a final conclusion that this shot has deteriorated my health tremendously. I have always had problems with feeling depressed, but ever since I got on this shot, I've been feeling so horribly suicidal and anxious, my mood has been affected so badly too. I am always stressed or not really sure about what or how I feel. I have really bad abdominal pain, and not to mention the worst headaches and dizziness of my life. I am constantly dizzy and fatigued, and I gained lots of weight. It prevents pregnancy, yes, but not worth it."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've now had 2 Depo shots. About 4 weeks into my second shot, and I've been bleeding now for 14 days. It's weak, but just isn't stopping. It's not painful, but more annoying than anything. Experiencing ongoing mood swings and gained 5 kg in the first 2 months with no other change to diet/exercise. Unsure if I need to keep taking the shot to let my body adjust or to stop now. Have read stories of getting pregnant later can be much harder after Depo too. Lots of uncertainty, wish I had researched more before starting and perhaps tried the IUD first."

• jgl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I had the best experience with Depo-Provera. I first went on it in Jan 2006. I have had absolutely no periods since then. I did gain some weight, about 20 pounds, but have been able to lose it with proper diet and exercise. I should point out, I frequently eat fast food and frozen pizzas, so I'm willing to bet that's the reason I gained weight and the Depo had very little to do with it. The shots weren't that bad, and having to only get it every three months was very nice. I was on Depo-Provera for about 7 years and loved every minute of it, but every doctor I went to said that Depo-Provera isn't supposed to be long term and that I need to consider a different form of birth control. I will try Nexplanon, and if I don't like it, I'm going back on Depo-Provera."