I just wanted to share a little bit about my experience with the birth control shot. I got my shot at the end of October and my period went on for at least 20 days before it stopped. All was well for about 3 weeks and then I started my period again and I have been bleeding (pretty heavy) for almost a month and a half now. I was due to get my next shot on Monday but I am not going to go, I am having some other problems with the shot.
The other day in the shower I noticed that I was losing more hair than usual. I have really long hair, almost to my butt, and it is really thick. I am not concerned about going bald, but it was a little uspetting to pull out a bunch of hair.
Also my mood has been crazy. I have suffered from depression since I was 12 so I know what to expect, but everything was going so well and I was happy and then after I go the shot I started to have mood swings. One minute all will be well and the next I will be bawling and thinking of suicide, it is scary, but I know how to deal with it. And then just as fast I will feel fine again. My poor husband doesn't know what to do with me.
I am not trying to discourage people from trying the shot, for some people it is wonderful, but there are a lot of horror stories out there. I just want people to be aware that there are some pretty serious side effects.
If anyone has any questions/comments please post :) Take care all.

I'm nineteen years old and I just recived my second shot. I read a book about the side affects of the shot and am fully aware but it said it didn't happen that often. So I'm hoping I'm one of the people who don't experience it. I go to planned parenthood. I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. I really hope it gets better. When I read up on the other types of birth control it just seemed the most effective and the most logical for a girl on the move....?

every one will respond differently. I have been on depo for eleven years and love it. So, I can't say much against it, except that if you are at risk for osteoporosis you seriously speak to your dr before starting this method of bc.

Rockermom

One of the mentioned side effects of any hormonal birth control is depression. But most doctors say "this is so rare". Well, like you, I discovered this is not true especially when one has had depression before. I never used depo but I suffered horribly while on the pill. My doctor didn't believe me when I said I was sure my depression had come back due to the pill. Sure enough, I went off on my own 10 years ago, and all has been good since then!

I personally believe that doctors shouldn't be so nonchalant with hormones! Especially for those of us who have experienced depression several times in our lives.

Sarah

Rockermom - i had the same, apart from the bleeding, my period stopped almost instantly, i was on the shot for 5 years and i really do regret it now, i have had side effects coming off it to. I wouldnt reccommend it to anybody but the choice is there and we are all different, what might be good for one person is not necessarily right for the other.

I hope the hair stops falling out soon, i have long hair too and i was so upset when it started falling out - it seems to have settled down now.

My husband also thinks im loosing the plot due to my mood swings - i feel so sorry for him to have to put up with me but i cant stop this!

Anyway, i hope your body returns to normal soon :)

Thanks for the replies guys :) The hair loss seems to have slowed, at least for now. I am really hoping the other side effects wear off as the shot leaves my system. That will probably take until the end of the month at least. The bleeding is still going on, but the depression seems to be better, or at least for the time being. Anyway, I am not against the shot for some people, I just want people to make educated and informed decisions :) Take care everyone