I have two kids and had my tubes severed back in 2003. Ever since I had my tubes done my periods have been 7 days long, heavy flow, and every side effect known. I am considering the Depo shot to get rid of the period. Most of the posts here are from women who wanted to get pregnant in the future, and I don't. I can't! My periods are always right on time, and before the tubal normal flow, with minor issues (except headaches).

Anybody out there in the above 30 category who has been on Depo that was not interested in getting pregnant later?

Thanks,

Well, I'm close to the type of person you were looking for a response from. Not over 30, but close to it. I'm 27 next month. But I am quite sure I NEVER want kids. Would have had a tubal years ago, but can't find a doc willing to do it for someone my age with no kids....

Anyway, I was on depo for about 6 years. Have been off it almost 3 now. I didn't have a lot of the horrible side effects that a lot of women get. I really liked not getting my period for so long. When I went off it, it came back right away, right on schedule.

However, I wouldn't recommend it. There are less drastic options out there to control your period. I was on Depo for a few years before they even knew about the bone loss thing. Haven't had a bone density scan, but I'm sure it's not gonna be good. My reasoning for this is that I've ALWAYS had good teeth - no dental issues at all. Since starting Depo, that started a slow, but consistant decline. Now I have SO many cavities & whatnot that I don't know what to do - my insurance won't cover all the work that I need done, etc.

I don't have any proof that the Depo caused the sudden change in all that, but I can't think of anything else that might have been the culprit. And bones & teeth are similar, so.....

Plus, once you start Depo - even if you have AWFUL side effects - you're stuck with it for 3 months. At least. From what I've heard/read stopping it sucks too - can take a long time for your body to get back to normal.

I would recommend trying something else first - you have lots of options. Talk to your doctor about it.

Especially being over 30, you don't want to do something to screw up your bones. You don't need to have osteoporosis at 40!

Just do plenty of research before you make a decision.

Hope that was at least somewhat helpful :)

I agree with Ninja............do your research before you make any decisions. I was on Depo for 2 years, but I wanted children after. I did experience infertility, but in addition to that............I also experienced many other problems. I gained a tremendous amount of weight (40lbs within the 1st 6 months). I was NOT overweight prior to my Depo use. I had regular menstrual cycles prior to my Depo use.........and when I stopped, it took 5 years for my period just to return..........it took 9 years to become regular again! In the midst of all of my issues, I was diagnosed with PCOS. The doc that diagnosed me (from Mayo Clinic) told me that he has diagnosed many women with PCOS after Depo use who had not a single symptom of PCOS prior to use. I also developed Type 2 Diabetes. I am not insulin dependent, but I have to rely on medications, diet and exercise to remain healthy. I also lost LOTS of hair. I used to have so much hair, now my hair is really thin and in very bad condition. I used to have very pretty healthy teeth. Now, they are rotting quicker than I can fix them.........and I too am in the same boat as Ninja as far as insurance goes.........while I have dental insurance, the coverage isn't enough for all the work I need.

So, infertility isn't just the only thing that a lot of us deal with, but it is the most heartbreaking for those of us who want more children, therefore........you will hear most of our experiences based on that. Many people won't go into the other details simply because those other problems seem minimal when you are struggling with infertility.

Also, like Ninja said...........if you get the shot and you find that it is not for you..........who know how long it can take to get out of your system. It took years for my body to stabilize after stopping it!!!

Well, I'm close to the type of person you were looking for a response from. Not over 30, but close to it. I'm 27 next month. But I am quite sure I NEVER want kids. Would have had a tubal years ago, but can't find a doc willing to do it for someone my age with no kids....

Anyway, I was on depo for about 6 years. Have been off it almost 3 now. I didn't have a lot of the horrible side effects that a lot of women get. I really liked not getting my period for so long. When I went off it, it came back right away, right on schedule.

However, I wouldn't recommend it. There are less drastic options out there to control your period. I was on Depo for a few years before they even knew about the bone loss thing. Haven't had a bone density scan, but I'm sure it's not gonna be good. My reasoning for this is that I've ALWAYS had good teeth - no dental issues at all. Since starting Depo, that started a slow, but consistant decline. Now I have SO many cavities & whatnot that I don't know what to do - my insurance won't cover all the work that I need done, etc.

I don't have any proof that the Depo caused the sudden change in all that, but I can't think of anything else that might have been the culprit. And bones & teeth are similar, so.....

Plus, once you start Depo - even if you have AWFUL side effects - you're stuck with it for 3 months. At least. From what I've heard/read stopping it sucks too - can take a long time for your body to get back to normal.

I would recommend trying something else first - you have lots of options. Talk to your doctor about it.

Especially being over 30, you don't want to do something to screw up your bones. You don't need to have osteoporosis at 40!

Just do plenty of research before you make a decision.

Hope that was at least somewhat helpful :)

Thank you! It was very helpful. I am over 40, and have flip-flopped back and forth over the Depo shot. I think because I smoke (trying to quit) that any form of birth control at this point is not an option. I had my tubes done, and have found some herbal supplements that help with my period greatly. I think I will just stick with what I am doing for now. If I just can't take it anymore, well then there are other options. Thank you for your honest opinion.

Thank you for the reply. It just seems like more trouble than it is worth to use Depo. I'm just going to keep with what I am doing. I already had my tubes done, so more children are not an option and I don't want more anyway.

I appreciate your response.

Thanks again!

There is also a type of procedure where they essentially burn out the lining (endometrium) of the uterus, which has been known to help women to have less bleeding during their period. It's not recommended for women who want to get pregnant, obviously, but it's supposed to help for women with heavy periods that don't want to get pregnant anymore. Check out the Women's health board here and read some of the posts. I know that I've seen posts about it there.

But I agree about not taking Depo. You'd be better off stabbing yourself repeatedly with needles in the eyeballs than to ever use Depo, because it's really, really bad for your health.