Weight Gain on Depo-Provera - Birth Control Message Board

Amy Loo · 05-19-2006, 01:24 PM

Help! I just received the Depo-Provera shot yesterday and THEN did the research after the fact. I feel like I have made a HUGE mistake because I am reading alot of negative things about the shot. Mostly gaining weight. Does anyone have anything positive to say about the shot? Is there anyone out there who DIDN'T gain weight? Also, alot of the side effects that I am reading about are from people who were on it for atleast a year. I would like some feedback about what to expect from the first shot (because I don't plan on getting another one). Please help - any and all information is welcome!

Quakes99 · 05-19-2006, 09:20 PM

I'm going to be honest with you. It may not be the best choice for everyone. The first three months were rough but after that I love it. I only say they were rough because I had hotflashes! I am 25 with hotflashes. They faded the 3rdmonth and i haven't had them since. I love Deppo because I don't get my period. I haven't had any drastic side effects from people I know. However I hear it is hard to get preg. after you are on the shot, so if you plan on stopping and suddenly wanting kids, you may consider reconsidering. Weight gain is usually water weight. I'd only worry about it the first 3 months, and if you eat right and excerise its not a problem. It wasn't a problem for me.

Don't panic, I'm sure you will be fine. I know plenty of women that love it. Just call your doctor if something doesnt feel right!

Steffers2318 · 05-20-2006, 03:57 PM

I was on it for a year and three months. As far as the weight thing, I have another medical condition that makes it hard for me to gain weight. I have always been underweight...but I gained about 12 pounds on the shot, and 10 of them were in the last 6 months I was on it (during which time I was exercising more than usual)! So, the weight gain definately happened to me, but I didn't mind so much since I was underweight to begin with. I got off of it because of all the potential problems, and it made me break out really bad.

Lejaro · 05-21-2006, 01:32 PM

I was on depo for over a year because of health issues and I gained 30 pounds. I had other conditions that might had played into that too but from friends who have had the shot, they're appetites increased dramastically. I just recently went off the shot and now I'm on a pill. Its alot better because I dont feel as depressed and tired as I usually was on the shot. The ONE shouldnt hurt you but I wouldnt suggest the shot to anyone.

Spacy Lacy · 05-21-2006, 10:31 PM

I was on it from 2000-2002. I was also on celexa that could have caused the weight gain and the depression. Also had marriage and money problems.

I went off it and on other forms of b/c: condom, nuva ring, tried the patch once or twice all between 2002-2005.

2005 we decided to have a baby and got the ovulation kit and in two weeks got pregnant! all birthcontrol can have an effect on getting pregnant not just the depo.

I'm going back on it because I've tried several different kinds of B/C after having my baby and nothing is working, you name it I've been threw it. and going on again off again only makes it worse. Mood swing city on the patch, the ring and othro cyclen, mood swings are my major problem. Bleed for a month straight on ortho cyclen. Doc said that all progesterone in the pills are basically the same but estrogen varries. estrogen causes the mood swings. I've heard alot about yaz but I just don't feel like taking another pill every day and still having a period and still having another prescription to pick up every month! I decided that if I went back on the shot I wouldn't have to deal with PMDD (that I've either had all my life and mistook it for depresion and anxiety or it just got worse and I finally figured it out postpartum after having a baby (and switching careers!) you've heard all the stories of the first year postpartum I'm sure!
I went back to the doc thrusday and got the shot and don't have to go back till august! no periods all summer! I've already stopped bleeding! so far no mood swings which I would have by now on anything elese.

I've noticed some water weight gain, so I'm giving up diet soda and going to ice tea and water only. I'm also taking directics. I do believe it may make you a little depressed but I started welbutrin SR I was on prozac for PMDD but since I won't ovulate on the shot I shouldn't need the prozac, which is one of the only anti-depresants approved for PMDD, I'm working my way up to the 150XL and I love the excitement it gives me for life! I tried not to take the welbutrin today, we have a wedding to go to for our two best friends are getting married and it's going to be an all nighter but I sat on the couch all day. My best friend called and kept asking what was wrong I said I wasn't taking the welbutrin because drinking and welbutrin can cause sesuires but I'm about willing to give up the party drinking to go back on my welbutrin I love the drive for live it gives me!
I hope you find your right medication! Just stay away from the salt, drink lots of water and go for alot of walks in the sunshine this summer! you'll be fine! If I didn't trust it I wouldn't go back on it five years later, and all those people that told me it wasn't right not to have a period! I have a living breathing little one year old sleeping in the next room to prove that it's okay, trust in god he'll take care of you! I'm so releived already! and it's only been a week no pads, no tampons no bleeding, no pills no prescriptions to pick up, no mood swings and most off all no anxiety over the anxiety I would be getting in another week when I ovulate and color my hair five times in one week, take seven pregnancy tests, one every day and change my work and school schedule fifteen times. that was the worse with my PMDD, mood swings and mind changes! Good luck!