QuestionHi Diane,
I just recently got my first shot of Depo 2wks ago. The dr did a urine test and it came back negative to be on the safe side..At the time I received my first shot, I wasn't really having any periods, but I was bleeding off and on for about 10wks since I had miscarried my daughter. After getting the shot, I stopped bleeding completely after a week. I wanted to know how soon does the Depo affect your periods? Prior to the shot, I was on Aviane (generic for Alesse), which is supposed to help me get periods...Also, do you know if the Depo Shot is supposed to mimic pregnancy symptoms? Lately I've been having lower back pain, change in appetite (hungry one day, full the next)...i don't really feel bloated, i've been noticing that I've had to run to the bathroom to urinate quite frequently, especially in the middle of the night (which is not normal)....if at all possible, could you please tell me what the side effects are from the Depo? I was only informed that I might have lighter, heavier, or no periods at all and that it causes calcium loss, but that's all...I don't really know anything else...Please help..Thanks in advance!
AnswerHi Jennifer,
I've been researching your question and hope that I can help you. I'm not a medical doctor so I urge you to consult your physician as well. I don't recommend depo provera at all. I think it has too many unhealthy aspects to it.
Here's some info I found:
The first year of Depo-Provera use is likely to cause changes to your period including irregular or spotting bleeding, an increase or decrease in the amount of menstrual bleeding, or a complete absence of menstruation. Other risks associated with the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection include an increased risk of bone loss. Women who are under 35 and whose first exposure to Depo-Provera was within the last 4 years may have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, similar to the risk seen with oral contraceptives.
The most common side effects of Depo-Provera include:
Irregular menstruation
Absence of menstruation (amennorhea)
Weight gain
Headaches
Anxiety
Stomach pain or cramps
Dizziness
Weakness or fatigue
Loss of libido
According to a local OB/GYN the most common side effect he sees in his practice is bloating, followed by irregular or spotting periods. About half of his patients find the side effects unacceptable and do not continue with Depo-Provera following the first injection.
I can send you some more links and info if you would email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com
There is so much info that I can't send it in this email.
Is it possible that you could be pregnant? Well, hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com
