Depo Shot Experience: Side Effects, Weight Gain & Fertility Concerns

Question
Dear Cheryl,


    In Nov. of 2009 my doctor recommend that i go on the depo shot, seeing it was a low health risk, since I have high blood pressure. Then in Feb 2010 i took my last shot. I decided to end it because I was gaining more weight than usual and then I came to learn it would be harder to conceive in the future or take longer since my periods would come to a complete stop.
    I started spotting again around July but they would come and go. Finally Dec 28th 2010 i got my real first period since the Depo shot, but its lasted 8 days and still going on the 9th.
    Could the Depo shot have messed me up?

Answer
Erica,

This is possible because I have had women tell me that the depo shot caused period problems and other side effects. I'm glad that you have ended having this shot and encourage you to find a non-hormonal method of birth control if you need it. Are you taking for actual birth control or other reasons? Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com so we can talk more about this.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl