Questionok i started the Depo and on the 12th week i started to spot. no other bleeding while on depo. decided to change birth control as i gained 20 pounds on depo. i started the nuvaring a day before the 13th week on depo. my fiance and i did not use any back up methods. the spotting continued. after the 3rd week, i removed the ring as stated. the spotting continued for an additional 2 days then i started to bleed heavy. heavier than normal for me. the bleeding lasted4 days then spotting again for 3 days. the nuvaring is not reinserted as my fiance hid them from me, he is concernced about the bleeding and the hormonal changes i went through, being grouchy and such. so the bleeding has stopped, however the entire time i have had the spotting my stomach has been hurting, and feel full. i have taken a pregnancy test after the bleeding had stopped, and it was negative. i'm getting ready to sched. an apt. with my md as i am concerned about the way my body feels. i do not know if it's just my body trying to adjust to all the hormones or if i could be pregnant. what do you think?
AnswerDear Jami,
Much of what you have described seems hormonal and potentially related to the Depo Provera. Irregular, heavy, or no bleeding are common side effects of Depo Provera. After a year of use, many women stop having periods. Lack of a period becomes increasingly common with longer use. Other side effects of Depo Provera can include headaches, nervousness, mood changes, bloating, hot flashes, decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss, and back ache. 70% of women using Depo Provera do gain weight. Almost half of the women using Depo Provera gain more than 5 pounds after one year of use. Many women gain more than 10 pounds.
The problem with Depo is that, unfortunately, even if you decide that Depo Provera is not the right birth control method for you, side effects may linger until the drug is completely gone. After the last shot of Depo Provera, it can take over 6 months for the drug to leave the body. For many women who eventually decide to have a baby, this ends up being a big issue since those effects will often also affect their fertility for several months after the last shot.
A visit with your doctor is a good idea. Personally, I might take a break from any hormonal methods for a few months - just to let your body have a rest and try to get itself back into a regular pattern again. If you went directly from Depo to NuvaRing, without a break in protection, pregnancy should not be a concern and the symptoms you describe don't necessarily point in that direction. If you remain concerned about that being a possibility, go ahead and re-test in another 7-10 days to confirm the negative finding.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and a Merry Christmas.
Brenda
