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Depression and the Depo Provera birth control shot.

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Posted 9/28/2009 8:27 PM (GMT 0)

Hello,

I don't know if I'm posting this correctly, but considering that all of the symptoms I've experienced from Depo Provera have made me inarguably depressed, I figured this thread would be the most relevant to my issue(s).

Basically I'm just trying to get some advice from anyone else that has ever been on Depo Provera. I have searched countless websites and forums, but I have not found one other person that has been in my situation, so I don't quite know what to expect. Also, I'm using this health forum because all of the other ones I found are outdated - this is the only one I found that has recent posts and replies.

So anyway, I got the Depo Provera shot on June 16th of this year. I was due to get it again on September 16th, but did not. So I've only had one shot. I had gotten it because my doctor recommended I find an alternative birth control method to oral contraceptives, since I was diagnosed with migraines preceeded by an aura in February (apparently the estrogen in some pills can greatly increase the risk of stroke with migraine sufferers). It all seemed great - I read the information pamphlet provided with the shot, and asked my doctor everything I could think of. Either these two (the doctor and the pamphlet) were blatantly lying to me, or both were horribly misinformed, because all I was warned about was "not having a period anymore".

Well it was the complete opposite of that. To this day I still have a heavy period. I had it since the day I got the shot in June, and it has not stopped once, not even for a day, or even an hour for that matter, up to this day. I've also gained weight while already being a healthy eater (I'm vegan) and a fairly active person. And since I started Depo I've been eating even healthier and lighter, as well as becoming very active. But the weight doesn't come off, and it fluctuates constantly on its own. I've always been a small person with a very small frame, so it's completely noticable when I gain weight. The only jeans I wear are too tight for comfort now, not to mention I'm now completely uncomfortable in my own skin - something I've never felt before. This side effect has become the biggest contributor to my depressed state. I feel so repulsive (not to mention I've acquired pimples on my chin now after having a clear face for a while from Proactiv, which doesn't work at all while on Depo). I basically live in sweatpants and tights now because it makes me too sad to put on my favorite clothes. I feel so frumpy and unattractive. And it's made me retreat into myself. I never want to go out and be seen anymore, not even for simple things like getting groceries or running other small errands.

My emotions have also been slammed into a horrible rollercoaster ride. I will cry, a lot, for no reason at all. I'm sad all of the time. And if I'm not sad, I'm frustrated or irritated or annoyed or pissed about something. Usually for no reason. One moment I'll be entirely fine, and the next I'll be the most horribly negative person to be around because of one tiny annoyance. And sometimes tiny little things that annoy me, that normally wouldn't, will ruin my whole day. Once I get sucked into a bad mood, I can't break it until I sleep it off. This never happened to me before. It's also taken a steady relationship with my boyfriend of years and put it on the rocks. I'm an emotional mess for no reason at all and for the weight gain, we NEVER have sex because I've been on my period for over three months, and I'm always uncomfortable, and snap at him easier. I've never been so horrible to be around. I used to be such a happy person. And the no-sex thing is driving me (as well as him, I'm sure) absolutely insane! Sex is so healthy for a relationship, especially for people that have been together for a long time. And the tension just builds and builds without it. I hate it! It makes me want to rip every hair out of my head one a time.

On top of that, I now get intense, sharp stomach pains if I don't eat for just a few hours. I have such a small appetite and used to be able to go for a long time without feeling the urge to eat. This was never a problem. Now it is. And it gets so bad that nothing helps, no natural remedies, no antacids, no medication at all - not even lying down. And I'm definitely not trying to eat more so that I don't get this pain - then I'll just gain more weight!

I've also had a feverish feeling, as well as hot flashes and intense cold sweats, for the past two months. I read that your body recognizes Depo as foreign, so the entire time it's in your system, your body is trying to fight it off. That explains the fever and whatnot, but is very scary news. If your body's natural reaction is to get rid of it, it can't be good. This has made me absolutely miserable, though. I am NEVER comfortable. Ever. I can't ever relax. I have a hard time sleeping. This is driving me absolutely crazy.

And if that isn't enough, I get migraines more frequently now! I was supposed to get this shot because of my migraines, and instead it just gives me more of them! All of the time! And I get all the lovely migraine side effects too - just worse now. I'll have vertigo spells for 5 to 10 minutes, as opposed to a few seconds. And I see auras all the time now, where as I only did every so often before I went on Depo.

Basically this has just ruined my life, and I'm hoping it's temporary, because I've read countless horror stories.

I just want to know, from anyone that's been on the shot or has known someone on the shot (that's somewhat relevant to my situation - having all of these side effects after only one dose and discontinuing the shot after one dose), when can I expect all of these foul side effects to cease? I fear there's no end in sight, and I'm scared. I feel like my period will never stop and I'll never look like, or feel like, the woman I used to be. I've become completely dysfunctional and depressed under all of this, and I really don't know when I can get my life back. It just makes it that much worse that I have to wait, because there's nothing I can do to counteract this evil drug. I've heard so many different stories about side effects getting so much worse after coming off depo, and now that I'm off of it, I don't know what to expect. Plus the fact that I don't know anyone else that only got one injection, I really don't know what I have to look forward to (or not to look forward to).

Please, any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. No one understands how bad this drug is unless they've been on it or know someone that has, so I can't talk to anyone about how I'm feeling and what I'm experiencing - no one gets it! I've been depressed for months and I'm tired of it. When can I expect to be myself again? I know it's different for everyone, but any advice would be helpful.

Thank you so so much.

Posted 9/28/2009 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tree_fingers,

Have you alerted the doctor as to how you feel and that you have been on your period for three months? I most certainly would have. What did they tell you?

It sounds like this particular medication isn't for you. I am sorry for all of the side effects that you are having. How often would you have been taking the shot if you were to continue it? I am glad that you stopped. Did you only have just the one shot?

I hope that you feel better soon. I am sorry for what you are going through. I think it is only natural that you are feeling depressed after all that you have gone through. I am sure it will sort itself out in time, I know that it is hard to wait. But maybe there is some other contraceptive that you can take. I was lucky when I was younger. The pill agreed with me and worked very good. No problems whatsoever. I hope that everything works out for you. Keep us posted.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 11/4/2009 12:42 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I am sorry to hear depo has disagreed with you so muc.  I was depo for 4 years and had no side effects but a friend recently began having the injection and suffered similar experiences to you.  She bled heavily for 6 weeks and continued to spot until it was time for her next injection and also put on weight.  She sis suffer from some depression but it wasn't clear if this was directly linked to the depo as there were other issues for her.

The positive thing is that when she told her doctor she was able to give her some additional tablets (sorry I don't know the name) which helped to regulate her cycle and relieved her symptoms.  Her doctor was sorry that she hadn't gone to her earlier as it is something that can be fixed. 

I hope this helps

Posted 2/22/2010 4:33 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I am sorry you had to go through this too. I recognized all my emotions and depression in what you are describing here. I too had one depo shot back in November and did not get a second one. I can't believe this drug has such a negative impact on my mind! The 13 weeks have passed, this is week 14 ending now and I feel miserable still. I am actually going to receive behavior therapy to help me deal with myself. Have always been a happy positive person, with healthy thinking now I can't control my thoughts and feel like crying all the time, feel angry, frustrated, everything is dark and only sleeping brings peace.

I would like to know how you feel now, seems like you had your shot few months before me. Has there been any improvement?

Thanks, I am hoping!

Posted 2/22/2010 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi AD1979,

Welcome to the HealingWell Depression forum. I am so glad that you posted. Hopefully somebody will have some answers for you.

I think it is great that you have started therapy. It really helps and will help you get a grip on your emotions.

Feel free to start an introductory thread so that we all can get to know you a little better. If you are comfortable with that.

Here's hoping that you have a better day today. You really have come to a good site.

Best wishes,

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/22/2010 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
When I was younger, birth control made me really depressed. I tried a couple different pills, and all of them eventually made me so depressed. I switched to yaz, and I was fine on it, but it caused blood clots that went to my lungs, so now no birth control pills ever again for me.
Posted 2/22/2010 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Becky,

So sorry to hear about the blood clots. Very happy that you are okay. That is scarey...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/23/2010 8:53 AM (GMT 0)
my sis suffered badly also. she had a few. same symptoms. sending all you ladies my healing compassion. hoping it turns around for you all soon, with compassion, jamie.
Posted 6/20/2010 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Tree_Fingers,

I know you posted your story last year but i still found it a relief! I really felt alone in my situation. I too had one Depo Shot 2 long months ago. Word for word ...everything from physical side affects to affecting your relationship...I have the same thing happening to me right now. This drug has really pushed me over the edge emotionally. I feel like such a nut! Im thrown into these states of depression where i flip out over little things...my libido is dwindling and i feel very far from my true self both mentally and physically. i gained weight, i have acne on my chin where i used to have a pretty good complexion....Im either really angry or sad. My boyfriend and closest friend are concerned for me. My period is so disgusting. i can handle a normal cycle but its like having that gross last day-of-period situation happening everyday for 2 and a half months. i feel fat and disgusting! And my boyfriend wonders why i dont want to be intimate. This was the worse decision i have ever made regarding my health. i hate this shot. I just want to get to my regular once a month period. i actually miss cramps. i knew what to expect with my normal period. I want my body back! I have a friend who has been on this shot for years. She is period free and loving the benefits of this medication. NOT ME. I guess everyone is different. i have had one shot and im not getting another. I would like to know how long it takes to go back to NORMAL!
Posted 6/20/2010 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Marie,

Welcome to the HealingWell Depression forum. I am so happy that you have joined us. I am sorry that the birth control shot didn't work out for you. I hope that your cycle gets back to normal soon. How long is the shot suppose to last? A month? Hopefully with time you will get regular again. Have you thought about a low dose birthcontrol pill? Have you ever tried it?

Whatever you decide? Keep us posted. I hope that you start to feel better soon. Take care.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/10/2011 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
I'm feeling the same symptoms of depression after having my first Depo Provera shot about a month ago.  I was diagnosed with endometriosis back in May, and after surgery I was on Lupron for 6 months (which was a whole other story I could go into ...).  Since my husband and I weren't going to have kids right away (if at all) after I finished the Lupron, my doctor put me on Depo Provera to keep the endometriosis under control.  I'm already taking Zoloft for depression, but it's gotten severely worse in the last few weeks.  I feel like I just don't care about anything anymore.  I've also gained weight and can hardly fit into any of my clothes, which just adds to the depression.  Before I started taking both Lupron and Depo, my depression was well under control. 

I guess I don't really have a question to ask of anyone, I just needed a space to vent.  My husband is EXTREMELY understanding, but I know his patience is wearing thin, with the depression, moodiness, crying spells,  and my complete lack of sex drive.  I reallly don't want to keep taking this, but I'm not sure what other options I have.

Posted 2/10/2011 11:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Reba,

Welcome to the HealingWell Depression forum. I do believe that we have another person with this issue, I am sure she will post to you. But I think that she is in the same situation as you are.

I hope that you feel better soon. Keep on top of this with your doctor. Keep posting and know that we are here for you.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 1/26/2012 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Just curious to see if anyone got over the depression after they got off the Depo. I recently got a shot and have a lot of symptoms that everyone else has (anger, bleeding, loss of sex drive). I thankfully am taking a natural supplement that seems to be helping a lot.

My husband wanted to know if things got any better. So i thought I'd ask.

Thanks,
Amanda
Posted 1/26/2012 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Natureisgood,

I like your name... Welcome to the depression forum. I have never taken it, so I can't help you there. But others may come along and give you their experiences.

Either way, welcome to the forum, and I hope that you feel better soon.

Take care, keep posting...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 1/26/2012 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
I have never tried anything other than oral contraceptives because I am wary about the claims and long-term effects. My cousin was on Depo Vera for a few years (she is now 22). She did stop having a period - and a few months after stopping the shot she still had no period, and for about a year or so they thought she'd never be able to have children. She seems to be okay now, but it took a long time for her body to return to normal. She also gained a lot of weight (but she also went away to college and has become a binge drinker, so I wouldn't attribute it all to the shot).

I think anything that changes your body that much will be hard to "get over" once you stop. I would suggest regular doctor visits and tracking your symptoms, as well as herbal remedies and other strategies to cope with emotional changes and weight gain.

I used to be very interested in the little "T" shaped thing they put in your arm (I believe it was called Implantan or something similar). But while I read that many people stopped having a period, some also had a period for weeks or months long! With the way my body reacts to medication I didn't think it was a risk worth taking. I'm quite used to my pill-a-day routine just to keep my body as normal as possible.
Posted 1/26/2012 12:14 PM (GMT 0)
Was it called norplant? I remember years ago when that came out. It was like little tubes in your arm. I always took "the pill" for birth control. Worked well for me for years.

Best wishes,

Hugs, Karen
Posted 1/27/2012 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
The one I was researching was called "Implanon" but there are probably different name brands for the same thing. I don't even see ads for it anymore, so I'm not sure how common it is to use. I stick with ortho tricyclen lo pills - I don't trust the new brands that come out (like all the issues around Yaz), and it works for me (I don't get sick, gain weight, or anything strange), so no reason to change.
Posted 2/23/2012 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
i have been of the depo prrevera 5weeks yesterda (wednesday) two weeks ago i was getting signs of getting my periods and nw im getting nutin.im haven mood swings feeling sick at nite time and my boobs are abit weird last nite my nipples were big and nw dey have gne dwn 4sum reason.i done a test tuesday and it said i wasnt?can any1 help me?
Posted 2/23/2012 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Babycakes22,

Welcome to the depression forum. Your body could just be going through some changes. How old are you? When I was in my 30's my body went through all kinds of changes. So it could be hormonal.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Take care,

Hugs, Karen
Posted 4/14/2012 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Karen (and everyone else here!),
I am concerned that I may have mild depression, mainly because I feel fatigued all the time, even with getting 8-9 hrs of sleep a night, and usually taking a 30-min nap during the day. My husband is unemployed & we're living with my in-laws, which (of course!) is stressful, but I was feeling this general sense of fatigue even back when he was working. I really do not feel very stressed, because I enjoy being with my husband during the day, and I have a very strong faith that I can fall back on.
However, I have been unable to work outside the home for the past few years, because I always seemed to end up with these low-paying, thankless jobs with horrible bosses who just wanted to order me around. Talk about soul-killing! And they were horrible jobs, but it still seemed like they effected me more than they should, and I could not keep working at these jobs for more than a couple of months, because it would become so soul-destroying that I would come home in tears every night, not knowing how I was going to return to the job the next day. Finally, I just quit and have stayed home ever since, and this has seemed to be a perfect fit for me.
But sometimes even my hobbies don't seem to be that fun or interesting anymore, and I feel very bored, but also way too tired and uninterested to "do" anything about the boredom. I desperately want to feel energetic, alert, and alive, but I hardly ever feel like that. Sometimes I think if I could just "feel" more in general, that would be a good thing. Sometimes I get 8-9 hrs. of sleep, get up and eat breakfast, and have to go straight back to bed because I can't keep my eyes open any longer. This makes my husband think that I may have some undiagnosed food allergies that are causing this sudden fatigue, and he may well be correct, for he himself has a couple fatal food allergies. So I've been wanting to get an accurate food allergy test soon, too. I've also heard that sleep apnea can cause a bad night's sleep, and make you think you're truly getting 8 hrs of sleep, when in reality you're not. So perhaps I could have sleep apnea, but I don't think sleep apnea would explain the loss of interest and the being unable to work outside the home.
I've always heard depression symptoms as being "sad," "gloomy," "suicidal thoughts," "feeling worthless & alone," and things like that, but I don't feel any of those negative things! I am joyful and usually happy, but also like there's an invisible weight upon me, preventing me from feeling energetic. I'm not sad or gloomy, and I certainly don't feel worthless or have suicidal thoughts, so I've been confused for awhile!
So, Karen, what do you think? Just from what I've said here (which I know is in no way exhaustive), does it sound like common "depression"-like symptoms?
Thanks so much, by the way!
Posted 4/14/2012 11:26 AM (GMT 0)
It sounds a lot like chronic fatigue. We have a forum on that. You might want to check that out and read and see if you see yourself there. I have it due to fibromyalgia. I take adderall for it and it helps. You can have chronic fatigue without having fibromyalgia or depression. Please read over there and see what you think.

If you are normally feeling pretty good and in a good mood, I doubt that you are depressed. The sleep apnea might be something you would want to look into also.

Let us know how things go.

Welcome to the forum Relawshe...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 4/14/2012 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Karen,
thanks so much for your input! I will definitely head over to the Chronic Fatigue forum! Thanks for your help!
Posted 5/8/2012 12:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,
I have been on the depo shots for nearly a year now(I am due to get my 5th shot in a few days). I have looked through the depo provera info sheet numerous times and I believe I am suffering 10 of the 38 possible side effects. These symptoms range from depression, low- libido, weight gain to hair loss. At first I noticed that I put on a little weight despite my trying to eat healthily and go for daily walks. I was ok with that, I mean, I have had 5 children, so of course I'm allowed to carry a little extra weight. But then the intimacy level between my husband and I became a problem. And now, I am moody, always cranky, withdrawn from friends, I have no 'get up and go', no interest in enjoying life. Also, over the last few weeks I have noticed that I have excessive hair loss, particularly noticeable when I wash my hair(every 2days) and I clog up the drain hole in the shower(and my hair is less than shoulder length).

My moods and bad attitude is causing problems within my marriage. My husband cannot understand how I can be easy going one minute, then snapping at him, or unfortunately, the children. The worst part is- I cannot understand it either :(

I am at a crossroads in my choice of contraceptive. I think I may look further into getting a mirena inserted. In my head I know I should not have any more children as the risks associated with a 6th cesarean section are high, plus I really need to concentrate on completing my nursing degree at university, and 5 children under the age of 9 is already a huge job! In my heart I would just love to keep having children because I know I am a good mum! My gynaecologist suggested having a mirena inserted instead of tubal ligation as it is reversible and much safter hormone-wise. If my husband would get the snip it would just be easier all round!

Thank you for reading. Already I feel better getting some things off my chest!
Posted 5/8/2012 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I had a tubal ligation and it was the best thing that I ever did. But I didn't want kids. I had it in my 30's. I understand your situation. You want to feel better. I would talk to the doctor about alternative methods of birth control. And maybe talk to your hubby about the snip... Men don't always want to do that, but if you don't want anymore children, this may be the way to go.

I would like to welcome you to the depression forum. I hope that you stick around. Take care, have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 7/2/2012 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
 So, I'm on the depo shot. And it has also ruined my life. Ever since i've gotten the shot I am literally an emtional train wreck! I'm on my fourth shot of Depo and my period has finally stopped, I had it for 4 months straight and it just had recently stopped. Depo has also put my serious relationship on the rocks because, I'm so emotional. One second I'm okay, and the next second I'm like bawling my eyes out. I'm also very small framed i have been my whole life, and now my weight constantly fluctuates. I've also heard depo can cause infertility? No idea if it's true. But depo does deffiantley messes with you and your body. But hopefully that helped the other girls out there looking for answers. (:
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