I have been on depo for 9 years. I have never really bleed while on it except I will spot like a week before my shot is due and when I pee here and there but not even enough for panty liners. And that blood was generally brown in color. Id say the past year I ha e been spotting more often still n9t every month. But now with my last shot a month and half ago I have been bleeding bright red blood for almost 2 weeks and clot some when I pee only. I know that spotting and constent bleeding is normal but I have not had these symptoms for most the years I been on depo
Depo-Provera - abnormal bleeding? ??
Question posted by kathryn puga on 22 May 2014
Last updated on 9 March 2025 (7 weeks ago) by Kminor2
Added 24 May 2014:
I am still on depo. And my cycles have been pretty much exactly the same. Only with in the past year has it changed most recently with my last shot. I felt like a had a real period minus heavy bleeding. I also have had colcoscopies done for displesia and when pre cervical "bad cells" in the third lining of the cirvex. I also started smoking recently 5 moths ago.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
11 Answers
Kminor2
9 March 2025
I've been on depo continuously for most 20 years!!! I had endometriosis so only bc at the time that didn't have estrogen in it bc that's what fed it and made it come back after 3 surgerys from when I was 16 til I was 25 I haven't had pain. A few days ago I started spotting and got progressively worse I have never spotted or had a period in he whole time I've been in depo. I was never told to take a break for a while and have had the same gyno that birthed me to be my ob/gyn so first I'm learning it that. It makes sense if it destroys your wall that it's happening but I am in so much pain. I remember him saying I bleed on outside of my uterus bc of endometriosis but have never had this problem on depo ... I don't know what to do now. MB there are more options to switch to something else that doesn't have estrogen in it or it it's even okay to switch from one to another with our taking a break from bc all together. Guess I just need to make an appointment. Any help is welcome
Rach99
25 July 2019
Your doctor should have made you aware of the fact depo destroys your uterine wall and after 4+ continued years of the medication you can bleed at any time randomly because of how deteriorated it is. Definitely take a break from depo!
Aringler87
17 Oct 2018
I've been on the depo for 8 years. Right after my one year of taking it I was too late getting my shot. My doctors made me wait for a period before I could get another shot. It took 4 months. Anyways, I have never bled on the shot. I can't tell you the last time I bought tampons or pads. Suddenly out of nowhere i'm bleeding, bright red and cramping. I've had the same doctor's for 10yrs and I feel like if it was necessary to take a break, I would be informed. Only other instructions given to me was calcium supplement. They know, its all on record.
But, i'm no doctor.
jasmine01
23 May 2018
I was on the pill for 8 years then I started spotting every month so I came off and went on the depo. I was spotting the whole time then I finally told the nurse and I got put on the pill as well to stop the spotting. It worked for a couple of months and now I am spotting again! I also find sex uncomfortable now. I had a smear, ultrasound 2 years ago and nothing came up. Having upto date scans etc soon to see if they find anything this time. Think I have now been on the depo for 2 years too. Does anyone else experience this too?
Eshia
14 Feb 2018
I got my first depo shot 3 months ago a week after I had my baby so it's been 3 months and I'm still bleeding severe and cramping bad in the beginning it was just spotting every day and bleeding but every since the end of last month I been bleeding heavy and pain in my lower back and stomach and it's stressful and painful and being married it's messing up my sex life I regret taking the shot and I hear my husband mouth every day since because of it is there any thing I can take to help me to stop the bleeding
riojas3479
22 March 2018
Hi, did the bleeding ever stop and what did you take to stop It? I am going through the same thing , i got the shot last month and 5 days later i started bleeding everyday and now the doctor put me on Lo Loestrin fe to stop the bleeding !?
riojas3479
22 March 2018
Hi, did the bleeding ever stop and what did you take to stop It? I am going through the same thing , i got the shot last month and 5 days later i started bleeding everyday and now the doctor put me on Lo Loestrin fe to stop the bleeding !?
Eshia
22 March 2018
It comes and goes I bleed for like 14 days out the months and spot bleed through out the month its not as bad as it was but hopefully my body goes back soon and they gave me BC pills but I'm scared to take that might make it worse.
Emma Farr
31 May 2018
I have been on depo for 6 years. My periods have been a roller coaster. Missed one of my shots (the nurse scheduled me late *sigh*) and spotted for what felt like a month.
With your stomach and back pain you may have had a miscarriage. May be something to look into
yvak
3 Jan 2018
Hi I've been on depo for a year and recently got off of it, ive been bleeding for about 2 months nonstop. is this normal? not sure what to I just want my regular period cycle to be back.
Kms22
13 Dec 2017
I’ve been on Depo for four years, and I got off last November but now my cycle is on and it’s the 9th day. What to do?
Relyan
21 Nov 2017
I know this is an old post, but did you ever figure out what was going on? I've been on depo for about 5 years, and never had a hint of a period. About 2 weeks ago I started spotting (very light and dark brown). Today it's gotten heavier and is bright red.
Zainab110
26 Dec 2017
Hi , i just use depo once , i mean just one shot 3 months before , after one month I started bleeding till now , im so irritated now and never get my 2nd shot because of bleeding , when will the bleeding stop ? And is it common to bleed that much???
Laura1981
20 Jan 2018
DId you find out what it was?? I have been having terrible troubles recently which I am now linking to the deppo! I had loads and loads of red discharge and spotting the last two weeks now a massive bright red period!!! I’m so worried
Zoelou
21 Jan 2018
Hi, I’ve been on depo for years with breaks in between, with this last injection I’ve been awful with nearly all the side effects including spotting which I’ve never had, my stress levels have been through the roof I’m wondering if it’s anything to do with that?!
Relyan
21 Jan 2018
Laura,
I never did find out exactly what it was, and the spotting stopped a few days after I posted this. But today, I go to pee and I'm bleeding again - bright red this time. I've had some cramping yesterday and today and shrug it off, since it happens sometimes, but I'm going to call my Dr. this week if it doesn't stop in the next day or two.
Acl0412
13 Feb 2018
I am having this EXACT same thing happen! Have been on it for four years now.
Relyan
14 Feb 2018
Acl,
The spotting stopped again, so I never did call my doc. But, since this has been happening for the last 4-ish months, I’m thinking that either the endometriosis has come back, or the depo shot has become less effective. (I’ve been on depo for about 5 years now). My annual appointment is coming up in May, so if I don’t have major problems before then, I’ll be discussing it in depth with my doc. Hope I get some answers!!
Zoelou
19 Feb 2018
Alc/Laura,
Are you still having problems with the depo? I’m still spotting this injection runs out on the 27th I’ve decided to take a break as I think I’ve been on it that long my body has decided enough is enough.
Dezi15chic
4 June 2018
I have been on the shot since I was 15 never had a period once im 20 now and the same thing happened to me first it was dark or light brown now it's more red!
Laura1972
27 Sep 2018
This would be my 14th or 15th year of being on the depot and the bleeding for me is happening way to often. My problem is because I haven’t had a period in so long I’m really not wanting to get one. I’ve had my kids so don’t want to be pregnant but also worried that the bleeding could be the start of the menopause. Think I’m gonna have to say something next visit
Shellbell1982
7 Oct 2018
I have been on depo for 14 years and I was never told about being on it that long til this year anyway I started getting cramps bad and back pain and spotting and it's still going on been 3 weeks I know I have been stressed which can play a part in it. I just lost my boyfriend and place to live he passed away!!! I am just worried that I really might have something wrong
Shellbell1982
7 Oct 2018
I have been on depo for 14 years and I was never told about being on it that long til this year anyway I started getting cramps bad and back pain and spotting and it's still going on been 3 weeks I know I have been stressed which can play a part in it. I just lost my boyfriend and place to live he passed away!!! I am just worried that I really might have something wrong
meradithtaylor
16 Dec 2018
I’ve been on the depot shot for almost 5 years now. I just took my last shot in October. My next one is supposed to be due in a couple weeks. Ive never had an issue with bleeding while on the shot and I’ve heard that most women bleed after coming off the shot I am just wondering when that will start so I can be prepared. Can anyone help?
kittymeow112
23 Sep 2014
I've been on the depo almost 2 years and get the exact same thing. I always thought I was the only one so I was scared to ask.
LousArk
28 Oct 2014
Forums like this where you can ask anonymously are a really good idea, especially for those who are scared to ask questions, embarrassed or shy.
My advice - Never be scared to ask about anything as important as your health & wellbeing. What's the worst that could happen, compared to the worst that could happen by having a medical symptom & not speaking up...
x
Maxxiijess2010
26 Feb 2015
I been on the depo for one year and 7 months. The first three months of being on it I did have irregular bleeding which I know is normal bit after that I never had bleeding,I mean I had spotting every 3 months close to my next shot due date but now recently in the past 2 and a half months I been bleeding here and there and its dark Brown sorry I know it's sounds gross. And clots. I was scared to ask some one. Some times I get abdominal pain bug not extreme. Can some one help me please. Any one experienced this before?
LousArk
26 Feb 2015
To the last comment...
Yes, I had that many times on Depo. Every time it happened the Doctor brought my Depo shot forward to receiving it every 9 weeks, for the next couple of shots. That stopped the bleeding & I was able to go back to having them at the normal intervals.
210fatty
11 July 2015
OK, so I've been looking around and see that many ladies are having the same issue as me but I have been bleeding for 2 weeks light and heavy. Is this normal? Before this all started I was having really bad pain couldn't walk much pain ran from my back to my belly button. It was worse on the belly button. Please help!
Vanni22
20 Aug 2015
I've been on the depo shot since last year in may but recently I have been spotting usually only last a day or two but it is now heavy still only last a day or so. Is that normal? It is clotty brown or a darker red. I usually spot when I get stressed but this is different than it was in February I just had my shot on Tuesday and before I started bleeding/spotting I had cramps but not like my period cramps. Is it cuz I just got my shot and they give you like 2 weeks to come get my shot I could only get in at the end of that 2 weeks so could that be a reason I'm spotting plus stress?
Starzgazer
6 April 2017
I have been on depo it will be 9 years this July. I have an autoimmune disease which prevents me from taking just anything for birth control. I had irregular bleeding for about a year and then absolutely nothing. Recently I have started spotting and horrendous stomach pains. My next injection isn't due until the 22nd of this month. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm freaking out a tad bit because this is so out of the ordinary. I see one of my doctors on the 11th however with the amount of pain wondering if I should try to get in sooner.
LousArk
22 May 2014
Yes, I had exactly the same happen to me.
What sorted it for me was bringing my next couple of shots forward to about 9 weeks instead of 11 or 12 (whichever you're normally given it at).
After that I could return to the normal duration.
You might also want to get checked out for other possible causes, but that's what the problem was, for me.
chantelle92
22 May 2014
to lousark ive been asking loads of questions on here how your periods go after depo but not getting any luck with a good answer.. when u came of the depo did u have a period for a prolonged time..ive had one for 7 weeks still ongoing... is this normal i really want a baby x
LousArk
22 May 2014
I had constant bleeding for best part of 2 years on the first attempt to come off Depo. I ended up having a D&C (operation) to try to scrape away all the lining of the womb & 'reset' things - start from scratch again, but that only worked for a couple of months.
I've now been off it 2.5years, after someone advised me to try using Agnus Castus every day. It's a plant extract that you can buy at health stores or online. I used the 'A. Vogel' brand, as it seems the best. It's a liquid that you put into a little water twice daily. It balances hormones, & sorted me into a regular cycle within a month or two.
With regards to having a baby, it's common to take up to 18 months to regain fertility, but you might find the Agnus Castus helps you.
chantelle92
22 May 2014
oh my god depo should be illegal... thats really bad what u went through hope that doesnt happen to me..sounds tragic. i will defo get some agnus castus.. right now its not a normal period for me as my boobs arent swelled or anything... im just bleeding for fun of it.. I think its were my bodies havin a good clear out. hopefully couple of month il be sorted x
LousArk
22 May 2014
I'd not have needed the surgery had I known about Agnus Castus. You can't take it with other hormonal contraception, but you'll not be on that I assume, if you're trying for a baby.
Let me know how it goes.
Lou
x
chantelle92
22 May 2014
maybe u shud just have a little break from depo... Ive read about that anyway..u shud have a break from depo every 2 years. Ive been on the depo 6 month and i came on lightly for all that time,,, now im off it been off it 4 month my periods are terrible.. maybe u shud go see your gp..you have to expect different symptoms every now and then but i think its normal just your body reacting different this time.. x
Hatemakingusernames
7 Aug 2016
Yea you should. Im concerned i see all these post about how woman been on depo for more then two years. When on the depo information and my doctor said you cant be on depo for more than a year or two. Unless nothing else works or its good for you cause everyones different. But yea your not suppose to ne on depo for more than 2 years
Mlynnsm
21 Aug 2016
I've been on the depo non stop since I was 14... I'm 21 now! Just recently ive been seeing all this stuff about the depo shot, an how your only supposed to be on it for so long, an how after you get off of it it'll take a long time to get pregnant an stuff... seeing this stuff scares me bc NOT once did my doctor or anyone in the hospital for that matter ever try telling me any of this! The only thing they told me was it can cause weight gain an tenderness of the breasts! If I would've known this a long time ago I would've never even went on the depo shot!!!
Related topics
depo-provera, provera, abnormal uterine bleeding, bleeding disorder, birth control, contraception, bleeding
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.