I've been to many doctors who find it hard to believe I am still suffering from extreme side effects from Depo Provera, the birth control injection. I got the shot mid December, and since then my life has been reduced to the confines of my own home. I used to exercise 6-7 days a week and lived on my own. I had a personal trainer and a strict diet. My symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, tight, knotted and stiff muscles, constipation, etc. have taken away my freedom, independence, and will to live. I have been on the brink of suicide from the hopelessness. No doctor can help me in alleviating symptoms or determining when I will feel normal again. Does anyone, from personal experience or knowledge have any advice or answers? I desperately want my old life back, when I had all the energy and confidence in the world. I am 18, feel like I'm 80, and have not been able to enjoy life. I am 100% sure the symptoms are solely from the shot, as I had no side effects or health problems, not the slightest complaint prior to getting the injection.
How long do Depo side effects last?
Question posted by Sarabn123 on 2 April 2011
Last updated on 25 June 2022 by oklahomagirl22
38 Answers
I see that this thread is quite old but I’d like to add my story in hopes it helps even 1 girl. I started depo-provera when I was 20. I’ve struggled with depression since 12 years old. The depo made it so much worse to the point I started anti depressants. It was so frustrating because I saw about 3 different doctors and NONE of them would agree that it was the depo. Finally, 2 years came around and my mood leveled out. I stopped taking anti depressants. Things were great. No weight gain, no period, no mood swings, sex drive was a little lower but manageable. At year 4 the sex drive started to really diminish. My partner was very understanding so there weren’t any issues yet. Things progressively got worse and worse until year 6 of being on depo. Sex was so painful I couldn’t do it at all. Not trying to be inappropriate but I want to describe exactly what I felt. I couldn’t get wet.
Even a little touch would send my vagina muscles contracting because I didn’t want anything inside me. It felt like hot razor blades being shoved in my vagina. Lube didn’t help at all. I cried from pain when my partner and I had sex and of course he didn’t want to hurt me and he would stop if he saw me or heard me but I wanted to make him happy so I’d sob quietly until I physically couldn’t take the pain. I got tested for every STD under the sun because doctors thought the symptoms were similar when I knew I didn’t have stds. I went to family doctors, gynecologists and no one could figure out what was causing the pain. My doctor prescribed me Xanax to help me relax during sex. That didn’t help. My gynecologist prescribed me estrogen. That helped for maybe a couple months but then it started up again. Excruciating pain. Again none of the doctors would confirm it was the Depo. All of it started to mess with me mentally. I felt like less of a woman. I was depressed that I couldn’t show sexual love to my partner. I finally made the decision to get off the depo after 10 years. It’s going on 5 months for me now. There have been no improvements. I’m scared that this has changed me forever. I read it could have given me vaginal prolapse and alot more scary possibilities. I’m hopeful I’ll get better but i really want any young girls to do your research and read peoples experiences. Not one birth control is perfect so if you have to pick one, make sure you listen to your body. I should have gotten off birth control when my symptoms started but I didn’t. And also take your vitamins with this BC as it takes calcium from your bones
I’m not sure how long this feed will be read but please don’t take DEPO. I’m a long hauler. Been on DEPO for 32 years for birth control. I started taking it at 18. Omg it worked so good for BC, no periods and mood swings. See I’m bipolar and it totally helped my mood swings but there’s a downside. GET A BONE SCAN! I’m old as dirt now and do I ever have fibromyalgia and muscle/bone issues. My scans are all coming back not good and the doctors feel it is from my long term use of depo. Don’t get me wrong a few years might not be so bad but long term it’s a huge No No. I say find another form of BC and good luck.
hi im not sure if you will ever see this lol but if you do i was wondering how long till your symptoms went away after you got off the depo? I have been experiencing this same exact thing and this is my first shot. Im due to go again in november so i hope it almost over but i know others said it could be longer before its truly out your system. I feel like im going crazy so I am very desperate for your answer and experience. Thank you so much. I hope things are better now
Has it gotten better or you still feel same ?
I am on Depo Provera shot since July 2018 . In December I took my last shot.
I hope it wears of fast.
I was a different cardioligists, hospitals and so on.
I am dizzy all day long, cold sweat and my heart beat is so fast.
Nobody knows what it going on with me and I think it's the shot
The doctors say my heart is totally healthy
I dunno what to do anymore. When do these side effects wear off
My next shot I am supposed to get in March 14 th and I refuse !
Please tell me if u have same experience with this shot.
And what can I do to help the side effects
Sorry to hear it's affected you so badly. The Manufacturer acknowledges that just 1 shot can make you infertile for up to 18 months, so it's clearly still having an effect in some people for many months after stopping using it. I do not see why other side effects could not last that long, as everyone differs as to how long drugs take to leave their body. If it's still affecting many women in that way, then why not another way? You'll see the accounts of others by reading the posts in the Depo forums.
The other thing to do, is research each of the ingredients in Depo Provera. You may find out more side effects etc, that way. The parabens in it are thought to be cancer causing, for example. Parabens are being investigated when looking into breast cancer. I use natural deodorants/antiperspirants, these days, because using them on your armpits is putting them right next to the breast.
I'm well versed in having to do my own research into the causes of my health conditions. I cannot rule out Depo as having caused some of them, but I cannot prove it, neither.
I keep telling women on this forum to thoroughly do their research before accepting a drug into their bodies. Sadly, few (if any) do so. I was only 16 when I went onto Depo. The Internet wasn't around, so research was pretty impossible, back then. People blindly trust their doctors.
The good thing, is that as it can be 18 months before even the Manufacturer acknowledges it can affect fertility (ovulation), then it may be a case of waiting a while longer, for your symptoms subside. They may not be permanent side effects, hopefully.
Apologies, someone decided to add a reply to this thread, despite it being 5 years old, so I thought it was a new question!
I’ve taken the Depo shot before & at first everything was good, I came off bc I wasn’t sexually actiive ( last year 2017) then I started again in April. I feel like I made a bad choice bc my body was changing back to normal. At first it started out as a period then left off as old blood. I was releasing old blood from may - mid August. I have the some of the same symptoms that your having, try getting back to a strict diet & exercising more often. But if your muscles hurt that bad, ask your doctor what you should take for it. How many shots have you had since you started ?
Hey, I’m also 18 I was wondering how long were/have you been on the depo shot? I got mine 4 weeks ago and the things I’m feeling are so bad it feels like I am dying in the moment. I get this sharp pain in my chest that pulls me to the ground, my muscles randomly feel like there getting tighter in my body, I am so tired and soooo dizzy all the time to the point I feel like I’m going to black out. My depression is worse and my panic attacks are beyond bad that my whole body goes numb and I can barely breathe. I’ve have health issues such as PMS and endometriosis that’s why I’m on it and those in general ruined my life.. I have nobody around anymore because I’m always dealing with some health bs. I can’t go out on adventures or go to parties cause I’m stuck home not knowing what’s gonna happen next to my body. It’s beyond horrible:(
I’m 22 got my shot a little over 10 weeks ago, been having chest pain( has settled down) heart palpitations ( have pretty much went away) bleeding & discharge, constant dizziness and headaches and constipation. I feel like I can hardly breathe and having horrible anxiety and panic attacks that have calmed down the last couple weeks but now within the last week the depression has hit pretty hard. My shot should start wearing off in 7-14 days and I’ll let you know if I feel any better. So sorry your going through this at least I know I’m not alone and I’m terrified
Are you still having this bc I have been having horrible anxiety, I cant eat,extremely nervous,etc. I have been on the shot off and on since I was 16. I just need to know if this will go away!
Are you still having this bc I have been having horrible anxiety, I cant eat,extremely nervous,etc. I have been on the shot off and on since I was 16. I just need to know if this will go away!
Unfortunately I am and my shot was due yesterday. Praying this will get better because I’ve literally been on bed for 3 months and I have 2 little babies. I lost 30 pounds the first month because I couldn’t eat and was vomiting and had diarrhea so bad. Feel like I’m constantly going to pass out. I pray it gets better soon!
I am actually feeling better today. It's been 5 months since my last shot. I felt like crap for two weeks straight. I was paranoid that someone close to me will get sick. I still haven't had my period yet but I hope you feel better. Just hang in there...
I am actually feeling better today. It's been 5 months since my last shot. I felt like crap for two weeks straight. I was paranoid that someone close to me will get sick. I still haven't had my period yet but I hope you feel better. Just hang in there...
I wrote a while back ago but to update I got my daughter off depo and now on birth control and it is working better as far as not feeling the side effects that she had before with the shot. I on the other hand am still having the side effects after a year which really sucks no energy or motivation. Tired and weak all the time. But I have to live with it because of my condition. So my advice is if you can switch to something else. Not everyone experiences the same side effects so if it’s not helping you keep looking for something that will eventually you’ll find one that works for you.
Hey I understand where you coming from I had the same thing happen to me I've been taking deposit since I was 14 and I stopped taking it when I was about 17 for about 7 months and during the 7 months I felt horrible withdraw symptoms I'd wake up not want to go to school cause I would feel so sick. So I got back on it and the symptoms went away. I'm 19 now and I'm thinking about not taking it no more but I'm kinda scared. My friend told me it took her 2 years to get over the withdrawal of the deposit
I totally wish I read reviews rather than symptoms of the drug itself thinking "that won't happen to me".
I got the shot February 15, 2018 and 2 days later started a mild headache which is now massive. No cold but my throat is quite in pain and it's hard to swallow. I'm 100lbs and I just think my doctor should have given me a smaller dosage or something plus this is my first time on birth control. So uncomfortable. I am a vegan and only drink water and herbal teas.
Plz help counteract these side effects !
I feel exactly the same! My anxiety has gone through the roof , I’m tired a lot .. get extreme dizzy spells to the point it gets quite scary ... irregular bleeding ... leg cramps ... pelvic pain ... I convinced myself I had cervical cancer at one point it’s sending me nuts ! I had the shot 4 months ago after having my 2 nd child it was what I call the trial and error shot as I stopped having it before conceiving her as I was getting side effect towards the end of every month ... I was get mood swings quite badly ..depression and bleeding for about two weeks at the end of every month ..in the end I thought Sod it this can’t be good it’s making me feel crap so I’ll stop having it ! I fell pregnant within like 2 months so the only good thing is I know it hadn’t ruined my fertility like it has to other unfortunate ladies .
So after having my daughter I spoke to the nurse and told her about my previous side effects ..she said all you can do is try it again and hopefully all will be ok ..baring in mind when you have the shot the only side effect they ever tell you about is bone density !!
Anyway I had the shot ..within a week I was really poorly ... bad dizzy spells ... feeling faint ... headaches ..fatigue ..sickness ... I called 111 they advised I get blood tests which I did and they all came back ok!
These side effects went on for the full 3 months at one point I felt really depressed too not to mention a no interest in sex what so ever (poor partner is a saint) lol I didn’t have the shot again when it was due as I feel awful still now ! I’ve had more blood tests ... caginal swabs and I’m having a ultra sound next to check everything .. I 100% believe it’s tgis bloody injection but drs andburses don’t like to agree obviously as it’s three pennies when they give it out ! It should be banned it’s the worse thing I’ve ever had!!!
I don't like this drug at all! Gave to me after menopause by mistake in the hospital. I am having terrible effects. Been 5 years and I am still having problems. Awful drug. Do NOT recommend to anyone. Should be off the market in my opinion.
I am looking for answers. I got my first depo shot in October. I almost immediately started bleeding and have been bleeding every day. I am extremely moody. Like overly emotional and even angry. My face has been breaking out so I feel hideous. I was working out every day, now I don't have the motivation. I am tired all of the time. My hair is falling out but my hair on my upper lip is dark now. I am literally always hungry and super unmotivated. I have no sex drive and I've been like worried about my vagina because how sanitary can it be to have a constant period. I will not be getting a second shot. I just kind of need hope. That I'm not going to feel like this and look like this forever. I have a doctors appt Monday, I'd like to just get my tubes tied since I'm married with 3 kids and will not have more. If I've only had the first shot though, it shouldn't take long to feel like myself again right? My 2nd shot is due next month but I kind of feel like this gets worse by the day
How long did it take to feel normal again? I got my first and only shot on June 20th. Since then I’ve had sever anxiety, haven’t worked in weeks. Feel like I can’t breathe, severely depressed and feel like I’m not in my own body. It’s been like 6 weeks of this and I had to start taking antidepressants and still don’t feel right at all. I’m hopeless
I got my shot on June 20th also. I feel like I can’t breathe, horrible anciety, heart palpitations, dizziness, diarrhea, loss of appetite. I’ve lost 25 pounds since getting this shot. I can say compared to around the 4th of July, I was so sick not eating for days at a time, didn’t know where I was. Now it’s not so bad. Super bad dizziness and constantly feel like I can’t breathe. Hoping it keeps getting better everyday... I’m praying anyway.
I know this is an older response, however, I have recently got the depo shot for my 16 year old daughter and she has been suffering since with terrible headaches, body pains, and horrible dizziness. Her life as she knew it has come to a stop. She had had 2 concussions before getting the shot so we have been treating her for a concussion for months without any relief. I am now thinking these symptoms are solely from the shot. We are no longer getting the shot. I am just wondering how long it took for your symptoms to stop?
Hi all,
Not sure if I'm relieved or horrified to see all your responses. I've recently (last two weeks) had my third depo injection. I haven't been myself for months but like everyone else just said i thought it was hormones and that it would settle. I'm not exactly slim never really have been always been around the 10st7 mark but was happy like that. I had the pill for years and it didn't suit me so trusted my doctor and went ahead for the depo. After the first injection I felt changes in myself. I felt a different person. So tired, moody, achy and just ill. Ignored it and carried on. At this point I had put a stone on. Now nearly 12st. Second injection and reassurance from my nurse it was going well I carried on. Anxiety artacks and nervousness kicked in. I'm so skittish I jump at everything. My sleep has got worse I'm now awake several times in the night and sometimes don't sleep at all.
Saw my doctor told me it wasn't my injection so carried on. Now after my third I'm now 2 and a half stone heavier. Terrified of everything. Tired, achy, pins and needles. Just generally ill feeling. After all your comments I'm defiantly stopping this depo. Just hope it all gets back to normal.
J x
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depo-provera, provera, birth control, side effect, injection, doctor
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