Depo Provera for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 2)

• M88...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2019

"This shot has actually ruined my life. I had one shot and never went back for another. I would say the first month and a half was fine (no problems), but I started to notice weight gain, which made me upset because since I started the shot, I’ve watched what I ate religiously to avoid weight gain... another thing is the mood swings. They are extremely uncontrollable and not normal. I can say I’ve developed extreme depression and lack of energy to do anything. I would describe myself as outgoing and energetic. Since then, I don’t know who I am anymore. Every other night, I cry, and if I’m not crying, I’m just so annoyed at everything, any small inconvenience to my life sends me into a downward spiral of emotions. This is without a doubt the worst thing that ever happened to me."

• Meg...
• January 14, 2015

"I got on the Depo-Provera shot at age 15 and just got off of it at age 20, and I am now on Seasonique (the pill). I didn't realize how awesome Depo was until I switched. Having no periods for 5 years was definitely great, I didn't gain any weight from the Depo even though it made me eat like I was pregnant with triplets for 5 years. There was minimal spotting, which I would take over periods any day. I got moody when I started getting close to my next shot due date, but that's about it. I would definitely recommend this birth control!"

• tnk...
• November 30, 2014

"I got this shot a few weeks ago, and my side effects are already horrible. I had anxiety before, but now it's so much worse. My mood swings are unreal, and my breasts have been so tender to the point where I can't touch them at all, and they've grown a ton. Not to mention the few pounds I've already put on in the short time. I will never take the shot again. I don't recommend this form at all. Once you get the shot, no matter how miserable the effects are, you can't do anything about it. Going back onto the pill once this wears off."

• M D...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2020

"Got the Depo shot in August 2019. Had underlying general anxiety that was manageable. Now it is full-blown anxiety that required me to be on anti-anxiety medication for a year, then pending review. Do NOT take Depo-Provera. That is only one of the major side effects it caused. Now also have more painful periods after it came back and just a general feeling of being unwell. And take note that I only took one dose that lasted 3 months. Horrible experience. The entire 3 months on it, I also had constant nausea and headaches."

• Hig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2015

"I am 21 years old, was placed on this medicine for having high blood pressure and it being an estrogen-free birth control. I was terrified of weight gain, spotting, and mood swings, all of which this shot is rumored to do. I have experienced absolutely no bleeding since my first shot, got the second shot today, and no weight gain (I do exercise daily). I have been somewhat emotional around the time of my normal period, but no more than usual. Overall, I love the shot, and having no period is a plus all around!"

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2009

"I have been on Depo Provera for about 8 years, and I've loved it. I haven't had any cramps, but I do spot for a couple of weeks before my shot is due. I never gained weight, although I should note that I have a very high metabolism. However, my doctor recently had me do a bone density test, and the results were not good. I'm 25, and my bone density levels were very close to those with osteoporosis. Studies show this is reversible once you are off the shot, however, the studies are not clear about the long-term effects. So, unfortunately, my doctor no longer wants me on the shot, and I am currently looking into another form of birth control."

• kmc...
• October 29, 2009

"I am 29 years old, and I have had 3 jabs of the depo in the last year and a bit. MY PROS: No period pain every month. No babies (three is enough for us). No worries about tampons, etc. My CONS: headaches a lot, mood swings - I am a little depressed and snappy at the kids. I don't want to get intimate with my poor husband at all, and my face is covered in acne (not really, but for me, YES). I have gained weight!! (5 kg). I was supposed to have my next jab in June this year, and I didn't go for it, and I still don't have my period 5 months later!!! I think for me personally, it is no good."

• Lum...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 4, 2020

"Ok, so I have been on Depo-Provera for almost 10 years. My last injection was February 14th. I had a period for 3 days on June 1st, which is normal for me. Today is June 4th, 2020. I have been very nauseated. Could I be pregnant?"

• Man...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 27, 2015

"I would recommend this to everyone. My experience on the shot has been great. This is about my 9th month now, and I never had to deal with any crazy side effects like weight gain, acne, etc. However, in the first 3 months, I did have mood swings, but they were never worse than any normal mood swings (for example, period mood swings). I never got my period, bleeding, or any spotting until 6 months after I started the shot! And even then, my period was very light and quick. Be sure to drink a lot of milk or eat dairy to replace the calcium that gets stripped from your body by taking the shot. If you don't replace your calcium, your bones can become weak or you can experience more side effects. Just take care of yourself :)"

• Ilo...
• December 14, 2014

"I LOVE Depo! Been on it for about 2 1/2 years, only side effects are some weight gain (5-10 pounds) and minor cramping once a month maybe. I used to have TERRIBLE periods, ever since my first shot, I haven't had a single period or spotting. It's nice only having to go in once every 3 months. Definitely 10/10!"

• jez...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2015

"I am 28 years old, I have been on the Depo shot for 3 months now to regulate my periods. My first 2 months, I didn't get my period at all, no side effects except a headache for the first week. Now into my 3rd month, and I have had my period for going on 3 weeks straight, and it's really stressing me out. I have been irritable these past weeks, major mood swings, and lost my sex drive. And no changes in my weight, but pretty sure I will not continue this method of birth control."

• Sim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2025

"I just did my first shot about 2 weeks ago. My period went from heavy and painful to spotting brown and then gone. It was short, I loved it as I was having a period every 2 weeks after my son in June 2023, and I tried different forms of birth control, nothing worked. But so far, this has been great. No issues for me other than my appetite increased, as I'm happy about it because I struggle to gain weight, so I'm hoping to gain as much as possible! Will update as time goes on :)"

• Jda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2020

"I got this Depo-Provera shot in May on the first day of my period, and it stopped. Ever since then, I have been moody, have had cramps all day. It’s June now, and I’ve started spotting bright red. I’ve been feeling anxious all the time as well. Please don’t do this to your body!"

• Mik...
• April 6, 2016

"I read all the reviews prior to trying this injection, so I was quite apprehensive. Honestly, best contraception I have ever used. Have had no side effects, no bleeding, and don't ever get my period, and it is 100 times more convenient than taking the pill. I have been using it for almost 12 months. My advice for people is don't get too concerned by reading all the reviews, obviously, drugs react with people differently, so for some people, it may not be suitable, but it is great for me!"

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2022

"Do not take this shot. I took one dose, I discontinued use and didn’t get my second shot due to the side effects. I bled for 3.5 months straight. It was as if I had my period the entire time. I had to take iron supplements. I went to different doctors, no one really helped. They put me on estrogen, it slowed the bleeding for about 2 weeks, but I was still spotting. Then it just stopped working completely, and I was back to bleeding heavily again. The last week of it, at the 3.5 month mark, the bleeding was so heavy I debated going to the ER. It was one pad an hour at that point. After the heavy bleeding for about 3 days, it abruptly slowed down. It took about a week of spotting, and now it’s finally out of my system. In total, almost four months of bleeding. The shot stays in your system for a few weeks after the three month mark. If you’re experiencing anything similar, just wait it out and don’t take the second dose. This stuff's poison."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 22, 2014

"I LOVE Depo-Provera! Only 1 shot every 3 months. Unlike the stupid pill, which I keep forgetting to take. Weight gain is the only negative thing for me, which I don't really care for. No mood swings, no period. So I'm super happy with my shot, yay!"

• Mee...
• June 13, 2020

"So I took my shot in May 2020 after my period came off, and at first, I had tenderness where they injected me in the butt. It's June now, after two weeks, I started feeling period pains but not a period, just cramps really bad and nauseous, because when I get my periods, I have to boo-boo a lot, throw up, and I get hot and cold and cramp really bad and have no appetite. Like I would not recommend, but if you have cramps bad, drink some tea with ginger in it and honey, the ginger helps so much almost instantly. Love you guys, God bless."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2016

"I've been on Depo Provera since October. I had to switch to this as I was getting migraines from the pill I was on. I've just gotten my third injection 2 days ago. It's the best choice I ever made!! I know a lot of people get bad side effects, but I got none, I got no bleeding, and my periods have stopped completely, which is a bonus as I used to get extremely bad cramps. I have had an increased sex drive, which is a good benefit, and if anything, my boobs have gotten a small bit bigger, and I've maintained my weight! I was put on this merely for contraception as I'm 18 with a boyfriend, but I couldn't recommend this more. I read reviews before I got it and was terrified, but it's worth a shot if you're unsure!"

• Wha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2017

"On Depo for 19 months, began taking it after my second child. Had no period. Major mood swings, constant exhaustion, and trouble sleeping. No sex drive - after some research, I discovered why. Depo is used as a chemical castration drug for sex offenders in multiple states. My doctor did not mention that I was drugging myself like a convicted sex offender, did yours?"

• 9r9...
• September 7, 2014

"Very effective, but bad side effects. I'm 17, and I've had two doses of it, but I won't be continuing it. I have gained weight that is impossible to lose, I get head rushes, and I feel dizzy almost every time I stand up, and lots of cramping. I stopped getting my period, but one every month to two months, I have a few drops of blood, but that's it. I'm not happy with the shot, but it was effective."

• Thu...
• January 19, 2013

"Been on Depo Provera shot for 2 months. Don't know if it's still early not to experience any side effects. I'm still happy on it and looking forward to my next shot. The only thing I've noticed is weight loss, which I don't have a problem with, but so far so good."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2013

"My first shot of Depo-Provera was almost three months ago, and I am due for my second shot in less than two weeks. I will not get that second shot and must say Depo-Provera worked very badly for me. I've been bleeding straight for two months now, awful mood swings and depression, extensive hair loss, and no sex drive at all."

• Mik...
• March 7, 2019

"Depo Provera was awful. I gained over 35 pounds. I couldn't stop eating. I was extremely depressed. I couldn't even drive over a bridge without getting anxiety. Unfortunately, it took over a year for me until it completely was out of my system. I feel like I wasted almost two years of my life on that stuff. I was also a slave to going to the doctor every couple of months. This thing NEEDS to be off the market, and I'm glad people are starting to come to their senses about Depo Provera. I do NOT RECOMMEND."

• 123...
• December 10, 2013

"I have just recently got my second shot a few weeks ago, and since I received my first shot, I haven't had any periods or abnormal bleeding or spotting. I don't even get any side effects. It has helped so much since I used to get severe painful cramps and lay in bed for the week when I had my periods. It makes me have a lot less things to worry about, like the chance of pregnancy, periods, cramps, and a lot more things my body was emotionally drained from."

• ang...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 3, 2025

"I am 39 and have been on Depo since the age of 16, personally love this contraceptive. Immediately my period stopped and hasn’t come back at all, which is heaven. No weight gain has occurred, and never has there been even a pregnancy scare, and my boyfriends over the years haven’t used condoms. My OBGYN told me the shot is even slightly more effective than your tubal ligation. I do make sure to exercise regularly and have a calcium-rich diet. I have been injecting myself for years now instead of the extra trip to the doctor, and it’s extremely easy. If you want total peace of mind and don’t want to remember a daily pill, I absolutely recommend trying Depo-Provera."