Depo Provera and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took Depo-Provera injection many years ago. I never had a period or spotting from the first shot. I was on it for 6 years with no issues other than weight gain. I got the shot again on September 10, 2020. I started bleeding 10 days ago. The cramps are extreme to the point I don't want to get out of bed, which is not possible, as I have 3 children ages 8, 2, and 1, and am a stay-at-home mom. Over-the-counter medication does not help with the pain. There are too many of us experiencing the same things, and a lot of us have already taken Depo before with no issues."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2021

For Birth Control "Took this in October. Started bleeding at the start of November and still consistently bleeding now 7 months later. Only took one injection. I gained weight everywhere even though I'm active and healthy, lost my sex drive, which has always been very high. Nausea every day to the point of throwing up. Insomnia for weeks on end. Raging emotions, sad and crying one minute, angry and shouting the next. Hot flashes, blurry vision, throbbing headaches, and joint pain. I was not told any side effects in the clinic, only that it stops periods and lessens cramps. I wish I was given a leaflet to make an informed decision. 7 months later and I'm losing weight slowly, sleeping better, and had been having sex occasionally, but it's a bloody mess and hit and miss if I climax at all. I just want the period to end. I would recommend ginseng as a mood booster and evening primrose oil to regulate your hormones. These brought back my libido a bit and made me less suicidal. Never again!!!!!"

• Rey...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the Depo shot in October 2014. It is now February 2015, and I have been either spotting or full-on bleeding since then. I can't have sex because I start to bleed as if my period just started. I've been on and off the Depo for four years, and this is the first time I've had a bad experience with it. I also gained 25 pounds since October, but I eat healthily and go to the gym regularly."

• bar...
• June 4, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo-Provera for 2 years this month. It was great! Had little to no periods, light spotting for a week before I had gotten my next shot. Didn't have to worry about taking pills daily. I had no side effects at all. I was actually losing weight. But, the last shot I had back in March, they informed me that there was a new type of Depo formula that took the place of the Depo that my body was used to. Ever since then, my period has not stopped. I gained 20 pounds in one week of water weight. My cramps have been terrible to where I can't eat. I feel as though I'm pregnant at all times. I go Tuesday to either get checked to see if I need to be off it. Anyone else experienced this since they've changed it?"

• Hat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This is my second shot, and I am still bleeding like the first one. The shot is supposed to work for 3 months, but for some reason, I get about a month only. After that, I literally have my period every day 'til I get my next shot. This shot has not been helpful at all. On top of getting my period every day for 2 months, I gain weight like crazy, too. Too many cons, I would rather not be on the shot."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2020

For Birth Control "For the last 3 months, I've been nonstop bleeding. My hormones are way out of whack, and it's making me want to literally do anything to stop the bleeding. This drug also made me gain close to 100 lbs in 2 years. Before this drug, I was a size 2. Now a 16..."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2020

For Birth Control "On 9/13/19, the nurse gave me the 1st Depo shot, but she didn't say anything about the side effects. I spotted until 1 week before Thanksgiving. Then I bled every other day. I gained a few pounds, had no sex drive, experienced vaginal dryness, and had some strong cramps. On 12/29/19, I went to the ER, and the doctor said Depo is making me bleed, and it should stop within a couple of months. After that day, I bled heavier every day, and I was getting tired of it. I went online to see reviews about this, and I discovered a remedy. I took two 1300 mg Evening Primrose oil capsules each day, and on the 5th day, my bleeding stopped. The FDA should never approve this shot. I hope one day the FDA will take this off the market. No lady should suffer like this after taking a medicine that should help them."

• Ref...
• April 18, 2013

For Endometriosis "I love the Depo shot. No side effects at all. I read so many negative reviews before I took my first shot. I have experienced none of the side effects I read about in the reviews. I have not had any breakthrough bleeding as many people described. I have had no periods after the first shot. Before Depo, I had painful cramps before and during my period. No pain and no weight gain. I am so pleased with this form of birth control."

• Diz...
• December 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I am now 34 and getting really, really fed up with contraception. I’ve had my kids and I’ve tried them all. Each one seems to have these nasty side effects for me. I feel us women have to go through the mill with all these awful side effects. Some women won’t even know it’s because of contraception and end up so confused because most healthcare professionals will tell you it’s not the contraception that is causing the problem. My husband is now getting the snip. I’ve told him enough is enough. Men should take more responsibility. I’ve been doing it for 20 years now. Anyway! The depo. I stupidly decided to get it whilst my husband waits for the snip. So week 1: banging headaches. Piercing side headaches - paracetamol and ibuprofen wouldn’t even work. Week 2 - backache. Terrible backache. Ended up going to physiotherapist. Week 3 - joint pain all over. Week 4 - weight gain. Week 5 - thrush. Week 6 - depression. I am now on week 7 and I just want this all over."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started my Depo shot around September. A week or two before I was about to get my next shot, I started my period. I thought when I received my next shot it might stop it. It didn't. I am still on my period, and it is April. I have my next shot today, and this is my last attempt. If it continues, I will be switching back to the pill. Not only that, but I had major weight gain and depression."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 30, 2013

For Endometriosis "I got on the shot in April 2012 for many reasons. 1. I worked at the YMCA in the pool, and I didn't want to worry about bleeding. 2. My cramps were torture! I wouldn't be able to get out of bed. During the first month or so, I did spot and have some cramps, but they eventually stopped. I love the shot. I did gain some weight, but that was somewhat my fault because I stayed inactive. But with a good diet and some exercise, you won't gain weight! Recommend it to everyone!"

• Anonymous
• January 7, 2010

For Endometriosis "I was very unhappy on this drug. My pain was not reduced as it should have been. I spotted for the entire 6 months I was on it. I was extremely depressed, had no libido whatsoever, and gained 20 pounds. This did not work well for me for this condition at all. Unfortunately, once it is in your system, you are stuck with it. It took a full year for my body to readjust once I was off it and to stop spotting. It was also hard to lose that weight afterwards."

• Kxo...
• June 10, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on the Depo for over two years now. For the first 9 months, I experienced light bleeding/spotting, but the doctors told me to continue as it won't be long until my body got used to it. After my third shot, the bleeding just stopped completely. It is best to carry on with it because I haven't had a period in over a year, just occasional spotting every couple of months, if that. Weight gain was a problem for me, but I'm not overweight, and I can lose it if I stick to a healthy diet. Other than that, I've had no problem with the Depo, it's really not as bad as people are making it out to be. Once you get past the months of bleeding, you don't have to worry about a thing. :)"

• tnk...
• November 30, 2014

For Birth Control "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2015

For Birth Control "It's very effective, I give it that. I didn't get pregnant. I've been on this birth control for 6 months, and I've gained 40 lbs. Yes... 40!!! I ate healthy and exercised every day. I do not recommend if you want to keep your figure or plan to lose weight."

• Kri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Do not take this Depo Provera shot. I have not stopped bleeding, and I took one shot, gained 4 pounds because of the shot, so I have stopped taking it, and now I'm bleeding and it won't stop. It's been going on for months now. I never had problems with my period until after I had the Depo Provera. Don't take the shot, you will not maybe ever have kids again. Bleeding doesn't stop. This shot should be discontinued and off the market."

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Col...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I started this birth control at 145 lbs, 5'3'', so I was already a little heavy, but I was working out and eating healthy to keep losing weight. The first shot seemed fine. By the second shot, I gained 5 lbs, which I thought was odd, but the doctor said it was normal. I then started becoming very depressed and spent most of my days sleeping or in bed. I gained another 10 lbs when it was time for the third shot. The third shot made me gain 25 more lbs, where I was at 185. I always ate relatively healthy and went to the gym. I decided not to take the fourth shot. It's been about a month past when I was supposed to take the fourth shot, and I'm finally starting to lose weight. I'm at 175 now and still have a long way to go."

• Anonymous
• August 27, 2009

For Endometriosis "Depo has been great for relief of pain from endometriosis. I am on my 3rd shot. No more period, but I do spot the whole month before the next shot is due. I am hoping that will stop as my body gets used to it more. The shot is painless, the only side effect I have noticed is minor weight gain, and my sex drive has decreased a bit. I am okay with that, at least the pain is gone. I got scared reading what everyone had to say about this drug and almost didn't get it. I am glad I took the chance to see how 'I' reacted to it. Everyone is different. I am very satisfied with it."

• Ilo...
• December 14, 2014

For Birth Control "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!"

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2009

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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
• August 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on the Depo-Provera shot going on 9 months, and so far I love it because I have absolutely no periods and only spotted maybe once or twice for a few hours, and that’s it. I haven’t gained much weight, even if I did. I was weighing around 115 when I was active, but since college and not being active, I’m up to 120. I cramp every now and then, but mostly when it’s almost time for my next shot! I’ve heard some bad things about it, though, so not sure how long I’m going to keep doing it, but so far I love it!!"

• ann...
• July 25, 2012

For Endometriosis "It has been almost 6 months since my shot, and I have been on my period the whole time. I gained 45 pounds, and I was the most depressed I've ever been. I went insane with mood swings, my already bad pain got worse, and I had head-splitting migraines, among other things. I don't recommend it to anyone. It should come with a prescription for Xanax and some weight loss pills to try to stay on top of things."

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

For Birth Control "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 :)"