Medroxyprogesterone and Acne: What Users Say

• Con...
• June 22, 2019

For Amenorrhea "I have PCOS and my doctor prescribed me with Provera for 14 days, 10mg per day, and was told by my doctor that it will help me regulate my period. I remember taking it on May 17, and I was on it until May 31. I was told that I was going to get my period after 3 days. I didn’t get it after that, but I had light spotting a couple of days after. I called my doctor, she said I should get it very soon. Finally, it came on June 9th, it was still very light. Days passed, and it started to get heavier. It’s June 21 now, and I’m still bleeding. I have called my doctor to check with her if this is serious as I had never bled this much before, of course, it was very alarming. She told me that I had to wait until it subsides and have an ultrasound. I am also experiencing mood changes, breakouts, cramps, breast tenderness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. The side effects are not so bad, but my main concern is the long period. Did anyone else have the same experience?"

• ARS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2021

For Birth Control "The Depo is the worst thing I have ever put in my body. Ladies, please reconsider before using this. Along with so many physical symptoms (nausea, acne, fatigue, heartburn, bloating, cramps, bleeding constantly), the emotional symptoms are very prominent and worse than the physical ones. I believe this drug is destroying my relationship, I have no interest in sex or physical touch, I’m irritable all the time, depressed, and have a constant feeling of emptiness that was not there before the Depo. My personality and mood took a full 180 on the Depo. I am not going back in for my next injection. Something to also note is that the FDA is trying to pull this drug off the shelves. Please, if you’re considering the Depo, do your research! I wish that I did."

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I do not recommend this at all! It is effective at preventing pregnancy, but the side effects for me are not worth it at all. I have been on it for about 2 months now, and I am suffering every day. Before the shot, everything was fine with me, but about 2-3 weeks after I got it, I started getting terrible stomach pains, headaches, bad acne on my back, which I've never had before, and before the shot, I've never gotten a UTI, but since I got it, I'm constantly getting painful recurring UTIs no matter how much water I drink. I even had to go on antibiotics twice, and they came back. My sex drive is so low now because when I have sex, I am in so much pain, and I know I don’t have diseases, infections, etc. because my doctors even did tests, and they all came back negative. This is just the absolute worst thing I have ever done! I would rather get pregnant 10 times than get this shot again!"

• Anonymous
• February 3, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I received my second Depo Provera shot early October after having it once before and while I was 17/18. My mood swings are horrible still, breast tenderness is outrageous. I also have had the worst cramping pain (worse than IUD pain). It was unbearable when I first started ovulating. I could not lay flat in bed, had a heating blanket and heating pad on my lower back and abdominal area for a week. I took Midol and ibuprofen like the doctors told me, and nothing has stopped this. I have clots coming out, they want me to come in again to poke at me. Just super put out and exhausted. I am sleeping up to 10-12 hours a day. It has caused me to have less ambition at my workplace too. I am very active as I am a CNA at the hospital, but I bleed through my pants at least two times a shift. My acne is horrible around my chin, and my stomach is sore from the on and off bloating. It brought tears to my eyes finding this page and seeing I am not alone in this."

• TN ...
• March 5, 2014

For Endometriosis "I was hesitant to try this, but I really didn't want to have a hysterectomy. I've already had one ovary/tube out due to my endometriosis. I was recently diagnosed with also having adenomyosis now. It was Depo-subQ, Lupron, or a hysterectomy. I read so many terrible reviews that it had me nervous, but I tried it anyway. I've gained a few pounds, but am also 45 and lazy, so that may be the more likely culprit. My acne is actually gone. I've had no endometriosis symptoms. My hair is slightly thicker. For me, it's been a miracle. We're hoping to be able to have these results until menopause hits."

• Blo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I wish I could give this a ZERO star. They warned me that I could have some abnormal bleeding, but nobody warned me that I'd be bleeding enough to support the Red Cross. My blood count is low, which it never has been before. Not to mention the acne, the attitude, the sore breasts, and the emotional instability to go along with it. The REAL reason this works as birth control is because nobody on this medication is doing anything even remotely related to sex (oh yeah, I forgot to mention - no sex drive). Even if you had a sex drive, it's a bloody war zone! Nope! Hopefully, someone, anyone really, will read this and think, 'nope, I'll go a different route,' and I will have saved someone some MAJOR heartache and struggles."

• Jbi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2021

For Amenorrhea "I’ve started taking Provera for having missed a period for a couple of months and trying to conceive. I’ve had irregular periods in the past on and off because the doctor told me I’m “somewhat polycystic.” I’ve taken the 10 mg for 10 days. While taking it, I felt moody, had acne breakouts, breast tenderness, and mild nausea. I started spotting on about day 4 after taking it. I’m now on day 6 and have SEVERE cramping to the point it hurts to breathe. I remember taking this in the past, and it made me have the worst period ever. I know the lining needs to shed, and when it does, it’s going to be sooooo heavy. Guess the pill does the trick, but just have to be ready for the pain :("

• chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2012

For Amenorrhea "I have a really hard time taking estrogen birth control, and I decided to get the Depo shot. After reading the reviews, I was so scared I canceled my appointment to get it. After thinking about it, I decided to just go ahead with it and see what happens. I've been on it a little more than 3 weeks, and I've noticed that I am a little more tired, and I have some pimples that are starting to go away. Other than that, I haven't had any spotting, tender breasts, sex drive changes, etc. Usually, before my period, I eat non-stop and have cravings, and it's nice to not have that! I will write again to update how it's going in a few weeks. I wanted to let people know not to be terrified. It may work for you, and if it doesn't, just don't get another shot."

• kmc...
• October 29, 2009

For Birth Control "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."

• 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 :)"

• Adv...
• September 1, 2020

For Endometriosis "I have been on the Depo-Provera injection for close to 3 years for endometriosis. It has made a huge difference. Pain is gone or super mild. No periods. Downside, the injection site is always sore for a few days, as well as my legs after injection. I may spot for a little after injection as well. I can tell the injection is wearing off towards the end of the three months because I start feeling my endo pain and I start getting acne. Have I gained weight on the Depo? Yes. But I don't believe it to be because of the Depo. For one, these past three years I have dealt with a lot, and I mean a lot, of stress. Marriage issues, loss of a parent, moving, job stress, etc. I'm definitely an emotional eater. But these past six months I pulled myself together, started exercising, and eating healthier. I have lost 30 lbs!"

• Bee...
• May 26, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Omg! Do not get it if you haven't already. I got my first shot like 3 weeks ago and lost all sex drive and have been bleeding constantly. My partner and I used to sleep together every time we were together, and now I can't because of this blood. My hair is falling out too, my face is breaking out, I feel cranky and have no energy, I have no sex drive and the bleeding. This man-made drug is clearly no good for us women and should be taken off the shelf!!!"

• Fig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the shot on March 20, 2016. I had 2 weeks before the bleeding started. At first, it was spotting, but every day. Then it was heavier bleeding. Then it got so heavy I was changing an ultra tampon every 45 minutes to 2 hours, even at night. I was at my doctor's, exhausted from lack of sleep, crying, anemic, with hormonal acne, horrible back pain from constant period pain, and terrible mood swings. I only had the 1 shot. I refused any more. It's currently August, and I am still bleeding. There is no sign of it ending! I would not have this shot again, even if they paid me!"

• Ano...
• September 19, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been using the shot for a little over 6 months, and from the moment of starting it, I have not stopped bleeding. If I could go back and reconsider my decision, I would not take it. Horrible, so uncomfortable. My acne is on 100, my mood is even worse, but the bleeding has definitely been what has made me regret this. I don't recommend this to anyone!!!!!"

• fel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 9, 2014

For Amenorrhea "My first birth control experience was a disaster; I was taking Tri-Sprintec. Tri-Sprintec made me gain 20 pounds, acne, increased my periods, and did the exact opposite of what it was supposed to do. After one year of searching the internet for an alternative option, I came across the Depo-Provera shot. I have been on it now for 9 months (so this is my third shot), and I have come across no weight gain/no periods, and I think I am one of the few women who has been so lucky. The only thing is, for the first month of EACH shot, you have bloating, some pain, a little headaches, etc. It goes away for me after that. Nothing I can't handle compared to the periods I was getting before. Everyone is different though, but I highly recommend this!"

• LX3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "When I got this, all the clinic told me was, 'We have the Depo shot, it's a shot you get every 3 to 4 months. You won't have a period, and it is 99% effective.' Of course, that sounded appealing. But this was one of my worst decisions. It's not like the pill where if you feel side effects, you can just stop taking it. I took this shot in Feb 2017, it is now May 2017. It is about time for my next shot, but there is NO way I am getting it. I have bled every single day since Feb. Not a lot, but enough to where I have to wear a pad every day. I've never had acne issues, but now it is constant, my sex drive has almost completely gone away, and your period won't go back to normal for up to 12 months after the last shot. I would not recommend this to anyone."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2020

"My first and last injection! Got the shot in March. Spotting brown sludge every single day in April and May. Now it is June, heavy bright red bleeding! I just want this drug out of my body. I have experienced every single side effect: weight gain, acne, prolonged spotting and bleeding, and depression! Depo is like a poison in my body. These side effects are ridiculous, and there's nothing you can do but wait it out!"

• hoe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2019

For Amenorrhea "I took Provera for 10 days in order to induce a period, as I was experiencing amenorrhea from PCOS. I had a period the day after I took my last pill of the prescription. I did experience a breakout that was probably related to the progesterone itself, as I never usually break out."

• rai...
• September 23, 2013

For Birth Control "Depo-Provera has changed my life. I am now period and yeast infection free, which is a HUGE deal for someone who has suffered from yeast infections 1x a month for the past 4 years, as well as heavy, painful periods. Haven't had a period since my first shot, which was 7 weeks ago. I am a healthy 28-year-old, aside from suffering from migraines. I have not had any side effects from Depo-Provera, no acne, hair loss, weight gain, etc."

• Jad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I hate to be another bad contributor, but... I basically started out fine. No period for the first month. Then I was bleeding for the next two months. The worst part gave me the most ridiculous acne of my life. I have never broken out on my jawline and cheeks before this shot, so that was very strange and painful. I have been off of Depo and switched to Trinessa and am on my fourth pack. I still am trying to get my skin normal and regulate the hormone change. And I'm waiting for the dark spots from my acne from months ago to disappear. It's nice to not remember a pill, but because I had such bad side effects, I didn't even try to get my second shot."

• Lon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Depo for 3.5 years now, and the first entire year I had spotting almost every day. After that, I would only get my period about a week after I would get a new shot, which lasts at least a full week but is very light. I love this birth control because I don't have to remember to take a pill every day. I didn't experience weight gain, I actually lost weight after taking the shot, but I did experience some acne, which I am not sure is because of the Depo or just minor adult acne. I definitely recommend this method for birth control!"

• Kok...
• April 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 21, and since I first received the shot in January, I have been bleeding ever since. Sometimes light, sometimes like an actual period, with cramps and migraines. Also, this medicine has completely jacked up my hormones. I am angry ALL the time, ALWAYS sad. I cry every day, over the smallest issues, or for no reason. I am happy, and in a split second, I will feel very low or even have suicidal thoughts. I experience extreme mood swings and flip out on my boyfriend-coupled with less sex from the bleeding. It's very frustrating. I am hoping that this is just my body still adjusting to the medicine. I haven't had any weight gain or acne though (knock on wood)."

• Leg...
• June 26, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got this April 2016 and have experienced extreme depression, rapid weight gain, irregular bleeding for weeks, acne, increased breast size, decreased sex drive, and horrible mood swings. This has been the worst time of my life."

• Ckw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 6, 2016

For Endometriosis "I have been on many birth control pills and hardly any of them were beneficial to me. I switched to this injection and I'm so happy I did. I started birth control when I was 15 bc my cramps were unbearable. Endometriosis runs in the fam. I also had bad acne, so I was trying to alleviate both of those issues. The depo shot didn't affect my acne in any way, but it has almost completely diminished my cramps. The first 3 months were rough. didn't bleed for a month and a half after getting it, but then I bled until it was time for my next shot. I got my second shot and didn't have my period for three months. It was awesome. Spotting around the due date for the next shot is normal. Oh, and the shots are painless. Stick through the rough first months!"

• dar...
• July 16, 2015

For Endometriosis "I took Provera pills daily to stop my periods to kill the monthly pain. I chose pills over the shot so I could have control of deciding when/if I wanted to stop. I took the pills for 6 months. The first month, I had lots of breakthrough bleeding - basically, I was slowly bleeding for a few weeks. After that, I had no period, no spotting, no cramps - that part was fantastic! However, for me, the side effects were severe and unlivable. I had insomnia (waking in the night) every night. I had night sweats every night. I gained a little weight. I had extreme vaginal dryness/painful intercourse, which was a first ever for me. My sex drive was non-existent and my acne and facial hair (PCOS) got much worse."