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Medroxyprogesterone and Bleeding: What Users Say

Brand names: Provera, Depo Provera, depo-subQ provera 104

Bleeding: mentioned by 983 users (39.8%)

Based on user experiences from 2,469 Medroxyprogesterone reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

bleeding 39.8%
weight gain 20.0%
cramps 16.3%
spotting 14.7%
mood swings 13.5%
depression 11.4%
acne 8.4%
sexual dysfunction 8.4%
headaches 6.6%
anxiety 6.5%

Reviews for Medroxyprogesterone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Lin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 23, 2021

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been taking Provera 10 mg once a day since March 20, 2021 because I have irregular bleeding and 2 fibroids. My period has not stopped or slowed down at all. Last month it was just seven days, but this month, it's been on for two weeks. It seems like it wants to stop but then I'll have spotting before full-on bleeding, and it seems to happen after I take the pill. I was told this medication would stop my period and correct the irregular bleeding, but it has done nothing of the sort. I feel, if anything, it's causing me to continuously bleed."

1 / 10
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296 Report
  • Mis...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 28, 2019

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this med several times, I am 48 years old going through menopause and have had abnormal bleeding off and on for 2 years. From what I understand, 10 days on this med is not going to make you stop bleeding. What it does is 'clean' you out first before it thins the lining enough to stop the bleeding. When I take it, I bleed worse for a couple weeks, clots come out and then it stops and stays stopped so all the ladies taking it for 10 days give it more time, please. The cramps are bad during the 'cleaning' phase also but trust me it will get better."

10 / 10
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370 Report
  • Chr...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 9, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I can't believe all the reviews I'm reading about the shot making you bleed for weeks or even months because now it's happening to me. I got the shot for the first time in late April and I started to bleed about 2 and a half weeks ago. And I'm still bleeding. This really sucks. Being on a period every day is not what I signed up for. I will NOT be getting it again and I just want my period to go back to normal. Would NOT recommend getting this to anyone!"

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Taz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 3, 2021

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve started the Depo Provera injection fairly recently on 24 May 2021. I was on my period, which I normally have for seven days, but with this injection my period went from normal flow to a dark brown, slow flow, which couldn’t fill a pad. It changed halfway through June to a medium-heavy flow. I called the doctor in the early stages because when I read the symptoms, it said spotting but not heavy flow period. When I spoke to her, it was like speaking to someone who doesn’t want to hear you. Not helpful at all. It’s now July, and I’ve been bleeding for a total of 42 days and counting. Will I get the second injection in August? Nope. Would I recommend it? Nope. It really mucks up your emotions. It has made me cry over stupid things. I had this injection so I could have sex without fear of pregnancy. Have I been able to have sex? No. My advice, once again, it’s not the one to get."

1 / 10
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153 Report
  • MsQ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 18, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I feel better knowing I'm not going through this horrible experience of Depo-Provera alone. I loved the Depo just because I didn't have periods over 5 years using this shot. And now to bleed every day longer than 10 days is very depressing. I would like to know what I can do to make this bleeding stop. This can't be healthy."

1 / 10
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  • Ove...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 31, 2020

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been currently taking Provera 10mg for about 28 days now. At first it stopped the bleeding altogether for the first week. Then I started to spot again and bleed. Now the bleeding is getting progressively heavier and the clots are getting larger, like they are huge. This is a nightmare. I'm having to empty my 25ml menstrual cup every hour or two. Hoping to get a hold of my OB by Monday. I'm feeling very weak and I have lots of cramping."

2 / 10
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175 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 10, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Worst contraceptive ever. I had my first Depo shot on the 9th of Jan. Approximately two weeks after, I started spotting and then bleeding heavily. I am so mad that my doctor never indicated or told me about any of these side effects. I will not be going back for a second injection. Now, I feel like I am on a permanent menstrual cycle. If any of you ladies are really wanting to do something about this horrible drug, report it to the FDA. And also to Pfizer on their website. I believe this drug needs to be removed from the market. I don't think any woman wants to keep bleeding for months on end at a time."

1 / 10
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  • GGa...
  • January 4, 2021

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo-Provera for over a decade with no side effects, no periods or breakthrough bleeding. I have never missed an injection, however, 3 weeks before my next injection, I'm bleeding. This is an unwelcome, painful surprise because I've been without a period for as long as I've been on this birth control, which has been almost 14 years. Something has changed with the medication."

8 / 10
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134 Report
  • Bel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 7, 2021

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Amenorrhea "So let's talk about Provera. I was put on this for not having a period for 10 months. Just remember that during the time you don't have a period in most cases, your body is still producing that lining. I took it for a week (10mg a day) and got my period 3 days later. It is by far the worst period I've ever had. This is worse than any period I've had, even the ones I had directly after giving birth. I've bled through pads and tampons multiple times, and I'm only on day 4! I'm feeling nauseous, dizzy, and weak, normal daily functions are hard at this point. I also feel very angry and withdrawn to the point of where I just want to be by myself and sleep. Oh, not to mention the huge clots I've been passing. If this were considered a 'normal period,' I would have gone to the hospital by now. The cramps are horrendous also. I will say if you are trying to get your period, it does the job, just be prepared for one nightmarish period."

3 / 10
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100 Report
  • emm...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 13, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So I've been on this Depo-Provera shot since I was 16. I’m 18 now. I haven’t bled on my period for 2 years. This past week I started to spot. Now I'm getting really heavy bleeding that’s bright red. It’s just a little odd that I’ve been on it for 2 years and haven’t bled at all, and now all of a sudden I am. I am not sure if this is normal or not."

5 / 10
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113 Report
  • Kek...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 22, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo-Provera for 20 years and was very happy, but then when I moved out of state last year, I started bleeding. I've been bleeding for over 2 years now, and I am so depressed over this annoyance, and my hubby is too. I really want sex, but with the blood clots and non-stop bleeding, I feel like I'm going crazy. I have tried everything the doctor has given me, but it just won't stop, and I'm sick of it. I'm mad and wish this bleeding would just go away so I can try to be happy and work on my depression. Somebody, please help me to stop this bleeding, 2 years is too much."

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102 Report
  • Kek...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 22, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo-Provera for 20 years and was very happy, but then when I moved out of state last year, I started bleeding. I've been bleeding for over 2 years now, and I am so depressed over this annoyance, and my hubby is too. I really want sex, but with the blood clots and non-stop bleeding, I feel like I'm going crazy. I have tried everything the doctor has given me, but it just won't stop, and I'm sick of it. I'm mad and wish this bleeding would just go away so I can try to be happy and work on my depression. Somebody, please help me to stop this bleeding, 2 years is too much."

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

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) 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."

1 / 10
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95 Report
  • Sum...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 6, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the Depo-Provera in January - the only one I had. My heavy bleeding started the very next day, and now 5 and a half months down the line, I am still bleeding a heavy period every day!! Doctors cannot work out why or what is going on!!"

1 / 10
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86 Report
  • Sad...
  • April 19, 2021

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Amenorrhea "I'm trying to get pregnant for more than 8 years. My fertility doctor said I have a polyp in my uterus. My husband's sperm count is low too. I have normally regular periods. I'm 35 years old now. I had heavy bleeding that lasted more than 14 days. Then my fertility doctor gave me Provera 10mg for 14 days on Feb 11, 2021. My last pill was on Feb 25 or 26. Period should come back in a week after Provera. Two months passed, no periods, no symptoms, 3 negative pregnancy tests. I'm worried about what is going on with me."

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67 Report
  • JNK...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 20, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Depo from 2008-2011 with zero side effects. My periods were gone completely after the first shot, and I had no weight gain and minimal mood swings. Fast forward to July 2020, after having finished having children, I got the shot again. I've now been bleeding heavily every day for three weeks straight. Looking at this review forum makes me think the manufacturer made a change in early 2019 that quite obviously is not working with the majority of women's menstruation. Who wants to bleed every day for a year?! NO ONE. I WILL NEVER GET THIS SHOT EVER AGAIN. NEVER."

1 / 10
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74 Report
  • JNK...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 20, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Depo from 2008-2011 with zero side effects. My periods were gone completely after the first shot, and I had no weight gain and minimal mood swings. Fast forward to July 2020, after having finished having children, I got the shot again. I've now been bleeding heavily every day for three weeks straight. Looking at this review forum makes me think the manufacturer made a change in early 2019 that quite obviously is not working with the majority of women's menstruation. Who wants to bleed every day for a year?! NO ONE. I WILL NEVER GET THIS SHOT EVER AGAIN. NEVER."

1 / 10
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74 Report
  • Mrs...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 26, 2021

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had been having spotting for 3 months, so I went to my doctor for a transvaginal ultrasound, where they found I had a large polyp. Fast forward a couple of weeks, I had a hysteroscopy and had the polyp removed. I was prescribed 10 mg Provera for 14 days in order to kick start my cycle back into normal rhythm. My period arrived 3 days after I stopped taking them, and I am still bleeding 10 days later. The bleeding has been the heaviest I’ve ever had, with huge clots. I was changing my sanitary product every 30 mins, so I phoned my GP, who prescribed Tranexamic acid to help slow the bleeding. I am on day 10, still bleeding and with horrific cramping. When will this ever stop???"

5 / 10
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60 Report
  • Hat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 16, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I thought I would get Depo after a pregnancy scare. My first jab was given at the beginning of August 2019. I bled from the next day onwards, right up to when the next one was due. So, I decided not to have it. It’s now mid-Feb and I am still bleeding. I have had the occasional day where I think it’s over and it comes right back. In total, over 6 months, I have had 5 days of non-bleeding! It is almost like a form of torture. I thought it would be out of my system by now!! DO NOT HAVE THIS, IT WILL BE THE BIGGEST REGRET OF YOUR LIFE!!"

1 / 10
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71 Report
  • bre...
  • December 6, 2014

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I received my first dose of the shot in the beginning of May, and I have been constantly bleeding ever since! I was told that after my 3rd shot, the bleeding would stop, but it hasn't. I'm considering switching to the pill at the end of this month. I cannot take this bleeding anymore."

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  • Gru...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 7, 2017

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 52 years old and clearly have been through the change of life. I've had no period for years. All of a sudden, I have some spotting, so I go to my doctor. He does a surgical procedure to scrape the lining of my uterus and then puts me on 2, 10 mg Medroxyprogesterone a day for 20 days. Four days after my last pill, the bleeding started. I have NEVER had such a bad period in all of my 52 years of life! I have had 3 children, and this is worse than the labor of all three!! I will NEVER take that medicine again!! They can do a hysterectomy and take the womb I haven't needed in decades. I can't even leave the house because when I stand up, I gush blood!! Roll over in bed, gush blood!! Not Happy!! Why didn't my doctor warn me about this?????"

2 / 10
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91 Report
  • Cha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 20, 2021

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) 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!!!!!"

1 / 10
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52 Report
  • Vic...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 25, 2020

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve taken Depo a while back when I was around 17/18. I’ve never experienced bleeding like this. I recently got the Depo-Provera injection again because I have really horrible periods and extreme cramps, so I decided that I would go back on Depo. It was the worst thing I ever did. I experienced light spotting when I received my first injection, but I went in for my second around July 2020, and I’m still bleeding nonstop, and it’s getting very overwhelming because I can’t have sex with my boyfriend, or if I do, I have to take a shower first. It’s really annoying. I don’t recommend it to anyone, you’ll be depressed for months."

1 / 10
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57 Report
  • Ree...
  • May 4, 2019

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took Provera 5 mg for abnormal uterine bleeding. Basically, my period went on for almost three weeks. I went to the hospital (had an ultrasound & everything was fine). They told me to take the pills for 7 days once a day. I took 2 a day for 3 days & the last pill on the 4th day. I'm a heavyset girl, so 10 mg wouldn’t have hurt me. The first day I took them, I took them in the morning & by the afternoon, the bleeding stopped. Throughout my taking the medication, I had no bleeding. Three days after the last pill was taken, my period came on. I just woke up one morning & I was spotting. By that night, I was bleeding very heavily. I wanna say the heaviest I have ever been, but most of it was blood clots. All sizes. That went on for about 5 days, then the 6th morning it almost instantly stopped. I was spotting very lightly & by that night it completely stopped. I’m a 20-year-old, by the way. I have not been diagnosed with PCOS or anything of the sort."

8 / 10
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67 Report
  • Ove...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 14, 2019

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started bleeding July 15, and it’s now Sep 14. I went to my doctor, they did an ultrasound, they said everything looked fine, blood work came back fine, and that sometimes it’s just the way it is, not knowing why I’m bleeding so much! Anyways, I threw a fit with the doctor, told her bleeding during intercourse and so much is not normal! She tried to tell me it was the positions we were doing, and I said no, I just want to know why. So she prescribed Provera 10 mgs, 1 tablet a day for 10 days. I am now on day 6, and the bleeding went from a little to so heavy I am changing my pads every hour! My cramps are unbearable, and there are so many blood clots! I just emailed my doctor to see what she says, fingers crossed that she can help give me answers!"

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.