The Side Effects That Make the Depo-Provera Shot Undesirable

By Your Health Magazine

Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control method. It’s a shot, not a pill, not an implant, a literal injection. You usually get it in your arm or buttocks, and it has a hormone called medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is a type of progesterone.

The point of this shot is to stop you from getting pregnant. It works for up to 14 weeks, but you should get it every 12 weeks to ensure you stay protected. Some people just call it the Depo shot or birth control shot.

While it’s a popular option for many, there’s been growing concern around potential side effects, including the risk of brain tumors caused by Depo-Provera. This is something both patients and healthcare providers are paying more attention to when weighing the pros and cons of long-term use.

The Side Effects

Here are some of the reasons why people do not find this birth control shot desirable:

Irregular or no periods

This is one of the most common side effects. When you first start using Depo, you might bleed in between periods (called spotting), have longer periods, or just feel like your cycle is all over the place. After about a year, around 50% of people stop getting their period completely.

Having no period might not be a problem to some people, but others find it a source of worry. Besides, it messes with your routine. It might make you worry you’re pregnant. And even though doctors say it’s safe, not getting your period can feel really unnatural.

Weight gain

The Depo shot changes your appetite, and it can make you gain weight, even if you’re eating the same stuff as before. This isn’t just “a few pounds.” Some people experience serious weight changes, like 10, 15, or even 20 pounds over time.

It’s different for everyone, but once the weight starts coming on, it can be really hard to lose, especially if your body’s reacting to hormones in a way you can’t control.

Acne, hair growth, and hair loss

Some people who use this shot experience and report more acne, which can be frustrating, especially if you were finally getting your skin under control. Others notice hair growing in weird places, like more facial or body hair, while still others start to lose hair from their scalp.

Mood swings and depression

Some people feel nervous, others start to notice their mood going downhill. And we’re not just talking about feeling sad once in a while, Depo has been linked to worsening depression, and even mental/mood changes like feeling emotionally numb, angry, or losing interest in stuff you used to enjoy.

If you’ve ever had depression before, this shot could make it worse. And if you’ve never had depression, it could trigger it. Either way, it’s not something to take lightly.

Bone loss (osteoporosis)

Depo-Provera reduces the amount of calcium stored in your bones, which makes them weaker over time. This can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where your bones become brittle and more likely to break.

As you know, your teen and young adult years are when your bones are still building up. That’s when you’re supposed to be getting stronger. But if you’re using Depo for too long, you could actually be weakening your bones permanently. Some of that bone loss doesn’t come back even after you stop using the shot.

Doctors actually don’t recommend using it for longer than 2 years, unless there’s really no other option for you.