Hot flashes

I am 19 years old, just about two weeks ago I got on the depo shot. I have been on my period for 11 days now spotting on and off. And now I am getting SEVERE hot flashes... I watched my mother go through menopause and my symptoms seem almost identical to hers. Can the depo shot cause you to go through menopausal like symptoms???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What you are having are hormonal effects of the depo shots and should get better in a few weeks. Depo shots may cause irregularity in periods and they may become heavy, light or may stop altogether. The hot flushes should become better in a few days. If they persist then you should consult a gynecologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.