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Getting off Depo-Provera because of weight gain

I have been on depo for years now and just recently have gained lot of weight quickly. I'd say at LEAST 20 pounds in about 3 months. I have made the decision to stop the depo recently too, in the hopes my weight will go back down. Nothing has happened yet, but it is still in my system. I am just not going to take another shot. I have talked to so many people who gained weight on the shot and had it go back to normal once they got off it. Anybody else had this experience?
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Avatar universal
I talked to my doctor today about the 25 pounds I put on in nine months and I ate healthier on the shot than before because I knew it may make u want to eat more but I still gained she told me the shot itself Yes the shot make most gain between 15 to 60 pounds in a year or so some have no problems most do but that's the risk u take with the shot I was surprised I heard so many say Oh the shot doesn't do that it only make u want to eat, lies the shot can make your body go into prenatal state and cause hormone ups and Downs which may not be detected  on a normal hormone test she advised me to get off it.  My sister told me she was on it for a year gained 40lbs and after 6 months of getting off she started losing weight. More easily. So if your on depo and u know u r eating normal may be even healthier and gaining weight get off it my obgyn didn't tell me the shot could actually cause weight gain Thank God my doctor did needless to say I'm not taking my shot this November
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I am going through exactly the same thing with gaining weight quickly!  And, I did a little digging before seeing your posted question, so I wonder if you know that it also causes your face and other parts of your body to swell as well?  And, it is not supposed to be taken over two years plus it makes your bones easier to break especially post-menopause?  Oh, there is more, but am I allowed to give a link to someone on here?  It''s super useful and brief instead of some articles where finding information is a pain because you have read more than you have to in order to find what you need.  I clipped the whole article and when I went to use a highlighter tool so I knew where the parts I needed were easy to find, I didn't even use my highlighting tool because everything would've been highlighted.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had the deop , I gain weight then it went back down , my period been coming on when it want to , one day it will go off then it will come again later that night , I like being on the depo so I want have no period .
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had the deop , I gain weight then it went back down , my period been coming on when it want to , one day it will go off then it will come again later that night , I like being on the depo so I want have no period .
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been on my shot for 9 months & my yearly shot was scheduled for February! My family doctor recommended it. But after terrrrible acne that i never had- even in my teens, and weird skin rashes, plus a 40 pound weight gain i spoke to my gyno. IM STOPPING THIS RIGHT AWAY! He told me that this shot should only be used in very rare cases. It is 3 times the progesterone than an oral contraceptive & that's what causes the weight gain BECAUSE its an increase of appetite and sure that doesn't sound bad enough but it bulks the food that you do eat making it nearly impossible to lose from natural sources. I suffer from depression and my meds had to go WAY up on this like from 50 mg to 175! And the weight gain got so upsetting and frustrating i didnt know what was wrong with me. Finally-- the spotting! It didn't start until month 9? And it only lasts a couple days with cramping and then goes away completely for a couple more days and came back today! Like I don't understand what this thing has in it to mess with my body so much! Needless to say, i will NOT be getting my shot in February and will be switching to lolo oral contraceptive... ladies beware as family doctors DO NOT KNOW enough about this method of birth control in order to be providing it. My gynosaid i should lose all the weight but it will take time :( the bulking has just been terrible. So boyish looking and rediculous. Can't wait for it to get out of my system!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been on the depo shot for almost 9 months now and have gained about 7-8 lbs. I worked VERY hard for my body as I use to be a bit chubbier. Started going to the gym constantly and lost almost 20lbs and never gained after that. Since I have been on the shot I have gained almost half of that weight I lost back and am very discouraged. I cry for no reason all the time, feel very depressed, get random spurts of madness and am just all together a mess!!! Ever since I have been on this shot I have been nothing but MISERABLE. it has changed my whole outlook, persona and all together me and a person. I'm very insecure about my body now, and after being so confident and proud for what I worked for I can't help but feel so down. I would not reccomend this shot to anyone, and I will NOT be going back for my next, this month.. Hopefully I will see some changes in how I feel and look.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
While it's true that hormone levels can cause weight gain, it is also true that you can prevent it.  Going on a low carb diet of 30 carbs or fewer will not only eliminate the body from holding water because of the absence of glucose, but it will prevent blood sugar spikes; thus supressing your appetite.  I suggest doing Atkins induction and zumba 5 times a week.  There is no way that you will gan weight with that lifestyle; it is thermogenically impossible.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I was on the depo shot For a year and a hlf and stoped in September last year .It took maybe a month or two to lose weight but I didn't loose a lot  I went down from 134 135 to 129 130 ,and ever since I got to that weight it's been so hard to lose any more weight and I'm tired of being fat . Is there a reason why I'm not able to lose any weight, after I lost them few pounds I've been dieting and excercising every day for 30 to a hour workout for 8 months nothing !!????
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Has there been any luck in your weight gain? I got on the shot too just so i can gain weight but nothing yet just my luck lol
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Avatar universal
Hi I am doing this research for my sister and from what I have read. I think this pill is dangerous and everyone body is different but I think that coconut water and oil will help this too pertaining to weight lose and daily cleansing. And for all who go to the Doctor you are the consumer tell them what is wrong and demand a answer or go to sum one who will listen. Do not go to someone who don't give u results when u know that is something wrong.
Helpful - 0
1823499 tn?1370090289
I was on depo almost 17 yrs ago. I liked not having a period but noticed I was gaining weight so I quit. Than recently I start it again and have gained weight, too much. I was put on it by dr to gain weight cause I was only 88 pds at 30 yrs old
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Avatar universal
Good luck I gained 110lbs from that shot .tried everything didn't lose a pound.n15 months ago had gastric bypass surgery know cant gain it down to 90lbs from 230 im scared can anyone help me too.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had my depo twice.I ddnt know of any side effects and I found out about them last month.I decided to stop using the injection.I recently had my periods for 2-3 weeks.and I have gained weight during the past month of being on the depo..my boyfriend is the one who adviced me to stop using it.but he hasn't seen how I look recently.I look like a hot air balloon.next week he is coming back for our engagement after a month of being away..I don't know how he's gonna feel about my weight gain.I'm so sad and regret taking the depo in the 1st place.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ok after reading through all these comments I don't feel so stupid....I have been on depo-provera since I was 15...I am now 32....I have gone off of it 2x...now let me tell you a bit of background...I never had regular periods (this is going to be TMI...sorry) but my periods were so heavy it was almost like I was passing blood clots...horrible pain...I found out that I have endometriosis....the doctors put me on Depo because this seems to be the only medicine that helps this....so of the 2x I have went off depo I had surgery on the endometriosis because it was overtaking my female organs....the 2nd time I couldn't bare the pain and ruining of my clothes...so I went back on it now for the last 2 years I have been asking my dr every time I go in for a shot if there is anything else I could go on and they have insited I stay on the depo because of what has happened in the past when I went off them...now when I did go off them my period came back very fast never had the waiting of months or anything like that....I have since been diagnosed with PCOS along with the endometriosis....I have gained so much weight and have tried so many diets and exercise like crazy...I retain water like excessive amounts I swell up like a balloon when I exercise...I have extreme pitting edema on my legs and arms....and still the dr say to continue this drug...my next shot is at the end of aug and I think I will stop this drug....I have tried diuretics and they did not help...I have done low carb while on this...nope nothing I have trained for a 1/2 marathon and didn't lose any weight....I now walk 4 miles a day and exercise everyday with watching my calorie intake...still can't lose any weight it's very discouraging.....they wont give me a hystorectomy because they say I am too young even though I do not want to have children of my own...I'm affraid the endometriosis will take over again....anyone have any suggestions....I'm struggling to keep my weight below 200# on my 5'7" body and with working out for months on end to not lose any weight is killing me I am extremely embaressed about the way I look...my lower legs are swollen all the time I have horrible cellulite now that I never had before and my what I call my bye bye arms are horrible....I am open for suggestions at this point if anyone knows of something that will prevent the symptomes of endometriosis other than depo I am all ears thanks for reading my post
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i am in the same situation right now i gained 15 pounds myself after i stopped my last shot of the birth control in november. i feel disgusted with myself i have no period i am scared i wont be able to have kids because of the depo shot, good thing i dont have a acne problem , the more i exercise the more i feel i gain weight . . i wish there was something to detox my body with, i was researching and it said that our bodys are acting as if they are pregnant so they retain the food to feed a "whoom" idk im just sad that i made the stupid decision to take it in the first place it could have already affect my reproduction system
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I will have been on depo for three years in September. I started taking it because I had had my period for three straight months with no explanation. I was warned of the weight gain (thankfully) but at the time it didn't seem important since I was gaining weight anyways with my hormonal eating from my periods. I have gained about 15 pounds since I started, I attributed this to lack of exercise and poor diet (being a college student living alone at the time, I ate a lot of frozen "fast/easy" foods.)

However now, almost three years later, I've tried dieting and exercising multiple times to no avail. I eventually would get frustrated and "give up" since I never lost a single pound after weeks.

This "cycle" is happening again now. I have been exercising at least 5 days a week for about an hour a day (not much I realize but my philosophy is "it's better than the nothing I usually do"). Well 5 weeks later of exercising and really watching what I eat I have lost a grand total of 2 pounds. It is so depressing and frustrating! I am 5' 10" and now 153. I am thankful I didn't have the horror stories I read of gaining 100+ pounds in 6 months. But, it's still defeating nonetheless when trying and "failing".

I am probably going to stop the depo soon anyways (whenever my boyfriend gets around to proposing). But. Are there ANY tips on how to lose weight while still on the depo?

I read the low/zero carb suggestions and other pill/vitimin boosters... However, I am a type 1 diabetic and can't take anything that will throw off my body too too much.

Or do I just keep exercising for exercise's sake and be glad I'm not gaining astronomical amounts? Thanks for any help!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm about to switch from depo to an IUD and I'm over all the weight gain. Depo is great at pregnancy prevention but weight gain is a HUGE side effect. It's not worth it anymore and I'm sick of all the extra weight.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm about to switch from depo to an IUD and I'm over all the weight gain. Depo is great at pregnancy prevention but weight gain is a HUGE side effect. It's not worth it anymore and I'm sick of all the extra weight. I can't even say how much I've gained but it's way more than I'd like on my body
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ive been gaining weight while on depo birth control. I am sexual active and dont want to get pregnant. I dont know if I should stay on the shot or just stick with condoms. I am very emotional about my weight and dont want to gain any more. Can someone give me some advice please.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just started Depo but I guess I'm lucky as the injection nurse made it very clear that weight gain is an issue and gave me guidance to avoid it - I've lost over 150 lbs in the last 7 years and neither of us want to see me gain it back.  According to the nurse, the hormones in Depo cause your body to metabolize sugar and carbs differently, which in turn causes the weight gain.  She said it is not unusual for a women to gain 20-30% of their body weight using this form of birth control.  In order to avoid that, make sure you exercise and maintain a LOW carbohydrate diet - avoid sugar and all the "white" stuff.  More than anything I'm glad she pointed out this side effect as now I am prepared and can keep a very close eye on the scale.  I've already cleaned up the cupboards of anything high-sugar and started reading labels much closer now.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Melissaljf. I went on Depo in April this year. After a month my belly ballooned up n thighs got bigger. Three weeks before the three month mark I started having my "period" it has lasted pretty well the whole time (light n heavy) till this Friday just gone. So it's a " great" birth controll (sarcasm). I normally weigh 55-58kg n have a flat stomach. Now I'm 61.1kg n my belly constantly looks full n after I eat I just want to hide, it gets huge :( ! My doctor did tell me side affects as quickly as he could get the words out, n brushed them off like they were nothing to be concerned about saying that "you can gain weight on the pill or any contraception". Needless to say, I've heard complaints bout him by friends n acquaintances, and I'm changing to a new doc on Tuesday, for me n my daughter. I can't stand this balloon belly. I put on 15kg when pregnant with my daughter n I lost it all within two months of her birth. This weight or whatever it is, just won't budge. Any suggestions would be great.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Melissaljf. I went on Depo in April this year. After a month my belly ballooned up n thighs got bigger. Three weeks before the three month mark I started having my "period" it has lasted pretty well the whole time (light n heavy) till this Friday just gone. So it's a " great" birth controll (sarcasm). I normally weigh 55-58kg n have a flat stomach. Now I'm 61.1kg n my belly constantly looks full n after I eat I just want to hide, it gets huge :( ! My doctor did tell me side affects as quickly as he could get the words out, n brushed them off like they were nothing to be concerned about saying that "you can gain weight on the pill or any contraception". Needless to say, I've heard complaints bout him by friends n acquaintances, and I'm changing to a new doc on Tuesday, for me n my daughter. I can't stand this balloon belly. I put on 15kg when pregnant with my daughter n I lost it all within two months of her birth. This weight or whatever it is, just won't budge. Any suggestions would be great.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
your comments have been both reassuring and so helpful!

I got my first depo shot a week ago without prior research (huge regret) and my dr did not warn me about the side effects. i do not plan on going back for my next shot.
so far, I've already gained 5 pounds! i've been a constant 95lbs at 5'2 pounds with a good diet .nonetheless, i've started cutting down on carbs and drinking lots of water as well as increasing the frequency of my work outs.

i'm very worried about the increasing weight gain, would going on a zero carb diet and/or taking metaformin reduce the onset of the weight gain?

whoever that has managed to maintain their weight or reduce their weight gain, pls comment too :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had one Depot shot and the Doc told me NOTHING about side effects and totally ignored a lengthy history of migraines he treats me for! Ive gained 27lbs in just under three months. IM A WHALE!!! Migraines, spotting -CONSTANTLY! Went from a size 10 to 14! Needless to say I will NOT be having another injection! I was put on it for constant bleeding. Now, they can just take the Uterus cause im DONE with hormones! No self esteem, cry constantly, completely hate what I see in the mirror- not to mention constant pain from carrying around all that weight (Im 5'4 normally 130lbs) Some days its hard to find the will. Damn Dr. should have warned me!!!!!!
Helpful - 0

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