Early Menopause?

[rio_reason]

I'm 21 years old and have had an almost constant, heavy flow of a period for approximately 4 months.  I have never had a regular period, and have gone as long as a year without a period (on the Depo shot).  I'm currently back on the Depo Provera (3 mo. kind), near the end of my third shot.  Shortly after I started taking it again my period started flowing and has only stopped for breaks no longer than 3 days.  I don't know if my birth control has anything to do with it at all, but I figured I would make sure I added that in there.

I'm also suffering from severe hot flashes, irritability, and other general PMS symptoms including cramps and others that I've never really had before.  I'm constantly dry (skin, vagina, eyes, mouth, etc) no matter how hydrated I keep myself.  Also in the past 6 months I've been experiencing very annoying gastrointestinal problems (diahrrea, heartburn, gas) that only seem to be getting worse.

I've been cutting back on caffeine and alcohol suggested by sites that I've found researching my symptoms, but nothing seems to be helping.  Midol only helps as much as any other regular pain reliever, which isn't much.

I'm currently on the following medications:

Keppra, Depakote, Folic Acid = Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
Depo Provera = Birth Control
Midol, Ibuprofen = Menstrual Symptoms/Sanity

Please, please help.  I have an appointment this coming Monday to get a referral to an OB/GYN, but if you might suggest some other things to mention to the doctor, that would be extremely helpful.  

Thank you so much for your time, happy holidays.
-Rio

[rio_reason]

Thanks again!  You're a great help, I actually have an idea what to ask my doctor about now :)

[rio_reason]

forgot to mention, the flow is very heavy and I have to change my tampon once or twice an hour.

[John Kim, M.D.]

It is good that you are going to see your OB/GYN. It is not normal to bleed for so many days on DepoProvera. Your doctor will most likely check a pregnancy test and other hormones like thyroid test and blood count to check for anemia. Your doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy and an ultrasound. Your doctor will need to get your history and determine what tests would be most appropriate for you, since they know your history better. I wish you wellness.