Getting off Depo-Provera because of weight gain

[Thrashley]

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?

[benanjess]

yes an i didnt have a period for a year an it took me a year to start back i finally got the weight off but i gained back due to meds i was on called lexapro i came off that med an they have ran test an changed all my meds an put me on a birth control pill i went from no period to having two periods an now im getting better an workingout to lose weight an build my body

[customsgal]

I started receiving the Depo-Provera shot 6 weeks after I gave birth to my son in 2000. I was on the shot for 9 months and gained 118 lbs. My eating habits and excersise habits never changed and I continued to put on the weight. My doctor need numerous tests to see if there was an underlining problem he wasn't aware of, but there wasn't. 6 years later I have lost 81 lbs. - it hasn't been easy. I stick with a light breakfast, normally a salad with fish @ lunch, and normally a small salad & fruit for dinner (DRINKS LOTS OF WATER). I also changed my cooking habits. I only use kosher/sea salt, Mrs.Dash, and lots of fresh herbs to marinate meats & vegetables with, use Xtra-Olive Oil (not cooking oils). When I want something sweet I go for fruit or maybe half a english muffin with a teaspoon of flavored cream cheese. Losing weight is all about changing how you cook and what types of food you eat. I'm starting to get my self-confidence back, because I can now see that I am losing the weight. I hope this helps. But I would discourage anyone from getting the Depo-Provera shot. I went from a size 9 to a size 22, it was awful; but now I've creeped into a size 16.

[ticked]

that is exactly what happened to my friend she was on the same thing and she just kept gaining weight so when they told me i had to get the lupron injection i refused, I am on marvelon21 and i have gained about 5-10bs since July.  Not sure what is better but i dont get a period and you know what its worth the weight gain.. jk.

[EddieMurphyFan]

I hate Depo!  I gained more than I care to admit.  Now I have the new IUD and there are no hormones, no weight gain and no periods---it was so worth the money.  The bonus is that it lasts for 5 years.

[vivid]

You're on an IUD that doesn't have any hormones... I'm on mirena and it is a 5 year and it is causing my hormones to go crazy.  I was on Depo for about four years along with zoloft and gained 15 lbs... a lot of weight for me I am short.  I am off the depo and switched to a different med, but still no weight loss.

[Joodytuesday]

I feel like an idiot, but apparently I am the only person who didn't know the side affects of this birth control.  I just had a baby 6 weeks ago, and my Doctor asked me if I wanted birth control.  I said yes..and he asked if I wanted a pill or shot..well..a shot I said.  And that was it!  I never asked anything and he never volunteered any info about this birth contol.  I found out through my husband later and through everyone else that there is major weight gain with this drug.  I am so upset because now isn't the time I want to gain extra weight after just having a baby.  I have to wait 3 months to get off of this...but in the meantime..what can I expect in 3 months? Any significant weight gain in just that time?  I am sooo upset!!
Thanks!

[YodaGirl04]

Girl, I suggest you change your cooking & eating habits, drink a lot of water, exercise: take walks with your baby in the stroller if you don't like exercising like many other people or if you don't get time to be alone, swimming sheds pounds but u have to be careful & not overdo it because you'll be so sore the following day, you won't be able to do barely anything TRUST ME ON THIS :D  & it's not likely, but, u can get a cramp & drown... And, please stop thinking negatively of yourself.  U aren't an idiot.  You're a woman, a mother who just had a baby & you're really concerned about making sure you do everything in your power to give your child the best life & be the best Mom to him or her, of course, & that takes a bunch of wisdom, patience, love, strength & every ounce of your energy and time, so you're far from anything negative, dear!  U aren't an idiot.  Please refer to @customsgal's post a few posts above yours!!  Great sharing my opinion and insight with you!  I wish you & your gorgeous little one the very best!!

[Info for a friend]

I didnt kno anything about Depo before I took it either,I was much like  Joodytuesday But I was on Depo-Provera after my first son was born and had the shot 3 times. I did not gain any weight however, I did have never-ending periods that lasted about 3 weeks or more or It would stop and I would have multiple periods per month.Basically I was always on my period!  I then switched to the pill Marvelon 21 and that one is ok because you dont have to worry about any resting weeks or anything like that, Just one pill everyday of the month But I was looking into the implants because they last longer and is less to worry about because taking a pill everyday at approximetely the same time isn't always easy when you have a multiple number of kids on different schedules. Does anyone have any info regarding the implants??

[Beverly Martin]

I started depo while in the hospital after the birth of my 2nd son in1996 and stayed on it until July 2007-over 11 years.  My weight is almost 300 lbs and I am trying to get it down but it will be 3 weeks on Thursday since I got the mirena put in.  So many people say they have bled continuously since the insertion-I bled for less than 24 hours.  I know this sounds stupid but I have always blamed the weight gain not only on the meds but also on not having my period for 11+ years-like I was in constant PMS for all those years.  I am feeling better now with the mirena

[Rexsichic]

I started Depo in 96 when I was 17 and had my last shot in October 2006 at the age of 28. I immediately went onto the pill Seasonique, but didnt really need BC so I only stayed on that for a few months. I didnt notice any side effects other than 1 shot w/i the first year which caused some bad cramping. My periods went away immediately and I havent had one since my first shot. I am now 80 lbs heavier than I was when I started, but I figured it was due to quitting smoking in 98 (gained 40 lbs) and body changes due to age. It's now 10 months after my last shot and I finally have some mild spotting today, which is more brown than anything. Ive had cramping and breast tenderness off & on for months now. I just wish I could get my system back to normal. Never thought I'd say this, but I wish I'd get my period already....haha

[danigirl86]

i took depo at age 16 and had bleeding for the whole 6 months and went from a size 2 to a 5 in 6 months then got off and took the pill no bleeding for a year then at 18 i got pregnant had my son at 19 and took depo again thinking it would effect me differently since i was older i have been on it for two years and from the day i gave birth until now i have went from a 5 to a 16 and cannot seem to lose the weight i refuse to take anopther shot and now i am getting symptoms of pregnancy breast tenderness, back ache cramping in my stomach and i am craving more than when i was actually pregnant i hate depo and vow to never be so dumb and think it will effect me different in the future. for the last year i would get spotting the week i needed my shot but this time nothing it isnt the best birth control for anyone even if its used for a short time you have sideeffects and long term use can reallhy alter your hormone levels and your body.

[Mahoganyma1]

I guess im in a different bracket.  I had bariatric surgery 2 1/2 years ago and had to take the depo shot to stop my periods because of low iron and bad reactions during my menstrual cycle.  To my dismay I gained about 45 pounds and since stopped the shot and cant get it off!!!! Anybody experience this or have any suggestions.

[molly2cabetterlife]

I need to know how to get rid of this weight I was 105 punds size 3 and now wearing size 9 and 11 and its been about 4 months and I am miserable. How can you wan to have sex when you feel like you look like a pig from having birth control shot. Anyone have a ideas or experience to get this off still gained some weitght after not taking another shot its been 4 months since I was supposed to get it again. Really need some help I'm miserable and its ruing my home because I can't get if off.

[jordana_67390]

I got off of the Depo shot in September 07 (When I was to get my last shot). I was on it for 2 years and gained around 65 lbs, had spotting off and on for the first 2-3 months, put me in a deep depression, I got really bad acne, and I had no sex drive. I haven't spotted and have had cramps and tender breast since I got off.  I felt bloated all the time, I still do, just waiting for it to completly get out of my system to see if I lose the wieght that I gained and to have my period again. I just want to be normal again! I have been a lot happier since I got off the shot also and my anxiety isn't as bad. I WOULD NOT RECOMEND THE DEPO SHOT TO ANY WOMAN!!!

[dizzy25]

I first went on the shot in Fall 2005 when I was told by my doctor that Depo was my only birth control option aside from condoms because I have a history of aura migraines (I later read that people with migraines should not be on depo). I was in the best shape of my life at the time. After about a year I gained 10 ponds. I had talked with my doctor about the shot possibly having an effect on my weight since I had not changed my diet and exercise routines and had unexplained weight gain. She assured me that weight control was only dependant on calories consumed versus calories burned and that I must have changed something without really noticing, that the shot could only potentially increase my weight by 5 pounds in a year. I went off the shot because I know my body better than that and lost a few of the ten pounds. However, my periods, which prior to the shot were light and only lasted a few days, post shot were unbareable (extreme cramping, excessive bleeding, intense multiple day migraines, lasting for 8 or 9 days)...so, I went back on the shot hoping it would alieviate the hell I was going through each month. I have been back on the shot for almost two years and will NEVER be injected with this poison again! I am awaiting the day when the side effects of this drug wear off and my life goes back to normal. I have been exercising 5-6 days a week and eating a very healthy vegetarian diet...I had gained 15 pounds within my first year back on depo and now I have been gaining about 10 pounds a month. My doctor now says.."It must be the shot. They've come out with new research that shows that some women gain a lot of weight from it. You really don't want to be gaining 27 pounds a year." NO ****! ...now I wonder if what I have to look forward to is the periods from hell again...I should have listened to people when they told me before I started the shot that it would cause a living nightmare...now I'm just hoping I can live my dreams again. Condoms it is!

[akadagny]

I a making decision to go off depo-provera as well, however, it has only been recently that I have experienced unexplained weight gain and rash-like acne.  Prior to the last 3-4 months, I have been happily taking the depo with NO side effects...no periods...no weight gain...for 11 years.  I think this medication was fantastic for me for quite a while; everyone's body changes with time, and everyone is different.  

[mr0628]

I started the depo shot approximately 10 years ago and recently decided to go off of it, as my husband and I are ready to start trying to conceive.  Over the last 2-3 years I have noticed a slow weight gain which I could not do anything to loose - I tried numerous diets – overall I gained 15-20 pounds which is a lot since I am only 5 feet tall.  I stopped the shot in October (4 months ago).  I have also had very tender breasts (for a couple months), cramping, achy feelings, and occasional feelings of nauseous-ness.  Beginning in January I started working out 4-5 days a week and really watching what I eat following the weight watchers core plan.  I continue to feel that I have some cravings and/or feelings of hunger – I have been working really hard to loose this weight.  As I read various forums it doesn’t seem like I am alone – any input on how to loose this weight and how long it might take?  I have still not had my period and realize that it might take 6-12 months for my cycle to regulate.  I have read some information about using the birth control bill to regulate your cycle – anyone tried this?  I would greatly appreciate any help, ideas, input!

[karchie]

This bull about the drs. telling us WE are the reasons we are gaining weight makes me ill. In order to not have a period for 3 months - just imagine the amt. of hormone they have to inject you with? I believe that some of us are more sensitive to hormones than others and that there should be some way to figure out who is going to do well on depo or not.  I only know of about 3 friends who've tried and they all gained weight (not as much as me though!)  I was on depo for TWO years and gained FIFTY pounds.  I'm 6ft. tall - when I started depo, I weighed 150 lbs - I was 25 years old when I started, I had only gained 15 lbs from the age of 18 to 25 AFTER I went off depo I gained 10 lbs between the ages of 27 and 34 ...when I finally got smart and stopped believing the dr. telling me it was my fault I was gaining weight I stopped taking depo.  SO, at my highest weight I was 210 lbs!!!! You're talking about a girl who used to get talked about for being so skinny.  Well, as a result of being so big, I am now diabetic.  I lost 45 lbs. prior to being diagnosed with diabetes - I was diagnosed & immediately put on insulin (a hormone) and gained 15 lbs in ONE week - so my net loss was only 30 lbs.  So I'm now down to a manageable weight however, I want to lose another 20 lbs. or so but I have yet to lose weight by myself.  I work out 5 days a week and watch what I eat (I believe another hormone issue - if you're interested Google Syndrome X or Insulin Resistance Syndrome contributes to my difficulty losing weight).   I honestly believe that depo threw my body into hormone hell...I would love someone to get them back the way they're supposed to be!!  Is it possible to start a class action lawsuit against the makers of Depo Provera?!?

[LouiseRed]

I've just turned 18 and I've been using the depo shot for at least 7 months because the pill was making me sick.When I asked my Nurse about depo she just told me about the positives which left me very much in the dark about this contraception.Since starting my shots I have gained 14LBS in just SEVEN months!!I have gone back to the nurse since and explained that my diet and exercise hasn't changed but I'm gaining weight,she wasn't exactly sympathic and insisted I eat less!She was completely out of order to give the injection to someone with a past of depression and migraines.I should be enjoying my life to the full right now,not feeling like a greedy pig :(

[mzjones22]

i am 22 yrs old and ive been on depo for approximately 3 yrs.  prior to getting on the shot i weighed about 140 lbs and in excellent shape.  overall ive gained about 70 lbs and im miserable.  i have the body of a woman who has given birth to a couple of kids (with the weight and stretch marks).  i started working out about 3-4 days a week and successfully kept off 30 lbs but it seems i cant get the last 40 or so lbs off.  the only serious problems ive had while being on the depo were continuous headaches, no periods @ all, ovarian cysts, and the weight gain.  i tried getting off of the depo once but about 1 wk after my last scheduled appt i bleed for 4-5 days straight and went through 3 packs of pads.  i would recommend to anyone who is thinking of getting off the shot to get on another form of BC like the pill or NuvaRing to reduce the risk of heavy bleeding.  i am only considering getting off of the shot in order to lose weight.  i think it is an excellent form of BC and would recommend it anyone with the exception of weight gain!!!

[Aleks889]

I am now 20 years old. I began the Depo Provera shot when I turned 18. After the first two injections I felt no difference. Since then it was all down hill. I would cry over nothing (literally) just sit there and begin to sob like a child. I became severely depressed and lost all interest in sex and pretty much everything in general. I am 5'8 and maintained an average weight of 130 for the past couple of years. My diet had not changed and neither had my work outs. I went from 130 to 159 in a matter of 4 months. My doctor began implying that I needed to eat less, work out more. I was at a complete loss of words. At my highest bout of depression I began obsessively compulsively working out intensely twice a day for 1 hour each time. Once in the after noon and once in the evening. I felt disgusted with my body. Non of my pants fit me any more, and I felt like a stranger in my own body. I worked out each day until the calorie counter on the elliptical read 1000 calories. I became almost self destructive in the fact that I spent most of my day eating only sugar free organic apple sauce. I was a size 5 in juniors when i began the shot, now I was struggling in the dressing room trying to pull a stretchy 11 over my cottage cheese. After a 3 weeks of rigorous exercise I weight my self and lost 2 pounds. It's been such a struggle ever since. Each day I try to eat healthy, telling my self that depravation wont get me anywhere. I am now at 153 and struggle each day with each meal, with each touch and each kiss. I hope to regain my passion for life and shed the pounds that are the reminder of the fine print I thought I was immune to. As of tomorrow my last shot expires and I hope to begin anew. I will never fall prey again to the mentality that makes us think that "I wont be the one who gets these side effects". Good Luck to everyone out there

[jg222]

I have been on Depo for 2 and half years, and stopped to give my body a break. Within 2 months, I have a regular period and my weight has been the same. I happen to work well with this form of birth control and now that I know my body can bounce back to regular periods, I look forward to not having a period by going back.
For my lifestyle, it works better than a pill and I do not want to get pregnant so Depo is the best solution.
I feel badly that it does not work for all, but for me, it has been great.

[problematique]

I went on various types of birth controls about a year ago because of a period that never stopped... nothing worked. So I had my period for about 6 months straight whilst trying all these pills and finally the depo shot made it stop. Although, while on all these different birth controls, I have been experiencing reoccurring yeast infections every couple of months, I've gained 10-15 pounds, and am just sick of the infections. Any help?? I'm going to buy an over the counter treatment today. Any advice on what to take? I'm way too scared to get off the shot and have a constant period again...

[MsLibra31]

i was on the depo years ago and i gained so much weight til im over weight know and i have tried everything to get it off i dont eat a lot im always on the go can anyone help me ms libra

[SurfergirlLaguna]

Yes, you can loose Depo Provera Weight and get your looks back. The reason you gained the weight is the Depo. Please know it is not your fault. Depo causes insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome (syndrome X) and ovarian cysts in some women. You were smart to discontinue it. Please Google insulin resistance. You can drop these pounds using low carb and zero carb diets. It won't take long. Some people with Insulin resistance that are put on the perscription drug Metformin drop the weight quickly, and feel better. It can make you feel ill at first, but that goes away.There are many options for you. I hope this helps.
I gained 70 lbs on Depo Provera. It's poison. I tried everthing to lose weight, and my OBGYN told me to stop taking Depo-It was the culprit. I did not lose weight until I started a zero carb diet though.