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weight gain after stopping depo
I used depo provera injections for two and a half years. It's been over a year since my last injection. within the first six months after stopping the shot I gained 40lbs without a change in my diet and excercise.I was told this was unusual to gain after stopping the shot and that i may never lose the weight. Is this true? or is the only way to go back on the shot because while i was on the shot i actually lost weight.but if that's the answer won't i be trapped on the shot forever?
I just stopped taking the Depo Shot in December 2018 and I have also been going crazy as to why I’m gaining weight. I have gained 10 pounds in less than 2 months!!!! I have been excercising and eating less and still waking up to a higher scale. Definitely not going back to Depo and I don’t how I’m going to stop the weight gain.
Oh I'm so glad to have found this chat. I've been going out of my mind watching my body grow everyday, when my lifestyle hasn't changed that much! I thought it was because of coming off the Depo and now I'm certain! Thank you for all of the comments, you've helped me realise what is going on!
SAMS HERE! So I was on depo for 15 years (since age 16) ... anyways I always weighed around 90 lbs I’m petite. Anyways I went off it 3 months ago bc my husband and I want to have a baby hopefully and I have gained 20lbs in 3 months!!! No change to diet and if anything I’m exercising more than usual. I’m scared I’m just going to keep gaining. I just got my period yesterday for the first time in 15 years. I just feel like my body is so out of wack.
I started depo at 18 years old @170 lbs.(I have big bones, I’ve always looked 20 pounds less than whatever weight) anyways my weight gain on the shot was slow. In the 3 years I was in depo I gained about 20lbs. I expected some weight gain. And honestly to make it 3 years without any pregnancies was a triumph, so the 20 pounds I accepted. However if I had of knew what I know know I would have not gotten on it. At 21 I decided to get off the depo. In a matter of months I gained 50 pounds! Months! And have not been able to loose the weight after trying for a year! I have not felt like myself since. I refuse to date
If you do stop the shot because of weight gain, don't start taking the pill right away. Use a nonhormonal form of birth control for several months until your periods resume on a normal schedule—a sign that your body's progesterone levels have returned to normal.
it doesn't seem like there are any real answers for this, I start the depo couple of years back and the nurse always told me it was fine to stay on until i found it it takes a year to be able to conceive. so last October i decided to finish it since then i have gained 2 and a half stone! it just keeps piling and piling on, i dont eat like a pig and even during the last week iv been eating well and exercising and just gained more weight! it is insane and really getting me down. im hoping its due to hormone changes :( i have gained 2 dress sizes and its all on my stomach boobs and legs. i just feel swollen and its becoming really noticeable now
Hello! There is always a risk to birth control and medications. I was on Depo Pavera for about seven years. I lost about 15 - 20 pounds while on the shot. My oldest daughter was on the shot for about two years and had the occasional break through bleeding, but other than that no complaints. My youngest daughter gained a couple of pounds while on Depo Pravera. She decided to quit the shot about six months ago. Since then she has gained over 40 pounds and counting. Her weight gain is so bad that she has nasty stretch marks on her legs, butt, belly, arms and other places. It's heart breaking to look at my youngest daughter because her body has gone wacky. The doctor has her on another type of birth control. The doctor believes that most of the damage can be reversed, but those stretch marks are going to last a life time. One birth control or medication does not fit all. Please weigh your options carefully when deciding on what's best for your body.
I wish I knew then what I know now about Depo Provera! I would have stayed far, far away from it. I'm 26-years-old and I was on Depo Provera for approximately three years. My boyfriend of one year was skeptical about the shot from the beginning of our relationship, and although he suggested that I quit taking it, I chose to continue the injections because of the convenience factor. Not having to worry about birth control for three months at a time was terrific... That is, until I did extensive research and read forum after forum of women sharing their awful experiencs with the drug.
I have been off of the shot for a little over two months now. I've had random bleeding, but nothing terribly heavy. But the weight gain... It all makes sense now! I am 5'4" and 120 pounds. Before quitting the shot, I was 112 pounds. Sure, eight pounds isn't much, but for someone of my size and given my activity level, it's noticeable. I eat very healthy 85% of the time (rarely do I indulge in sweets) , and I lift weights with my boyfriend 3-4 times a week. I've noticed weight gain in my stomach and in my thighs, and it isn't muscle gain. At this point, I'm convinced that it's because I quit Depo Provera.
The drug is a double-edged sword. If you're taking it, there are risks. I've read of women struggling to regain their fertility after quitting the shot. Not to mention, not having a period can be extremely scary for a female. As a woman, you are supposed to menstruate. Taking a drug that stops menstruation or any natural bodily processes cannot good for you! On the other hand, if you stop taking it, you are prone to weight gain. I've also heard of women having painful, insanely heavy periods that last for months and months at a time (that has not happened to me, thank goodness).
My advice is to stay away from this drug. There isn't enough research and there are too many strange side effects that come with it. Aside from the weight gain, I will say that ever since I stopped taking Depo Provera, my sex drive has increased SIGNIFICANTLY and I feel much better in general. It was as if a fog was lifted and my body feels normal and cleansed. Hopefully eating even healthier than I already do and adding more cardio to my workouts will help me get rid of the extra weight. Fingers crossed!
Sincerely,
Jess
I have been off of the shot for a little over two months now. I've had random bleeding, but nothing terribly heavy. But the weight gain... It all makes sense now! I am 5'4" and 120 pounds. Before quitting the shot, I was 112 pounds. Sure, eight pounds isn't much, but for someone of my size and given my activity level, it's noticeable. I eat very healthy 85% of the time (rarely do I indulge in sweets) , and I lift weights with my boyfriend 3-4 times a week. I've noticed weight gain in my stomach and in my thighs, and it isn't muscle gain. At this point, I'm convinced that it's because I quit Depo Provera.
The drug is a double-edged sword. If you're taking it, there are risks. I've read of women struggling to regain their fertility after quitting the shot. Not to mention, not having a period can be extremely scary for a female. As a woman, you are supposed to menstruate. Taking a drug that stops menstruation or any natural bodily processes cannot good for you! On the other hand, if you stop taking it, you are prone to weight gain. I've also heard of women having painful, insanely heavy periods that last for months and months at a time (that has not happened to me, thank goodness).
My advice is to stay away from this drug. There isn't enough research and there are too many strange side effects that come with it. Aside from the weight gain, I will say that ever since I stopped taking Depo Provera, my sex drive has increased SIGNIFICANTLY and I feel much better in general. It was as if a fog was lifted and my body feels normal and cleansed. Hopefully eating even healthier than I already do and adding more cardio to my workouts will help me get rid of the extra weight. Fingers crossed!
Sincerely,
Jess
I have read and can relate to many stories. I too have had to figure out what was happening with my body through internet research. The first time I started taking depo was in 2010. I weighed 110 lbs (I am 5'1) the most I ever weighed my entire life (my son was 7 at this time). After my first dose i gained about 5lbs. My weight was stable at 115lbs for the two years i was on it. I decided to stop getting the injections for two reasons. First reason being that my shoulder kept making this popping noise and second, I wasn't indulging in sexual activies due to a break up. I never went back for my dose in June 2012. By July I weighed 130lbs! My thighs were huge and my inner thighs were rubbing together! My size A cup breast swell to a full B cup. My stomach was pouty (i used to have a six pack...abs). I felt like someone blew me up like I was a balloon. By Febuary 2013 I was seeing someone again. After a preganacy scare I decided to resume my "stress free" birth control...DEPO! In May 2013 I started my first dose. The weight immediately began to disappear. My breast got smaller. My butt got smaller. My thighs got smaller!!! Its been a little over a year for me on the shot this second time around. Im taking calcium and haven't had any bone issues. I weigh 123lbs and I'm comfortable.
Hello,
I was 37 y/o and 128lbs when I took my first depo. All together I received four shots before quitting due to a 20lb wt gain. I am now 43 and have gained another 20+lbs, I have been small my entire life by eating low carb and walking a little. I have tried fasting for days at a time, pure protein only, one small ( lettuce only) salad a day (for two weeks),and numerous diet pills including adipex. I have managed to lose minute amts of wt. only to gain it back with an additional cpl of lbs. I retain fluid, swell horribly, and have massive all over body fat with my belly so rotund that I look pregnant all the time. Dr. can't find anything wrong. My biggest complaint is the overwhelming profound fatigue I experience daily. The fatigue has ruined my life and keeps me miserable it is so disabling. I am a Registered Nurse and any and every opportunity I get to warn women of this poison I do so. Also, I am so SICK and TIRED of people implying that Im lazy, undisciplined, and must be cheating on my diets. I would love to force everyone who tries to suggest the right way for me to lose wt. to have to sit and read this very forum. Sorry for the rant, but finding this site makes me feel as if I can vent my outrage and it will be understood. We have a sisterhood of sorts lol.
I was 37 y/o and 128lbs when I took my first depo. All together I received four shots before quitting due to a 20lb wt gain. I am now 43 and have gained another 20+lbs, I have been small my entire life by eating low carb and walking a little. I have tried fasting for days at a time, pure protein only, one small ( lettuce only) salad a day (for two weeks),and numerous diet pills including adipex. I have managed to lose minute amts of wt. only to gain it back with an additional cpl of lbs. I retain fluid, swell horribly, and have massive all over body fat with my belly so rotund that I look pregnant all the time. Dr. can't find anything wrong. My biggest complaint is the overwhelming profound fatigue I experience daily. The fatigue has ruined my life and keeps me miserable it is so disabling. I am a Registered Nurse and any and every opportunity I get to warn women of this poison I do so. Also, I am so SICK and TIRED of people implying that Im lazy, undisciplined, and must be cheating on my diets. I would love to force everyone who tries to suggest the right way for me to lose wt. to have to sit and read this very forum. Sorry for the rant, but finding this site makes me feel as if I can vent my outrage and it will be understood. We have a sisterhood of sorts lol.
1 Comments
I no this is an old post but I totally believe you and am sorry this has happened to you..my sister also is struggling from the very same shot with the same side affects! She looks pregnant and doesn't eat much but looks like she eats a ton..she was on this for 2 years and it's taking over for who she was..if I would have know it was from the shot I wouldn't have gone on it...I'm on it now and gaining..this is my first shot and also my last..I'm trying to lose weight and be healthy but seems like the weight keeps rising..so I'm taking natural herbs to help hormones and balance them and help my liver
I just went though all of your post. Your suggestion is my last hope. Sincke 2010 I have been trying to lose the weight i have gained. 50 lbs in total. I was 120 and now up to 170. I have tried worked out to the point i fractured my ankles, becuase i over did it. I have tired vitamins, striving myself, veg. diet etc.
But i am going to try the zero carb diet. I am just wondering while doing this, was your calories at 1000 per day? and were you working out? If so how much and how often?
Thanks...hopefully2010
But i am going to try the zero carb diet. I am just wondering while doing this, was your calories at 1000 per day? and were you working out? If so how much and how often?
Thanks...hopefully2010
I was on the depo shot over 7 years, I was supposed to have a shot in late June. I just turned 50 and decided I should quit. It took over 4 months to have a period, and it is a good one. Hoping it will end soon. I have bloated up 20 lbs. After a month I gain15 lbs. in one week, I freaked out and started researching. I believe it is because I finally got off the depo shot, and have been reading similar horror stories. I will keep off, and try the zero-to low carb diet. I hope for the best. My husband said he had a friend and it did the same thing, and it took over a year to get normal again.I can only hope, it is nice hearing I am not the only one that has this problem. I used to be a small size 4 and I hope I can get back there again.
Tired of being fat.
Tired of being fat.
Hi Julesinlondon,
I was on depo for about 3 years then went off then on again...my last shot was about 2 years ago, 1st year wasnt too bad started to get my period back every sort of 2 weeks but about 3 months ago my period stopped completly and I have also gained about 4 kilos since then, doctor told me its normal and I should wait another 3 months and if still nothing then they will put me on the pill ( I was on the pill briefly before and it was terrible!! weight gain, massive breasts, felt like a walking balloon all the time) I really want to go back on depo too as the same as you I had no side effects and actually lost weight and could eat anything I wanted. My weight is really putting me down, I exercise about 5 days a week and its not getting any better so I started throwing up after meals just to keep my weight from getting any worse. Really depressed about it as nothing fits any more. Not planning to have children either. What I wanted to ask you is do you think if I go back on the depo will it effect me in a same way again? And I will lose the weight? When I started the depo the first time I was about 23, now 31. Thanks for any advice
I was on depo for about 3 years then went off then on again...my last shot was about 2 years ago, 1st year wasnt too bad started to get my period back every sort of 2 weeks but about 3 months ago my period stopped completly and I have also gained about 4 kilos since then, doctor told me its normal and I should wait another 3 months and if still nothing then they will put me on the pill ( I was on the pill briefly before and it was terrible!! weight gain, massive breasts, felt like a walking balloon all the time) I really want to go back on depo too as the same as you I had no side effects and actually lost weight and could eat anything I wanted. My weight is really putting me down, I exercise about 5 days a week and its not getting any better so I started throwing up after meals just to keep my weight from getting any worse. Really depressed about it as nothing fits any more. Not planning to have children either. What I wanted to ask you is do you think if I go back on the depo will it effect me in a same way again? And I will lose the weight? When I started the depo the first time I was about 23, now 31. Thanks for any advice
Update: Its now been over 2 years since I've been off the shot and I still can't lose a pound. I've done all the non-carb diets there are and it didn't do a damn thing. and I'm not kidding...i've been NO CARB for almost a year now. I see a personal trainer 3 days a week for an hour, and then I do an hour of cardio the other 4 days of the week (been doing this religiously for 3 months now) and I still cannot lose an ounce of weight.
I haven't worn a pair of jeans in about 3 months because jeans do not fit me anymore...its all yoga and pajama pants for me now. I haven't been on a date in over a year...and I just don't have any desire to put my nasty body out there anymore. I don't know if I'll ever have the confidence to find someone and fall in love ever again. Hell I lost my job and had to move back in with my parents because all the doctor visits cleaned out my bank accounts...and what came from that? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. After spending a year of going to doctor after doctor and no one listening to me and all of them telling me nothing is wrong I've given up on modern medicine.
Now I've resorted to seeing plastic surgeons to see how much it is to get my huge love handles and thunder thighs sucked out because absolutely no amount of diet or activity is changing the damage this drug caused to my body.
I haven't worn a pair of jeans in about 3 months because jeans do not fit me anymore...its all yoga and pajama pants for me now. I haven't been on a date in over a year...and I just don't have any desire to put my nasty body out there anymore. I don't know if I'll ever have the confidence to find someone and fall in love ever again. Hell I lost my job and had to move back in with my parents because all the doctor visits cleaned out my bank accounts...and what came from that? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. After spending a year of going to doctor after doctor and no one listening to me and all of them telling me nothing is wrong I've given up on modern medicine.
Now I've resorted to seeing plastic surgeons to see how much it is to get my huge love handles and thunder thighs sucked out because absolutely no amount of diet or activity is changing the damage this drug caused to my body.
So my last shot was september 2011, I did not go back for my December shot. I was on it for about a year and a half. After not getting my shot, I have gained about 15 pounds and have tried everything. I've always been fit. I am also having random cramps and my breasts are still tender. I've had about 6 periods in the last 2 months. I'm wondering if me starting my period means that the Depo is leaving my system. I am interested in that no carb diet, though. By chance, does anyone know roughly how long the Depo will remain in the fat tissue? Reading this blog made me feel a lot better. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
I got 3 injections of depo. I never went back to get my shot in December, for many reasons. I lost weight with the first injection n then I gained 5-10 lbs with the next one. I decided to continue with depo and work out more to manage the weight (the shot seemed to be a very good birth control option for me) then I gained about 15-20 more. After I stopped the shot I still gained around 10 more pounds. The extra weight makes me feel terrible and along with it, I'm still suffering from other lasting effects 4 months later and no period.
When I was 17 I started Depo and stayed on it for 2 years. I had no issues back then. Well jump ahead to 28 and I decided to go back on it. After 6 months I noticed slight weight gain and some bloating so I decided to stop. That was Oct. 2011 and now it is March 2012 and I have gained 15 pounds and I have constant bloating and uncomfortableness in my stomach. This is every day and has affected my life to the point where I am extremely depressed about it. I have had so many tests done and have even visited a gastroenterologist about my stomach weight gain to rule anything out. Well I am positive now that it is due to Depo. In January I started the Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 and was religious about it. I actually gained weight do to muscle but was so disappointed! I should have had a six pack and instead my stomach looked like I was 4 months pregnant. My boobs are so extremely tender all the time too. I've always had a wonderful metabolism and have always been active. I am 5'4" and since highschool my weight has always been a constant 110-115. Now I weight 130! All because of Depo. I hate hate hate this birth control. I have only gotten my period once and it lasted a few hours. I am so frustrated with my body and nothing I do works. Can't wait to get this out of my system. Has anyone else had the extreme bloating and uncomfortable stomach? I have about 4 rolls when I sit down and can't seem to tighten up the excess skin. Even after I drink water this happens. Hurts to suck my stomach in which is what I constantly have to do. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Thanks
When I was 17 I started Depo and stayed on it for 2 years. I had no issues back then. Well jump ahead to 28 and I decided to go back on it. After 6 months I noticed slight weight gain and some bloating so I decided to stop. That was Oct. 2011 and now it is March 2012 and I have gained 15 pounds and I have constant bloating and uncomfortableness in my stomach. This is every day and has affected my life to the point where I am extremely depressed about it. I have had so many tests done and have even visited a gastroenterologist about my stomach weight gain to rule anything out. Well I am positive now that it is due to Depo. In January I started the Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 and was religious about it. I actually gained weight do to muscle but was so disappointed! I should have had a six pack and instead my stomach looked like I was 4 months pregnant. My boobs are so extremely tender all the time too. I've always had a wonderful metabolism and have always been active. I am 5'4" and since highschool my weight has always been a constant 110-115. Now I weight 130! All because of Depo. I hate hate hate this birth control. I have only gotten my period once and it lasted a few hours. I am so frustrated with my body and nothing I do works. Can't wait to get this out of my system. Has anyone else had the extreme bloating and uncomfortable stomach? I have about 4 rolls when I sit down and can't seem to tighten up the excess skin. Even after I drink water this happens. Hurts to suck my stomach in which is what I constantly have to do. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Thanks
My advice is to just keep having the injections. Although I have had friends who have had horrible side-effects with Depo, I never felt any. In fact, I lost weight on Depo where I know most people gain weight after starting the injection. Plus, when I was off of the injection, I started getting very irregular periods - some lasting 2 weeks - and so that was another incentive to go back on. Not only did my periods stop again (which is great) I lost the 15 excess pounds within a few weeks. Thank goodness. I was starting to get quite depressed about my body and the depo definitely helped me get back to where I was pre-stopping the shot. Good luck!
I have been on depo for 13 years. I am 13 lbs. heavier since starting and I think most of the weight gain occurred early on. I am 43 and do not plan on having children. The post-depo weight gain stories are unbelievable!!! I am due for my injection Monday and I was seriously thinking of stopping but I can't afford the extra weight gain. I am 5'4 and am most comfortable at 115 which I haven't seen in awhile.
Dear all,
I wanted to share my experience. I too had gained a lot of weight after coming off of depo provera 2 years ago and went from 115 to around 130 within one year (despite the fact that I eat very healthy and workout on a daily basis). Nothing was working, even a low-carb diet - I just kept putting on weight and I was miserable. As I am not planning on having children, I have resumed my depo injections. Within the first 5 days, I started losing the gained weight. I have now just had my second injection and am down to my normal weight again - 118 pounds. Going back on depo worked - I lost all of the weight I had gained after stopping. I know that this is not an option for everyone, but it certainly worked for me.
Hope that is helpful.
I wanted to share my experience. I too had gained a lot of weight after coming off of depo provera 2 years ago and went from 115 to around 130 within one year (despite the fact that I eat very healthy and workout on a daily basis). Nothing was working, even a low-carb diet - I just kept putting on weight and I was miserable. As I am not planning on having children, I have resumed my depo injections. Within the first 5 days, I started losing the gained weight. I have now just had my second injection and am down to my normal weight again - 118 pounds. Going back on depo worked - I lost all of the weight I had gained after stopping. I know that this is not an option for everyone, but it certainly worked for me.
Hope that is helpful.
hello there,
thanks for all your help and advice, i was on depo for 11 yrs came off last Aug 2010 as i wanted to start a family, the last 1 1/2yrs have been TERRIBLE, weight gain, bloating, anxiety, breast soreness and my boobs hav gotten bigger, acne etc etc, i tried, hebal teas, sitting in a steam room, exercise, liver detoxes...finally my periods are back to a normal cycle BUT does this mean that the depo is finally out of my system coz ive noticed i still havent lost the bloatness and sore, massive boobs, i would go to my doctor but they all say its in my head so in other words there idiots with no idea!!! i hope this question isnt too confusing for you, i only ask u as u have experinced it...thanks for you time
thanks for all your help and advice, i was on depo for 11 yrs came off last Aug 2010 as i wanted to start a family, the last 1 1/2yrs have been TERRIBLE, weight gain, bloating, anxiety, breast soreness and my boobs hav gotten bigger, acne etc etc, i tried, hebal teas, sitting in a steam room, exercise, liver detoxes...finally my periods are back to a normal cycle BUT does this mean that the depo is finally out of my system coz ive noticed i still havent lost the bloatness and sore, massive boobs, i would go to my doctor but they all say its in my head so in other words there idiots with no idea!!! i hope this question isnt too confusing for you, i only ask u as u have experinced it...thanks for you time
I have expierenced the same thing!! I took depo for 2 years. Lost 19 pounds while on depo. Stopping dating - so I stopped depo in October of 2011. I have gained 14 pounds just since the first week of October just because I stopped the depo shot. My appetite has drastically increased and the majority of the weight is in my mid section!
:-(
:-(
I only took this shot one time, Before i had took it, I was at a normal weight of 120. Never had any problems with gaining weight, was able to eat anything without having to worry about it, After the shot ran its 3 month course, I gained a total of 50 lbs. I was devistated! Never before in my life have i looked worse. I can run and exercise daily and it dosent do anything for me, however i did try the hcg diet and i was able to loose about 10 pounds in one month. But as soon as i stopped the shot , the weight creeped back up on me. All i can say is i been miserable with the weight gain. I dont recommend the shot to anyone!
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