weight gain after stopping depo

[nemo1986]

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?

[JenWin1234]

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.

[Jess0601]

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

[BlueGrey37]

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.  

[notodepo]

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.

[Thaosart]

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

[hopefully2010]

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

[jcmm]

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.