Depo concerns/side effects

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-20-2004
Depo concerns/side effects
4
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 1:44pm
I have been on the Depo shot for one month and one day. I am a little concerned about the side effects I have been experiencing. The very first day I took it I almost fainted a few hours later. I had to leave work early. Here are my symptoms:

-my hair is falling out (not bad but enought to notice)

-I have been having cramps every day

-I have been spotting for 3 straight weeks, and it seems to be getting heavier

-I have been getting heartburn (which I have only had 3 times in my life and that was with all three of my pregnancies)

-I have gained 13lbs in ONE month. Fortunately, I am very thin so I have no problem hididng it but I hardly gained that when I was pregnant!

-Dizziness! I have to hold onto things sometimes because I am so dizzy!

-Worst of all, I have noticed a slight fishy smell down there. It isn't too bad but I noticed it and I certainly don't want my b/f to notice too. I don't know if it is from the shot or because I have been spotting for 3 weeks. That is my biggest concern of all of my side effects. I recently left my husband and this new b/f is the first person I've been with (other than husband) for the last 7 years. I am pretty sure he is clean but there is always that what if.....

I just feel so....pregnant. That is what these side effects feel like. I am miserable, and embarassed!

Anyone else heard of this happening?! Help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 03-18-2004 - 8:11pm
Hi Karen, welcome!

Depo is a very powerful progestin and can have some pretty harsh side effects.

Irregular bleeding is a common side effect during the first few months on Depo and weight gain while on Depo is common also. See: http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/article01.cfm?art=256 You might want to talk with you doc about what you are experiencing. The odor might indicate a bacterial infection. It would be a good idea to insist on using condoms until you and bf are tested and found free of STIs. Post and let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck (((hugs)))

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2003
Fri, 03-19-2004 - 8:45am
I had the prolonged light bleeding and accompanying yuckiness for 3 of my first 4 shot cycles. Also, the heartburn and hair loss. My doc put me on a 2 week dose of estrodial (estrogen pills) to stop the bleeding each time and it worked but would start again a week or so after the next shot.

Doc said some people just don't respond well to the shot and suggested I start something else. I've been on the patch for 3 weeks now and am equally miserable from different symptoms. I'm trying a pill next. Here's hoping.

If you want to ask your doc about the estrogen pills, they do work for some people. Otherwise, I'd suggest a different type of BC.

Good luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-20-2004
Fri, 03-19-2004 - 12:54pm
Thanks. I called my doctor yesterday (with no response) and called again today. Hopefully someone will call me back. I will definitely ask for the Estrodial...I wrote it down so that I would remember! What side effects are you having with the patch? That was going to be my next choice. I guess maybe I should stick to the pill, I never had problems with it before. I just hate remembering every day!
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-20-2004
Fri, 03-19-2004 - 3:25pm
Just an update:

I called my doctor and insisted that I stay on hold until I speak to someone. She is giving me the Estrodial today (thank you!) and I have an appt on Monday because they think the shot caused a bacterial infection (thanks, again!) You guys are awesome.