Depo Privera question

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2004
Depo Privera question
1
Tue, 05-18-2004 - 9:30am
Hi! I am new to this discussion, it seems like a great forum, though. I just got a Depo Privera shot three weeks ago and am wonering two things: Is it safe while nursing? My doctor says so... and I seem to be having a light period. I am pretty sure this is normal, but how long will it last and when does it get regular?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 05-19-2004 - 8:10am
Yes, Depo is considered safe to use while nursing because it doesn't contain estrogen. Women who are nursing need to either use barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms or progestin-only methods like the progestin-only pill or Depo or IUD's or Fertility Awareness/Natural Family Planning. Just no estrogen, it tends to diminish milk supply and does show up in breast milk.

It's very common to have irregular bleeding with Depo. For some women it continues, for some it stops, you won't know which until it happens though because we all tolerate hormones a little differently. And when you stop nursing things might change again because your hormones will be different then than they are now. You won't have regular periods with Depo because it stops you from ovulating (why you have periods in the first place) and there's no hormone-free interval to allow for bleeding (like with the pill), most women on Depo have no bleeding at all for the entire time they use it.

Good luck, if you have any other questions please post!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control