Help! Depo vs. Patch
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| Wed, 08-04-2004 - 12:41am |
I'm 21 and have been on Depo. for three years this September. I love the convenience of the shot (I could never take the pill, I would definitely forget), not having a period, and that it is one of the most effect methods of bc.
Unfortunately, I've been losing a lot of hair in the past several months and, despite working out 6 days a week, weight tranining 3 days a week, and cutting out most fats and carbs for 5 months, I have not lost a single pound or inch. I've gained about 10 or 15 lbs since starting Depo. (155 lbs., 5'6"), though I think starting college definitely contributed to the weight gain. I was always slightly over my ideal weight, so I would like to lose 25 lbs, but I would be happy with 10 or 15. I was tested for hypthyrodism, etc., so I'm almost positive that the Depo. is preventing the weight loss.
For this reason, I am considering switching to the Patch. Considering the effectiveness of Depo. (99.7%), I am very nervous about switching to a less effect method (even though it is only a .7% difference). I have had the same sexual partner since I started bc, so I am not concerned about STDs, but at 21 I am definitely not ready to have a child.
Basically, I am not sure if the descreased effectiveness is worth a change in bc since it is basically for vanity purposes. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the Patch or any problems. I am also slightly concerned about it sliding off, etc, though I know it is rare I really don't want to take any chances. If anyone has gotten pregnant while using the Patch correctly, please let me know! I would really like to make the switch and be able to get down to (around) my ideal weight, but if the increased risk of pregnancy is substanial that would, of course, take priority.
I really appreciate any help anyone can provide- sorry for the long post!
Thanks so much!!!

I also use depo - for over 4 years. I have been fortunate to not experience any weight gain (yet). I know my cousin switched from depo to the patch and was able to lose some weight. I do not know if one of the side effects of the patch is weight gain or not.
At the orthoevera webstie (www.orthoevra.com) it says this about side effects:
Are there any side effects associated with ORTHO EVRA?
In clinical trials of the ORTHO EVRA birth control patch, some women experienced breast symptoms, headache, application site reaction, nausea, upper respiratory infection, menstrual cramps and abdominal pain.
I would talk to your doctor about other bc options, whether it is the patch, nuva ring, etc. She will probably know of the best option for you. And I wouldn't list vanity as the top reason to switch - it's not healthy to be overweight. And it sounds like you are working really hard to try to lose weight and be healthy. It's especially frustrating not to see results after working so hard at it!
Good Luck!
art278
I'm most concerned, though, with the effectiveness of the patch. I'm fairly certain that if I make the switch and continue a healthy excersize/diet regime I'll lose weight eventually, but I don't want to do so at the risk of effectivenss.
Unfortunately, I can't really speak to my doctor- I see a military doctor (my mother is AF and it's the only way insurance will pay) and they are NOT helpful. In fact, they told me I would definitely gain 100 lbs. while on depo. and when I asked them if depo. could be causing the hair loss they said no (I went to Depo.'s website and it said yes). I'm going to call Planned Parenthood today, but I'd really like as much info. as I can since I know I won't get any help when I go into the doctor's office next week.
Thanks Again!
Have you thought about trying NuvaRing http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp ? NuvaRing is a flexible plastic ring worn in the vagina for 3 weeks and removed for 1 for your period. It has the lowest dose of Estrogen (15mcg) of any method available in the U.S. and a lot of members posting here love it. If I were to go back to hormones I’d try the ring as there is no danger of it coming off, sliding around or being seen as there is with the patch. Let us know what you decide, ok?
Good luck,
Jill
It's too bad you don't have a more understanding doctor. Going to PP is a good idea. If you are in college, going to the health center might be another option. I know that when I was in college, the health center had an excellent women's care department. There are so many forms of bc out there - hopefully you can find one that works best for your body!!
Good Luck - let us know what happens!
art278
Thanks again, but I can't go to the campus health center during the summer because there is a $50 charge. I did call PP yesterday, though, and they said the .7% difference between depo and the patch was human error. Considering that I take bc very seriously (at least more seriously than a lot of people I know, who don't seem to care when they skip a pill, "forget' condoms, etc), I don't think I will need to worry too much about the human error part, so it should be about as effective as depo. This is all what I got from PP, so if anyone has heard anything different, please let me know!
Also, thanks Jill for the info. about the ring, I had considered it before (my provider mentioned it when I went in for my last shot), but it really doesn't seem like the best option for me. But thanks!!