Switching from depo provera

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2004
Switching from depo provera
2
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 2:10pm
I have been receiving the depo provera shot but I am experiencing unpleasant mood side effects and I am worried about potential health risks down the road. I am thinking about switching to a different type of hormonal birth control (pill, patch, etc.) Any advice on which methods are the safest and most effective. How do I go about making the transition? I have done a lot of research but I am looking for personal experience rather than drug company propaganda. Thanks for the help!
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2004
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 2:40pm
I am so glad to hear you are switching. Depo is poison to your body and mind. I have had terrible experiences with depo-I would never recommend it for anybody.

I was on the pill for many years and never had a problem with it. (I had to switch, over 35 and smoke) I was on lo-ovral for many moons and it worked out great for me. I think you'll have to try different ones before you find the match for you.

The patch? I haven't heard a lot about that. The mirena iud, I have read up on and that also has bad side-effects. So I'm kinda in that same boat with you. Good Luck.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2004
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 2:58pm
Firstly, all hormonal forms of birth control come with a listed litany of bad side effects. Just because it`s on the list does NOT mean it will always happen to you. Mirena IUD actually has a pretty low instance of negative side effects because of the very, very small amount of progestin it releases.

As for other low-hormonal methods of birth control, they`re generally considered safer. Nuvaring has the lowest dose of hormones on the market; lower than any pill or other method. There are also a wide variety of low hormone pills that you can check out in many places on this message board.

To switch from Depo to another method, begin the new method on the day you are scheduled to receive your next shot. Use back-up for at least the first week - this board recommends the first month.

Hope this helps!

Lena

Who loves Depo but realizes that it`s not everybody`s cup of tea.