Weight gain from Depo

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-05-2004
Weight gain from Depo
4
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 12:27pm
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 2:24pm
Hi girrlzilla, welcome back!

Unfortunately weight gain on Depo is very common. Depo is the only hormonal contraceptive that I know of where the manufacturer specifically says in the prescribing information that weight gain can be a side effect. Since you have stopped taking Depo you can no longer count on it as an effective method of contraception. While it's true that when coming off Depo the return of fertility for some women can take up to 18 months no one knows for whom fertility will return immediately and for whom it will be delayed. So be sure you're using an effective method of contraception. Let us know what method you choose and how you're doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 4:35pm
I am in the same boat!!!

I've been on depo for 4 years, and have continually gained 10+ pounds per year. I have been to Weight Watchers, TOPS, and gyms, and have tried every diet pill out there to help me lose weight - nothing has worked. I am currently 280. My mother was on the shot for about a year, and noticed that she could feel herself gaining after each shot. She also said she could feel her appetite increase.

I started getting the shot after being on the pill for 10 years. I started on the pill when I was 14 because of SEVERE menstrual cramps. The cramps were so bad that my body would go into shock and I would go unconscious (pass out). Even the pill didn't help - and that is the only reason that I love depo.

If you all find another choice out there, please let me know!!

Good luck!!!!!!

Liz

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2004
Sat, 11-06-2004 - 1:23am
I too, gained weight with depo, amongst other problems with it (constant bleeding, headaches, etc) I am now back on the pill, because my insuarnce pays for it. I did try the Nuva Ring for a month and it wasn't bad. Maybe you should consider trying that?
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2004
Sat, 11-06-2004 - 5:33pm
hey

i didnt gain any weight for the first year and a half, i actually lost weight. but then in the past 10 months i have gained almost 30 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!! insane. plus i have gotten really bad acne in that time period. this past week i have gone back on the pill, marvelon, so hopefully things will go back to normal. i was told my a doctor today that i should see a lot of improvements and be much happier now.

definitly going to tell my doctor when i see her monday to let people know that the affects can take a long time to happen.