Need alternative to Depo

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2006
Need alternative to Depo
13
Tue, 05-09-2006 - 5:33pm

I just recently found out that Depo Provera causes significant bone loss/calcium depletion in women who have been on it for a prolonged period of time. I also found out that while the bones loss is reversible for most, it's more than likely not reversible for women who started on Depo between 18 and 21. I was 20 when I started, and lemme tell ya - I'm PEEVED that not one of my doctors mentioned this.

While I'm still young enough to do something about it (30), I want to switch my method of BC so that I can start trying to gain back some of that lost calcium. The problem is, I've really come to love and rely on not having a period, not gaining weight, and not having my already sensitive and bad skin get any worse.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there a method that you've used that you love/hate? I already know that a daily pill will be a tough one for me - I've never had to worry about the routine of taking a daily pill before, so it's not likely I'll get into the groove of it anytime soon.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Amy

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 05-09-2006 - 10:40pm

Hi

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 05-10-2006 - 7:42am

Jill gave you some good suggestions!

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
Avatar for jenn77lee
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 05-11-2006 - 5:07pm

Amy,


I agree with both opinions above.

Siggie_April2008

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2005
Sat, 05-13-2006 - 10:47pm

Hey,

I just wanted to share my experience. I used depo for awhile and loved a lot of the things you've mentioned (no periods, nothing to remember). Unfortunately, for me depo caused a lot of weight gain and I was really moody. Anyway, I wanted to keep the depo benefits but lose some of the drawbacks, so I tried the Minera IUD. I still had some slight weight issues, but aside from that, it was an excellent experience. I did not have any periods when I had Minera and there was no day to day hassle. I know you are supposed to check the strings, but I'll admit it, I never did (honestly, not even once, oops).

Anyway, that's just my experience. I am a big fan of the IUD in general now that I've tried it. Oh, and I am 24 and have never had a child, by the way. I hope that helps you some.

-Nikki

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2005
Sun, 05-14-2006 - 11:56am

Before you stop a method that you have been successful using what did you doctor say when you asked them about the warning? From what I know, many doctors don't feel this warning is warrented. There is no long term clinical proof about the bone loss issue. The FDA has been making a series of rash decisions due to fear of appearing complacent. We live in a Vioxx environment and they are scared of the lawyers...just as the drug companies and doctors.

I am still on the ortho evra patch and love it. I spoke to my doctor about the recent warnings about it and he told me what I have been telling you about the shot. As for the patch, it does deliver more estrogen over the course of a month, but it doesn't peak as high as the pill. Getting pregnant is more risky than any of these methods!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 05-14-2006 - 2:33pm

Hi dbovin, welcome back,


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2005
Sun, 05-14-2006 - 5:45pm
I completely agree. What do you have to say about the notation in the Nuvaring PI about an increased risk in DVT with Desogestral containing products?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 05-14-2006 - 8:25pm

That knowledge has been available for years and is

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2006
Sun, 05-14-2006 - 9:39pm
I was 18 when I went on depo. I loved it, but because of the bone loss, I went off it when I was 22. It was awesome not having my period for 4 years. I then went on the patch. It was okay. The patch tended to slide around a little and it was really expensive, about $45 a month, because prescription plans do not cover it. My doctor took me off it about 2 months ago because of the blood clot warning for this medication. She was taking everyone she had prescribed to off of it. She then put me on Seasonal. Now the only reason I had not taken a pill all those other years was because I often forgot. But with it just being me and my husband, I keep it on the kitchen island and take it around 6 oclock when I am making dinner. Very rarely do I ever forget it. And if i do, I just take it when I do remember. Now I would rather take Seasonal instead of the patch and nuva ring because you take the pills for 3 months and then you take the "sugar pills" for a week. You only get your period 4 times a year!!! A lot better than 12 times a year. And prescription plans pay for it too. I only have to pay $40 every 3 months for it. Thats a $380 savings from the patch.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 05-15-2006 - 7:28am

The other thing is that the warnings about increased DVT risk don't seem to have panned out like the increased risk from the higher estrogen in the patch (though it doesn't peak as high as the pill, the sustained exposure is higher than the average).

Judie Cl for Birth Control 

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