Need alternative to Depo
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| 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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Hi
Jill
Jill gave you some good suggestions!
Amy,
I agree with both opinions above.
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
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!!
Hi dbovin, welcome back,
Jill
That knowledge has been available for years and is
Jill
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).
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