Going off Depo

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2006
Going off Depo
5
Sat, 11-04-2006 - 1:00pm

I was on depo provera for 6 months, and was due to get a shot 2 months ago and didn't get it because I thought it was causing me to have excessive headaches. I haven't gotten my period yet, and I'm not too worried about pregnancy because I still had protected sex with condoms, but I was wondering if anyone else had a lack of periods after withdrawing from the depo, and how long it took before their bodies regulated again.

Also, I am still breastfeeding my baby about 3 times a day (He's 11 mos old) so that probably throws my hormones off too.. any thoughts?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
In reply to: toroia
Mon, 11-06-2006 - 9:30am
Hi,
I am due for my next depo shot Wednesday. I have decided to switch to Nuvaring and not get the shot. I am breastfeeding my 6 month old ds. I think the depo hurts my mood swings and gives me zero libido. This is unusual because I even had a strong libido within a month of my son’s birth, but now I have none.
I can’t give you advice, but best of luck to you on this. I have heard it can take 9 – 18 months to get the depo out of your system and start cycling normally, so if you're being careful with the condoms I'd say you're ok there.
Hang in there and post how you are doing.
holly
Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-31-2006
In reply to: toroia
Mon, 11-06-2006 - 9:49am
I decided to get off depo and swtich to a non hormonal IUD. I got the IUD inserted last week but am not due for my new Depo shot till this week. Technically I havnt been off depo yet but when I dicussed this with my Doctor she said it would take me anywhere from 3 months to 8 months to get my cycle back. But she also reminded me that even if you are not having regular periods it does not mean that you can not get pregnant.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
In reply to: toroia
Mon, 11-06-2006 - 10:49pm

I'am finally off depo shot myself my doctor and i talked about switching to Loestrin 24Fe My doctor told me to start take Loestrin 24Fe when i start my period.. Well i had break out bleeding by missing my shot last September. Should i start my new birth control pills after next week if i don't have period?? What should I do if i don't have period at all do i just have to wait???

your truly,

Gigi

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
In reply to: toroia
Tue, 11-07-2006 - 10:31am


Gigi,

I am starting Nuvaring instead of taking my next shot. My shot is due tomorrow, and I will start the ring tonight or tomorrow. I do not want to leave any unprotected days in there and the prescribing info for Nuvaring says to start it on the day my shot is due. You might want to check the prescribing information that came with your pills. It might refer to depo as an “injectable” and say which day you should start the pill if you are switching from an injectable.

It is hard to predict when we might bleed again after depo.
Good luck,
Holly

Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2002
In reply to: toroia
Tue, 11-07-2006 - 3:20pm

Hi gigi2007,


Because your last shot was due back in September, you no longer have protection against pregnancy (in theory).