TheDepo-Proverashot may cause side effects, which can include:Irregular menstrual bleedingNo periodsAnxiety and mood changesWeight gainDelayed fertilityAbdominal painHeadacheLocal injection reactionsSide effects typically occur within the first year of using the Depo shot as your body gets used to the medication. More serious side effects, such as bone loss, can also occur with use.Depo-Provera is an injection that is given every 12 weeks. When used correctly, it is as much as 99.7% effective.As a progestin-only birth control, it may be a great choice if you are unable to use estrogen-based birth control.Read on to learn more about common Depo side effects that you should consider before starting the shot, as well as those you should bring to your healthcare provider’s attention if you already take it.Verywell / Emily Roberts
TheDepo-Proverashot may cause side effects, which can include:
Side effects typically occur within the first year of using the Depo shot as your body gets used to the medication. More serious side effects, such as bone loss, can also occur with use.
Depo-Provera is an injection that is given every 12 weeks. When used correctly, it is as much as 99.7% effective.As a progestin-only birth control, it may be a great choice if you are unable to use estrogen-based birth control.
Read on to learn more about common Depo side effects that you should consider before starting the shot, as well as those you should bring to your healthcare provider’s attention if you already take it.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Irregular Menstrual BleedingMenstrual cycle changes are the most common side effects of the Depo-Provera shot. Many individuals stop using it within the first year because of irregular spotting or bleeding. This side effect can last more than a year for some people.There is no way to predict who will experience this Depo shot side effect or how severe it may be. In some cases, ending the treatment is the only option.For others, supplementation like Lysteda (tranexamic acid) and Ponstel (mefenamic acid) may provide short-term relief until the body gets used to Depo-Provera.Spotting and Bleeding With Depo-Provera
Irregular Menstrual Bleeding
Menstrual cycle changes are the most common side effects of the Depo-Provera shot. Many individuals stop using it within the first year because of irregular spotting or bleeding. This side effect can last more than a year for some people.
There is no way to predict who will experience this Depo shot side effect or how severe it may be. In some cases, ending the treatment is the only option.
For others, supplementation like Lysteda (tranexamic acid) and Ponstel (mefenamic acid) may provide short-term relief until the body gets used to Depo-Provera.
Spotting and Bleeding With Depo-Provera
No Periods
After a few shots, Depo-Provera may stopmenstruationaltogether in some people. Others may have very light periods. This is often considered a positive side effect of the Depo shot.
Many are willing to tolerate the initial bleeding with the hopes of not having a period anymore.
Anxiety and Mood Changes
Some people have reported mood changes, depression, and anxiety while using Depo-Provera, but the evidence that the shot causes these side effects is inconsistent.
If you have a history of depression, you should be monitored for mood-related side effects while using Depo-Provera. If you experience symptoms of depression, discontinue use.
Bone Density LossAccording to the Food and Drug Administration, if Depo-Provera is used continuously for more than two years, individuals are more prone to bone thinning, also known asosteoporosis, and broken bones.Because of the risk of bone loss, it is recommended that individuals should limit their use of Depo-Provera to no more than two years.To help with bone loss, healthcare providers often recommend calcium andvitamin D supplements, as well as a calcium-rich diet.Depo-Provera has aboxed warning, which is a label used to highlight serious medication risks, regarding this side effect.
Bone Density Loss
According to the Food and Drug Administration, if Depo-Provera is used continuously for more than two years, individuals are more prone to bone thinning, also known asosteoporosis, and broken bones.
Because of the risk of bone loss, it is recommended that individuals should limit their use of Depo-Provera to no more than two years.
To help with bone loss, healthcare providers often recommend calcium andvitamin D supplements, as well as a calcium-rich diet.
Depo-Provera has aboxed warning, which is a label used to highlight serious medication risks, regarding this side effect.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is another possible Depo shot side effect and a reason why some stop using it. According to research, around two-thirds of women who used Depo-Provera reported a weight gain of 5 pounds during the first year.
This side effect is not seen in everyone, however.
Will You Gain Weight on Depo Provera?
Delayed FertilityDepo-Provera has a long-lastingbirth control effect. Once stopped, it may take up to a year to start ovulating normally again.If you are trying to get pregnant, it may take at least nine months after stopping Depo-Provera to conceive.According to research, 68% of women were able to get pregnant within 12 months after stopping Depo-Provera. By 15 months, this increased to 83%. By 18 months, 93% of those who wanted to get pregnant were able to do so.
Delayed Fertility
Depo-Provera has a long-lastingbirth control effect. Once stopped, it may take up to a year to start ovulating normally again.
If you are trying to get pregnant, it may take at least nine months after stopping Depo-Provera to conceive.
According to research, 68% of women were able to get pregnant within 12 months after stopping Depo-Provera. By 15 months, this increased to 83%. By 18 months, 93% of those who wanted to get pregnant were able to do so.
Abdominal Pain
This can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy—a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus—which has been reported in some people who use Depo-Provera.
If you have severe abdominal pain while using this form of birth control, seek emergency care at once. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening emergency.
Headache
Local Injection ReactionsOne of the more common Depo shot side effects is a reaction to the injection. Some report mild pain associated with the shot, while others experience skin reactions around the area where the shot was given.These reactions tend to be relatively minor and resolve on their own within a day or two.Other possible side effects of Depo-Provera include:DizzinessWeakness or fatigueThese types of symptoms tend to get better the longer you take Depo-Provera and usually don’t need treatment.
Local Injection Reactions
One of the more common Depo shot side effects is a reaction to the injection. Some report mild pain associated with the shot, while others experience skin reactions around the area where the shot was given.
These reactions tend to be relatively minor and resolve on their own within a day or two.
Other possible side effects of Depo-Provera include:DizzinessWeakness or fatigueThese types of symptoms tend to get better the longer you take Depo-Provera and usually don’t need treatment.
Other possible side effects of Depo-Provera include:
These types of symptoms tend to get better the longer you take Depo-Provera and usually don’t need treatment.
Summary
Depo-Provera is a progestin-based birth control shot. Common side effects include irregular or no periods, bone thinning, weight gain, delayed ovulation, injection site reactions, and depression. Some may also experience headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most side effects from Depo-Provera go away within two to three months.
Depo-Provera is safe for most people. However, people with liver disease, heart disease or stroke, lupus, or breast cancer should avoid using it.
Hormonal birth controlmay cause fatigue. One study showed a link between hormonal birth control use,insomnia symptoms, and daytime sleepiness.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dennerstein G, Fernando S, Teo C, et al.Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and bone mineral density.J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2018 Nov;7(3-4):63-68. doi:10.14740/jcgo519Perry M.Depo-Provera: a review of contraceptive efficacy.Practice Nurs.2014 Feb;25(2). doi:10.12968/pnur.2014.25.2.77Villavicencio J, Allen R.Unscheduled bleeding and contraceptive choice: Increasing satisfaction and continuation rates.Open Access J Contracept. 2016 Mar;2016(7):43-52. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85565FDA label.Depo-Provera.Dianat S, Fox E, Ahrens KA, et al.Side effects and health benefits of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate: a systematic review.Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(2):332-41. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003089Planned Parenthood.What are the disadvantages of the birth control shot?.Bezerra AG, Andersen ML, Pires GN, et al.Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: An online survey.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6):e12983. doi:10.1111/jsr.12983Pfizer.Depo-Provera patient information.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dennerstein G, Fernando S, Teo C, et al.Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and bone mineral density.J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2018 Nov;7(3-4):63-68. doi:10.14740/jcgo519Perry M.Depo-Provera: a review of contraceptive efficacy.Practice Nurs.2014 Feb;25(2). doi:10.12968/pnur.2014.25.2.77Villavicencio J, Allen R.Unscheduled bleeding and contraceptive choice: Increasing satisfaction and continuation rates.Open Access J Contracept. 2016 Mar;2016(7):43-52. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85565FDA label.Depo-Provera.Dianat S, Fox E, Ahrens KA, et al.Side effects and health benefits of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate: a systematic review.Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(2):332-41. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003089Planned Parenthood.What are the disadvantages of the birth control shot?.Bezerra AG, Andersen ML, Pires GN, et al.Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: An online survey.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6):e12983. doi:10.1111/jsr.12983Pfizer.Depo-Provera patient information.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Dennerstein G, Fernando S, Teo C, et al.Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and bone mineral density.J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2018 Nov;7(3-4):63-68. doi:10.14740/jcgo519Perry M.Depo-Provera: a review of contraceptive efficacy.Practice Nurs.2014 Feb;25(2). doi:10.12968/pnur.2014.25.2.77Villavicencio J, Allen R.Unscheduled bleeding and contraceptive choice: Increasing satisfaction and continuation rates.Open Access J Contracept. 2016 Mar;2016(7):43-52. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85565FDA label.Depo-Provera.Dianat S, Fox E, Ahrens KA, et al.Side effects and health benefits of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate: a systematic review.Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(2):332-41. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003089Planned Parenthood.What are the disadvantages of the birth control shot?.Bezerra AG, Andersen ML, Pires GN, et al.Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: An online survey.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6):e12983. doi:10.1111/jsr.12983Pfizer.Depo-Provera patient information.
Dennerstein G, Fernando S, Teo C, et al.Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and bone mineral density.J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2018 Nov;7(3-4):63-68. doi:10.14740/jcgo519
Perry M.Depo-Provera: a review of contraceptive efficacy.Practice Nurs.2014 Feb;25(2). doi:10.12968/pnur.2014.25.2.77
Villavicencio J, Allen R.Unscheduled bleeding and contraceptive choice: Increasing satisfaction and continuation rates.Open Access J Contracept. 2016 Mar;2016(7):43-52. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85565
FDA label.Depo-Provera.
Dianat S, Fox E, Ahrens KA, et al.Side effects and health benefits of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate: a systematic review.Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(2):332-41. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003089
Planned Parenthood.What are the disadvantages of the birth control shot?.
Bezerra AG, Andersen ML, Pires GN, et al.Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: An online survey.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6):e12983. doi:10.1111/jsr.12983
Pfizer.Depo-Provera patient information.
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