Depro users:question

[jenac]

I'm on the Depro shot for endometretitis. I've only had the shot once- but wow, what a life saver. No horrible pain, no cramps that wake you up an 3 A.M, no bloating or incontinance. This is after trying vertually every different type of pill available, and short of removing my own uterus-I'm definitley sold on this shot.

Here's my question: I know it's q three months. Are you suppose to have a period before getting the next dose as scheduled? I'm asking because- I of course want to avoid that. I'm wondering if I should get the shot a week early, or stay as scheduled. Any unoffical opinons out there?

[bellehill, RN]

My understanding is that if you take the shot every 13 weeks you will not get a period. I started on the shot in October and last week I was started on Estrogen supplements because Depo lowered my body's estrogen levels (almost like menopause) so much. Glad to hear it is working for you, I may end up back on the pill.

[LPN-n-2005]

WARNING!!! do not , i repeat DO NOT take that shot. it screwed me up really,really bad with only one shot!! my periods have not returned after 4 years (ive had 1 period a year after 1999) ,gained 45 pounds in three months doing absolutely nothing different in my diet and exercise. that shot screwed me up bad and now i still suffer from the side effects. i believe it's what made me obese now and robbed me of my looks. i deeply regret doing the shot.

[dreamon]

When I started the shot earlier this year, I think I had one period at the beginning, but never since then. The only side effect I had was mood swings, but I am no sure if the shot was the cause. I stopped getting the shot in July...and still I haven't seen my period yet. But that may just be me...I rarely ever have a consistent cycle.

[Jolie, BSN]

Like any medication, different users will experience different side-effects. Many women complain of undesirable changes, including weight gain, but not me. I think Depo is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and only regret that it was not available 20 years ago.

If taken every 12 to 13 weeks, most women do not experience regular periods. Many have some degree of spotting, which can be unpredictable, and causes some patients to discontinue its use, but it is rare to experience anything approaching a "normal period.

Ask your doc or pharmacist for a package insert. It should answer any questions you have.

[LilgirlRN, ADN, RN]

We have a lot of women come to the EDwith bleeding problems related to the Depo shot. I've talked to women who have bled almost continuously since receiving the injection. I wouldn't be comfortable with the sustained action, you can't turn it off once it's flipped on. I think if I didn't want to have a period I would just take birth control pills without taking the break with the placebos. That way if I needed to stop taking them, I could just stop, I'd have some control over the situation.

[crankyasanoldma]

Of course, different people have different reactions, but many women lose thier cycles completely on depo. They tell me they like this side effect once they get used to it (and get over the "OMG- no period means I'm pregnant" part).