Birth control is essential and even life-saving for many women, particularly those with pre-existing conditions that make pregnancy dangerous. Finding the right birth control that in itself isn’t detrimental to your health can be difficult, however. From depression to dangerous blood clots, different birth control options come with a variety of side effects. 

Depo Provera is a hormonal birth control option that is given by injection every three months. The injection works by suppressing ovulation. Officially, some of the side effects typically include delayed return to fertility, loss of bone mineral density, bloating, headaches, and weight gain. Hearing experiences from others who have taken this birth control can be helpful when you’re deciding on an option for yourself or when you’re already taking it and trying to learn more about side effects you may be experiencing. Here are the experiences of some women who have been on Depo Provera. 

Negative Experiences With Depo Provera 

Another Reddit user, whose account has since been deleted, explained the psychological side effects they experienced while on Depo Provera in a thread titled “If you are considering the Depo shot, please read!” The user explained, “Almost immediately, my boyfriend and I noticed a marked change in my attitude. I cried out of nowhere (which I understand is normal for a change in hormones), but even worse-I became incredibly jealous and extremely paranoid, moreso than ever before.” They describe “crazy” feelings and panic attacks, and they also noticed that it took almost a year to get their cycle back after stopping the shot. Other users in response describe side effects such as depression, acne, spotting, excessively long periods, anemia, hot flashes, and low libido. 

On Drugs.com, Depo Provera has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 stars, with the most common rating being only 1 star. "I am month 2 on Depo and I would rate it a zero if I could. Since receiving the injection I have suffered migraines and or headaches daily, I'm so exhausted I can't make a day without a nap, mood swings daily, a loss of interest as I have no energy, feeling unwell all the time, hot flashes galore, been on my period for a month and it's major cramps,” said one reviewer. Others cite body aches, muscle spasms, vision changes, syncope, and liver problems. 

Positive Experiences With Depo Provera 

Of course, not every experience with Depo Provera is bad, and it’s important to understand that people often leave reviews or chronicle their experiences when they have a bad experience. People who have no issues don’t take to the internet to talk about their experience as often. 28% of the ratings on Drugs.com are 9 and 10 star ratings. 

Some Reddit users have had positive experiences, too. In the tread titled “Is there ANY positive experiences with the depo provera shot??” users report loving the shot for various reasons. Some like that they don’t get a period while on Depo Provera and others like that they don’t have to remember to take it every day like they would have to with a pill. “I’ve been on it for years with no issues, got pregnant within 6 months of coming off it so no issues there, & having no periods is great,” one user said. 

If You Have Been Negatively Affected By Depo Provera, We Can Help 

Preventing an unwanted pregnancy shouldn’t come at a cost. In addition to the side effects described above, some women who have used Depo Provera have also developed brain tumors and breast cancer. In a Reddit thread titled “Lawsuit,” multiple users report developing a meningioma (a type of tumor in themembranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) after being on Depo Provera. 

Because of the concern over serious side effects like cancer and brain tumors, lawsuits are beginning to mount against Pfizer, Depo Provera’s manufacturer. If you believe you may be eligible to file a lawsuit, we can help evaluate your case; reach out today to learn more.