Depo Provera is a hormone used for contraception. It is given by injection and its effects will last for three months at a time. Show
It is similar to progesterone, which is one of the two main hormones made by a woman's ovaries during her normal cycle. How does Depo Provera work?When a woman has Depo Provera, her body senses the presence of the hormone so that her own hormone production is ‘switched off’. Because of this, her ovaries will not release an egg and this is how pregnancy is prevented. This is very similar to how the Pill works. Depo Provera is also sometimes used in the treatment of endometriosis. How well does it work?Depo Provera is a highly effective method of contraception when it is given every three months (99.8 per cent effective). About one in twenty (six per cent) of women will still get pregnant when using Depo Provera; this is very low compared with other methods. Side effectsDuring a normal menstrual cycle, your hormones cause the lining of your uterus to thicken in preparation for a pregnancy. If you don’t get pregnant, the lining of your uterus breaks away and you bleed – this is your period. When you have Depo Provera, your hormone levels are low and stable throughout your cycle, so the lining of your uterus doesn’t thicken as it normally would. When it comes time for your period there is very little lining to shed and so you bleed less than you normally would. After two to three injections, many women will have no periods at all because there is no lining building at all. Some women will have nuisance bleeding, which is usually light and irregular. Occasionally a woman will have troublesome heavy bleeding, which can usually be controlled by hormone treatment. Other effects
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Other things to think aboutHormone levels are very low while using Depo Provera, so there is some concern that this may lead to thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) in women who use Depo Provera for a long period of time. The importance of this is not yet known, but the changes would be expected to happen more slowly than those that occur normally after menopause and reverse after the injections stop. Although it is extremely difficult to prove a complete lack of risk, Depo Provera has not been shown to have any effect on the risk of breast cancer. It should be noted that protective effects against cancer of the ovary and uterine lining are very likely. No ill effects on the developing baby have been shown to occur if Depo Provera is given when a woman is already pregnant or in the very rare case where a woman becomes pregnant despite the injection. Who can use Depo Provera?Depo Provera can be used by most women who do not have any serious medical problems and by many women who use other forms of contraception. It may also be suitable for women who cannot take the combined pill for medical reasons. Who should not use Depo Provera?Depo Provera is not suitable for women who are experiencing the following:
Where to get more information
Information about long acting reversilble contraception (LARC), including contraceptive injections, is also available in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, Urdu and Vietnamese – see Related Health Topics below DisclaimerThe Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept. What is the most common side effect of DepoWeight gain and changes in your menstrual cycle are the most common side effects, according to 2021 research . Some people who use the shot notice their periods become lighter over time or completely stop after several months of use. This is safe. However, other people using the shot might have longer, heavier periods.
What are disadvantages of Depo?Side effects can include weight gain, headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding. Your periods may become more irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether.
Can the Depo shot mess up your body?Most people on the shot have some change in their periods, including bleeding more days than usual, spotting between periods, or no periods. This is most common during the first year. Other possible side effects include nausea, weight gain, headaches, sore breasts, or depression.
How long after Depo shot side effects?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.
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