Side Effects of the Depo Provera Shot

Depo-Provera is the brand name of an injectable form of birth control. It contains medroxyprogesterone acetate and, according to the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP), it acts like progesterone in the body, which is a hormone that the ovaries produce during each menstrual cycle. Many women like the convenience of Depo-Provera, as it can prevent pregnancy for up to three months at a time, which makes it less cumbersome than a daily pill. However, before selecting Depo-Provera as a birth control option, you should be aware of the negative side effects.

Changes in Menstrual Periods

It is very common to experience menstrual changes while using DP. Some of the reported changes are irregular bleeding, which would include an increase or decrease, or even no bleeding. The AAFP reports that after using DP for a year, half of the users experience a cessation in bleeding. Once one is off DP, however, the bleeding will resume.

Bone Loss

The University of Illinois McKinley Health Center states that women who have used the DP shot can experience a loss in the density of their bones. The longer DP is used, the greater the risk of bone loss. While some symptoms are reversible when one goes off DP, reversing bone loss may not be. If you are a smoker, you greatly increase your risk of losing bone minerals.

Mood Changes

Any form of birth control will affect hormones, and Depo-Provera is no exception. Use of DP can lead to depression and mood swings. If you have previously experienced depression, DP may heighten the depressive tendencies. The University of Illinois advises that if you are currently on anti-depressants, you should discuss the use of DP with your doctor.

Other Side Effects

According to Planned Parenthood, other possible side effects of Depo-Provera use are headaches, dizziness, weight gain, nausea, nervousness, sore breasts, an increase or decrease in facial hair, and skin rash.