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I have been on the shot for five years. At first it was great, I stopped having cramps and a period! I chose the shot because I was having trouble remembering to take the pill at the same time everyday, and I had horrible cramps. I was about 105lbs.,and in good health I didn't go to the doactor for anything. I got birthcontrol through planned parenthood because I didn't have health insurance at the time. The doctor told me there were very little side effects,like weight gain, blood clots(especially if you smoke). I kicked the habit a year before.
Anyway, after the first year I didn't really notice anything wrong. Then I started having horrible headaches. I would take Tylenol or Ibuprofen. At first they worked but after two years I couldn't take more than 1 or 2 at a time because I would get sick. My headaches were so bad and I had them 2 to 4 times a week. They became migraine strength by the end of the second year of being on the shot. I didn't think it was the shot, I thought it was sinus problems. I went to a doctor who just gave me pain medicine. I also noticed I gained about ten pounds. I thought all the pain and weight gain had to do with getting older. I was 24 when I got on depo, (I'm 27 now). I finally got health insuance from my work, and saw a doctor about my migraines. Of course she said that's what I had and imediately began treating me for them with Elavil first(it made me too sleepy and the migraines didn't lessen.)Then I tried Inderal, and I use Imitrex when ever I feel one comming on. (It works in about 20 minutes). I have used the Rx for 8 months.
I began gaining an average of 10 pounds for every year I have been on the shot, I weigh 150 now.
This last year friends and family became concerned that I was on the shot too long. I did some research and I learned that a bone density test was recommended after two years of depo use. So with my new insurance I went in Sept. And the results were I had the beginning of osteoperosis. My doctor recommended I change my birth control. I will be off depo this month. I think I'll go back to the pill.
My symptoms started out slow, so I never thought it was depo that was making me sick. I also have some muscle pain that got worse this last year or so. Like my neck, lower back, and my feet. Again I thought this was due to "old age". I'm glad I read this site. I can identify with a lot of the symptoms, like low sex drive, poor sleep,depresion(from thinking your going crazy).The doctors all said I was fine too.
More research needs to be done on drugs before they are a pproved for humans. And it makes me mad that doctors only want to prescribe drugs and treat problems without finding out what causes them in the first place. I could of been off the shot years ago if I had known, and saved money on doctors and medicine I probably don't even need!
I am positive my headaches are depo related. I missed work and almost lost my job because of them. I want to write back and tell how I'm doing after the shot and hopefully I won't need the migraine meds. anymore. I began weight training and taking calcium too. I also take Fosamax for the bone loss once a week. I know that the longer your on it the worse you feel, and that's not right. I began to feel like I was going through menopause and I'm not even 30 yet!
I hope other women read this and think about those little aches and pains your having, I could be your birth control. do aliitle research it will save you more than you know.