Does anyone have experience with Depo-provera?

[lostandunsure]

My uBPDw has been on the Depo shot for a couple of years now. For those who don't know, essentially, this blocks a woman's period long term. Recently, she came off all of her meds except this, partly because of a surgery, partly because of allergy testing, but really because she no longer wants to be on meds. (In all fairness, she was over medicated and from what I'm learning about BPD, she wasn't being properly medicated)... .

Anyway, the one she's stayed on is the Depo shot. Her periods are terrible, and it usually constitutes 2 weeks of fatigue and emotional rollercoasters that would make any theme park coaster seem like child's play. Lately, she's been hinting that she wants to come off the Depo altogether. She points to how she tends to get sick just before she's due for her next shot and how she's more emotional the week before (To me, this says that she's more emotional when it's wearing off, to her, it's a sign that it's the cause of her problems). She's also been reading all kinds of articles on the internet stating the horror's of the shot (most are not accredited or are hearsay). Meanwhile, her doctor says they are perfectly safe to stay on long term. She also points out that I strongly suggested that she should be on the shot because it was horrible dealing with her (I tried to frame it that she had a hard time dealing with it, but it was pretty obvious what I thought.), but she brings it up as if I'm trying to keep her medicated and keep her from not being herself. She also mentions that it would take several months to clear her system before she was "normal".

I'm more than a little concerned. She seems to think that if she wasn't on any medication that she would be perfectly normal and we wouldn't have any problems. My experience has not been the same. At least, right now, we don't have a scheduled 2 weeks of hell every month. But, I also want to make sure that the Depo isn't causing some of the problems that she's going through and that it is safe for her to be on it long term.

Of course this also makes me concerned that when she sees a new psychiatrist in a couple of weeks that she'll reject any medication suggestions that he may or may not offer (I'm just hoping he agrees that she has BPD).

Any thoughts out there?

[Saffron2]

I was on Depo for years - it was great in a way, but there were definitely side effects. 

I loved it because I had no period, like ever, plus didn't have to worry about taking a pill or using something every single time I had sex.  The side effects for me were hair loss, plus I gained weight - a lot, like 30lbs or something.  The hair loss and weight were deal breakers for me so I stopped using it, and have had no problems - I've gotten pregnant twice since then. I don't remember this affecting me emotionally.

Were you with her before she started taking Depo?  Have you noticed any change?

[eternity75]

I was on Depo as well... . on and off over a period of several years. It took forever for my period to return to normal. I didn't get a period for over a year after stopping depo... . nothing... . nada. I also noticed hair loss as a side effect and my hair has never quite returned to the way it was before.

One of the other known side effects of being on depo long-term is bone thinning. I was warned about this by my dr and told I should do periodic bone density scans because it can lead to osteoporosis regardless of age. I wasn't concerned about the bone thinning because for me I would get one shot, not get another and still not get a period for a year or so after... . so I never really had a lot of shots and yet I still had the same effects of not getting a period. I have my concerns about it. I think it can really mess up your body's natural hormones. It wasn't until I started taking a natural supplement that is known for regulating female hormones that my period returned. Although I never had horrible periods, mood swings etc so I can't comment on the increase of these symptoms as the shot wears off etc.

[musicfan42]

I was on depo-preva-women should only be on for it 2 years maximum because of bone thinning. Women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men anyways so women need to look after their bones. You only get an injection every so often so the dose is pretty hard on the body. I got a bit of spots on my face and chest from it along with mood swings.

Why doesn't your wife try getting a long term type of contraception like the coil? They last 5 years. The implant lasts 3 years. There are plenty of contraceptive options out there. Your wife doesn't have to stay on depo.

I don't think that the pill is a great option for borderline women-would they take it as prescribed? I apologise if that sounds offensive however some borderlines don't comply with medications. For that reason, I think that a long term type of contraception would be your wife's best option really.

I think your wife feels that she's being coerced into taking medication-forced into it and given no choice so I definitely would emphasize choices with her... that she has a choice of meds, a choice of contraceptive options... that she's not just stuck having to do one particular option. With the meds, you could tell her "ok try these out but if they don't work, then go back to the psychiatrist and try some other medications-there's lots out there... these might not just be the right ones for you".

[Clearmind]

lostandunsure, not sure about Depo however I would take precautions regarding pregnancy. Entrapment is common - and if having a baby is not on your agenda then be responsible.

[lostandunsure]

Thanks for the comments, I really appreciate it.

We've been married for 17 years and she's only been on depo for the last 2... . Personally, I thought her mood was drastically improved on the shot, the lack of having to deal with the hormonal roller coaster has been wonderful for me (and for her, but I don't think she'll remember that)... .

Clearmind,

Thanks for the comment about pregnancy entrapment, it is something to watch for, but I don't think it'll be a problem we don't really have much of a sex life as it is and she's terrified of having kids (when she really thinks about it). In my opinion, and I do have a lot of say in the matter, having kids at this point would be irresponsible for us. But I will keep that in mind. The depo is more and attempt to balance her hormones on a regular basis than a contraceptive.

musicfan42,

We've discussed other contraceptives, but she's afraid of things like the coil, she's had friends use that and it caused all kinds of mental health issues for them. As for the pill, she's overweight (we both are) and so her doctor has concerns about using something like that.

Thanks again everyone, you've given me a lot to think about.

[eternity75]

Hi lost,

It may seem like a long shot... . but Maca Root is the natural supplement I mentioned that regulates hormones. I have read a lot about it and it may be helpful in regulating the hormonal mood swings/pms your wife experiences. Might be an option you could consider. Just a thought.