Questions Remain about the Effects of Stopping Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is a form of hormonal birth control. Women who use it are given an injection by a health care provider once every 3 months. Also called “the shot” or Depo, it contains the hormone progestin and is very effective at preventing pregnancy. Many people like it because while you are on it, you don’t have to take a daily pill or prepare in advance of having intercourse.

In this second in a series of blog posts on the side effects of Depo-Provera, "Our Bodies, Our Blog" points out the problems some women have when stopping the shot, looks at the lack of research on the topic. and asks readers what questions they think researchers should be examining.

While the blog post is from 2012, it remains on this website because hundreds of people continue to comment on it, creating an ongoing conversation on the creating an ongoing conversation on the side effects of Depo-Provera and the problems that can come when stopping it.

I have taken depo for the past 5 or so years… I believe I am almost 6 months behind. I haven't been feeling right and I want to know if it has to do with me being off the shot. I have had extreme loss in appetite and my emotions have been all over the place. And I have been having a stomach ache lately. Could this be because I have been off the shot and my body's adjusting?

SOURCE: Our Bodies, Our Blog • AUTHOR: Rachel Walden •