I am starting to question whether or not I should continue getting the Depo Provera injections.
I have been on Depo since I was 17, and have been enjoying 6 glorious years of no menstrual period (only light spotting if anything, the week before the next shot is due and very mild cramps and some bloating occasionally).
However, the #1 side effect of Depo is weight gain. At first I didn't think that's why I put on so much weight, because I was getting lazy and putting sleep and work before exercise, but as time has gone on, I'm starting to think it may be at least a slight reason I am unable to lose this extra weight, and am getting paranoid it may get worse and my body may not be able to metabolize or burn fat as well if I stay on it.
As much as I'd hate to have a period again (as Depo is the only birth control I know of that eliminates the period), I think it may be time to switch to birth control. I understand ALL birth controls have risks of weight gain, but none nearly as much as Depo.
Firstly on this, The Pill is out of the question. That is how I got here. It didn't work in the spring of 86, and it doesn't work now. Not to mention that I really don't care much for pills, let alone having to remember to take it at the same time every day. My schedule and life is so weird that I can't even pick a good time to take it if I was on it. There is also having to go to the pharmacy....I've only been presribed meds a handfull of times, and am not excited over going to get refills every month.
I also am not interested in the ring or the patch. My skin does not react well to any kind of adhesives, and I am quite grossed out at the thought of a ring that could fall out at any given time, along with having to go to the pharmacy every month for more.
I want something semi-permanent, like Depo. I understand that not having any kids and being young, it may be a stretch to get an IUD (that kind of creeps me out a little too) or Implanon, but I'd probably ask anyway. Something that would give me a regular to non existent (if possible) period.
Any ideas?
I have been on Depo since I was 17, and have been enjoying 6 glorious years of no menstrual period (only light spotting if anything, the week before the next shot is due and very mild cramps and some bloating occasionally).
However, the #1 side effect of Depo is weight gain. At first I didn't think that's why I put on so much weight, because I was getting lazy and putting sleep and work before exercise, but as time has gone on, I'm starting to think it may be at least a slight reason I am unable to lose this extra weight, and am getting paranoid it may get worse and my body may not be able to metabolize or burn fat as well if I stay on it.
As much as I'd hate to have a period again (as Depo is the only birth control I know of that eliminates the period), I think it may be time to switch to birth control. I understand ALL birth controls have risks of weight gain, but none nearly as much as Depo.
Firstly on this, The Pill is out of the question. That is how I got here. It didn't work in the spring of 86, and it doesn't work now. Not to mention that I really don't care much for pills, let alone having to remember to take it at the same time every day. My schedule and life is so weird that I can't even pick a good time to take it if I was on it. There is also having to go to the pharmacy....I've only been presribed meds a handfull of times, and am not excited over going to get refills every month.
I also am not interested in the ring or the patch. My skin does not react well to any kind of adhesives, and I am quite grossed out at the thought of a ring that could fall out at any given time, along with having to go to the pharmacy every month for more.
I want something semi-permanent, like Depo. I understand that not having any kids and being young, it may be a stretch to get an IUD (that kind of creeps me out a little too) or Implanon, but I'd probably ask anyway. Something that would give me a regular to non existent (if possible) period.
Any ideas?
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