Depo provera and weight loss?

NotGnarly wrote: »

It's a fact for me sweetheart and I don't need your validation to share my story. Increased appetite leads to increased hunger. You're basically validating my point. Still my story stands true. No research can undermine my personal experience. Depo increases appetite, which in turn increased hunger. Hunger happens when you don't feed your increased appetite. Still I am free to share my personal experience with the op. If you don't like it then feel free to skip over my personal experience with depo.

see mistaken appetite for hunger.

appetite = desire to eat
hunger = requirement to eat

appetite cannot increase hunger lack of food does that and based on what I see you didn't have lack of hunger due to weight gain.

personal experience is one thing but using that the discourage the use of a very viable birth control method seems a bit obtuse to me...correlation vs causation...your experience is correlation...doesn't mean diddly in the large scheme of things...

and as part of this forum I can express that...and if you don't like it you can put me on ignore.

Haha you find my story discouraging because I'm sharing my personal story about how depo was bad for my health. Not sure why me being open and honest about some of the negative experiences I have had with depo would warrant such combativeness. Heck I even said my sister lost weight but she did have a non stop period for years while on it. I guess the drug companies just like the food industry sends its shill to forums to attack anyone who speaks out negatively about their product.

I've never been on depo but I was on the pill for many years. I stopped all hormonal birth control about this time last year due to multiple issues, fatigue, hair loss, anxiety/depression, etc. Over time any form of hormonal birth control will mess with your system. I realize that this does not answer your question but personally I wish that I could go back in time and never start that stuff. The decision is ultimately yours but there are other options like the fertility awareness method FAM and of course, condoms. One thing I learned from reading a book called "The Period Repair Manual" is that for women most of our serotonin is created in the first part of our cycle. End the cycle, end a huge part of your serotonin production, which is why so many women on hormonal birth control end up depressed and anxious and have to take antidepressants. Rather than stop what is causing the problem doctors tend to just start prescribing pills.

Women can no longer afford to separate their reproductive health from their overall health. Your body's primal functions do not care if you want a baby or not. The pill and other hormonal birth control had their day, and were important at the time for feminism and women's rights. And certainly it is, and should remain, your right to take them if you wish. But it should also be your right to be completely informed on the side effects and other options.

NotGnarly wrote: »

Haha you find my story discouraging because I'm sharing my personal story about how depo was bad for my health. Not sure why me being open and honest about some of the negative experiences I have had with depo would warrant such combativeness. Heck I even said my sister lost weight but she did have a non stop period for years while on it. I guess the drug companies just like the food industry sends its shill to forums to attack anyone who speaks out negatively about their product.

Writing this again, hopefully will not be deleted. It took 15 years for the damage from hormonal birth control to accumulate for me. It does not always happen immediately. Over time it reduces your good gut bacteria, messes with your neurotransmitters...I could go on but there are lots of resources online you can check out for this. I totally agree with NotGnarly, think about the fact that the drug companies make millions of dollars off a drug sold to HEALTHY people! Then, on top of that, they get to sell you other drugs to deal with the side effects, all the while you are being told it is safe. Does that make sense?!

I haven't been on depo but just stopped using a progesterone only mini pill (depo is progesterone as well) and dropped almost 5 pounds in a week. Im guessing that was retained water as I was bloated the entire time I took the pill no matter how much water I drank. I also agree that it increases the appetite 10 fold along with some other not so pleasant side effects. Hormonal birth control just sucks and that's why my hubby and I have agreed that he will get the big V instead. I definitely think every woman responds differently but for me (and many others) this just isn't worth it.

NotGnarly wrote: »

Like I said it increased my appetite (desire to eat) which in turn increased my " need/requirement to eat"because it caused hypoglycemia. When blood sugar is low you have to eat. I don't need your validation or approval to post my story about my personal experience with depo. Not sure why you think my story is discouraging her when I am openly speaking about my experience. Why the hell are you so concerned with my depo story? Do you work for them? I've clarified a million times that it's my personal experience. Me thinks you are just hangry and wanting to start a debate over nothing lol.

I don't have to put you on ignore. What are you the forum police? Lol. I can share MY PERSONAL experience all day long and the original poster is free to make her own choice. It doesn't bother me one bit either way. Depo even backs up my claim of it increasing appetite and weight. Depo is validating my story whether you like it or not. Stop being so hangry about my personal story.

1) How does increased appetite cause hypoglycemia? Why would your body dump sugar simply because it wants some extra noms?

2) Of all of the horrible risks and side effects listed with any hormonal birth control, I would think something scarier, like, say, risk of stroke would be a better candidate for being hidden than something like low blood sugar. If a woman (such as myself) finds it worth the risk of stroke, hypoglycemia is a small matter.

NotGnarly wrote: »

When depo causes an increase in appetite and when you actively try NOT to eat because you've already gained weight while on the shot, it causes the blood sugar to plummet because you are not feeding it the calories. Plus hypoglycemia even to this day isn't considered a big deal because all you have to do is eat in order to raise blood sugar. No need for fancy pills or extensive studies to treat it. You have to be blind to blindly trust pharmaceutical industry to list every single side effect that could possibly happen. If you haven't dealt with these side effects, then good for you! I did. I don't need your validation. After all you aren't a doctor. Also thank goodness I've never suffered a stroke while on birth control but I'm sure the women who have can vouch for birth control not being safe and doctors not thoroughly explaining how it can affect your health. Oh and let's not mention blood clots! Thank goodness I've never experienced that either while on birth control but I do feel that they have every right to share their story also.

So, to the bolded, you're saying that because your appetite increases, you starve yourself and THEN become hypoglycemic? That's not the same as depo causing hypoglycemia, or increased appetite causing hypoglycemia.

Also, there are plenty of stories of women suffering blood clots and strokes while on birth control. No doctor will prescribe it without at least throwing you a pamphlet.

You keep bringing up "validation." It's got nothing to do with validation. It's about trying to understand what you're talking about.

KombuchaKat wrote: »

NotGnarly wrote: »

Haha you find my story discouraging because I'm sharing my personal story about how depo was bad for my health. Not sure why me being open and honest about some of the negative experiences I have had with depo would warrant such combativeness. Heck I even said my sister lost weight but she did have a non stop period for years while on it. I guess the drug companies just like the food industry sends its shill to forums to attack anyone who speaks out negatively about their product.

Writing this again, hopefully will not be deleted. It took 15 years for the damage from hormonal birth control to accumulate for me. It does not always happen immediately. Over time it reduces your good gut bacteria, messes with your neurotransmitters...I could go on but there are lots of resources online you can check out for this. I totally agree with NotGnarly, think about the fact that the drug companies make millions of dollars off a drug sold to HEALTHY people! Then, on top of that, they get to sell you other drugs to deal with the side effects, all the while you are being told it is safe. Does that make sense?!

Thank you! When I posted my response I had no clue that people would get this offended over me sharing my experience. Most women tend to have horror stories about some form of birth control but I see now why they don't share their personal experience. I've been on different birth control pills (mini pill, ortho tricyclen, Yasmin...). I've also used the iud, nuva ring, patch, and shot. Most women at some point down the line end up switching the type or brand of birth control because of unwanted side effects. Not sure why my experience was so taboo especially considering I wished the op luck. Oh and I totally agree with what you said. It all comes down to money and not keeping you healthy. The medical establishment would go broke if everyone was in optimal health.

Hypoglycemia can happen hours after a meal. So what I said still stands true.

Depo even acknowledges increased appetite and weight gain as their side effects. Depo backs up my claim.

erinc5 wrote: »

KombuchaKat wrote: »

NotGnarly wrote: »

Haha you find my story discouraging because I'm sharing my personal story about how depo was bad for my health. Not sure why me being open and honest about some of the negative experiences I have had with depo would warrant such combativeness. Heck I even said my sister lost weight but she did have a non stop period for years while on it. I guess the drug companies just like the food industry sends its shill to forums to attack anyone who speaks out negatively about their product.

Writing this again, hopefully will not be deleted. It took 15 years for the damage from hormonal birth control to accumulate for me. It does not always happen immediately. Over time it reduces your good gut bacteria, messes with your neurotransmitters...I could go on but there are lots of resources online you can check out for this. I totally agree with NotGnarly, think about the fact that the drug companies make millions of dollars off a drug sold to HEALTHY people! Then, on top of that, they get to sell you other drugs to deal with the side effects, all the while you are being told it is safe. Does that make sense?!

Pros and cons to everything. Pregnancy causes a lot of side effects, too - one of them being approx. 18 years of a freeloader taking up your time, money, emotions, etc... And lets not forget the toll being pregnant takes on your body, okay.

I totally get not wanting to have a baby. I'm 37 and do not want children by choice. I have managed this long to avoid getting pregnant both on and off hormonal birth control. We are not uncivilized animals that cannot resist our urges so much that we have to compromise our health to avoid unwanted pregnancy. And getting pregnant is totally natural for women, synthetic hormones are not.

NotGnarly wrote: »

KombuchaKat wrote: »

NotGnarly wrote: »

Haha you find my story discouraging because I'm sharing my personal story about how depo was bad for my health. Not sure why me being open and honest about some of the negative experiences I have had with depo would warrant such combativeness. Heck I even said my sister lost weight but she did have a non stop period for years while on it. I guess the drug companies just like the food industry sends its shill to forums to attack anyone who speaks out negatively about their product.

Writing this again, hopefully will not be deleted. It took 15 years for the damage from hormonal birth control to accumulate for me. It does not always happen immediately. Over time it reduces your good gut bacteria, messes with your neurotransmitters...I could go on but there are lots of resources online you can check out for this. I totally agree with NotGnarly, think about the fact that the drug companies make millions of dollars off a drug sold to HEALTHY people! Then, on top of that, they get to sell you other drugs to deal with the side effects, all the while you are being told it is safe. Does that make sense?!

Thank you! When I posted my response I had no clue that people would get this offended over me sharing my experience. Most women tend to have horror stories about some form of birth control but I see now why they don't share their personal experience. I've been on different birth control pills (mini pill, ortho tricyclen, Yasmin...). I've also used the iud, nuva ring, patch, and shot. Most women at some point down the line end up switching the type or brand of birth control because of unwanted side effects. Not sure why my experience was so taboo especially considering I wished the op luck. Oh and I totally agree with what you said. It all comes down to money and not keeping you healthy. The medical establishment would go broke if everyone was in optimal health.

It makes me sad that women still feel the need to attack each other. Society seems to build it into us from a young age. We should show each other compassion and listen. Just because one woman has had not issues does not mean that will be true for everyone. And like I said in my other post, it took years and years of depleting my vitality in the name of reproductive freedom for me to feel the effect. But when the day of reckoning came it hit me hard. Personally I feel we will hear more about this in the coming years. Thyroid issues and other autoimmune diseases are hitting women much harder than men and getting worse...I just have to think it has something to do with us disrupting our hormones. Anything that messes with that hormonal balance is going to mess with your endocrine system and it's just a cascade effect from there.
Even if people get defensive we need to keep talking about this. It is incredibly important!

KombuchaKat wrote: »

NotGnarly wrote: »

KombuchaKat wrote: »

NotGnarly wrote: »

Haha you find my story discouraging because I'm sharing my personal story about how depo was bad for my health. Not sure why me being open and honest about some of the negative experiences I have had with depo would warrant such combativeness. Heck I even said my sister lost weight but she did have a non stop period for years while on it. I guess the drug companies just like the food industry sends its shill to forums to attack anyone who speaks out negatively about their product.

Writing this again, hopefully will not be deleted. It took 15 years for the damage from hormonal birth control to accumulate for me. It does not always happen immediately. Over time it reduces your good gut bacteria, messes with your neurotransmitters...I could go on but there are lots of resources online you can check out for this. I totally agree with NotGnarly, think about the fact that the drug companies make millions of dollars off a drug sold to HEALTHY people! Then, on top of that, they get to sell you other drugs to deal with the side effects, all the while you are being told it is safe. Does that make sense?!

Thank you! When I posted my response I had no clue that people would get this offended over me sharing my experience. Most women tend to have horror stories about some form of birth control but I see now why they don't share their personal experience. I've been on different birth control pills (mini pill, ortho tricyclen, Yasmin...). I've also used the iud, nuva ring, patch, and shot. Most women at some point down the line end up switching the type or brand of birth control because of unwanted side effects. Not sure why my experience was so taboo especially considering I wished the op luck. Oh and I totally agree with what you said. It all comes down to money and not keeping you healthy. The medical establishment would go broke if everyone was in optimal health.

It makes me sad that women still feel the need to attack each other. Society seems to build it into us from a young age. We should show each other compassion and listen. Just because one woman has had not issues does not mean that will be true for everyone. And like I said in my other post, it took years and years of depleting my vitality in the name of reproductive freedom for me to feel the effect. But when the day of reckoning came it hit me hard. Personally I feel we will hear more about this in the coming years. Thyroid issues and other autoimmune diseases are hitting women much harder than men and getting worse...I just have to think it has something to do with us disrupting our hormones. Anything that messes with that hormonal balance is going to mess with your endocrine system and it's just a cascade effect from there.
Even if people get defensive we need to keep talking about this. It is incredibly important!

Totally agree! I think the use of birth control and how it can effect your health is still something that hasn't been fully tested. Heck we are all still Guinea pigs in this huge experiment. I haven't used birth control in 4 years. My husband had a vasectomy after our 3rd child was born. The vasectomy was great for about a year or 2 and then he started to suffer from low testosterone, low sex drive, emotional, fatigue, high blood pressure, andropause, etcs. Well if you dig deep into studies on how vasectomies can in fact screw with a mans biological functions, you start to realize that vasectomies and tubals are horrible for health. I also want to clarify that I'm not saying that everyone who has undergone a tubal or vasectomy will suffer these side effects but some do. There's a reason why blood flow is so important and when you disrupt that by cutting and then burning the ends of the tubes, it can cause a negative chain reaction over time. Scientist are finally just now realizing that "post tubal ligation syndrome" is in fact real. Same with routine hysterectomies, causing no libido. As a whole we can't just act like this stuff doesn't happen. I actually pray that most people are fine and go on in perfect health but for those very few it can be detrimental and most are forced into not sharing their story. Needless to say my husband had a vasectomy reversal and all of his symptoms went away! Some men aren't as fortunate because some docs cut the tubes really short and they can not be reattached. I'm not advising anyone to stop taking birth control but if you are having adverse affects then possibly switch to another form and see if that helps. Good luck to everyone.

erinc5 wrote: »

KombuchaKat wrote: »

erinc5 wrote: »

KombuchaKat wrote: »

NotGnarly wrote: »

Haha you find my story discouraging because I'm sharing my personal story about how depo was bad for my health. Not sure why me being open and honest about some of the negative experiences I have had with depo would warrant such combativeness. Heck I even said my sister lost weight but she did have a non stop period for years while on it. I guess the drug companies just like the food industry sends its shill to forums to attack anyone who speaks out negatively about their product.

Writing this again, hopefully will not be deleted. It took 15 years for the damage from hormonal birth control to accumulate for me. It does not always happen immediately. Over time it reduces your good gut bacteria, messes with your neurotransmitters...I could go on but there are lots of resources online you can check out for this. I totally agree with NotGnarly, think about the fact that the drug companies make millions of dollars off a drug sold to HEALTHY people! Then, on top of that, they get to sell you other drugs to deal with the side effects, all the while you are being told it is safe. Does that make sense?!

Pros and cons to everything. Pregnancy causes a lot of side effects, too - one of them being approx. 18 years of a freeloader taking up your time, money, emotions, etc... And lets not forget the toll being pregnant takes on your body, okay.

I totally get not wanting to have a baby. I'm 37 and do not want children by choice. I have managed this long to avoid getting pregnant both on and off hormonal birth control. We are not uncivilized animals that cannot resist our urges so much that we have to compromise our health to avoid unwanted pregnancy. And getting pregnant is totally natural for women, synthetic hormones are not.

I'm glad you've managed not to get pregnant since you didn't want to. The pros of depo over other birth control methods (hormonal and non-hormonal) make it the right choice for me and many others.

I understand wanting to share your story/experience with depo so that others asking questions about it can make an informed decision.

Oh wait. You've admitted that you've never even been on depo, so why are you in this thread again?

To answer OP's question - YES you can maintain a healthy weight (and even lose weight) while you are on depo!

Depo-provera is just a long acting synthetic hormone. Both the shot and the pill are forms of progesterone. So its all synthetic hormone birth control, just a different delivery method. As a side note depo-provera is also used for chemical castration. Doesn't that sound great? You're getting the same shot as men who are pedophiles. Any wonder why hormonal birth control also comes with diminished libido?

KombuchaKat wrote: »

erinc5 wrote: »

KombuchaKat wrote: »

erinc5 wrote: »

KombuchaKat wrote: »

NotGnarly wrote: »

Haha you find my story discouraging because I'm sharing my personal story about how depo was bad for my health. Not sure why me being open and honest about some of the negative experiences I have had with depo would warrant such combativeness. Heck I even said my sister lost weight but she did have a non stop period for years while on it. I guess the drug companies just like the food industry sends its shill to forums to attack anyone who speaks out negatively about their product.

Writing this again, hopefully will not be deleted. It took 15 years for the damage from hormonal birth control to accumulate for me. It does not always happen immediately. Over time it reduces your good gut bacteria, messes with your neurotransmitters...I could go on but there are lots of resources online you can check out for this. I totally agree with NotGnarly, think about the fact that the drug companies make millions of dollars off a drug sold to HEALTHY people! Then, on top of that, they get to sell you other drugs to deal with the side effects, all the while you are being told it is safe. Does that make sense?!

Pros and cons to everything. Pregnancy causes a lot of side effects, too - one of them being approx. 18 years of a freeloader taking up your time, money, emotions, etc... And lets not forget the toll being pregnant takes on your body, okay.

I totally get not wanting to have a baby. I'm 37 and do not want children by choice. I have managed this long to avoid getting pregnant both on and off hormonal birth control. We are not uncivilized animals that cannot resist our urges so much that we have to compromise our health to avoid unwanted pregnancy. And getting pregnant is totally natural for women, synthetic hormones are not.

I'm glad you've managed not to get pregnant since you didn't want to. The pros of depo over other birth control methods (hormonal and non-hormonal) make it the right choice for me and many others.

I understand wanting to share your story/experience with depo so that others asking questions about it can make an informed decision.

Oh wait. You've admitted that you've never even been on depo, so why are you in this thread again?

To answer OP's question - YES you can maintain a healthy weight (and even lose weight) while you are on depo!

Depo-provera is just a long acting synthetic hormone. Both the shot and the pill are forms of progesterone. So its all synthetic hormone birth control, just a different delivery method. As a side note depo-provera is also used for chemical castration. Doesn't that sound great? You're getting the same shot as men who are pedophiles. Any wonder why hormonal birth control also comes with diminished libido?

Check your facts. Hormones function differently in men than in women. Also, not all birth control pills are the same. Some have both estrogen and progesterone, some have only progesterone. The presence or absence of estrogen can make a huge difference. Depo-provera is progesterone only.

Great to see that you lament women attacking other women and yet still can't resist attacking those who get the shot. Am I supposed to feel bad that male pedophiles are getting the same chemical that I am, albeit in a very different context, dose, etc?

Hormonal birth control does not always result in diminished libido. I personally felt more frisky during the first few months on the shot and I certainly haven't slowed down from my pre-shot norm.

Everyone reacts to birth control differently because we all have slightly different bodies. It's ok. Some people have negative reactions, some positive, some neutral. It's good to hear about every person's story as long as it's relevant to the question being asked (in this case experience with Depo-Provera specifically).