Depo ProVera birth control; hindering my weight loss?

I didn't gain weight with it the first time I was on it for two years, then I quit, re-started, and gained forty pounds. I can't entirely blame the depo, there were other things going on in my life that probably attributed to it a great deal, but I have considered going off it to see if it makes a difference.

Then again, I really enjoy the convenience of not having to worry about taking it more than 4 times a year, and I have it set up so that my pharmacy refills my prescription and my coworker, who is trained, gives me the injection, so I never even have to go into the Dr's office. Right now, convenience probably wins.

Also, my skin is finally clearer than it has been for several years and I wouldn't want to jack with that, either.

I've been on the Depo for over a year now and have gained weight. I also was less responsible about eating and didn't exercise during that time. My boyfriend and I ate out WAY too much. So, was it the pill or lifestyle, who knows? Today, ironically, I went to the doctor and asked to switch to a progesterone only pill. So, we'll see how that goes. It wasn't the weight or other side effects that bothered me, it was the possible bone loss. It's suggested you use the Depo for no more than a combined TWO years of your ENTIRE life. As for the weight, it's a challenge you'll have to overcome. Hope you find something that works for you.

I HATE Depo. Made me gain 10 pounds almost immediately. I've only taken the shot once and after seeing what it did to my body and sex drive (not to mention the pain I got from having sex...this happens in the beginning since it makes your hormones go crazy), I will never take this birth control again. It's been 3 months since I've had the shot and I now see the effects wearing off. My cycle is almost back to normal and I'm finally losing weight now. Look up alternatives for this birth control. DO NOT TAKE DEPO.

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I recently posted about Depo and almost all the reviews I received from the myfitnesspal community were telling me it was my fault and not the birth control. I am glad to see an older post showing it isn't just me! Your depo will make you gain weight, even if you maintain the exact same diet and level of activity. Hang in there!

Emily, I definitely understand! I had serious pregnancy symptoms to the point where I was looking at maternity clothes. I was not pregnant and now that my husband and I want to conceive, it is discouraging!! I am working out like crazy and seeing no weight loss. I took my last shot 8 months ago and hope my cycle will soon be back to normal. How long until yours went back to normal?

I went from 117 pounds to 190 in 4 months with the shot!!! I had been trying to gain weight for years so at first I was happy with the gain, but then it was just like the energizer bunny, it just kept going and gointg! I didn't eat any more, exercise any less, it just happened. I don't care what anyone says, some people do gain weight, my neice also gained about 50 pounds. It might not happen to you but it is something to think about

Moser: I have not had children, and have an IUD. Why do you say it isn't an option?

Hi sphinx,

I believe that the reasoning is that if you haven't ever been pregnant, the shape/texture/etc of the cervix makes the IUD more likely to dislodge. If you're 100% not OK with being pregnant, it might not be a good option. You're also supposed to check the little string more often to make sure it hasn't been expelled.

It is NOT true that you can't have the implant without being pregnant. I had the implant for about a year and have never been pregnant. I got it taken out because I thought it was causing weight gain, but I continued to gain after I had it removed :P The implant isn't necessarily a good option for women who are very overweight, though, because of the lower concentration of hormones in a larger person's system.

Sorry, just realized how old most of this thread is. Well, I had poor results with the pill because I'm so bad about taking it. The patch was mediocre, my doctor wouldn't prescribe me enough of them to get through more than 3 months at a time without a "period", and even that was like pulling teeth. I used Depo off and on for 13 years, and it was by far my favorite. After being on it for a long time, I could stretch my shots out 4-5-even 6 months without starting cycling again. (If I was in a relationship and sexually active, I got it more or less on time!) then I'd take a year off every now and then and suffer the consequences and start over. When I hit 40 my doctor didn't want me on it any more because of the risk to bone density, so she suggested Mirena. First attempt at insertion was excruciating and unsuccessful (I've not had children) so she gave me the pills that cause the cervix to relax, and it went in lickety-split next time around. I still have a period, spotting really, every now and then, but I'm hopeful it will eventually go away. I had been off Depo long enough to begin cycling at least irregularly before getting the IUD. Insurance paid for my IUD, I never had insurance for the other forms so can't compare there. (besides, the rules have changed for them.) If I should decide I'm not satisfied with the IUD, uterine ablation in conjunction with tube-tying will be the next (and final) step. By combining the two, insurance covers the office visit and surgery, so I would only have to pay for the ablation part out of pocket.

Now as for weight gain? Yes, I gained almost immediately after beginning Depo back in 98. I also quit smoking, injured my back, was battling depression with meds for that, and was in an unsatisfactory relationship. So I don't think Depo was responsible, at least not solely, for any gain.

Anyway, there's a fairly inclusive review of most the birth control options, hope it's helpful to somebody!