Contraception Reviews

Side effects

Depo-Provera shot side effects

2.8

27 reviews

What Lowdown reviewers say

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Mood

37% somewhat negative

Bleeds

44% stopped periods

Sex drive

37% lost sex drive

Weight

48% gained weight

Skin

30% no impact on skin

Cycle return

50% in 3-6 months

Depo-Provera shot

Depo-Provera shot common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

1

Lower back pain

59% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported lower back pain

2

Headaches

59% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported headaches

3

Period like cramps

56% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported period like cramps

4

Breast enlargement

52% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported breast enlargement

5

Dizziness

48% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported dizziness


Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

  • 7% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported body hair increase

  • 7% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported thrush

  • 4% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported pelvic infection


Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

  • Lower back pain (59%)
  • Headaches (59%)
  • Period like cramps (56%)
  • Breast enlargement (52%)
  • Dizziness (48%)
  • Vaginal discharge (44%)
  • Sweating more than usual (44%)
  • Tender breasts (44%)
  • Nausea or vomiting (41%)
  • Vaginal dryness (37%)
  • Hair loss (33%)
  • Migraines (30%)
  • Body hair getting darker (19%)
  • High blood pressure (15%)
  • Migraine with aura (11%)
  • Discomfort wearing contact lenses (7%)
  • Body hair increase (7%)
  • Thrush (7%)
  • Pelvic infection (4%)
  • Cystitis (0%)
  • A latex allergy (0%)

Reviews

2.8

27 reviews

Filter reviews

Community reviews

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 days ago

Depo-Provera shot  

I have been on depo for 4 months almost. It has been a ROUGH time. From day one it’s been non stop nausea, dizziness and fatigue. I have almost no appetite ever so I keep dropping weight like crazy. Another symptom I have had since the start has been continuous tingling in my arms and legs, almost like they are about to fall asleep but don’t. My doctor said it could take some getting used to but this is almost unmanageable. When does it get to the point of feeling normal again? Not sure I can handle another couple months of this and I heard stopping the shot comes with its own set of issues because of your body trying to readjust again.

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Depo-Provera shot  

Getting off birth control and having cramps idk why I only been off for like a month or so


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  4th Jun 25

Depo-Provera shot  

I have been on this form of birth control for 3 months now. I got my first dose on the last day of my cycle. This is my first time ever on birth control. After the first dose my cycle went away. I got my second dose 2 weeks later than what I was supposed to, because my gynecologist rescheduled my appointment (because they’d be closed that day). I started bleeding a medium-light flow 7 days after i was Supposed to get my second dose. I have been bleeding for 28 days straight now. The flow is the lightest it has been so far today, but it’s annoying to deal with. I get my third dose of depo in 2 months, and I’m honestly thinking of quitting it.


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  15th May 25

Depo-Provera shot  

I’ve been on Depo for 4 years and I’m almost 2 months off of it and I’m actively trying for a baby and my body is definitely all out of wack trying to regulate I’ve spotted for a week I’ve had bad cramps and stomach aches and I still haven’t ovulated yet but hopefully I will soon !!! All I can say is coming off the shot take it easy and get rest because your body is trying to get everything back in order and it’s not entirely fun


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1st May 25

Depo-Provera shot  

Started the shot as an easy way to get on BC. Didn't have to get another shot for another 3 months; however, it was the worst decision I made. I had spotting and sometimes even heavy bleeding for 18 consecutive days straight. Gained weight as well for the following 3 months.


Worse skin

1 more effect

11 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  25th Apr 25

Depo-Provera shot  

My skin is brighter, my hair is healthier. I’m losing weight, I went from 127 to 116 in the 3 months I’ve had it. I went from having no sex drive to being turned on all of the time. My only complaint is that even though I’m always turned on, it’s still a little difficult to get wet, and I experience alot of weird discharges


Very positive mood

3 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  28th Mar 25

Depo-Provera shot  

The beginning i bled a lot, 40 plus day periods with few breaks in between. After about a year my periods went away and I only have spotting now. I recently found out I should only be using this form for no more than 2 years but this is my best option. It has been affecting my bones because I experience pain in my knees and hips that I haven't before this birth control. It does control my acne and is reliable which is a plus for me, i haven't experienced weight gain which is a common side effect. I have migraines more often after my shot and leading up to it as well. Overall I don't care for birth control in general and will be looking for other options.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Feb 25

Depo-Provera shot  

i get non-stop acne


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Feb 25

Depo-Provera shot  

I became depressed and experienced pregnancy symptoms. I had it for a year. Half way through that year is when I realized it was the birth control that was making me feel out of wack. I had a horrible reaction receiving last shot and that was it. I continued using it because I thought my body was suppose to get use to it. I’ve changed a lot since then and not in a positive way.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  2nd Nov 24

Depo-Provera shot  

It's very good but I feel the vagina dryness is a lot


Very positive mood

3 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

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