Side effects
Depo-Provera shot common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Lower back pain
62% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported lower back pain
Headaches
62% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported headaches
Breast enlargement
57% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported breast enlargement
Dizziness
48% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported dizziness
Sweating more than usual
48% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported sweating more than usual
Depo-Provera shot rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
5% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported discomfort wearing contact lenses
5% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported body hair increase
5% of Depo-Provera shot reviewers reported pelvic infection
Possible Depo-Provera shot side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Lower back pain (62%)
- Headaches (62%)
- Breast enlargement (57%)
- Dizziness (48%)
- Sweating more than usual (48%)
- Period like cramps (43%)
- Tender breasts (43%)
- Nausea or vomiting (38%)
- Vaginal discharge (33%)
- Hair loss (33%)
- Vaginal dryness (29%)
- Migraines (24%)
- Body hair getting darker (19%)
- Migraine with aura (14%)
- High blood pressure (10%)
- Thrush (10%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (5%)
- Body hair increase (5%)
- Pelvic infection (5%)
- Cystitis (0%)
- A latex allergy (0%)
Reviews
2.7
21 reviews
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Community reviews
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 3 days ago
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
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 24th Feb 25
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 21st Feb 25
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
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 2nd Nov 24
Very positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 21st Jul 24
Have been nonstop throwing up and being nauseous and dizzy, lost a lot of weight from that alone. Have a bad fever and a lot of hot flashes, very uncomfortable and won’t ever do this again. Ever. Ever. Ever again.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
2 helpful
1 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 19th Jul 24
I first started receiving the shot as a teenager (for 2 years) and the only side effect I experienced was no periods, which is what I wanted. I started back on it 5 years ago after trying 2 other types of BC that I did not like. Once again, my periods stopped, but this time I also gained about 30 lbs, my breasts grew, and I suffered from excessive sweating/ hot flashes. The weight gain was no issue to me since I have always been very tall and skinny. Putting on some extra weight was a plus. It was the constant sweating and hot flashes that made me stop taking the shot. I would even sweat from my head and *down there*, which I never used to before. It was very embarrassing and difficult for me to control. I was showering 3-4 times a day in between trying to work and go to school. Not to mention all of the different types of deodorant I had to try to remedy this issue. If I can find a viable solution, I would most definitely restart this BC.
Gained weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 3rd Jul 24
Depo Provera stopped my periods completely. After being on it for more than a year, I can’t fit into my favorite belt that I easily could a year ago. Mind you, last year I was more sedentary — this year I’ve been training for 5Ks. That’s how much weight I’ve gained on Depo.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 20th Jun 24
I never had any real big side affects when I was on depo over a decade ago but now that I'm older and went back on it, the breast tenderness (only 1) and slight discharge is becoming nearly unbearable. It happens about 3-5days after getting the shot and lasts 4-7days. I gotta decide if this is worth it.
Somewhat negative mood
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Jun 24
I am having pigmentation down there and its always a thrush always itching causing discomfort .
Very positive mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 24th May 24
Made me very moody for the first month. Also seems to be concerning long term side effects.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments