Women's Health Community

Dear somewhatironic: Congrats on your new baby! So sorry you have had to deal with these birth control problems while caring for all the needs of a child.

You are absolutely right. This is not a "real period". Unlike birth control pills/patch/ring where the homrones leave your body within five days, the hormones in DepoProvera can stay around for MUCH longer. The synthetic progesterone in Depo (and its long lasting metabolites) can delay the return of regular ovulations and regular periods for a couple of months.

In terms of the type and color of flow you are having, when the bleeding is brisk and heavy the blood flows quickly out of the uterus and vagina. When the bleeding is scant and slower it has a much longer time to be exposed to the oxygen in the air. This exposure will turn the blood color brownish. Think about a piece of meat which has been exposed to air for a while. The outside will be dark brown/gray. Yet when you cut into the meat, and expose an area which has not been in contact with the air, the color will be red.

It is very common for women using birth control pills (BCPs) or Depo to have a bleed which looks more like dark motor oil sludge than bright red menstrual bleeding. The synthetic progesterone in BCPs or Depo creates a thinner lining inside the uterus. This creates a decreased amount of flow. This more scant flow will appear as a dark brown color, and thick consistency.

Should you be at risk for pregnancy, that should be ruled out first with a reliable pregnancy test--especially if you are being sexually active without another form of contraception.

Bottom line, I would urge you to contact the OB/ GYN or clinic that was giving your Depo shot and let them know about your continued spotting/bleeding. They may want to rule out an infection or discuss other forms of birth control to stop this erratic bleeding.

Yours,
Jane

OK, you did the absolutely best thing. Never get it again! My daughter took it for several years, gained a lot of weight and weakened her bones. She has been off for some years and has been unable to lose all of the weight, It comes off very slowly. She has been dianosed with Chrons and had to have surgery. Did the deppo cause it, who knows? Now go back to a good doctor about the flow. Probably just a build up from the three months you were on it.

Don't ever take Depo shots again!!!
It's made from male hormones...now I have to Shave like a man. It really is terrible to have your child ask why you have a beard like daddy...I never did untill I took Depo! Tell all your friends and family NOT to take Depo shots...EVER!!!

Dear Barbcmf and JoyleafJoJo: Yes, Depo has been linked to both weight gain and decreased bone density. The loss of bone density is due to Depo suppression of estrogen levels. Any increase in facial hair can also be from decreased estrogen levels (NOT that Depo is made from male hormones). Estrogen increases a protein which binds up male hormones. So if estrogen is low our natural male hormone levels will be more apparent.

Barb, I couldn't find data suggesting that Depo worsens or incites inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's Disease). It is an autoimmune disorder, and there is no overt increase in autoimmune problems with the synthetic progesterone that is in Depo.

JoyleafJoJo, there are a couple of ways to deal with the unwanted facial hair. Electrolysis or laser can kill the hair root. There is also a prescription cream (Vaniqu).

Yours,
Jane