Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Includes Expert Content
depo shot
avatar
dutymom posted:
I was on the depo shot for 14 years. I have been off it now for a year, with no periods yet. I have had 2 times that I have extreme pain, followed by what feels like a "bubble, or small ball" moving through, and a small amount of blood that follows. My breasts are very tender from time to time. I am 45 years old, is this normal after being on the "shot" for so long.?
I would like a permanant solution so I dont have to worry about birth control at all, but obgyn wants to use an IUD for 5 years and I am against it.
Any solution is better than none.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:depo shotI was on the depo shot for 14 years. I have been off it now for a year, with no periods yet. I have had 2 times that I have extreme pain, followed by what feels like a "bubble, or small ball" moving through, and a small amount of blood that follows. My breasts are very tender from time to time. I am 45 years old, is this normal after being on the "shot" for so long.?<br />I would like a permanant solution so I dont have to worry about birth control at all, but obgyn wants to use an IUD for 5 years and I am against it. <br />Any solution is better than none.
Reply
 
avatar
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear dutymom: There are a couple of POSSIBLE contributing factors for your current symptoms:

1. Long term DepoProvera use--As you likely have heard the metabolites of Depo can remain in the body for a prolonged interval. This can impact the return to regular ovulations and regular periods. It can also take months for the lining of the uterus to regrow. Depo's synthetic progesterone makes the lining so thin that periods stop; there is not much to shed.

2. Approaching perimenopause---At age 45 you are moving into the four to five year transition into menopause. This also can interfere with regular ovulations and regular periods.

My best GUESS is that your are likely missing some ovulations (from either or both causes) . This can prompt the tender breasts.

Your GYN has made a reasonable suggestion. An IUD with a five year lifespan would fit your last fertile interval. The Mirena IUD would keep you without a flow but would not suppress your estrogen levels the way Depo can.A copper IUD (eg Paragard) would have no hormonal influence. You could also choose to have a tubal ligation or partner vasectomy. Some women choose to go on a super low dose birth control pill--or even the mini-pill if the woman is smoker. Hopefully your GYN can give more information about all the methods of birth control so you can make the best choice for YOUR needs.

Sincerely,
Jane
Report This| Share this:depo shotDear dutymom: There are a couple of POSSIBLE contributing factors for your current symptoms:<br /><br />1. Long term DepoProvera use--As you likely have heard the metabolites of Depo can remain in the body for a prolonged interval. This can impact the return to regular ovulations and regular periods. It can also take months for the lining of the uterus to regrow. Depo's synthetic progesterone makes the lining so thin that periods stop; there is not much to shed.<br /><br />2. Approaching perimenopause---At age 45 you are moving into the four to five year transition into menopause. This also can interfere with regular ovulations and regular periods.<br /><br />My best GUESS is that your are likely missing some ovulations (from either or both causes) . This can prompt the tender breasts.<br /><br />Your GYN has made a reasonable suggestion. An IUD with a five year lifespan would fit your last fertile interval. The Mirena IUD would keep you without a flow but would not suppress your estrogen levels the way Depo can.A copper IUD (eg Paragard) would have no hormonal influence. You could also choose to have a tubal ligation or partner vasectomy. Some women choose to go on a super low dose birth control pill--or even the mini-pill if the woman is smoker. Hopefully your GYN can give more information about all the methods of birth control so you can make the best choice for YOUR needs.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Jane
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Women's Health Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP Expert
Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP, is a nurse practitioner and has been a practicing women's health care specialist for 15 years. She was on the facul...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

birth control pills and gelatin-like clots
I started taking birth control pills because I had an ovarian cyst that made periods painful. Now when I'm on my periods, I will go to the ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
34 of 73 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Expert Blog

Below the Belt: Women's Health - Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP

From HPV to irregular periods to PMS to fibroids, Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, is here to share her knowledge and insight...Read More

Related News

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.