You would think that something that is supposed to be beneficial would not have nasty side effects. When it comes to Depo Provera, nothing could be further from the truth. Doctors are realizing that a patient’s mental health history and hormonal fluctuations need to be taken into account when they are trying to decide which birth control treatment to use.
One particularly bad side effect of using Depo for birth control is the possibility of Depo Provera depression. This contraceptive injection is used worldwide with reckless abandon and there is no standard for checking patients for risk of depression or checking up on patients for the possibility of depression while using the treatment.
A Short History of Depo Provera
Depo Provera, also known as medroxy-progesterone acetate has been a controversial drug almost since its inception. It had been taken off the US market for some time because it was believed that the side effects negated its effectiveness such as the fact that nothing can remove the chemical from the body which makes it toxic.
Additionally, women who use the drug when they are young run the risk of becoming barren because the drug disrupts the flow of hormones between the pituitary gland and the uterus. The drug was still produced and sold in other areas of the world but there was no research done into the problems it could cause. However, in 1993 researchers concluded that Depo Provera could be used as a treatment into illnesses such as endometriosis (an illness associated with the building of the uterine lining) because it can prevent endometrium cancers.
Side Effects
Depo Provera depression is one of the greatest side effects of using the drug. Because there is no known medication that can remove the drug from the woman’s body, the risk of depression increases as the chemical continues to stay in the body. It can take months for the chemicals to work their way out of your system so if you are already suffering from Depo Provera depression you may have a long road ahead before you see any improvement.
About Depo Provera
Depo Provera is an injection of a synthetic hormone which is used as a method of contraception which is delivered through a needle by a doctor or nurse every 12 weeks. It works in the body just like progesterone and prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus (which prevents sperm from getting through) and altering the chemistry of the endometrium to make it unsuitable for embryonic implantation. Only 3% of women using this form of contraception get pregnant when used correctly. Side effects of using this form of contraception include:
Irregular menstrual bleeding, light spotting and breakthrough bleeding or heavier bleeding
After a year of use women may see lighter bleeding or the periods may stop altogether
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue
Moderate weight gain and increase in appetite
Acne, anxiety, backaches, bloating, leg cramps, hair loss or excessive hair growth
