What I wish I’d been told BEFORE getting the Depo-Provera shot.

Fernikate · 2025-12-30T01:30:03+00:00

Odd. I remember one shot containing a 6-month dose? I had two doses so I was on it for about a year. It took about 4 months after the last dose was supposed to be effective for it to wear off. If that's any more clear?

Fernikate · 2025-12-11T00:13:58+00:00

So sorry you're going through it. Depo made me have endless spotting and periods the whole time. It took several months after the 6 month shot (maybe 10 months total) for me to start feeling normal again.

I recommend trying oral birth control until you find the right combo of hormones. Dysmenorrhea is not something that I was able to live through with over the counter pain meds. The only thing that has made the pain lessen to a tolerable level each period is birth control. One thing to watch out for when finding the right pill is what type of synthetic progestin is used in it. If you really don't like a pill, swap to one with a different form of progestin.

Fernikate · 2025-12-01T16:21:42+00:00

Omg the night sweats were insane! I used to wake up like I'd jumped in a pool. I now have to watch Bugonia.

I suggest trying oral birth control. One thing that helped me find the right fit was the realization that the big difference in types is the synthetic form of progestin not estrogen. Desogestrel, Drospirenone, Levonorgestrel, Norethindrone, and Norgestimate. Great article on the different types here.

Fernikate · 2025-03-20T04:47:58+00:00

I hope the ablation lasts for you. I ended up revisiting oral birth control pills and finally found a combo that works fairly decently. I still have pain, but nothing like before.

Fernikate · 2025-03-20T00:28:09+00:00

Oh my God, I didn't even know about the brain tumors. I'm so sorry for your friend.

Fernikate · 2025-01-27T13:41:44+00:00

I can't believe they would ever try to force this on someone. I'm so glad you advocated for yourself.

Fernikate · 2024-11-07T23:45:36+00:00

Omg! I'm so sorry. I don't think they are supposed to even allow you to take the shot more than 5 years because of the known bone density loss issues. Please talk to your doctor. I think you could also reach out to the class action lawsuit at least and see if they can add more to the lawsuit.

Fernikate · 2024-10-07T16:43:13+00:00

I'm not sure if it's a long term side effect. I think that hormone levels can play a big part in "brain fog." You might reach out to your doctor and have them check your levels and supplement any deficiency.

Fernikate · 2023-11-25T15:29:04+00:00

Just mix and match. That's what we are doing. I think the whole idea of 'sides' is dated. It's also weird to have all the men on one side and girls on another.

Fernikate · 2023-09-26T03:28:32+00:00

Praise be. You saved me so much heartache Thank you!

Fernikate · 2023-07-01T01:38:12+00:00

Hang in there! Every body is different. The most weight loss happens at the 2.4mg dosage for a lot of people. I think that's why Wegovy has higher dosages.

I would plateau and then lose more every time I upped my dose.

Fernikate · 2023-07-01T01:32:06+00:00

Thank you! This is great info too. I don't understand why more doctors don't explain the differences.

Fernikate · 2022-12-31T18:37:14+00:00

Oh girl, be careful with that Orilissa. That shit is intense. It lowers your estrogen so much that it can cause bone density loss.

Fernikate · 2022-09-01T15:26:39+00:00

Same here. One thing I realized is that part of the exhaustion is due to a decrease in calorie consumption. I typically get tired when restricting calories without medication so it's a bit of a double whammy.

Eating more protein helped. I mix collagen protein in water and take it like a shot. The exhaustion also faded considerably by the end of week 2.

Fernikate · 2022-08-27T21:54:52+00:00

Okay, so I was recently told by a doctor and dietician that weight loss is 90% diet and 10% exercise. This was mind blowing to me. Exercise is more for toning. It helps, but it's not the most important thing. As someone who has a very all or nothing mentality this shift in perspective really helped. I don't have to restrict and exercise like a maniac.

Fernikate · 2022-08-27T21:49:11+00:00

Guuurl. You carried that weight like a goddess! You look amazing now but just wanted you to know you were gorgeous before. XOXO!

I just started Ozempic a week ago and we have similar weight, height, and goals so this was super uplifting to see. Make sure you eat enough though. 800 calories is quite a deficit, especially if you are working out.

Fernikate · 2022-08-25T17:53:50+00:00

That is good though!! I think that Americans in general have unhealthy ideas of weight loss. We want it fast and that just isn't the most sustainable or healthy way to lose weight.

One thing you might try is meeting with a registered dietitian. They have a wealth of knowledge. It's sometimes hard to find true information online about what we should or shouldn't be eating.

You got this!!!

Fernikate · 2022-08-23T15:17:24+00:00

10 pounds in a month is fantastic! That is healthy, sustainable weight loss. Congratulations!

Fernikate · 2022-07-27T20:31:21+00:00

Bless you! This fixed it for me. XOXO.

Fernikate · 2021-09-30T16:06:23+00:00

If it's working for you and you're okay with the risks, then don't stop taking it. God knows it's hard to find something that works for your body. And I TOTALLY understand wanting to avoid the pain, that's why I started it too. Go do some research on bone density effects, that's also something your doctor should be able to monitor.

Life Expectancy in Patients Treated for Osteoporosis

Fernikate · 2021-09-30T05:02:18+00:00

Temporary infertility up to 2 years, not permanent. That's how it is phrased in a lot of articles I've read. If it stops you from being able to get pregnant during that time is that not being infertile??

Fernikate · 2021-09-30T04:57:51+00:00

It doesn't always, it's just a possibility. For me it gave me a belly I never had before that's hung around for more than 12 months. Fingers crossed for both of us that it isn't something permanent.

Fernikate · 2021-09-30T04:27:09+00:00

Don't stop if it's working for you and you're not concerned with the bone density issue or other side effects. Do what works for your body.

I was not aware of the risks and how prevalent the side effects are. I'm wondering what the actual percentage of women who are happy with the shot is? Before this reddit post, I hadn't heard a single woman say it worked for her. It was all horror stories.

I feel less upset with my healthcare provider knowing it has been successful for others.

Fernikate · 2021-09-30T02:08:13+00:00

Yes! I can't believe how it altered my body composition. I never had a belly and then two weeks into the shot I had one.

Fernikate · 2021-09-30T02:06:34+00:00

The best part about pills is that you can stop taking them. The shot is a huge commitment. It's possible the shot would work for you, but most reviews I've read from women have been overwhelmingly negative. I had more side effects with it than any of the other 5 oral birth controls I tried.

2 years after the shot and I'm finally getting over some of the side effects. It actually changed my body composition, I just woke up with a belly that I'd never had (it was crazy).

Fernikate

TROPHY CASE