[dawnnjoness]

I got my first depo shot April '12 my next shot was due in July. I decided not to get it because I had been having terrible side effects like headaches which I am still having. I have been bleeding/spotting for over a month. What do I do? And how can I stop the bleeding?

[anillaK7]

Your health care provider should have explained to you before administering your first injection that your flow WILL change. It can either start decreasing and/or cause spotting right away or potentially increase for a while as your body adjusts to the increased level of hormones. Since you didn't go back for another injection, once the first one wears off completely (another month or two more than likely) your flow SHOULD be similar to what it was before.

What really concerns me is that you're having headaches - if they provided you with the drug information (another thing your doctor should be doing) and you read it, you would have known to contact your doctor if you're having severe headaches while on Depo. If you didn't have headaches before depo, and you do now, you should get the next available appointment with your doctor to have that checked out.

[dawnnjoness]

Your health care provider should have explained to you before administering your first injection that your flow WILL change. It can either start decreasing and/or cause spotting right away or potentially increase for a while as your body adjusts to the increased level of hormones. Since you didn't go back for another injection, once the first one wears off completely (another month or two more than likely) your flow SHOULD be similar to what it was before.

What really concerns me is that you're having headaches - if they provided you with the drug information (another thing your doctor should be doing) and you read it, you would have known to contact your doctor if you're having severe headaches while on Depo. If you didn't have headaches before depo, and you do now, you should get the next available appointment with your doctor to have that checked out.

The headaches started during the last month on the depot shot. I didn't connect the two until recently when I found my paperwork from the doctor. I also started to bleed during the last month on the depot shot and have been ever since. Do you know If the pill would somehow stop the bleeding it regulate it at least?

[anillaK7]

I am honestly not sure. I know a LOT about Depo because I've been on and off it for over a decade and I've done my homework. As long as the hormone in depo is in your system, my educated guess is that it will still effect your bleeding - to what degree is hard to say. I know the bleeding is irritating to have to deal with, but I really think as far as immediate concern that is not as much a risk to your overall health as the headaches. You do need to see a doctor, that is a certainty.