Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Taking Depo Shot. Started Bleeding And Getting Headaches. What Could Be Causing This?
Question: I have been having bad headaches almost daily - I have been on the contraceptive injection - depro provera since october, and have been bleeding from that time on till now.... can you tell me what causes are there, I am nearly 49. Thanks
Hello XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing to us. Here I am trying to explain your query.
Depot shot (depo provera) is very much effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy and to be taken once in 3 months. It has failure rate less than 0.3 per HWY. However, there are several side effects like irregular vaginal bleeding, long time amenorrhea, weight change, breast discomfort, abdominal bloating, headache or migraine etc.
Another thing, you are in peri-menopausal age group (49 yrs) and in this age group, irregular bleeding is quite common in some women. It may be due to hormonal imbalance, caused by dysfunction of ovary without ovulation leads to progesterone deficiency.
But continuous bleeding since the month of October is not normal thing. We have to rule out possible causes of bleeding in this context. These are as follows:
1) Uterine fibroid & polyp (body and cervical region)
2) Endometriosis is also another cause (that you have previously).
3) Adenomyosis/ endometrial hyperplasia / Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)
4) Rarely carcinoma- endometrial/ cervical
5) Use of certain medication etc.
Complete physical examination including pelvic/speculum exam and colposcopy if indicated, is needed to rule out underlying pathology.
Possibilities can be narrowed by several investigations like blood test for thyroid profile & clotting factor abnormality, Ultrasound scan for pelvis, Pap smear test to detect cancerous changes and endometrial biopsy (which may be needed).
There is certain treatment protocol with initiation of haemostatic agent combined with progesterone pill/ shot. If above medical treatment fails to control bleeding, then approach would be surgical by the means of Dilation and curettage (D&C), Operative hysteroscopy to remove polyp, endometrial ablation in case of hyperplasia.
Lastly, total hysterectomy (removal of entire uterus) is the ideal choice in your age group.
So please consult with gynecologist for proper guidance through investigation, physical examination and medication with suggestive measures.
Follow some basic measures that will be helpful:
1) take healthy diet with iron supplements and avoid salty food stuff.
2) drink more water and eat XXXXXXX vegetables & fresh fruits.
3) avoid stress/tension by XXXXXXX breathing with adequate sleeping.
4) maintain genital hygiene properly and control body weight.
5) take some analgesic like paracetamol or drug for migraine headache.
6) periodic health check up is mandatory in using depot shot and you may need to change for other option of treatment.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.
Wish your good health in future.
Regards,
Dr Soumen.
Thanks for writing to us. Here I am trying to explain your query.
Depot shot (depo provera) is very much effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy and to be taken once in 3 months. It has failure rate less than 0.3 per HWY. However, there are several side effects like irregular vaginal bleeding, long time amenorrhea, weight change, breast discomfort, abdominal bloating, headache or migraine etc.
Another thing, you are in peri-menopausal age group (49 yrs) and in this age group, irregular bleeding is quite common in some women. It may be due to hormonal imbalance, caused by dysfunction of ovary without ovulation leads to progesterone deficiency.
But continuous bleeding since the month of October is not normal thing. We have to rule out possible causes of bleeding in this context. These are as follows:
1) Uterine fibroid & polyp (body and cervical region)
2) Endometriosis is also another cause (that you have previously).
3) Adenomyosis/ endometrial hyperplasia / Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)
4) Rarely carcinoma- endometrial/ cervical
5) Use of certain medication etc.
Complete physical examination including pelvic/speculum exam and colposcopy if indicated, is needed to rule out underlying pathology.
Possibilities can be narrowed by several investigations like blood test for thyroid profile & clotting factor abnormality, Ultrasound scan for pelvis, Pap smear test to detect cancerous changes and endometrial biopsy (which may be needed).
There is certain treatment protocol with initiation of haemostatic agent combined with progesterone pill/ shot. If above medical treatment fails to control bleeding, then approach would be surgical by the means of Dilation and curettage (D&C), Operative hysteroscopy to remove polyp, endometrial ablation in case of hyperplasia.
Lastly, total hysterectomy (removal of entire uterus) is the ideal choice in your age group.
So please consult with gynecologist for proper guidance through investigation, physical examination and medication with suggestive measures.
Follow some basic measures that will be helpful:
1) take healthy diet with iron supplements and avoid salty food stuff.
2) drink more water and eat XXXXXXX vegetables & fresh fruits.
3) avoid stress/tension by XXXXXXX breathing with adequate sleeping.
4) maintain genital hygiene properly and control body weight.
5) take some analgesic like paracetamol or drug for migraine headache.
6) periodic health check up is mandatory in using depot shot and you may need to change for other option of treatment.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.
Wish your good health in future.
Regards,
Dr Soumen.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
