HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Does Depo-Provera Have Long Term Side Effects?

are there long-term side effects for Depo-Provera usage, particularly for men who took it for reduced libido? I took it from January 2015 thru December of same year, stopped almost cold turkey. i m worried about unusual weight gain and feet/lower leg swelling in past six months July - December 2016.
Thu, 2 Feb 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
Depo-Provera contains 'medroxyprogesterone', which is a derivative of hormone progesterone.
Medroxyprogesterone acts as a contraceptive as it inhibits the secretion of pituitary gonadotropin which, in turn, prevents follicular maturation and ovulation.
Side Effects which may be associated with its use include: Irregular menstrual periods, or no periods at all, Headache, Depression, Dizziness, Acne, Changes in appetite, Weight gain, Unwanted facial and body hair, Hair loss and Loss of bone mineral density.
Change in the menstrual cycle is the most common side effect. You may have irregular bleeding or spotting, particularly in the initial few months. After a year of use, about 50% of women will stop getting their periods. Their periods usually return when they no longer get the shots.
Long-term use of Depo-Provera may lead to loss of bone mineral density, which makes osteoporosis more likely. This risk is greater if it is taken for longer than 2 years, with associated risk factors like alcohol intake and smoking.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Does Depo-Provera Have Long Term Side Effects?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. Depo-Provera contains medroxyprogesterone , which is a derivative of hormone progesterone. Medroxyprogesterone acts as a contraceptive as it inhibits the secretion of pituitary gonadotropin which, in turn, prevents follicular maturation and ovulation. Side Effects which may be associated with its use include: Irregular menstrual periods, or no periods at all, Headache, Depression, Dizziness, Acne, Changes in appetite, Weight gain, Unwanted facial and body hair, Hair loss and Loss of bone mineral density. Change in the menstrual cycle is the most common side effect. You may have irregular bleeding or spotting, particularly in the initial few months. After a year of use, about 50% of women will stop getting their periods. Their periods usually return when they no longer get the shots. Long-term use of Depo-Provera may lead to loss of bone mineral density, which makes osteoporosis more likely. This risk is greater if it is taken for longer than 2 years, with associated risk factors like alcohol intake and smoking. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.