From the Guidelines
The most common side effects of the Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) shot include irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting, weight gain, headaches, mood changes, and decreased sex drive, as well as bone mineral density loss with long-term use, as reported in the 2016 study 1. The side effects of Depo-Provera can be categorized into several key areas, including:
- Menstrual irregularities: irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting, which typically improves after the first year of use, as noted in the 2014 study 1
- Weight changes: weight gain is another frequent side effect, with users gaining an average of weight, although the exact amount is not specified in the provided studies
- Hormonal effects: many women experience headaches, mood changes including depression, and decreased sex drive due to the synthetic progesterone in Depo-Provera, as mentioned in the 2014 study 1
- Injection site reactions: pain, irritation, or bruising can occur at the site of injection, although this is not explicitly stated in the provided studies
- Bone health: bone mineral density loss is a concern with long-term use, though this is generally reversible after discontinuation, as reported in the 2016 study 1 Other possible side effects include breast tenderness, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, and acne, although these are not as commonly reported. It is essential for patients to be counseled about these potential side effects before initiating Depo-Provera, as well as the importance of maintaining skeletal health through calcium and vitamin D supplementation and regular weight-bearing exercise, as recommended in the 2016 study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The most common side effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension include: irregular vaginal bleeding, such as lighter or heavier menstrual bleeding, or continued spotting weight gain abdominal pain headache weakness tiredness nervousness dizziness
The most common side effects of the Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) shot are irregular vaginal bleeding, weight gain, abdominal pain, headache, weakness, tiredness, nervousness, and dizziness.
- Key points to consider:
- Weight gain: About two-thirds of women who used medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension in clinical trials reported a weight gain of about 5 pounds during the first year of use.
- Irregular vaginal bleeding: Women who use medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension may experience irregular or unpredictable bleeding or spotting, which usually decreases over time.
- Importance of follow-up: It is essential to follow the directions for taking medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension and return every 3 months for the next injection to maintain protection against pregnancy. 2
From the Research
Common Side Effects of Depo-Provera
The most common side effects of the Depo-Provera shot include:
- Menstrual irregularities, such as irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding 3, 4, 5
- Weight gain 3, 4, 5, 6
- Hair loss 5, 7
- Depression 7
- Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) 3
Management of Side Effects
Studies suggest that side effects can be managed through various strategies, including:
- Short courses of estrogen to improve menstrual disturbances 4
- Shorter injection intervals to reduce menstrual irregularities 4
- Aggressive management of side effects to improve long-term use 5
- Assistance with appointment follow-up to improve continuation rates 5
- Treatment strategies for episodic vaginal bleeding, hair loss, depression, and weight gain 7
Factors Affecting Side Effects
Research indicates that certain factors can affect the experience of side effects, such as: