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Family planning

Depo and weight gain

14 replies

AllOverIt · 22/03/2013 19:09

I've been taking Depo for about 18months. In that time, I've gained about 20lbs without changing my diet or exercise routine hugely.

I've been dieting and exercising more carefully since Jan, sticking to about 1500 calories a day, 1hr dog walk daily and toning CV stuff 3-4 times a week. I haven't lost a single lb The maths of it doesn't make sense. I know I'm not pregnant.

Chatting to my friend about it I twigged that there might be a connection with Depo.

I've never had a problem losing the weight before. I'm pretty fit generally and have been a size 12 since as long as I remember! I am nearly 36 and thought it might be to do with getting older.

Would love to hear any other experiences. I'm seriously considering coming off it and trying something else.

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ilovepowerhoop · 22/03/2013 23:17

I only had 2 depo injections and put on a tone of weight. It is a well known side effect

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ilovepowerhoop · 22/03/2013 23:17

ton of weight!

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MeerkatMerkin · 23/03/2013 00:02

I was on depo as a teenager and ballooned, so it isn't age. I also had other unpleasant side effects - not something I would try again. Is the coil an option for you?

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SnazzyFizzle · 23/03/2013 00:06

I also put weight on with depo, I had it in my early twenties and then again after having dd and both times I put around a stone on and went up a dress size or two

I found that the weight starts to drop off again when my periods came back, but that took a year both times.

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AllOverIt · 23/03/2013 09:05

Thank you for all your replies. I've googled it and it does appear to be a very common side effect.

Bum. I love not having periods and remembering to take the pill. The coil isn't really an option as the damage DD did when I had her means my cervix is so low, I can't even use tampons.

I guess I'll just stop having it. Stupid question, do you just not make any more appointments or do I have to tell anyone?

I can't believe it might take a year to lose again

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ilovepowerhoop · 23/03/2013 09:14

you just dont go for your next injection, you dont have to notify anyone

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SnazzyFizzle · 23/03/2013 09:22

It might not in your case op, that was just my experience of it. I might have just been unlucky.

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AllOverIt · 24/03/2013 08:24

God I hope not. In going to up the ante and do more activity and cut out all the snacking and picking. Hopefully it'll start to come off.

God know what we'll do now. We both HATE condoms and all hormonal contraception is out. DH would happily go for the snip, but I'm not quite ready to shut that door yet. Maybe in 10 years when it's too late to have any more.

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Weight gain in pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy is one of life's certainties, but studies show that many women don't know how much weight they should be putting on – and could be putting themselves and their baby at risk

AlanMoore · 24/03/2013 08:29

My sister lost 15lb in about three months when she had her implant out and I went down a dress size when I came off the pill. It's rubbish!

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Wereonourway · 24/03/2013 08:42

I started on depo at 16 due to very heavy periods. I've been overweight pretty much since then.

Depo also caused my bones to thin. I'm on the implant now and have considered having it removed as I'm single and not sexually active but I really don't want periods again.

Apart from the pill is there anything I can do to "manage" periods?

Sorry for the hijack op, I've been wondering this for a while, I'm hoping lack of hormonal contraception might help me reach my goal weight

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Doshusallie · 24/03/2013 08:50

I am on depo and love it have been for years. I have never gained weight on it. I did read that weight gain is a common side effect, but not because it intrinsically makes you fatter, but that it causes you to have a bigger appetite so you eat more - I guess the end result is the same....

I love it too, no periods no pmt....I do have to have a bone scan next month though to check it hasn't thinned my bones and they are suggesting I have an implant (boo)

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AllOverIt · 24/03/2013 14:07

The bone density thing is frightening. I've just had CT and MRI for problems in my hips so I'll ask the consultant how they're looking at my appointment.

I'm due my next jab at the beginning of May. Not going to go. Will keep track of my weight to see how quickly it comes off. Cross fingers.

Not looking forward to the sporadic bleeding I've read that happens.

I just don't think the risks are worth it in the end.

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Wereonourway · 24/03/2013 15:28

All- I was on depo from the ages of 16-24 which is apparently the worst time due to it coinciding with the body's optimum calcium production age.

I only found this out when I moved to a new area an different health trust.

I was told I wouldn't have issues until middle age and that problems weren't garunteed as damage was reversible to a point.

I haven't had any bone issues as yet(touch wood) but I would never have known were it not for consceinscoius nurse.

Hope all goes well for you

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AllOverIt · 25/03/2013 06:10

That sounds awful. The GP did tell me about the bone issues when she prescribed it, but I didn't really think about it as we don't have osteoporosis in our family.

Definitely not going for my next jab