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The Pill and Depo chat
continued from page 2
Does taking Depo Provera have any long-term side effects?
Q: My family planning clinic doctor told me recently that Depo is not a long-term contraceptive and that I have to come off it (I am a normal weight and a non-smoker). I was also told that it has severe side effects, such as bone thinning and high cholesterol. The literature I was given does not confirm this. Which information is correct?
welovemarmite
A: Long-term lack of periods associated with Depo use is thought to increase the risk of bone thinning and osteoporosis - especially in smokers - although this is not yet proven. Some clinics measure oestrogen levels after a woman has used depot progestogen for five years and offer added oestrogen replacement if levels are low. Research is currently looking into this.
Will taking Dianette cause fertility problems?
Q: I was put on Dianette three years ago having asked to go on the Pill for contraceptive purposes. The doctor pointed out that I was suffering from more spots than normal and prescribed Dianette. I heard that Dianette is a strong Pill bad for any length of time and am worried it will affect my fertility.
an8elica
A: It's usually recommended that Dianette is stopped (and another pill used) three to four months after acne or excess hair problems have resolved themselves. Although it is unlikely to have caused you any harm, it is a good idea to ask your doctor whether or not it should be changed if your acne has resolved.
Will I feel menopausal on Depo?
Q: I am in my mid-40s and have been on the Depo for many years and personally think its wonderful. However, without periods how will I know when I start the menopause, as I thought irregular periods was one of the main features? Also when will I know it's perfectly safe for me to stop taking it without any risk of pregnancy?
cassui
A: You would usually expect to start getting symptoms due to lack of oestrogen when the menopause arrives. As Depo does not contain oestrogens, it will not mask the usual hot flushes and night sweats that affect 75 per cent of menopausal women. If you are one of the 25 per cent of women who do not get significant menopausal symptoms, it can be difficult to know. Your doctor will usually suggest blood tests to check hormone levels at some stage (around the age of 50), as he or she won't want to continue giving you unnecessary depot injections. The average age for menopause is 51 years old. It is usually advised that you use contraception for one year after menopause if this takes you past the age of 50, otherwise, for two years after the menopause.
Does taking Depo Provera have any long-term side effects?
Q: My family planning clinic doctor told me recently that Depo is not a long-term contraceptive and that I have to come off it (I am a normal weight and a non-smoker). I was also told that it has severe side effects, such as bone thinning and high cholesterol. The literature I was given does not confirm this. Which information is correct?
welovemarmite
A: Long-term lack of periods associated with Depo use is thought to increase the risk of bone thinning and osteoporosis - especially in smokers - although this is not yet proven. Some clinics measure oestrogen levels after a woman has used depot progestogen for five years and offer added oestrogen replacement if levels are low. Research is currently looking into this.
Will taking Dianette cause fertility problems?
Q: I was put on Dianette three years ago having asked to go on the Pill for contraceptive purposes. The doctor pointed out that I was suffering from more spots than normal and prescribed Dianette. I heard that Dianette is a strong Pill bad for any length of time and am worried it will affect my fertility.
an8elica
A: It's usually recommended that Dianette is stopped (and another pill used) three to four months after acne or excess hair problems have resolved themselves. Although it is unlikely to have caused you any harm, it is a good idea to ask your doctor whether or not it should be changed if your acne has resolved.
Will I feel menopausal on Depo?
Q: I am in my mid-40s and have been on the Depo for many years and personally think its wonderful. However, without periods how will I know when I start the menopause, as I thought irregular periods was one of the main features? Also when will I know it's perfectly safe for me to stop taking it without any risk of pregnancy?
cassui
A: You would usually expect to start getting symptoms due to lack of oestrogen when the menopause arrives. As Depo does not contain oestrogens, it will not mask the usual hot flushes and night sweats that affect 75 per cent of menopausal women. If you are one of the 25 per cent of women who do not get significant menopausal symptoms, it can be difficult to know. Your doctor will usually suggest blood tests to check hormone levels at some stage (around the age of 50), as he or she won't want to continue giving you unnecessary depot injections. The average age for menopause is 51 years old. It is usually advised that you use contraception for one year after menopause if this takes you past the age of 50, otherwise, for two years after the menopause.
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Created: 19/07/2004 Updated: 05/10/2007
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