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Women's HealthContraceptionDepo-Provera injection - your questions answered
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Depo-Provera injection - your questions answered

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Does the Depo injection cause bone thinning?
Q: My Family Planning Clinic doctor recently told me that the Depo injection is not a long-term contraceptive and that I have to come off it (I am a normal weight, non-smoker). I was also told that it has severe side effects of bone thinning and high cholesterol. The literature I was given does not confirm this. Please advise as I felt that the information my doctor gave me was very one-sided.
welovemarmite

A: Long-term lack of periods associated with Depot Progestogen 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.

Is my contraception dampening my sex drive?
Q: I have been on Depo for five years, and have been happy until recently. For the last year or so I have been feeling depressed and have lost all sex drive. I have also noticed that my weight gain since being on the injection has been very hard to shift (two stone). I have discussed this with my doctor, but she is keen to keep me on it for some reason, and tried putting me on the oral pill as well for a month, which did nothing and then she tried me on Vit B6, which has also not helped. Do you think any of my side effects would go (the mood swings, low libido and weight gain) if I come off the injection?
louisa2484

A: Hormonal methods of contraception can cause loss of sex drive and weight gain in some women but not in others. We are all individuals and we all change, too, so even if the injection suited you for five years, that doesn't mean it will suit you forever. If you do decide to stop, it will take several months to get back to normal - fertility can take between three months and one year (or longer) to return, but sex drive often comes back quite quickly. You need to chat with your doctor about why she is so keen for you to stay on the injection when you feel it no longer suits you, as well as finding a suitable alternative.

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