About Depo-Provera Shot Side Effects

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By Marissa Black
eHow Contributing Writer

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Depo-Provera is a form of birth control that is administered to women through an injection. Women must visit their healthcare provider for their injection every three months. Depo-Provera works by releasing progesterone into a woman's body. The elevated levels of progesterone makes the uterine lining less receptive to conception. A woman will no longer release eggs each month when she is using the Depo-Provera shot. Depo-Provera benefits women who do not want to take birth control pills. There are, however, potential side effects of the use of Depo-Provera.

Bone Loss

The potential for bone mass loss is one of the most serious side effects afflicting some women using Depo-Provera. If bone loss is experienced, it is not always possible to reverse the damage after stopping the Depo-Provera shot.

Fertility

Depo-Provera can affect fertility for an extended period of time after the last shot of Depo-Provera. Many woman are unable to become pregnant for one year or more after their final dose of Depo-Provera.

Warning

Depo-Provera can only be used as a way to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect woman from acquiring any type of sexually transmitted disease.

Common Side Effects

Many women have heavy bleeding for awhile after receiving their shot and then little or no bleeding at all. Weight gain, headaches, mood swings, hot flashes and acne are common side effects that are experienced by women who are using the Depo-Provera birth control method.

Preventing Effects

You can help to minimize the risk of bone density loss when taking Depo-Provera by exercising and remembering to include calcium in your diet.

Risk Factors

You will be at an increased risk for bone density loss associated with Depo-Provera if you have osteoporosis or if there is a history of osteoporosis in your family.

Other Risks

You should not have a Depo-Provera shot if there is any possibility that you are pregnant. If you are already experience irregular bleeding with your period or between periods, you should delay using Depo-Provera.