First Period after Stopping Depo-Provera
Discounting birth control (especially hormonal birth control) often causes noticeable changes in the body. Depo Provera is not an exception. This long-lasting injection for preventing pregnancy is convenient and effective, but the body may need some time to self-regulate after stopping it.
What is expected after stopping the use of Depo Provera? How much time is needed for the menstrual cycle to return to normal? And how easy is it to get pregnant after stopping hormonal birth control? In this article, we are going to cover all these questions, as well as share some helpful information about Depo Provera and getting off this product.
Key Takeaways
- After patients stop using Depo Provera, the timeline to resume menstruation is different for everyone. Some people get them in a few months, while others may need up to 18 months;
- There is a chance there’ll be changes in one’s menstrual patterns (for example, amenorrhea or irregular cycle), as the body needs to adjust to post-contraceptive changes;
- Fertility restoration may take some time, so it’s important to be patient and give yourself time to get back to a normal cycle and try to get pregnant afterwards;
- Having open communication with a healthcare provider is essential to address any concerns and manage health changes in the correct way.
Reasons People Go Off Birth Control
Even though there’s no need to have a particular reason to go off birth control, still we’d like to mention some of the most common ones so you have a better understanding of the topic:
- Experiencing negative side effects. Adverse reactions after a Depo Provera shot vary based on one’s body peculiarities: from extreme headaches and mood swings to sore breasts. The most common symptom that causes people to stop using this product is an undesired bleeding pattern (for example, spotting). If this option is not right for an individual, it’s not the only birth control method available on the market. Picking the right variant with a doctor is vital here;
- A person wants to start another birth control method for pregnancy prevention. With time, people understand their needs and comfort better. Maybe it’s more comfortable for someone to take pills, or there’s a goal to get off the hormonal contraceptives altogether and use barrier ones instead. A specialist must help patients figure out which option would be the best for them;
- A patient is trying to become pregnant. This reason is one of the most common. Most women get off their preferred birth control when they want to start trying for a baby. This process may take some time after using Depo Provera, so it’s important to be patient and have a specialist nearby to guide you through this process.
Things to Expect When You Go Off Hormonal Birth Control
After stopping birth control like Depo Provera, patients may experience certain symptoms and usually need time to get back to the natural menstrual cycle. Hormone levels begin to regulate gradually, and it may take some time to get pregnant. Let’s take a closer look at the expected things that may happen after going off Depo Provera.
#1. It’s Not Possible to Get Pregnant Right Away
If we’re talking about non-hormonal contraceptives, then yes, it is possible to get pregnant straight away. However, hormonal ones are more complex, meaning time is required for the solution that has been administered into the body to wear off. Some patients may need up to 18 months to get pregnant, but this number varies from person to person.
#2. Menstrual Cycle Can Change Slightly
Some patients note that their periods become heavier, more prolonged, and irregular after taking Depo Provera. More sensitive women may also notice unusual, painful sensations in the lower abdomen during their bleeding time. Still, eventually everyone should return to their regular pattern.
#3. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms May Occur Again
Most hormonal birth control options (such as a Depo shot) help control most typical PMS symptoms, including acne, cramping, tender breasts, and others. These may return after you go off Depo Provera, but it’s possible to slightly regulate them with beneficial lifestyle changes, a normal sleeping schedule, an active lifestyle, etc.
#4. Slight Spotting May Appear
Once the person is off birth control, their hormone levels begin to rise again, which may cause slight bleeding (or spotting). It’s important to keep in mind that that’s not actually periods, but episodic bleeding. Real periods will appear soon after it.
#5. Patients’ Weight Might Change
Weight gain or loss after getting on birth control is a common thing, and most patients experience it. Depo Provera is often reported to cause a slight weight gain, and there’s no guarantee that the kilos obtained will magically disappear after a patient stops using this medication. It’s highly recommended to discuss this aspect with a medical professional to cover one’s eating habits, diet, and other nuances that may help with weight management.
#6. Acne May Appear Again
Some patients notice that their acne fades away after they start using Depo Provera, and sometimes it returns once they stop using the medication. It’s important to be ready for this moment and catch the issue early to prevent it from developing.
Period-Related Nuances Regarding the First Period After Stopping Depo Provera
Once the shot wears off, there are a few things that must be considered and preferably discussed with a medical professional: menstrual cycle, patterns, and fertility after using Depo Provera. Let’s take a closer look at all those aspects.
Menstrual Cycle Resumption Timeline
Depo Provera is a long-lasting contraceptive that stays in the system for some time after the last shot. That’s why the first period doesn’t return right away. For most people, a regular menstrual cycle resumes in 10 months; however, some must wait for about 18 months for that. The factors that influence this aspect include the overall health situation, duration of taking Depo Provera, and one’s metabolism.
Menstrual Patterns Variability
After people stop using Depo Provera, they experience changes in their menstrual cycle. It’s a common phenomenon and is often temporary. They depend on multiple aspects, including hormonal fluctuations, health situation, and one’s lifestyle. Some common menstrual patterns after getting off Depo Provera are irregular cycle (it may be triggered by stress, hormonal imbalance, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and amenorrhea (in other words, the absence of menstruation; 55% of women have it after one year of Depo Provera use).
Fertility Considerations to Keep in Mind
Some individuals stop using Depo Provera when they start planning their pregnancy. Understanding the fertility timeline is vital in this case to ensure a safe transition and minimize potential annoying side effects that may affect one’s comfort.
Once a person has their final medication shot, it may take up to 18 months to conceive. Healthcare providers need to give reassurance and guidance during this time, recommend ovulation tracking options, develop a personalized care plan, etc. – everything is for the sake of patients. Setting realistic expectations is also crucial to have a smoother experience and better control over one’s fertility journey.
