Are you on Depo-Provera?

So let's get up close and personal. We all women know the wonder of birth control, whether it be protecting from unwanted pregnancies, clearing up your skin, or eliminating your PMS. But what are the consequences to these advantages?

After I gave birth to my daughter, who was "planned" by the way (sounds weird), I knew I wanted to carefully time and protect myself until the next baby. Let me tell you that with having children, if you are able to, timing is everything. Planned parenthood saves a lot of stress, allows preparation of finances, changes in career, mentality, basically your life, and ETC. Ok back to the topic, so at my 6 week follow-up, my OB/GYN asked me what birth control I wanted. He told me that since I'm breastfeeding, the best is a Depo shot because it doesn't have estrogen, which will leak into your breast milk.

I LOVE it, it's very convenient, 1 shot in 3 months and you don't have to think of anything. I haven't rendevouz'd with my "monthly friend" for my week-long RAH-RAH so I ain't got nothing to complain about, my friend.

But sometimes, I feel rather funky...like I'm PMS-ing or something. So one day, I went on a search through the net trying to figure out if you can have PMS without your period. I mean I don't know...maybe your period is happening in the oblivion but you're getting the side effects here, who knows. So I ran across THIS site.

DUH, so you can't have PMS because obviously your ovaries are totally blocked so there's no hormones to cause that PMS...ok could've guessed that one. But what I did find was a little disturbing and I'm a little hurt my doc didn't tell me about it.

• 70% women on Depo-Provera gain weight. Most women gained 5 pounds after being on it a year, some have gained 10. DAMN!!! Can't it see that I'm TRYING to lose it not gain, but so far I haven't gained anything and this is what my black little mind thinks: if you're just being as you are, you'll gain...but if you workout and eat healthy and are PROACTIVE, you may be able to withstand it. Or maybe I'm just in the 30%...YES!
• It makes you lose bone-density. Geez, this is more sucky than the weight gain. I, being of Asian heritage, am more genetically inclined to lose bone density and get osteoporosis ANYWAY, and plus it's gonna be accelerated with this birth control...*sigh* They suggest that you get a bone density test and drink more milk or increase your calcium supplements. Disclaimer: hey don't take it from me, I ain't no Doc. You better consult your physician first.
• It's not recommended for long-term use and it may delay fertility. It may take 6-18 months before completely clearing out of your system, just letting you know, those who want to start families.

I've been feeling a lot of stiffness in my right hip...I've always had trouble with it because I hurt it badly in a car accident way back, but it's been especially awkward lately after I had the kiddo...so I don't know, maybe I should get my bones checked out...IF ONLY health insurance wasn't so expensive.

Please share with me what birth control you're using and what side effects you've been feeling...I may have to switch soon and would really appreciate some insight. Thanks!