What are Long Term Effects of Depo?
Question
I was wondering what the long term effects of the depo shot are? I’m going on four years on the shot ?? My doctor seems to think it’s alright, but recently I’ve had more of the side effects like hair loss. Michelle
Answer
Last Updated: December 11, 2014
Dear Michelle,
The most concerning long term risk of Depo-Provera is the osteoporosis, or bone thinning, associated with the suppression of estrogen caused by the shot. There is also a slight increase in breast cancer. Bleeding abnormalities, weight gain, headaches, depression, anxiety, and delayed return of fertility are not uncommon side effects.
Learning natural family planning will help you be more in control of your long term health and fertility. Consider attending a class in your area, for knowledge that can help you for a life time!
Sincerely, Lynn Keenan, MD
The most concerning long term risk of Depo-Provera is the osteoporosis, or bone thinning, associated with the suppression of estrogen caused by the shot. There is also a slight increase in breast cancer. Bleeding abnormalities, weight gain, headaches, depression, anxiety, and delayed return of fertility are not uncommon side effects.
Learning natural family planning will help you be more in control of your long term health and fertility. Consider attending a class in your area, for knowledge that can help you for a life time!
Sincerely, Lynn Keenan, MD
Answered By:
Lynn Keenan, MD
Lynn Keenan, MD, Immediate Past President of the CANFP Executive Board, is a Clinical Professor at the UCSF/Fresno Internal Medicine Residency Program (now retired), Board Certified in Sleep and Internal Medicine, and Vice President of the International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine. She earned her BSN at UCLA, her MD at Temple University School of Medicine, and completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at UCSF/Fresno. Dr. Keenan served on the Executive Board of CANFP since 2004, as President of CANFP since 2010, and graciously agreed to continue her service to CANFP on the Advisory Board at the beginning of 2019, upon her retirement from the Executive Board of CANFP
