Depo-Provera and Your Period
When you are on Depo-Provera, chances are, you won’t get a period at all. This is because of the way Depo-Provera works to prevent pregnancy.
Depo-Provera, like most other hormonal contraceptives, prevents the release of an egg each month, in order to prevent conception. Depo-Provera also prevents the thickening of the uterine lining each month. It is this monthly thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for conception and fertilization that causes a woman to have her period.
On Depo-Provera, you will have lighter periods, or no periods at all.
For the first few months on Depo-Provera, you might notice some spotting. This is normal. However, this can be difficult to fit into a busy lifestyle, because unlike a scheduled period, you might be caught unprepared. The advantage is that the spotting diminishes and will disappear with continued use. At that point, you probably won’t have any periods to worry about!
Some women are thrilled to not have to deal with the hassle of having a period. This not only means no more pads or tampons, but it also means no more PMS, no breaking out, and no monthly cramps.
Other women feel more comfortable getting their period each month. If it is important to you to get your period, choose another mode of birth control. Even other hormonal contraceptives will work for you.
If you stop getting your period while you are Depo-Provera, you will get it back again after your last shot loses effect (this is twelve to thirteen weeks after your last shot). For some women it takes a little longer for your period to return. For others it returns immediately. The amount of time it takes for your period to return is not related to the length of time you were on Depo-Provera; it simply varies from woman to woman.
