Depo-Provera Side Effects
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Depo-Provera is a long-acting birth control injection containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, usually given once every three months. Like any hormonal contraceptive, it has a range of possible side effects. Some are common and mild, some show up only with long-term use, and some appear when a person stops the shot. This page explains what those side effects are in plain language so you can have a more informed conversation with a healthcare provider.
For the litigation now linked to long-term use, see Depo-Provera lawsuits and the medical background on Depo-Provera and meningioma. If you have recently stopped the shot, see coming off Depo-Provera.
This page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Side effects vary from person to person. If you are experiencing side effects or have questions about Depo-Provera, speak with a qualified physician.
What Depo-Provera Is
Depo-Provera is the brand name for an injectable form of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestogen. It is used most often as a contraceptive and is given as a shot every three months. Because it stays active in the body over that period, its effects, including side effects, are not something a person can stop on a given day the way a daily pill can be stopped.
There is also a lower-dose subcutaneous version sometimes referred to as depo-subQ provera 104. The general categories of side effects are similar, though the dose and how it is given differ.
Common Side Effects
The side effects reported most often with Depo-Provera include:
- Irregular bleeding, spotting, or breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first months of use
- Changes in periods, including lighter periods or no periods at all
- Weight changes, with weight gain among the more frequently reported
- Headaches
- Mood changes, including low mood or irritability
- Abdominal discomfort or bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in sex drive
- Dizziness or fatigue
Many people have only minor side effects or none that trouble them. Others find one or more of these effects significant enough to discuss with a provider or to consider a different method. This is a personal and medical decision.
Irregular Bleeding and Spotting
Changes in bleeding are among the most common reasons people search for information about Depo-Provera. In the early months, irregular bleeding or spotting is frequent, and over longer use many people stop having periods entirely. Both patterns are recognized in the product information. Bleeding that is heavy, prolonged, or concerning should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, since bleeding can have causes unrelated to the shot.
Weight Changes
Weight gain is one of the more frequently discussed side effects and is listed among the possible effects of Depo-Provera. As with most medications, responses vary widely, and body weight is shaped by many factors beyond any single contraceptive. If weight change is a concern, it is worth raising with a provider, who can look at the full picture rather than one variable.
Mood and Emotional Effects
Some people report mood changes while using Depo-Provera, including low mood, irritability, or changes in emotional well-being. If you notice persistent or significant changes in mood, that is an important thing to bring to a healthcare provider, who can help sort out whether the shot is a contributing factor and what options exist.
Bone Density and Long-Term Use
Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning, the most prominent type of warning in U.S. prescribing information, about loss of bone mineral density. Bone loss can occur with prolonged use, may be greater the longer the medication is used, and may not be fully reversible. Because of this, long-term use is something providers generally review periodically, weighing the benefits against this specific risk.
This bone density warning is well established and is separate from the more recent attention to other long-term effects discussed below.
Long-Term Effects and Emerging Concerns
Beyond the longstanding bone density warning, research has more recently examined whether prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone acetate is associated with an increased risk of intracranial meningioma, a type of usually noncancerous brain tumor. This is the concern at the center of recent Depo-Provera litigation.
An association reported in research is not the same as proof that the medication caused any one person's condition, and most people who use Depo-Provera will not develop a meningioma. Still, because the question involves a serious potential outcome, it is worth understanding.
For the medical detail, see Depo-Provera and meningioma. For the legal side, see Depo-Provera lawsuits.
Side Effects After Stopping Depo-Provera
Some side effects relate not to taking the shot but to stopping it. After the last injection, it can take time for regular periods and fertility to return, and some people notice changes in bleeding, weight, or mood during that adjustment. These after-effects are common enough that we cover them on a dedicated page.
See coming off Depo-Provera for what to expect after stopping the shot.
When to Speak With a Doctor
Some symptoms warrant prompt medical attention rather than watchful waiting. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience severe or persistent headaches, vision changes, weakness or numbness, seizures, severe abdominal pain, signs of a blood clot such as leg swelling or shortness of breath, or any symptom that feels serious or unusual. These can have many causes, and a provider is the right person to evaluate them.
Understanding the Depo-Provera Lawsuits
If you or a family member used Depo-Provera long term and want to understand how the recent litigation works, our main guide walks through the science, the allegations, and the current case status in plain language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common side effects of Depo-Provera?
The most commonly reported side effects include irregular bleeding or spotting, changes in or absence of periods, weight changes, headaches, mood changes, and a decrease in bone mineral density with prolonged use. Many people have few or mild side effects, while others find them more bothersome. A physician is the right person to evaluate side effects in any individual case.
Does Depo-Provera cause weight gain?
Weight gain is one of the more frequently reported side effects of Depo-Provera, and it is listed in the product information. Responses vary from person to person, and weight is influenced by many factors. Anyone concerned about weight changes on Depo-Provera should discuss them with a healthcare provider.
Does Depo-Provera affect bone density?
Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning about loss of bone mineral density that can occur with prolonged use, and that bone loss may not be fully reversible. This is one reason long-term use is something to review periodically with a physician. The warning concerns bone density specifically and is separate from other side effects.
How long do Depo-Provera side effects last?
Because Depo-Provera is a long-acting injection given every three months, side effects can persist while the medication is active and for some time after a dose. Some people also notice changes when they stop the shot, including a delay in the return of regular periods. The timeline varies, and a healthcare provider can give guidance based on individual circumstances.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Depo-Provera prescribing information, including the boxed warning on bone mineral density.
- Peer-reviewed research on progestogens and intracranial meningioma, including studies published in 2024.
- National health information resources on injectable contraception and its side effect profile.
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