I was on depo 17 for 17 years. I went off it two years ago....questions

[angellama]

was on Depo 17 years.  Went off it when I was 38, 2 years ago.  It was starting to get out of control, heavy night sweats and I was very irratable and moody.  At first it was great, but in the last 5 years, it got be hard to controll my moodiness between shots.  So I decided to go off it.

THe first few months was hell on earth.  I thought for sure I would leap to my death of the bridge near my home, but kept telling myself it was the hormonal change.  Then I got my period about 2 months later, I expected it to be heavy, but it wasn't too heavy.

then I started to be interested in sex again, I hadn't been for a long time, so long I couldnt remember.  Then I started to get very bad PMS, like the water weight and bloat would be very extreme, 5 to 8 lbs difference in my weight, I could see it jiggling around in me.  it would last a few days.  My boobs hurt very bad, just touching them was a nighmare.

so now, 2 years later, my PMS starts about a week after my period, the water weight is ridiculous, My boobs hurt for weeks.  I am tired and crabby and have burnging mouth type symtoms, alkaline taste, dry mouth and tongue hurts and burns, it is so annoying.

my periods only last 3-5 days and are light in flow. I get hot flashes in the morning and night sweats, they are not as bad as when I was on the shot, but I get them.

I know it's been 2 years, and I should think my body would be over this, but I am not sure if what I am experienceing is due to me getting off the shot or being in pre-menipause due to my long term use.  

I am so over this mouth thing and the water weight thing, I run 40 miles a week and work out with weights and I just cant seem to loose weight.  I am about 8 lbs heavier then when I got off the shot and I shouldn;'t be, I just work out harder and harder and the water is still there jiggling and making me feel like a beast.

if anyone knows anything, please share it with me.

[clement4now]

Hi,

What you've described was almost identical to what I went through a few years ago. I was on Depo for a long time until my late 30's, once I stopped the injections I noticed some weird changes going on w/ my menstrual cycles and moods ~ I figured it was just the last side effects from the Depo injections. Then my weight really shot up, night sweats started, breast pain began, and I had no energy for anything. Fearing the worst, I went to my doctor for advice. She ran tests, and I had a mammogram, but there was nothing wrong w/me. Although I was healthy, my doctor assured me that it was most likely perimenopause. Since that time, I've made some healthy changes in my life that have helped ease me through this transitional period. The good news is that this won't last forever!

Regarding weight gain and trying to manage it; all I can say (without using profanity) is that it's been an ongoing battle. I exercise religiously 6 days a week (3 days w/ a trainer), and watch my diet closely, but I haven't noticed much of a positive change in the last few years. According to my friends and family that have gone through this already, the struggle with weight and keeping it off is pretty typical during perimenopause...

A few things that have really helped me have been dietary herbal supplements. One that I highly suggest is 'Estroven' (maximum strength), which can be found at almost any store, usually in the vitamin aisle. Other herbal supplements that work great are: Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, Magnolia Bark, and Vitamin E.  I've mentioned these supplements because they can help balance hormones and greatly reduce symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. You'll probably want to do some research about any supplements before you visit the Health Food/Vitamin stores for purchases...

Lastly, if you have any concerns about your health, it's always a good idea to speak with your doctor just to get a professional opinion about the changes you are going through. Best Wishes  :)