When you chose Depo-Provera as your birth control method, you likely did so with the hope of finding a convenient, long-lasting solution to prevent pregnancy. What you might not have expected was the frustrating and emotionally taxing side effect of weight gain. Watching the numbers on the scale climb higher and higher can be disheartening, affecting your self-esteem and overall well-being.
However, there are ways to combat weight gain caused by Depo-Provera. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and close monitoring of your weight can help you reduce the medication’s impact. And as always, you can talk to your doctor to find an alternative birth control method that works best for you. If you suffer adverse health effects as a result of this contraceptive method, a Depo-Provera injury attorney may be able to provide assistance.
Can Depo-Provera Shots Make You Gain Weight?
Researchers have confirmed that Depo-Provera can lead to significant weight gain in users. One study tracked 703 women over 36 months and revealed substantial changes in body composition. Users experienced average gains of 11.25 pounds in weight, 9 pounds in body fat, and a 3.4% increase in body fat percentage. These changes appeared directly related to the amount of Depo-Provera that they used.
This weight gain was particularly notable in women who were not living with obesity before starting the medication. Approximately 50% of these women developed obesity within three years of using Depo-Provera.
This study also found that the earlier the user gained weight, the more weight they were likely to gain as they continued to use Depo-Provera. The average increase for users with early weight gain was 0.78 pounds per month. For users who did not experience an early increase, the average was only 0.18 pounds per month.
Tips for Managing Weight Gain on Depo-Provera
It is not clear why Depo-Provera causes some users to gain weight, but there are ways to combat it. If you are dealing with unwanted weight gain after taking this medication, you can make healthy changes to drop the additional pounds and regain control over your health:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day. Fill your plate with lean proteins, plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, combining both cardio exercises and strength training. Activities like walking, swimming, weight lifting, or cycling can help manage weight gain and improve your overall health.
- Check-in with Your Doctor: Schedule regular appointments to monitor your weight changes and discuss any concerns you have about the medication’s effects. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if Depo-Provera is still the best choice for you or if another birth control method might be more suitable.
- Manage Your Stress: High stress levels can lead to emotional eating and make weight management more challenging while on Depo-Provera. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, and get enough sleep each night.
- Keep an Eye on the Scale: Weigh yourself regularly, ideally at the same time each week, to track any changes in your weight while using Depo-Provera. Recording your weight can help you identify patterns and adjust your diet and exercise routine.
What Other Side Effects Are Associated with Depo-Provera?
Side effects are common with any medication, including Depo-Provera. You can experience several symptoms within the first few months of treatment, including:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in menstrual cycle
These symptoms are relatively normal and usually do not require medical attention. However, severe side effects do require immediate treatment. Watch for signs of depression or significant mood changes, persistent nausea or vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or unusual vaginal bleeding. If you notice symptoms of jaundice—such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual weakness—contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Can Depo-Provera Lead to Undisclosed Complications?
Drug manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products for safety, disclose all known side effects, and promptly report any newly discovered risks or complications. Unfortunately, Depo-Provera can cause serious complications that Pfizer, its manufacturer, failed to warn patients and providers about.
Recent research has revealed a concerning link between Depo-Provera use and meningiomas, tumors that develop in the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. While generally benign, these tumors can cause serious health complications and often require surgery to remove.
Meningiomas may develop silently, only becoming obvious when they grow large enough to affect brain function. Common symptoms include:
- Progressive headaches
- Vision or hearing changes
- Personality changes or mood swings
- Difficulty with balance or walking
- Cognitive difficulties
- Unexplained weakness in the limbs
- Loss of sensation
- Seizures
Pursuing Compensation for Meningioma Caused by Depo-Provera
If you developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you have the right to seek compensation through a product liability lawsuit against Pfizer. You should never have to shoulder the financial burden and emotional trauma caused by an undisclosed drug complication. Filing a lawsuit can help you hold the company accountable and recover compensation to help pay for the damages you suffered.
An attorney can guide you through each step of the legal process. They will help document the connection between your Depo-Provera use and meningioma diagnosis, calculate your full damages, and ensure your claim is filed within legal deadlines. Your lawyer will handle the complex aspects of pharmaceutical litigation while you focus on your health and recovery.
Many victims have already come forward to hold Pfizer accountable for failing to warn users about meningioma risks. Whether through settlement negotiations or court proceedings, your attorney will fight to secure the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Begin Your Legal Journey with Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC Today
Weight gain after Depo-Provera is not the only potential side effect that you could endure. Jaundice, osteoporosis, and even undisclosed brain tumors may also occur. If you developed meningioma after taking Depo-Provera, you deserve justice—and Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can fight for you.
We represent clients nationwide in their lawsuits against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, holding the corporation accountable for the harm that the medication has inflicted. Trust our firm to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (800) 220-0984 for a free, no-obligation consultation.