Hello. I want off of hormone birth control altogether. I have been on Depo for 8 years and believe it is the primary source of several issues I have developed including weight gain, mood/personality changes, no sex drive, etc. Before Depo, I was hospitalized because of severe bleeding cause by Mercette, which resulted in a blood transfusion and D&C.
I am left with ParaGard as my only option. I have not had a period since Depo, but when I used to have periods they were long, heavy, and painful. I have read that ParaGard can increase cramping and flow. Does this mean I could have even worse periods than I used to? What are things I can expect going off Depo and then going on the ParaGard?
Any answers is much appreciated.
Why isn’t Mirena an option?
Medical Benefits of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System
Topical delivery of progestin to the uterine cavity has exciting therapeutic uses aside from contraception. Some are well-established and approved indications overseas, while others are still being explored. Although average menstrual blood loss increases among users of the TCu 380A, the opposite occurs among users of the levonorgestrel system. Overall blood loss drops about 90%, and 20% or more women stop bleeding altogether. This translates into clinically important increases in hemoglobin and iron stores. Some evidence supports a benefit in treating heavy bleeding associated with adenomyosis and leiomyomas.
Indeed, the levonorgestrel system can be used to treat heavy menses, not just prevent them. Trials have compared this approach to medical treatments with an oral progestin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or tranexamic acid (not available in the United States). The levonorgestrel system proved superior to the other alternatives. In addition, this system has been found an acceptable (and inexpensive) alternative to endometrial ablation or hysterectomy.
Her reply on 11-15: “Thank you for replying. I had considered the Mirena but after much reading and consideration, right now I think I’m interested in being completely hormone free. Mirena, though localized and in smaller concentration, is still a progestin-only form, just like Depo-Provera. I feel I’ve already wasted a good portion of my life (young life at least, most of my 20’s) on one contraceptive that wasn’t right for me and there are just too many forms to try and experiment with. I just want my body back to normal, even if that means going back to heavy periods. I’d actually prefer nothing at all, but obviously that is not an option if I don’t want to become pregnant.”
“It is just frustrating because nothing seems to be a good fit for me. Do you have any other information or know of anything that I’m not taking into consideration to help me make a more informed decision?”
“Thanks again!”
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I can understand your frustration and your desire to be completely free of hormones.
You may find that your days of heavy periods are past.
If pregnancy definitely is not wanted now, what will be your approach? Tell me about your thoughts about pregnancy in the future and good luck in the future whatever your hopes are in this arena. |
Her reply on 11-16: If my days of heavy periods are over that would be great, but no way to know until I’m off Depo, which I am already committed to. Tomorrow is technically the last day for me to get the shot. Of course, I have the prescription to be refilled if I change my mind. I still have not heard back from my Ob/Gyn on what my insurance will cover on the IUD route.”
“My partner and I definitely don’t want kids. We’ve been together for 8 years, so it’s definitely long-term. The only option that I can see that is hormone-free is the ParaGard, which has its own set of risks/side-effects that don’t thrill me either. Nothing is perfect I suppose. Condoms are not really reliable enough in my estimation. We don’t foresee ourselves getting pregnant any time in the future. If it happens accidentally, abortion is definitely out of the question. At that time we will deal, but we will not actively pursue getting pregnant.”
“Again, thank you so much for your thoughts.”
Actually Depo is effective for 3 months (13 weeks) plus 4 weeks or a total of 17 weeks according to the World Health Organization.
Key Words: hormone birth control, Depo-Provera, weight gain, mood/personality changes, decreased libido, severe bleeding, Mercette, blood transfusion, D&C, ParaGard, periods, painful, cramping, heart shaped uterus, fertilized egg, Mirena IUD, levonorgestrel intrauterine system, progestin, pregnant, condoms, effective
Reference:
Grimes DA. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) IN Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Nelson AL. et al Contraceptive Technology 19th edition, page 122: Ardent Media Inc. 2008
Posted 11-20-2009, Updated 2-3-2010
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