The Shot - Disadvantages of The Shot

Do NOT start this method of birth control unless you will find it acceptable to have your periods change. The WILL change a lot.
Depo-Provera injections can lead to very irregular periods. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, you can take medications which may give you a more acceptable pattern of bleeding.
Some women gain weight. To avoid weight gain, watch your calories and get lots of exercise.
Depo-Provera does not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use condoms if you are at risk.
You must return to the clinic every three months for your injection.
Depression and premenstrual symptoms may become worse.
It may be a number of months before your periods return to normal after your last shot. It takes an average of 10 months for fertility to return after the last shot, making it hard to plan pregnancy exactly.
Depo-Provera may lower your estrogen level and cause bone loss, although this is not certain. Get regular exercise and take extra calcium to protect your bones from osteoporosis.
A few women are allergic to Depo-Provera. Fortunately, allergic reactions are very rare, but they occur, and the effects of the shot cannot be stopped once it is given. Such a woman may need anti-allergy medicine for several days to months.
Depo-Provera is expensive in some healthcare settings.
Increase in LDL (bad cholesterol) and decrease in HDL (good cholesterol) in some studies