Depo injection - coming off it

[HAF1119]

Hi, I have come off the Depo injection, last one was due to be April 20th and I didn't have it, haven't had one since. Not planning on children etc but stopped as I had excess weight gain (5 stone whilst on it) and dieting almost impossible.

Was on it for 2 years.

For anyone with experience of coming off it - when could I expect periods to return? Still no period thus far and I didn't have any during the 2 years I was on it

Hoping my body will go back to 'normal' soon and think having menstrual cycles again will help

Thanks!

It was 14 months for me before I got a period and another 6ish before they were anywhere near regular.

Took my periods about 3 months to come back, and about 6 months to get pregnant (know that's not what you want, just to give context)

Mine is due late August but I'm not going to have any more now (dh having the snip next week) watching with interest

It’s quite normal for it to take a year, but obviously period could come back sooner.

Average delay in return to fertility is 5.5 months, up to a year has been known. Periods similar. But if you don't want to be pregnant then use alternative contraception.

Ok thanks, yes alternative contraception sorted. Great, feel less concerned that it's going to take a while!

Bear in mind you still need contraception after your partner has had the vasectomy until he has his clear semen samples - can be 3-6 months.

It can take 3-9 months for ovulation (and therefore periods) to return after stopping depo.

Exactly the same for me

I know this is an old ish post but thought I would add my experience. Came off the depo in May (was due it then but didn’t get it) have so far had 4 periods in the last 6 weeks and this current one is going on for 10 days so far. Horrific headaches and cramps. I’ve been on and off the depo for years but as I’m getting older (nearly 40) it’s taking longer to wean out my system this time as my hormones are different…. Praying it’s over soon

@Gfozzy I take so much comfort in reading your reply, I’ve been so worried lately, i have been on depo since march 2021 and was due my next depo in October 2024 but didn’t have it, since then I’ve had 2 spotting episodes of brown sticky discharge with cramps. But over the past 3 weeks I’ve had 2 full blown periods, very painful and lots of bright red blood with clots. The 1st lasted 9 days and the 2nd one started today. Also a horrible headache that’s lasted 8 days so far and feeling very emotional and anxious.