to want to go back on depo (despite OH having had the snip)

[Justforlaughs]

My periods are awful. I am moody and bad tempered, but that's not the issue (not having periods won't change that ), my iron levels are always really low, I am very tired all the time and take iron tablets (400mg) every day. When I have a period due it is even worse, I can barely get out of bed some days. They are also VERY heavy. I go through sanitary products at the rate of knots! (TMI I know, sorry), forget mooncups and all that - tried them all. I was on Depo in the past and my periods stopped altogether, it was bliss. Now that DH has had the snip he doesn't want me to "fill my body with hormones" but AIBU to want to do it anyway?

Perhaps you should have thought this through before he had the snip otherwise he has had an unnecessary operation if you want to be on depo anyway. Every operation has a risk - why risk for no reason? Not to mention the waste of tax payers money and people spending longer on waiting lists because of an unnecessary op.

Absolutely not unreasonable.

For a start, I firmly believe that we are all responsible for our own fertility, and so both of you taking steps is just sensible (nothing's 100% after all)

For a second, you wouldn't be having it for contraception reasons anyhow, but because your life quality is being seriously compromised by your periods - just like people with bad acne, or any one of however many other reasons there are for going on hormonal contraception which are nothing to do with preventing babies!

Helpful, sunflowers

YANBU, though there are other options eg tranexamic acid, which drastically lightens periods. Chat to your GP.

Ilove I didn't want him to have the snip in the first place. He got a cancellation appointment while I was still in hospital after giving birth to DD. No extra waiting lists at any rate

Thanks twinkly will look into that, I don't really want to put on any more weight which is why I came off the depo in the first place, but it seemed a better option than my periods!

waste of tax payers money - Sunflowers wouldn't an unplanned pregnancy be more expensive? And what about all the women who take the pill to help with heavy periods, is that a waste of money too?

Proper little ray of sunshine aren't you sunflowers?

If the depo helps you and your periods are doing your head in then why not? I loved the depo for stopping periods.

I'm with your DP in that I think it's very much preferable to avoid pumping your body with artificial hormones if possible, but ultimately it's your body, your health and your fertility - you're allowed to do exactly as you please without your DH's approval. If you feel better on depo, go for it.

Incidentally, how long have you been off it? I haven't used hormonal contraception for years, and it took a good 18 months for my body to stabilise. I had some awful periods in that time. However, these days they last 2 days, are unbelievably light, no cramps, nothing.

Also, it's not a straightforward link as many women lead optimum lifestyles and still suffer, but for most women changing diet and taking regular exercise (especially during a period) can really, really help.

Dahlen I think I came off depo about 10 years ago, had a coil fitted - total disaster, but that's another thread and now have a nearly 5 yo, so it's been a long time.

Dahlen I could look at diet, but exercise atm is a complete nono, not just because I am lazy but because my periods are so heavy that I leak everywhere if I move around, need to go to the loo at least once an hour for 2 days which makes work interesting

Not really answering your question but I discovered the REALLY absorbent Lilets on here and it has made a real difference to how manageable the heaviest day is.
or did before I was put on aspiring and now it just runs out

Aspirin

Thanks relaxed might have a look and try those as well.

Go for it. I stayed on depot after I separated, even when I didn't have a partner.
No periods, no PMT either.
Bliss.

Have you had your bone density checked? One possible side effect of depo is its adverse effect on bone density when used long term. If you have already spent some years on it I would look at alternatives. Go back to your doctor as you need better help than the iron tablets.

YANBU - heavy periods are really debilitating and avoiding them is not unreasonable at all, but given the health risks with long-term depo use it's worth looking at other options. Go talk to your GP. There are treatments available which reduce the extent to which your womb lining builds up each month, making the period less heavy. Which treatments might work for you depend on whether you have finished your babymaking days (I guess if DH has had the snip the answer may be yes) but you need a proper consultation rather than DrMN.

ilovesunflowers

Is a vasectomy ever necessary?

OP

I'm on depo and I won't be coming off it any time soon. It sounds like you are full of hormones anyway so a medical dose might be beneficial.

GP went mad when I confessed to her I was on depo just for periods and wasn't sexually active at the time. She said it was a massive dose of hormones and could cause osteoporosis in later life.

Tbh if it's that bad I'm not sure why it's ok to take as contraception!

However, she put me on tranxemic acid, which has massively changed my life for the better.

Go for it. I've been in the pill since I was 12 purely to manage my periods. Dh and I still use condoms for contraception as no method (not even a vasectomy) can be guaranteed 100% to guard against pregnancy (db was a result of an obviously botched vasectomy!). When it comes to your periods, especially as they are as debilitating as you say, I think it is extremely unfair for him to think he has any say in whether you use hormones to treat/ manage your symptoms. Just as bad to me as him denying the use of painkillers because he wouldnt want to use drugs.
If he'll listen, try to explain how it'll improve your quality of life and it's not just about avoiding pregnancy. Yanbu at all

My GP is leaving in a couple of weeks, so I think I will make an appointment to see the new one and see what they suggest. MAybe Depo isn't the best option DM has osteoporosis, but there seems as if there are other alternatives.

Slightly off topic but - mooncup? Worth a try.

Tried it, Boysarelikedogs, leaked every 20 minutes or so! [must stop giving TMI emoticon]

As your dh has had the snip I'm assuming you are not looking to be having any more babies? If so, you might consider thermal ablation for your awful periods(sympathies).

I had this done and it stopped them and was wonderful. It's a quick procedure. But it destroys the lining of the uterus so you have to be sure you don't want to be pregnent again.