I had Depo injections for about 11 years and the best thing was no periods because before that I tried various pills with horrendous side effects and constant bleeding.
However after a couple of years on Depo my libido went completely, it didn't just reduce, it left the country and no interest whatsoever in sex. So I asked the nurse at my next Depo appointment if the Depo could be causing that and she "yes maybe" so I said right I'll take a break from it do I didn't get the injection for just over a year. My libido did not improve one bit so I went back to the injections. Maybe I shouldn't have. After that I saw something online that said they give Depo injections to male prisoners in some countries to curb their sex drive !!!!
Anyway, I kept having them and then when I turned 50 I was told I had to stop Depo and the surgery put me on the mini pill Desogestrel. I was told I could stay on them until I'm 55. I asked how I would know if I started the menopause if I was taking the pill to which the reply was "you'll know !".
So it's now a year later, I'm 51 and I've been having aching stiff legs, brain fog and a useless memory plus low mood over recent weeks. I still have no periods and my libido has never ever returned so I've decided to completely stop taking the pill after a heart to heart with my husband. I want to see what my body is like without the constant supply of hormones. I want to know if menopause is knocking on my door. Crazily, I even want my periods back just so I can feel normal again and then see if they are stopping or whatever. I'm not holding out any hope on the libido front though, I think Depo might have killed it for good. I said to my husband, if i suddenly become rampant we'll have to get some condoms in. He's so patient with me. He needs a medal after 31 years with me.
I'm nervous about the next few months as I don't know how my body is going to react but I'm in the driving seat and I'm taking charge as much as my body will allow.
Has anyone been through anything similar? Some support would be so welcome