Came Off Depo Provero And Have Not Had Proper Period, Just Brown Spotting. Tummy Is Distended. Suggest?

Posted on Tue, 23 Jul 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 Answered on

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I came off depo provero at the end of April and I have not had a proper period since just a little brown spotting at the time my period would normally be due. My tummy is constantly distended and uncomfortable and I just feel generally not myself?

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (50 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX
If you have been on Provera for a long period of time, then its common for the period to be delayed. Long term use of provera,which is a hormone, makes certain hormonal changes in the body causing delayed cycles. In most people, normal menses return within 6 months of stopping the drug,after the hormone levels normalise. Thats the reason that you are feeling, distended and uncomfortable,just like in pre-menstrual phase. This should become normal soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (47 minutes later)

I only had one shot of depo provera, does the same length of time apply for the return of my period. I also have very tender breasts and feel nauseous after I eat. I took a pregnancy test but it was negative. I have heard that going on a month of the pill could help periodcreturn is this correct?

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (15 hours later)

Well, at least two shots of provera indicate long term use. But it depends from person to person. The changes occurring in your body are hormonal and mimic that of pregnancy. Once the levels become normal you should function normally. Provera is a drug that acts slowly but remains in the system for a longer period of time. Oc pills are also hormones and taking them will imbalance the body hormone levels again. Using it just for a month wont be beneficial, unless you need to use it long term. Im assuming your previous cycles before provera were normal. If not, that may be the reason you cycles are irregular again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (10 hours later)

Cycle was always very normal before I got the 1 depo shot. I was going to take oc for one month to try and kick start my cycle again as I read this on the Internet from other people experiencing the same thing.

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (6 hours later)

I wouldnt advise taking just one month of oc pills. Instead you can take tab primolut for 5days twice a day and get withdrawal bleeding after a week. But the concept is same as provera. Its just a higher dose at a shorter interval of time.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar