DEPO shot and Crohn's?

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MacKenzie12

MacKenzie12

Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
16
So, my periods kinda come up and surprise me whenever they please and I'm in a long distance relationship.. so it's really hard to plan around the irregularity and still get to fully enjoy certain aspects of my relationship. I have always been interested in the DEPO shot but stayed away from bc because of my crohn's anyway. The reason I'm interested in the shot over everything else is that I would rather just not have periods honestly... my crohn's gets worse like everyone else.

My crohn's is relatively mild and right now I am believed to be in remission. I've had one resection surgery in '10 when I was 17. So, what are the communities thoughts on the DEPO shot compared to other bc for CD patients?

Also, i'm on 100 mg azathioprine (imuran).
 
The problem with the shot is that if you're on it for more than two years, it increases your risk for osteoporosis. We're already at a greater risk due to deficiencies and steroid use. Personally, I don't think it's worth the added risk to just not have a period.
 
First thing, depo isn't guaranteed to stop your periods. It does in some women, but for others it can make bleeding more frequent.

I've been considering depo too. I have an implant at the moment but get almost constant bleeding with it which is pretty annoying. As SarahBear said osteoporosis is a risk but it might be possible to take extra calcium and vitamin D supplements to counter it? It'd definitely be worth discussing with a GP who is knowledgeable about contraceptives or a gynaecologist. The implant might also be something worth considering? I know I've just complained about the bleeding I have with it, but many women find their periods stop completely on it. Pretty much like it is with depo really.
 
I personal have the depo injection and have done few years now. What change my mind was Crohns due to having loads flares and in going for months. The signs of flare so different from one to other, also having to increase medication.

I thought best opt for me.
 
Hi Honey
I was on the DEPO many years ago, it worked wonders for me in the beginning, stopped periods, crohn's seemed to ease, Anemia improved greatly because of the above THEN it started to change, I noticed more minor flares and just by chance the nurse at the family planning was part of a study with a local University and wanted me to take part in a bone density study. This wasn't a crohn's related study and I lived a long distance away so she advised I mention it to my GI on my next visit about a Dexa scan, low and behold the GI scratched his chin and said "ah you're too young for Osteoporosis but if it makes you happy we will scan", I wasn't prepared for the results, bone density of an 85yr old lady, I was 22!!! I had to start osteoporosis meds and after 6 months it was causing other GI issue's and that point GI said he didn't know of the long term effects of taking these drugs especially as I would be taking them for a lot longer than the average patient and if I planned for children in the future I wouldn't be allowed to stay on the drug.
Long Story short (sorry) is that I gave up DEPO and over 18 months (the length of time it can take for one shot to completely leave your system) I seen an improvement in GI and two children later I managed to gain back some bone density, not much but a little, I'm 38 this year.
So please consider everything beforehand, I know you will but if I had my time over that is the one thing I would change.
Good luck and I hope it all works out for you.
Gwen xxx
 
Hmm, Have you ever considered BC pills? I mean I would maybe try something like the mini pill as that one has a much lower risk of blood clots. I have not had any experience with DEPO at all so I cannot say. I have always had A lot of pain when I get my periods, especially the first couple days. I tried several BC pills way back when I was like 14 to 21 years old. I found I did have side effects to a lot of them. I am now 38 years old. Since having all the health issues I have, I decided Not to take any BC. I just fear the whole blood clotting risks. Maybe speak with your gyne and ask her what she thinks...
 
There is always a chance of break through bleeding (aka ovulation) if you are on any kind of hormonal family planning. And with IBD patients, the risk of throwing clots is even greater due to inflammation in the blood when in a Crohn's or UC flare.

See if you can get your GI and Gyn on the same page for your family planning needs.

Mine worked together for over 15 yrs. until I entered menopause this past year.
 
I've been on the DEPO for years. I love not having a period, but I still flare when my body is in the cycle, I just can't tell when that is. I'm not sure if it is less mild or not, because I was on the baby shot (that's what I call it) before my illness started. I love the shot for my relationship and so that I don't have to take on more damn pill everyday. I prefer it. I am low in vit D though and have to take supplements. I love it and it was the best option for me.
 
I don't have any experience with DEPO, but I am on my second Mirena IUD (the one with progesterone in it) -- it's great! Most people stop getting periods with Mirena -- I continue to get mine, but they are very light, and I have way fewer GI problems during my period than normal. Mirena lasts 5 years (but you can have it removed earlier, if you want). The only drawback is that if you haven't had children, it hurts pretty bad going in! :) But it's a small price to pay for not having to think about it at all for the next 5 years...

With the recent changes in health insurance here in the US, I did not have to pay for my current Mirena -- it was completely covered. (I did have to pay the office visit co-pay.)
 
My NP said I could take my BC pills continuous, so I don't have periods. Though I am not doing this to stop my periods, she wanted me to do this because she thought I may not be absorbing it, and it would be more effective this way..not that this is really an issue.
 
I have Crohns disease and have been on the depo injection for the past two years. The reason I went on it in the first place was because my nurse said that because of my crohns my stomach might not be absorbing the pill properly or i might get rid of it in the toilet if you know what i mean.
 
I used to take BC pills but my meds, espesh azathioprine knocked my me trial cycle side ways. I have been on the Depo for. Year straight n I have taken it in the past also. I wasn't made aware of the risks to make a choice haha and now I'm on it I have no periods which were horrible with my crohns my cramps would cripple me, so now I have tasted a life without them I'm gunna stick with it. But like you've already been told people react different and it may not prevent you from having a cycle
 
I Like Prettykitty said have the Mirena IUD and have had it since October 2012 because my Dr. told me that due to my Colitis, my birth control pills were not be absorbed the proper way. So to be safe I opted for the Mirena. It's also easier to not have to take another pills every day

I don't really get a period anymore, I might spot for 1-3 days every month or month and a half but thats it. I love it!
 

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