Hi Digby,
I had problems taking the pill because it has estrogen. I bled every day of the month and had all the cramping associated with my period, and got blinding headaches. I tried over 10 different pills (I was treated in France, where they have 100s of approved versions of the pill, compared to 10s in the States), even the minipill, and had the same reaction. So when the depo shot was approved in this country, I jumped on it.
Depo is Depo Provera, a progestrone shot once every 3 months. You don't get pregnant, and after the 2nd shot you don't get periods. It costs me $45 every 3 months with no health insurance at Planned Parenthood (cheaper than the pill!).
Here is some basic info: Depo. The things you need to watch in terms of side effects are some weight gain and depression, and you need to up your calcium intake (which I do anyway, I'm a D ).
But it's totally been a lifesaver for me. And I'm a big advocate of the shot to all of my friends, and my guy friends' girlfriends. It's amazing to me how many people haven't heard of it! 5-6 days a month of PMS, pain, D attacks and blood are gone, gone, gone. That's 60-72 days a year I've gained. (!!!)
~nelly~
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